Julie Tarabula Knudsen
Dr. Julie Tarabula Knudsen, or “Dr. K,” is a native of North Georgia. She was born to be a veterinarian to care for all creatures great and small. As a daughter of a veterinarian, she grew up with a “backyard menagerie” that included not only dogs, cats and traditional farm animals, but ostriches, emus, llamas, peacocks, and more. It was not uncommon to find her caring for an injured baby deer, bird, or squirrel with the hopes of returning it to the wild. At a very young age, her veterinary career began as a kennel attendant and as an assistant helping her father on Saturdays.
Dr. Julie earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Georgia, and she is a proud “Double Dawg.” Dr. K has a passion for client communication and building lifelong relationships with families and their beloved pets. Her professional interests include dentistry, surgery, geriatric medicine and pain management. She is dedicated to helping her patients lead the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Dane, their sons, and two rescue Golden Retrievers, traveling, and UGA football.
She is a member of the
American Veterinary Medical Association and is an assistant area director of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association.
DVM
Dane Knudsen
Dr. Dane Knudsen grew up in sunny Savannah, Georgia, but headed north to the Georgia mountains to complete his Biology degree at Young Harris College. He graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and has since enjoyed making the Cumming community his home.
Dr. Knudsen cannot recall a time in his life when he did not have a profound compassion for animals and their welfare. Although he enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, his clinical interests include dermatology, dentistry, and ophthalmology. He is passionate about educating owners on preventive wellness care. During his free time, Dr. Knudsen enjoys relaxing with his wife, Dr. Julie, and sons. Their two golden retrievers, Scarlett and Grigsby, have special jobs taking care of them all. Dr. Dane also enjoys anything Georgia Bulldogs, especially football, being in the great outdoors, and exercising.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the
Georgia Veterinary Medical Association.
DVM
Ashley Iadonisi
Originally from Florida, Dr. Ashley Iadonisi moved to Georgia with family her senior year in high school. She received her Bachelors Degree in biology from Brenau University in Gainesville and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Although she enjoyed her time in Virginia, there is no where else she would rather call home than North Georgia.
Dr. Ashley's warm smile, friendly personality and innate passion, along with heartfelt advocacy for all animals, makes veterinary medicine the perfect profession for her. She is often heard connecting with her patients by having conversations in "dog speak".
She lives in Dawsonville with her husband, 2 dogs; a hound mix and a pit bull terrier, and a kitty that knows she is the queen.
While she enjoys all aspects of being a veterinarian, her special interests are dentistry, behavior issues and alternative medicine.
When Dr. Ashley is not caring for her patients at Creekside, she recharges by hiking on our local trails and getting together with family and friends.
DVM
Jennifer O’Neill
Dr. Jennifer O’Neill was born in Virginia but moved to Georgia shortly thereafter and grew up in the Alpharetta area. She attended Georgia College in Milledgeville and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia.
She came to Creekside Animal Hospital after completing a highly regarded small animal rotating internship at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialists in Sandy Springs.
Dr Jenny is a gentle, thorough and kind advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. She can often be found cuddling a hospitalized patient making sure they get an extra dose of TLC. Her goal as a Creekside doctor is to be a partner with pet parents and to decide on care
based on age and lifestyle.
Her areas of professional interest include cardiology, ophthamology, surgery and the more challenging internal medicine cases. Outside of the hospital she enjoys hiking, playing with her dog, Mosley, kayaking, and increasing her surgical dexterity by video gaming on the weekends.
DVM
John Tarabula
After practicing veterinary medicine for more than 30 years, Dr. John has retired but still enjoys being at Creekside when another doctor needs a day off. He attended the University of Georgia where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. John knew he wanted to be a veterinarian at a young age and started his career as a kennel attendant in middle school. Now, these years later, Dr. John knows he is blessed to practice in a community where he has developed lasting relationships with his patients and their families. Although he enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine his clinical interests include dermatology, dentistry, exotics and surgery.
He is married to his high school sweetheart, Cindy and has 3 grown children who have given him 6 grandchildren who know him as Papa. In addition to playing with the grandchildren, he enjoys deep sea fishing, hiking and riding his tractor.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is past president of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association.
DVM