Our Team

More commonly referred to as “Dr. C”, Dr. Candra Smith Chambers is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University. Upon graduating, she worked in private practice and a mobile preventative practice. Then Dr. C became a part of the Van Crest Animal Hospital & Boarding (and Boarding) team in 2003.

With her excellent bedside manner, Dr. C has developed special relationships with her clients and their pets. Her thoroughness and dedication to her patients are unsurpassed. She strives to excel in all areas of veterinary medicine, with a particular interest in internal medicine, dermatology, and geriatric medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. C enjoys cooking, family time, and relaxing. Dr. C is the proud mother of three children (Nino, Cheyanne, and Noah) and is also the wife of our own Dr. Nick Chambers.

Dr. C is always happy to see patients and looks forward to many years of helping our patients and watching them grow up with their families.

Dr. Nick Chambers is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, who graduated from Forest Hill High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Tougaloo College and obtained a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University. Throughout his educational studies, Dr. Chambers participated in programs, research projects, internships, and advanced classes to enhance his career. He has particular interests in surgery and internal medicine.

His active memberships include the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), South Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2003, he became an owner of Van Crest Animal Hospital & Boarding (and Boarding) with a mission to ‘take care of God’s little creatures one day at a time’.

Dr. Chambers is happily married to Dr. Candra Smith Chambers. They are both the proud parents of Nino, Cheyanne, and Noah. Dr. Chambers is additionally a licensed minister, active in church and community, a saltwater fish hobbyist, and an antique car enthusiast. He also has a special interest in bodybuilding.

Lex has been with Van Crest Animal Hospital & Boarding for over three years. Working in the veterinary field is rewarding because she gets to help those who don’t have a voice. Lex believes in being the pet’s advocate and enjoys the medical aspect of her work. Lex holds both a Veterinary Assistant Certificate and Pharmacy Technician Certificate.

When Lex is not at work, you can find her relaxing at her house and playing with her dogs. She was born in Puerto Rico but moved to South Carolina four years ago to pursue a better future for herself and her family. She currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her husband, Tony, and two German shepherds named Ethan and Anastasia.

Jamie has had a special connection with animals since she was small. She has been in the vet field since 2015 and enjoys being a voice for both pets and pet parents. Jamie also loves developing a lasting bond with each pet and their families.

When she is not working, you can find her playing legos or making crafts with her six-year-old son, Rylan. Jamie lives here in Lexington, South Carolina, with her son, Labrador mix named Polo, and two cats, Muffin and Oreo.

Kayla is both a people person and a pet person. She loves working in the veterinary field because she meets new people and pets while developing long-lasting relationships with both. Born and raised in Columbia, Kayla currently attends the University of South Carolina as a biology major and business minor.

When she is not at work, you can find her at school studying away and learning new things. She has two dogs (both cocker spaniels) named Blu and Blase. Kayla also has a silly cat named Vermont.

Olivia feels that working in the veterinary field and taking care of animals gives her purpose. She has always had a passion for caring for God’s creatures. Olivia has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Benedict College, where she was Ms. Benedict for the 2020-2021 school year.

When Olivia is not at work, you can find her spending too much money at Target. She was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, but loves living and working in the West Columbia area. She has one dog named Trixie and two cats, Pancake and PJ.

Eilana feels that being able to work with animals makes each day brighter. They are constantly making her laugh and smile. Eilana is a graduate of White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina. Eilana was born and raised in Lexington, South Carolina, and continues to enjoy her hometown.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family. You can also find her either relaxing at home or out roller skating. Although she doesn’t currently have any pets, Eilana is a part of a huge family of seven and says that her siblings keep her busy. She loves having so much support!