Our Doctors
Craven Animal Hospital is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.
We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. We also work closely with local practices when special diagnostic procedures are required. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, a closely supervised hospitalization area, and indoor boarding kennels with outdoor walking areas.
At Craven Animal Hospital we strive to offer not only sound advice but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing you the enjoyment of your companion for a maximum number of years. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn't feeling well but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.
Dr. Bobbi Kotrba:
Dr. Kotrba graduated high school in Virginia Beach, VA, and went on to attend Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC majoring in Biology. She attended NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her DVM degree in 1996. She moved to New Bern and started working under Dr. Don Campbell. In 2005, she purchased Craven Animal Hospital. She is married and has 4 children, 5 dogs, and 3 cats.
Her hobbies include reading, doing yard work, and enjoying activities with her family.
Dr. Lauren Ferebee:
Dr. Ferebee is originally from Pilot Mountain, NC. Having always felt a strong connection to animals, she dreamed of being a veterinarian since early childhood. Her passion for veterinary medicine only grew during her undergraduate time at NC State where she completed her bachelor’s degree in animal science. After undergrad, she contributed to the pharmaceutical side of veterinary medicine while working for Zoetis. Dr. Ferebee went on to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as class president. Dr. Ferebee enjoys practicing all facets of veterinary medicine, but particularly enjoys surgery and exotic animal medicine. Dr. Ferebee has extensive training in ultrasonography and echocardiography, and is able to provide both specialty services at Craven Animal Hospital. When Dr. Ferebee is not at Craven Animal Hospital, she enjoys skiing, yoga, and spending time with her husband, pup, and axolotl!
Dr. Alyssa Baker
Dr. Baker grew up in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. She got her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences at UMass Amherst. Following graduation , she traveled to Knoxville TN to get her DVM from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (GO VOLS). From there, she and her husband traded the mountains of east Tennessee for coastal living here in New Bern! Dr. Baker loves all aspects of veterinary medicine but is especially interested in exotic animal medicine and surgery. She and her husband have 2 dogs (Oakley and Ruger), 2 cats (Jax and Opie), and 2 bearded dragons (Enzo and Onyx).
Dr. Levi Cerminara:
Levi Cerminara grew up in Weirton, WV. He received his undergraduate degree in Animal Nutritional Sciences from West Virginia University in 2009. He graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. He practiced in Pennsylvania until moving to North Carolina in 2020. His favorite pastimes include kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and spending time with his beloved wife Kaylea, a corgi named Scout, and an australian shepherd mix named Agent.
Dr. Melanie Gurkin
Dr. Melanie is a South Carolina native who moved to the New Bern area with her husband and 2 dogs, Bella and Aspen. She went to Clemson University for undergrad where she majored in Animal and Veterinary Science. She then went on to Oklahoma State University to obtain her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Melanie’s favorite aspect of medicine is surgery. When Dr. Melanie isn’t practicing medicine, she can be found out boating with her husband and friends. Her other hobbies include snow skiing, rodeoing, gardening, and water skiing. Go Tigers!