Meet Our Team

Doctors (▲)

Dr. Patrick Choyce
Dr. Pat Choyce is a 1983 graduate of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He also completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M in Animal Science.

Upon graduation, Dr. Choyce practiced for three years as an associate in small and large animal practices before moving into emergency medicine. After practicing for 5 years in emergency practice and daytime relief practices, Dr. Choyce opened All Pets Animal Hospital on Mason road in March 1990. After 21 years, he moved the practice to the current location and new modern facility on Kingsland Boulevard.

Although his family is from Houston, Dr. Choyce's dad was a naval aviator, so he grew up all over the United States. Besides enjoying veterinary medicine as a profession, Dr. Choyce spends time with his fiancee, children, and family. He has 2 Burmese cats"Charlise" and "Sky", a domestic shorted hair cat "Groucho", 2 African grey parrots "Georgie" and "Flatop", an Eclectus parrot "Bailey", and a cockatiel "Lovie". He also fosters and cares for rescue dogs. Dr. Choyce also enjoys working out, cycling the MS 150 tours, camping, backpacking, playing guitar, singing, studying Spanish, participating in youth and mission activities at church, and volunteering for service work to several organizations.

Dr. Sarah Neaderhouser
Dr. Sarah Neaderhouser grew up in the area between College Station, Texas, and Katy, Texas. After she graduated from Katy High School, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, where she also attended graduate school and studied care ecology as well as molecular and popular genetics. Dr. Neaderhouser achieved her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 1999. Her specific veterinary interests include exotic animal medicine as well as emergency and critical care.

Dr. Neaderhouser can often be found enjoying her Montgomery County home with her family, consisting of her husband, three children, four dogs, seven cats, one bird, one turtle, and numerous fish. She is an avid reader and enjoys music (voice and cello) and gardening.

Dr. Tara Wicker
Dr. Tara Wicker graduated Cum Laude in 2010 from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to attending veterinary school, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, she is an active member of the Texas and American Veterinary Medical Associations as well as the American Animal Hospital Association. While in veterinary school, she was a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society, SCAVMA, and Green Vets.

Dr. Wicker grew up in South Texas and has always been active in rescue and animal foster care. When she is not caring for animals, she enjoys reading, exercising, and hiking. She shares her home with her husband Karl and their four dogs and one cat (Bam, Trixie, Joey, Winnie, and Divot) as well as a constant stream of foster animals.

Dr. Sarah M. Heineman
Dr. Sarah Heineman is a 2009 graduate from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Hendrix College, located in Conway, Arkansas. She worked as a small animal practitioner in San Antonio prior to joining the All Pets Animal Hospital team.

Dr. Heineman is originally from California, but grew up in Humble, Texas. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, live music venues, and dance/musical theater, as well as hiking, camping, exercising, and reading. Dr. Heineman also enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her Italian Greyhound, Giselle.

Managers (▲)

Kristen Hart, Hospital Manager
Kristen was born and raised in Charles City, Iowa. She moved to Texas in 1998 and has worked for All Pets Animal Hospital for 13 years as of April 2012. Currently, she is attending college for Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and business management. Kristen shares her home with her husband, son, stepson, two dogs Kozmo and Daisy, and two stray cats for which she cares. When Kristen is not taking care of and spending time with her family, she also enjoys school, fishing, and making jewelry.

With her background working with animals (kennel, nursing, assisting with appointments and surgery, performing dental cleanings, and working in reception) and since she loves caring for pets and people, Kristen feels she has the best of both worlds in her job. She really appreciates her caring team members and the satisfaction she gets when pets are made healthy and happy, as well as making their "parents", the clients, happy. Everyone--the team, clients, and pets--are like one big family. Her goals include growing the practice personally, professionally, and financially, while making it a huge success!

Marlene Cowan, Inventory Manager
Marlene has been an employee of All Pets Animal Hospital for almost 18 years. She began her work with APAH as an animal care technician/veterinary assistant and eventually became a client services representative. She is now the clinic inventory manager and facilitates client relations. Marlene has two children, five grandchildren, and two dogs to occupy her time (Scrappy and Emily). When she is not busy spending time with family, Marlene loves to read and assemble jigsaw puzzles.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (▲)

Jennifer Doerfler
Jennifer was born and raised in southeastern Ohio and moved to Texas 18 years ago. She graduated from Humble High School and went on to graduate in 2006 from Lone Star College with an A.A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology. Jennifer has seven years of experience in the veterinary field and has strong interests in surgery and dentistry. She has volunteered for the Siberian Husky Rescue (Husky Haven), helping with fostering and adoptions. Jennifer enjoys vacationing in San Antonio with her family and watching hockey in her spare time.

Veterinary Technicians (▲)

Marlene Vela
Marlene grew up in California and attended the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, Colorado, where she achieved an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She then moved to Texas to be closer to family. She shares her home with her boyfriend and her baby.

She has known since she was small that she wanted to work with animals, probably influenced by her uncle who is a large animal veterinarian. Marlene knew All Pets Animal Hospital would be a great place to work, and she appreciates being able to work with a variety of animals. She wants to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, among other goals.

Certified Veterinary Assistants (▲)

Alexander Hernandez
Alexander was born and raised in Houston. He has eight years of experience in the veterinary field and is a certified veterinary assistant. In addition to his duties as a CVA, Alexander is a Hill's Nutritional Advocate and manages the Hill's Pet Food orders. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the zoo, museums, and parks; exercising; playing racquetball; and running. He shares his home with a four year old Boston Terrier (Chimmy Chummy) that he adopted from the Humane Society of Odessa.

Veterinary Assistants (▲)

Sara Moore
Sara was born and raised in Katy, Texas. She graduated from Katy High School in 2003 and worked in retail for three years. She has been a veterinary assistant since 2006. Sara shares her home with her husband, two dogs (Peanut and Pepper), two cats (Amber and Crystal), one Ball Python (Dakota), one Bearded Dragon (Liza Rd.), and one African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Ninja). In her spare time, Sara rebuilds classic cars with her husband, bakes, scrapbooks, plays the cello, and reads. Since she's always had many animals, Sara is happy that now she can apply her skills professionally, especially with exotic pets, at an animal hospital with good quality pet care and great people with which to work.

Branden Doerfler
Branden was born in Huntsville, Texas and raised in Katy. He graduated from Katy High School in 2000 and then worked in sales for three years before coming to All Pets Animal Hospital. He is certified in Companion Animal Laser Therapy and is pursuing certification from the Northwest School of Animal Massage. Currently, Branden is also working toward Certified Veterinary Assistant certification as well as pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. In his spare time, Branden enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, fishing, biking, bowling, and playing videogames as well as appreciating art, poetry, and motorcross.

Joey Depew
Joey has worked at All Pets Animal Hospital for two years and is a full-time student at the University of Houston. He is majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Math. In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his fiancée, two dogs, and two cats, as well as playing video/computer games.

Mandi Ready
Mandi was born in Houston and raised in Brookshire. She has worked in veterinary medicine since she was 15 years old. Mandi shares her home with her Blue Heeler Aggie and Pot-Bellied pig Murphy. In her spare time, she is involved in the Poultry Auction Committee at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and participates in the HLSR barbecue competition. She also supports and participates in Relay for Life.

Tray Harris
Joining the All Pets family in 2011, Tray Harris moved to Texas in 2007. Being a self-described man of few words, he works very hard to extend a high level of care to clients' pets. This is exactly why he chose to work at All Pets Animal Hospital--the high level of quality care given to clients, and Tray appreciates the opportunity to do what he loves for a living. Tray's personal goals include having a long career in the animal medicine world, as well as being able to become a dog trainer.

Animal Care Technicians (▲)

Patty Castillo
Patty is originally from Long Island, New York, and has lived in Texas since 2005. Patty obtained a business degree before coming to work at All Pets Animal Hospital. She has been a loyal employee for the past three years and loves that her job allows her to spend time with animals. In her spare time, Patty enjoys traveling with her husband and son. She shares her home with three dogs (Bandit, Molly, and Maggie), one cat (Thomas), and one guinea pig (Rexy), all of whom are rescues. Patty's ultimate goal is to own a farm where she can care for rescued animals.

Jenni Westmoreland
Jenni was born at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. She was raised in Texas and graduated from Northshore High School. After high school, Jenni attended S.F.A. University for four years, focusing on elementary education. She then worked in retail from 1994-2000, with hospital information systems from 2000-2007, and with All Pets Animal Hospital since that time.

Jenni enjoys learning veterinary technician skills as part of her job. She spends her spare time painting, making jewelry, carving stamps, reading classical literature, writing poetry, playing piano, and practicing black and white photography. Her energetic, young Boxer Allie also occupies her time. Jenni organizes a local Relay for Life team yearly and is active in church activities, including teaching Bible classes. Since she's worked with a variety of animals beginning in early childhood, she loves that her job allows her to help animals as well as work with a great staff.

Andrea Armenta
Andrea has worked for All Pets Animal Hospital for seven months (as of January 2012) as an Animal Care Technician. One day, she would like to become a veterinarian. In the meantime, she enjoys hanging out with her family and friends.

Wendy Garcia

Tommy Higdon

Jessica Ruland

Groomers (▲)

Jennie Carlisle

Garrick Williams
Garrick has three years of experience in grooming. He enjoys writing, blogging, networking, and volunteering for local philanthropic organizations. In his spare time, he enjoys learning and practicing new grooming techniques.

Customer Service Representatives (▲)

Leigh Meeks
Leigh was born in New Orleans and raised in Texas. She has resided in Katy since 1989. Leigh and her husband Dale have been married for 18 years and have one son. She has worked for All Pets Animal Hospital for 11 years and has been a client for many more.

Leigh is the Vice President of the Bulldog Club of Texas and has served in many officer positions over the last 14 years. She also serves on the Board of Governors for the Bulldog Club of America and currently serves as the Division IV Health Committee Chairperson and Newsletter Editor. Leigh is an American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit and an active exhibitor of purebred dogs. She has three bulldogs residing at her home as well as a Miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix (Patron) who runs the show. In her free time, Leigh and Dale enjoy spending time in the outdoors.

Melissa Ramos
Melissa was raised in Katy, Texas, and graduated from Katy High School. She worked in childcare for five years before coming to All Pets Animal Hospital. She has worked at APAH as a Certified Service Representative for eight years and manages accounts receivable and doctor scheduling among many other tasks. Melissa shares her home with two dogs (Diago and Piper) and five cats belonging to her roommate. Melissa enjoys scrapbooking, shopping, spending time with family and friends, reading, going to the dog park, and dancing.

Billie Teague
Billie was born in Arkansas and raised in Houston. She has been a Certified Service Representative for two years and also works after-hours patient care shifts at All Pets Animal Hospital. Her spare time is spent with her children Zoey and Jordan at their extracurricular activities--baseball, ballet, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Billie and her children also enjoy spending time reading together. When Billie is not busy being a mom, she enjoys running and spending time with her young Chihuahua (Beamer).

Stacey Salas
Stacey moved to Texas from California 11 years ago. Most of her work experience focused on office management, but she looks forward to the growth in knowledge in the veterinary field while working at All Pets Animal Hospital. She's a single mom with four children and one grandchild on the way. Hardworking Stacey enjoys singing, bowling, playing pool, spending time with her kids, and going to concerts.

Having previously owned dogs, cats, hampsters, and even a horse, Stacey loves animals. Because of that love and because she wanted to find a workplace with growth potential, stability, and a great work environment with great people, she looks forward to finishing training and eventually training to assist the nurses during on-call and emergency care situations.

Pat Ferguson
Returning to work at All Pets Animal Hospital after previously working here for a year, Pat Ferguson considers herself a "born and raised Texican". Outgoing and personable, she loves outdoor activities and animals. She has her own group of "critters".

Pat appreciates the family environment and helpful attitudes most about working at All Pets. She looks forward to furthering her knowledge of animals, saying "I have to grow up first" before figuring out what her future holds.