Co-Owner and DVM
Dr. Cory Ellis is one of the owners of Fort Mill Animal Hospital. While not native to Fort Mill, he has been a resident here since 2008. He grew up in the small coastal southern town of Ocean Springs, MS spending much of his early life exploring the Gulf of Mexico waters and the barrier islands that lie just off the coast of the mainland.
Before pursuing higher education, Dr. Ellis dedicated two years to the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, a domestic Peace Corps program. During this time, he and his colleagues provided various forms of service to communities across the southeastern United States. This enriching experience led Dr. Ellis to further adventures in the Great Northwoods of Minnesota, where he served multiple seasons with the Minnesota Conservation Corps. Dr. Ellis has maintained a profound passion for community service and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Ellis attended the College of Charleston and received his bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in biology from the historic institution. He then went on to attend veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. This unique opportunity provided many amazing experiences as well as challenges that further strengthened and defined the kind of doctor that Dr. Ellis would one day become. After completing his pre-clinical studies on the island, he finished his clinical training at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He proudly graduated magna cum laude with a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Over the years, Dr. Ellis has worked in many veterinary general practice settings around the greater Charlotte area. Additionally, he served as a regional manager for the largest domestic and international teleradiology consultation company in the world for seven years. In late 2019, after careful consideration, Dr. Ellis purchased what was formerly known as Fort Mill Veterinary Clinic, embarking on a journey to transform it into the thriving practice it is today. The progress achieved in a relatively short period of time is a source of pride for him and his team.
During his time in Charleston, SC, Dr. Ellis met and married Erica, who currently serves as an assistant principal at an elementary school in Charlotte. Together they are the VERY proud parents to 3 beautiful daughters—Brinley, Isley, and Emery. In his limited free time, Dr. Ellis enjoys long-distance running, spending quality time with his family and friends, tending to his yard, and embarking on adventures to exciting new destinations.
Dr. Ellis strongly believes in living a life of service. Through the years he has discovered that his calling lies in caring for the beloved pets of others. His guiding principle is encapsulated in the quote: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” – Leo Buscaglia.
Associate DVM
Dr. Molly Culberson was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and has known from her first word (“dog!”) that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal Science in 2006, and went on to receive her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University in 2010.
Knowing her dream from a young age, Dr. Culberson grew up working and volunteering with local veterinary hospitals and shelters (both small animal and equine). She also competed in multiple sports in high school, and was a collegiate athlete at N.C. State, competing at the NCAA level in springboard and platform diving.
After graduation, Dr. Culberson completed both academic and private practice internships, and went on to provide veterinary care to the horses of Lexington, Kentucky. After a few years, she moved home to Charlotte in 2014 to be closer to family, and to transition to small animal medicine.
Dr. Culberson’s professional interests include preventative care, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine. She enjoys communicating with owners, and providing a thorough and well-rounded approach to complete veterinary care. Dr. Culberson spends her free time with friends and family, riding her off-the-track-thoroughbred horse (Ben), and enjoys adventures with her German Shepherd, Maizey.
Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon (ACVS)
Dr. Ritter is a mobile board-certified orthopedic surgeon; he is available on an as needed basis for orthopedic surgeries.
Dr. Matt Ritter attended Iowa State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Zoology. He then continued on at Iowa State University where he graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ritter completed an internship in medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and a residency in surgery at Michigan State University.
Dr. Ritter became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in January 2007 (Dipl. ACVS). Dr. Ritter owns Bedrock Veterinary Specialists and provides assistance to our veterinary team with advanced surgical cases.
