Our Staff

Jessica Stumph, DVM, CVA, cAVCA

Owner/Peterinarian

Jessica was born in Latrobe, PA, but she has called Kitty Hawk her home for the last thirty years. Dr. Stumph graduated from Manteo High School before attending Averett University where she double majored in biology and equine studies, graduating with honors. She then attended North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, where she again graduated with honors. Since graduating in 2008, Dr. Stumph has practiced locally seeing patients of all shapes and sizes. Her passion for animals has never waned. Her dream was to one day own her own veterinary practice and now First Flight Vet is a reality. She spends her spare time looking after her own batch of critters including two horses, Mario and Raphael, two cats, Figgy and Snowball, and her two dogs, Mayzzy and Re-Pete. She loves spending time with her husband David, collecting sea glass, rooting for her Pittsburgh Steelers and riding her tractor.

James Cohagan, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. James Cohagan graduated from Penn State University in 1980 and Purdue University Veterinary School in 1984. After working in Ohio and Maryland he moved to southern Pennsylvania and opened his own practice in 1989. After thirty-three years he sold his practice to a trusted associate and he and his wife moved to the Outer Banks in February 2022. He has many years of experience with both companion and farm animals. "I am grateful to have been accepted into the community and the First Flight Family." Dr. Jim enjoys all outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, kayaking and biking.

Julia

Animal Care Technician

Julia is a native to the Outer Banks and is currently enrolled in veterinary technician school to further her career in veterinary medicine. She enjoys spending time at the barn with her horses, Starlight and DunDee, and going to horse shows on weekends. At home she spends her downtime with her cat, Joe Mullet, and her blue heeler, Si.

Eden

Office Manager/Animal Care Technician

Eden, a native to the Outer Banks graduated from First Flight High School in 2011. From there she obtained her bachelor degree in biology from East Carolina University. (Go Pirates!) She started her veterinary career in 2014 and has been with First Flight Vet and Dr. Jess since kickoff. She also figuratively adopted a quarter horse named Darin.

Summer

Assistant Practice Manager/Veterinary Assistant

Summer is a native of the Outer Banks. As of this writing, she is the "oldest, newest" member of the team. She generally loves most animals more than she likes most people. Being outside whenever possible and being in the mountains are her favorite.
(Editors note: Summer is really quite nice and affable no matter how hard she may try to pretend she's not.)

Kim

Client Relations

Kim brings over twenty years experience to our team. Growing up in the Army, she and her father travelled and lived all around the world. Her love of horses began with her first pony, Midnight Star, while living in Bangkok, Thailand. She graduated from Southern Seminary Junior College, where she studied Equestrian Studies with her horse Count Sahara. After finally settling in Point Harbor, Kim began working in the veterinary field. Kim lives with her dog, Harbour, and seven fun an mischievous cats. She has always loved traveling and swimming. There are no known pictures of Kim, but we are working on that.

Carly

Veterinary Assistant

Carly is a veterinary assistant that is native to Manns Harbor. She graduated from Manteo High School and then went on to receive her B.S. in Environmental Science from NC Wesleyan College. Outside of work you'll find Carly studying to obtain her veterinary technician degree, spending time her husband Zach (probably at a baseball field), or going on an adventure with her daughter Adeline or pups Gander and Oakley.

Heather

Veterinary Assistant

Heather is currently in high school. She loves going to the beach and horse shows on the weekends with her horse, Petey.

Megan

Veterinary Assistant

Megan is a rising Junior in high school at North Carolina Virtual Academy, She is dual enrolling at the College of the Albemarle in the fall. She is passionate about animals and has experience Volunteering at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund helping rehabilitate and care for the rescued banker horses. In her free time, she enjoys spending her time, hanging out with her family and her dachshund Charlie. She also loves exploring the trails and practicing western dressage with her horse Midnight.

Nicole

Veterinary Assistant

A rising senior at Camden Early College High School and College of the Albemarle who is passionate about the care and wellbeing of animals. She is beginning her journey in the veterinary field as after graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Aside from working at the clinic and Southern Hope Animal Rescue and Education, she enjoys spending her free time with all of her animals.

Melinda Sherrod, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Melinda is a registered veterinary technician (RVT) and has her degree from Central Carolina. Melinda wanted to add another way to serve her community and went into law enforcement. When not working at FFVH, she is out keeping Dare County safe with her canine partner, Sorbi. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son, Cayden, and taking care of and riding her horses, PT, Skinner, Red, Yee Haw and Cody.

Guacamole

Corporate Mascot

The first greeting many clients will have at FFVH will be from our mascot, Guac. Whether playing with your shoelaces or laying on a laptop, he is always making his presence known. Some people may consider his "diva" behavior over-the-top, and they would be right. Watch for his occasionally funny haircuts and outrageous outfits. Truly a local favorite!

David Stumph

Practice Manager

David was born in Annapolis, Maryland, but grew up in Kill Devil Hills. He went to Manteo High School, where he met his high school sweetheart Jessica. After high school, David graduated from Averett University with a degree in Chemistry. He then gained his PharmD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy. David has worked locally as a pharmacist since 2007. His hobbies include travelling with his wife, helping take care of all the critters, reading every once in a while, and "keeping it classy."

Prof. Mayzzy

CEO ("Top Dog")

The heart and soul of the operation. Professor Mayz loves spending her spare time chasing horses, barking at strange noises, and getting belly rubs. Voted the cutest staff member for the last 4 years running.