Our Team

Our Caring And Compassionate Veterinary Care Team

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Animal Health Clinic in Baton Rouge. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets. 

AHC Team

Our Veterinarians

DR. CLARENCE B. HACKETT

Dr. Clarence B. Hackett

Veterinarian

Dr. Clarence B. Hackett is originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, and moved to Baton Rouge in his elementary years. His interest in becoming a veterinarian came at an early age. After graduating from University High School, Dr. Hackett completed his pre-vet with a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University. With no vet schools in Louisiana at the time, Dr. Hackett was accepted to Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. While at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Hackett married Edith Smith from Baton Rouge. In 1967, Dr. Hackett received his DVM from Oklahoma State University and was the recipient of the Upjohn Award for proficiency in Veterinary Clinical Medicine. 

Dr. Hackett opened Animal Health Clinic in 1972 and has practiced veterinary medicine for the past 42 years. Dr. Hackett is a current member of the Alpha Psi Veterinary Fraternity, a past president of the Baton Rouge Veterinary Medical Association, Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Louisiana Academy of Veterinary Practice, and the American Animal Hospital Association. He was also a previous member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. His special interests include veterinary dentistry, internal medicine, endoscopy, ultrasound, and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Hackett enjoys cycling, fly-fishing, golfing, and spending time with his five grandchildren. He also enjoys grooming his two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Belle and Harper. He is an active member of the First United Methodist Church. 

DR. TIMOTHY LEONARDS

Dr. Timothy Leonards

Veterinarian

Dr. Timothy Leonards was raised in a rural setting in Crowley, Louisiana, surrounded by agriculture. Dr. Leonards attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude. He spent his summers at the LSU Ag Center Rice Research Center focusing mainly on agricultural work. He then moved to Baton Rouge with high hopes of being accepted into the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. During that time, he was employed at the LSU Ag Center Poultry Unit and worked for two summers at Animal Health of Baton Rouge as a veterinary assistant. Dr. Leonards graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 & received the Bayer Award for Excellence in Dermatology during his clinical rotations. Professional interests include dermatology, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging. 

Dr. Leonards and his wife, Holly, have a son, Nathan. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and trying to stay in shape. Personal interests include tinkering with electronics and building things. Dr. Leonards’ extended family includes an orange tabby named He-Man, a Highlander-Simese cross named Ibby, and a red-footed tortoise named Ray. His cats generally do nothing around the house but do enjoy waking their family in the early morning for no reason at all. 

DR. BRITTANY MCCLENDON

Dr. Brittany Mcclendon

Veterinarian

Dr. Brittany McClendon was born in Baton Rouge and grew up in St. Francisville. Her love for animals began at an early age as she found herself caring for numerous dogs, cats, squirrels, gerbils, birds, and horses. Prior to and during vet school, she acquired a passion for the veterinary industry in her work as a technician at several animal hospitals in the Baton Rouge area. She graduated from LSU in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Technology; in 2020, she earned her doctorate degree from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. She was honored to receive the Bayer Award for Excellence in Communication during her clinical year of vet school. 

In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, hiking, and listening to podcasts. She serves her local church in Prairieville alongside her husband, Connor. Her professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. She has extensive experience treating feline behavioral and medical disorders thanks to her high-maintenance cat, Oliver. Connor and Dr. McClendon also have a derpy Golden Retriever named Hadley.

DR. LISA CIOLINO

Dr. Lisa Ciolino

Veterinarian

Dr. Lisa Ciolino grew up in Baton Rouge and is excited to be back in her hometown.  She is a 2010 graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ciolino spent the majority of her career practicing at a very busy 24-hour referral center in St John Parish as both a general practitioner and emergency clinician. In 2016,  Dr. Ciolino's interest in and concern for veterinary pain management and geriatric medicine led her to begin studying acupuncture in her spare time. In 2017, she obtained her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the Chi Institute in Florida. She then went on to pursue further training and work experience in integrative medicine and rehabilitation at LSU. In addition to acupuncture, pain management, and herbal medicine, Dr. Ciolino has a love of feline internal medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys baking and spending time with family, including her dog, Richard, and kitties Ella, Dasani, and Francis Arugula.

Our Team

MEGAN QUIGLEY

Megan Q

Practice Manager

Megan Quigley previously worked at Sherwood South Animal Hospital but took a hiatus to take care of her three spunky kids, Kael, Quinn, and Callie. We were lucky to have her join our team in September 2017; she fit in seamlessly and brought with her experience, drive, and positive energy. Her favorite part of being a Veterinary Technician is the ever-changing workday and exposure to challenging cases. She enjoys assisting the doctors in surgery and improving her skills daily. On the weekends, Megan loves to spend time with her kids, husband, and fur-baby Boxer Katy in the great outdoors.

Alyssa H

Alyssa H

Veterinary Technician

Alyssa started her career as a veterinary technician almost 4 years ago. She realized she had a passion for working with animals when she started fostering kittens. Caring for them and finding them the perfect home gave her a sense of purpose. She is a self-proclaimed cat lady. Alyssa has a rambunctious Sphynx named Guts, and a bearded dragon named Koi. Alyssa is interested in becoming a registered veterinary technician in the future and would like to work with large exotic animals. For now, however, she loves taking care of all the cats and dogs that come into the hospital everyday!

JOHN FAUST

John F

Veterinary Technician

John grew up in Slidell with father, who owned and practiced at a veterinary clinic until very recently. We are so excited to see how he grows in his position at AHC after having nearly 10 years of experience working with his father. In his free time, John enjoys fishing and playing fetch with his black lab, Snipe. He hopes to finish out his schooling, alongside two bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Economics & Finance, by becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). 

CHRISTIN STAFFORD

Christin S

Veterinary Technician

Coming all the way from Chico, California, Christin relocated to Baton Rouge in 2017 to pursue a degree from LSU. She quickly realized that her calling was in the animal industry and immediately began to work her way up the ladder. She began her journey at Petz Plaza as a receptionist, then a kennel technician to department lead in no time. Two years after her journey began, she began training as a veterinary assistant at Animal Health Clinic, and is now on her way to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. We were so pleased to welcome her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and unwavering compassion for any animal that crosses her path. When Christin is not caring for her patients at AHC she enjoys walking her Goldendoodle, Lodi, around the LSU lakes and playing with her frisky felines Nova, Kilala, and foster Milo.

Emma C

Emma C

Veterinary Assistant

Emma is from Cutoff, LA and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at LSU in animal science. She is currently in the process of applying to vet school. Emma hopes to practice small animal medicine but is also interested in exotics after having interned at the New Orleans zoo and working with primates. She's been a veterinary assistant for about 3 years.

CHRISTIN STAFFORD

Abigail G

Veterinary Assistant

Abigail is one of our newer veterinary assistants who joined our team in September 2022. Despite her being new to our clinic, she certainly isn't new to the field and has worked at veterinary clinics for over 2 years. Abigail graduated from LSU in December 2021 with a degree in animal science and is currently in the process of applying to veterinary school. She hopes to one day practice small animal medicine to help pets and the people who love them. Her favorite part about working in this field is the diversity of challenges presented each day. Whenever Abigail is not working, she enjoys cuddling her dog and cat (Mila and Marlin), crocheting, and going to the gym.

 Caroline W

Caroline W

Veterinary Assistant

Caroline graduated from LSU in 2020 with a degree in animal science. Her dream is to become a veterinarian and is currently in the application process. Fun fact about Caroline is she has six different species of animals that she calls her children! She has two dogs, a cat, a chinchilla, two hairless rats, a leopard gecko, and a beta fish. Each one of them rescued from dire situations. Caroline enjoys different types of music, spending time outdoors, and of course, loving on all animals that come her way!

CHRISTIN STAFFORD

Kendall P

Veterinary Technician

Kendall has always had a love for animals and has known that she wanted to work with them since she was 6 years old. She has two cats, Teddi and Charlie and a dog, named Kayce. She is currently in school at Baton Rouge Community College and will graduate in 2024 as a registered veterinary technician.

 Caroline W

Emma H

Patient Care Coordinator

Emma is a patient care coordinator and is new to the veterinary field. She is looking forward to learning more each and every day and eventually becoming a veterinary technician. Emma has a love for all animals but is definitely a cat person. She has two feisty cats of her own- Muffin and Mr. Nibbles, both of which love to play and run around right at bedtime. Outside of work, Emma loves spending time outdoors with her perts and has a passion for fostering and finding homes for other cats in need. She is very excited to be a part of our amazing team.

CHRISTIN STAFFORD

Rikki B

Patient Care Coordinators

Rikki is one of our patient care coordinators! Originally from Denham Springs, Rikki graduated from Denham Springs High School with a focus in culinary arts. She moved to Baton Rouge in 2018 to attend Baton Rouge Community College and quickly learned her passions lied within the veterinary field. Rikki's plan is to finish her degree in Veterinary Technology and further her experience in the veterinary field with Animal Health Clinic. When Rikki is not working, she likes to hang out with her cats Ozzy and Winifred.

Elizabeth W

Lily W

Kennel Technician

Lily is from Baton Rouge and is currently a sophomore at LSU studying animal sciences. She hopes to continue her education by attending veterinary school. Lily has always loved animals and began working in the field as a kennel technician at Petz Plaza. She began working at Animal Health Clinic in May of 2022, but has been a member of the AHC family for many years, as her dogs, Maggie and Honey, have been patients with us since 2008. In her free time, Lily loves to spend time with friends and cheer on the LSU Tigers!

Emily L

Emily L

 

Emily moved here from Illinois in 2014 for better food and weather! She has worked in many different fields but always finds her way back to working with animals. Emily has a husband, 2 kids, and 2 active German Shepards. She is a member of the NOLA Dog Sports Club with Cash and Nyx and they enjoy training and competing in their spare time!