Our culture is positive and encouraging here at Coastal Creek. We care about each individual pet’s needs as if they were ours. We aim to provide clarity about treatment plans by involving you in the diagnostic process. Cleanliness is never sacrificed, and our clients are just as important to us as our patients.
Dr. Mackenzie Ciccone was born and raised in a small town in the Upstate of South Carolina. From a young age, her favorite things were the outdoors and animals of all shapes and sizes.
Dr. Mack attended Clemson University for three years, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. She was a lead chairwoman for W.A.V.S. (Women in Animal and Veterinary Sciences), which further strengthened her love for the profession. She also took part in Clemson’s Tigers for Tigers, an organization dedicated to saving this endangered species. Her studies even took her abroad to research wild tigers in India. Go Tigers!
After graduating from Clemson, Dr. Mack moved on to the University of Georgia to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Here, she was a Student Ambassador and loved giving tours to prospective veterinary candidates. Her favorite extracurricular while in Athens was being a VetCAMP Counselor, teaching high school students what a career in Veterinary Medicine can entail. Her clinical years were focused on small animal surgery (orthopedic and soft tissue), canine reproduction, cattle diseases, and herd health management.
Dr. Mack met her husband Andrew during their time at Clemson. He is a fishing charter captain out of Charleston. They welcomed their first baby, Molly, in the Summer of 2024. The Ciccone’s have three German Shorthaired Pointers – Ryder, Izzy, and Ripley. On her days off, Dr. Mack enjoys going fishing, hunting with their bird dogs, and raising their little girl in the outdoors. She also loves cooking, running, and caring for their small flock of chickens. Dr. Mack is so excited to care for your pet’s at Coastal Creek Animal Hospital!
Dr. Julie Cook is originally from Mississippi, where she lived her entire life prior to relocating to Summerville. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Mississippi. There, she remained very involved by holding various leadership roles on campus and was recognized as the ‘Most Outstanding Pre-Veterinary Student.’ She then obtained her Doctorate from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Cook understood from a very young age just how special the human-animal bond was and knew she would be a veterinarian before even beginning school. Dr. Cook’s practice interests are soft tissue surgery, geriatric care, client education, internal medicine and oncology.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Cook loves spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Bodi. She also enjoys attending concerts, being on the water, and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels with her boyfriend, Drew. Dr. Cook is so thrilled and grateful to join the Coastal Creek family and cannot wait to provide care to Summerville!
Melissa was born and raised right here in Summerville. Since she can remember she has always said that she wanted to work with animals. She graduated from the Vet Tech program at Trident in 2017 with an associates degree in Applied Science of Veterinary Technology and has about 9 years experience in the vet world ranging from general practice to Specialty where she found a love with Surgery.
Melissa married her high school sweetheart and together they welcomed their first little girl this past August! At home they have 2 goldendoodles named Saban and Smitty. In her free time she likes to read, watch football and spend time with their families.
Lauren’s journey in veterinary medicine began in Seattle, WA where she studied to become a veterinary assistant. Over the next 13 years, she would grow as an assistant and complete her associates degree in animal sciences. Lauren is currently studying to take her VTNE in the coming year. She has experience in both general practice and specialty hospitals as an anesthesia technician for the surgery department. At home, Lauren has three children, a loving husband, and three cats: Cheshire, Gandalf, and Hagrid. In her free time she enjoys reading and playing video games.
With over 18 years in the veterinary industry, Ellen brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team! She became a licensed veterinary technician in 2011 after graduating at JJC in Illinois and has worked in both general practice and specialty hospitals. Her true calling? Surgery! She’s spent much of her career as an anesthesia and scrub tech in the surgery department and loves being right where the action is.
Outside of work, she’s a proud mom to 10-year-old identical twin boys (yes, double the energy!) and wife to her high school sweetheart. Their family wouldn’t be complete without Kale—their lovable adopted pooch. Two years ago, they traded the Chicago winters for South Carolina sunshine, and haven’t looked back since!
When she’s not in scrubs, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach, staying active with just about any sport you can think of, or sneaking in a good book whenever she gets the chance.
Rachael is a self proclaimed cake connoisseur, who can turn down red velvet cake. She is originally from Arlington VA, but has lived here in South Carolina for 18 years. She is a mother of two with a 16 year old son named Dominic, and a 1 year old daughter named Autumn. They are a busy trio whose time is spent at the ball field, going to local outdoor events, often visiting local farms like flowertown Charm. Rachael’s home is completed by her dog Memphis, an Australian shepherd whom is truly the corkiest dog you’ll meet. Last but not least is her pot belly pig named Elvis.
Katrina has 4 years of experience in the veterinary industry but most recently took time off to raise her two kids, Hank (4 years old) and Lucy (2 years old). She’s very excited to be back in the industry and working with the team at Coastal Creek! She has several pets of her own at home including a GSP named Birdie, a beagle named Shrimp, and two cats named Belle and Jet. When not working, her favorite hobbies include working out, painting and DIY projects around the house. While originally from New York, she’s been living in the Charleston area for the past 7 years and currently lives right here in Summerville!
