After graduating from Westside High School she began to pursue her passion of becoming an equine veterinarian and attended Clemson University. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences at CU, she was admitted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. While in vet school Dr. Garrison tracked equine medicine and surgery as her area of interest. By graduation she earned the Merck Veterinary Student award reserved for the top of the class, was inducted into the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, received numerous scholarships (including the Mary Katherine Owenby and Edward E. Hood Equine Foundation), and was awarded both the Large Animal Field Services and Large Animal In-House senior awards for proficiency and excellence in the large animal hospital at UGA.
Upon graduation from UGA, Dr Garrison further complimented her equine interests by completing an equine medicine and surgery internship at Tryon Equine Hospital in Columbus, NC. After being away for school, Dr. Garrison is thrilled to be home and excited about beginning the final leg of her journey as she has started her own veterinary practice to serve the animals in her community.
Michelle Garrison grew up in Anderson, SC and always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Her love for horses started at a very young age as her and her cousin's lives seemed to be centered around the next ride. Summers were spent working and riding at her Aunt and Uncle's house who had a boarding, training, and lesson barn in NC. In elementary school she also started taking hunter/jumper riding lessons at a local barn and wished for her own horse. For her 14th birthday her wish came true and her horse obsession has only continued to progress.
When not working, Michelle and her husband, Kyle, enjoy riding their horses, working around their farm, hiking, spending time on Lake Hartwell, and rock climbing both indoors and outdoors. You never know when you may spot her at Trailhead Climbing & Outdoor Center here in Anderson.
In July of 2015 Dr. Garrison and husband, Kyle, welcomed a new bundle of joy into their lives, Silas McLane Garrison. Don't be surprised if Silas tags along on your next emergency call!