Staff
VETERINARIANS
L.A. KING, DVM has been a practicing veterinarian for over twenty years. He graduated summa cum laude from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. He completed a rotating small animal internship at Colorado State University in 1991. He has spent time in private practice and time learning advanced surgical procedures at a referral surgery center in Fountain Valley, California. Throughout his career he has been involved with academia and research, referral surgery, zoo practice, exotic practice, large and companion animal practice, and has some additional wildlife experience. His primary interest is in companion animal surgery.
JENNY R. WIGHT, DVM graduated from Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine n 2005. She completed her MS degree at Teas A&M in Reproductive Physiology, as well as her BS degree in Biomedical Science at Texas A&M. She has worked in both mixed and small animal private practices since graduating. Her primary interest is in small animal surgery and preventive medicine. She join Animal Friends in March 2011.
STAFF
LYNDA FICKLIN assisted her husband with his own Veterinary Practice in Colorado, She works fulltime as a medical technician at Conroe Hospital and is a part-time employee at Connie Clinic
HEIDI GADDIS was born in Hawaii. While in school at Colorado State University, she competed as part of their Equestrian Team and graduated with a BS in Equine Science. Her previous work experiences include horse trainer, breeding manager, riding instructor, and certified Ferrier. She has worked at Animal Friends as a Veterinary Technician since 2009. Heidi has two horses, one dog and several barn cats.
RACHAEL KNISTEIN-GOEKE graduated from Brenham High School in 2000. She was a member of FFA, 4-H Horse Club and a Washington County Calf Scrambler winner. She attended the Texas Academy of Animal Control Officers in 2008 and graduated Valedictorian. She joined Animal Friends as a Veterinary Technician in January 2009. Rachael is a member of the Bellville Heritage Cowgirls with her quarter horse, Cindy. She has several other horses, dogs, cats and cattle. Her late Dad was a great inspiration for Rachael’s love of animals.
KIM PROCTOR graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science in May 2002 from Texas A&M University. She has worked as a veterinary technician and clinic manager at two private veterinary clinics in Texas. Kim works at Connie Clinic on Saturdays and during the week is a Veterinary Technician at Texas A&M where in addition to being the head technician and team leader in large animal anesthesia, she teaches veterinary students anesthesia principles and techniques. Kim will be receiving an A.S. degree from San Juan College in Farmington, NM in Veterinary Technology in December 2011.
MAUREEN RAMIREZ was honorably retired from the Houston Police Department at the rank of sergeant, after serving 26 years. Assignments included supervision of field training officers, investigating corruption, escorting dignitaries and working directly for a Chief of Police and an Assistant Chief. In 2007, Maureen was awarded the Lifetime-Achievement Award from the Women in Law Enforcement. After moving to the country, she began volunteering at Connie Clinic and in 2011 was offered a position working the front desk. Maureen has four dogs and one cat.
KENNETH SIERANSKI: A third year veterinary medical student at Texas A & M University, he has worked as a veterinary technician since 2003, holding positions at both a small animal emergency clinic and a five doctor practice in his home state of New Jersey. He currently works as a student technician for the Anesthesia Service at Texas A & M’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and at Animal Friends-Connie Clinic His primary career interest is shelter medicine and battling companion animal overpopulation. He also has an interest in anesthesia and food animal medicine.
LESIA C. WASHMON A passion for animals led to the study and reading of a variety of animal books, and attending clinics and seminars, primarily targeted to behavioral based training for dogs and horses. Professional, she has worked at both large and small animal veterinary clinics, as well as having her own horse training business for several years. Managed horse programs for others being responsible for all horse care, wrangler for guest rides, carriage rides, planning and executing clinics, seminars and demonstrations. Participates in sheepdog trialing, agility & fly ball and has taught obedience classes. She is a certified small animal nutritionist and is active in Border Collie Rescue. Prior to becoming Clinic Director in January 2011, she was Office Manager for a Vintage Italian import company and for the last six years served as Chief Financial Officer for a Five Star Relais & Chateau Luxury Ranch Resort.
AMANDA FULLER Amanda is a registered veterinary technician. She is an April 2011 graduate of Vet Tech Institute of Houston, where she received her A.A.S in Veterinary Technology. She completed her externship with a mixed animal practice. She has participated in volunteering with a humane society for a rabies drive, and has had other opportunities of volunteer work that helped further her education. Amanda also owns a small herd of registered Brahman cattle and has competed in jackpot barrel racing. She has aspirations of recieving a VTS (vet tech specialist) title in dentistry.