Our Doctors
Dr. Brian H. Birthright, DVM
Dr. Brian Birthright's lifelong love of the mountains eventually brought him from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Waynesville. After graduating from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, he set out to create a hospital where he could practice a high level of medicine, including internal medicine, surgery, and emergency and critical care.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Birthright enjoys spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle along the scenic roads of Haywood County, mountain biking, and camping.
Dr. Katie Justice, DVM
Dr. Katie Justice joined Maple Tree in 2020. She grew up on a ranch in Springfield, South Carolina, surrounded by cows, horses, sheep, and plenty of dogs. After completing her undergraduate degree at Clemson University, she attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at Oregon State University. She later completed a mixed-animal internship in Colorado before moving to Western North Carolina.
Dr. Justice has a particular interest in internal medicine and appreciates the family atmosphere. Outside work, she enjoys Clemson football, hiking, running, and other outdoor activities. She shares her home with a tuxedo cat named Jasper and a Golden Retriever named Sophie.
Dr. Katherine Halapy, DVM
Dr. Katherine Halapy joined Maple Tree in 2022 after moving to Western North Carolina. She earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University in 2011 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2015.
Her veterinary interests include companion exotic medicine, including birds, reptiles, and pocket pets, as well as dentistry. When she's not at the hospital, Dr. Halapy enjoys kayaking and gardening. Her own collection of companions includes dogs, a cat, aquatic turtles, red-footed tortoises, and pet ducks.
Dr. Morgan Plemmons, DVM
A Haywood County native, Dr. Morgan Plemmons joined Maple Tree in April 2025. She earned her Animal Science degree from North Carolina State University in 2004 and graduated from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008.
Dr. Plemmons is especially interested in surgery and shelter medicine. Outside the hospital, she enjoys running, reading, cooking, camping, and spending time with her husband and their two sons. Their family also includes two Boxers, Ralphie and Georgie, and an orange cat named Campbell.
Dr. Jordon Crawford, DVM
Dr. Jordon Crawford joined Maple Tree in June 2025. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mars Hill University in 2013 before completing the Veterinary Medical Technology program at A-B Tech in 2017. After several years working in veterinary medicine in the Asheville area, she attended NC State University and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2025.
Her professional interests include feline medicine, companion exotic animal medicine (including birds, reptiles, and pocket pets), and dermatology. Outside work, Dr. Crawford enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and time with her husband and pets: Rex, a senior Lab mix; Ranger, a grey tabby; and Scar, a red-footed tortoise.
Dr. Nick Mosby, DVM
Bio coming soon