Our friendly Client Relation Specialists 

                     welcome you to Ruidoso Animal Clinic.

Lindsay Salas was born and raised in Ruidoso.  After attending college in Dallas, TX, she returned to New Mexico where she worked as a receptionist and Office Manager at an Albuquerque veterinary hospital.  After 6 years, she returned to Ruidoso and was immediately appointed Practice Manager for the Ruidoso Animal Clinic.  Lindsay is married and has a beautiful daughter named Sofia.

I'm Bre Justiss, Client Relations Specialist.  I was born and raised in Shamrock, Texas.  I attended the University of Texas at Arlington and Oklahoma Panhandle University where I studied Elementary Education.  My husband and I recently moved to the Ruidoso area after he accepted the Capitan Head Varsity Football Coach position.  We are very excited to be a part of this community, and I am especially excited to be working here at Ruidoso Animal Clinic.

Nancy Smith, Client Relations Specialist, joined Ruidoso Animal Clinic in the fall of 2009.  Nancy, a retired registered nurse, was a long-time client prior to joining the staff. She currently has 8 rescued dogs and 3 rescued cats and writes dog and cat bios for an animal rescue foundation.

Lesley Byrd, Client Relations Specialist, grew up all over New Mexico including Ruidoso. She graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies. Lesley worked for The US Forest Service and Big Brothers Big Sisters before coming to work at Ruidoso Animal Clinic. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kiddos as well as gardening, being outdoors, and playing with her two dogs.

Our skilled veterinary assistants are ready to provide support to doctors, patients and clients.

Hi, my name is Deb Kearney and I am a Registered Veterinary Technician.  I have been at Ruidoso Animal Clinic since May 2005, when I moved to Ruidoso from Grand Rapids, MI. 

Originally from the Detroit area, I graduated from Macomb County Community College with honors in 1978, earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science/Veterinary Technician.  I went on to work at various veterinary practices, including a year at Michigan State University Veterinary Clinical Center.  I married a veterinarian in 1980 and together we started a practice in Grand Rapids.  In 1997 we divorced and I spent seven years as a Surgical Scrub Technician for nine ophthalmologists at an outpatient surgical center.  Missing my true calling of working with animals and the long time desire to move west, brought me to Ruidoso Animal Clinic and New Mexico.  When not working, I enjoy the great outdoors, reading, shopping and spending time with my 2 cats, Monty and Milo.

Cynthia Thompson, Outpatient Services Coordinator.  Originally from Dallas, Texas, I attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and then moved to Lincoln County, NM in 1980.

 I came to work for Dr. Willard in June 2004.  I am from a ranching family and have had horses, dogs, cats, and farm animals all my life. Now I have a spotted mule named Henry who thinks he's a dog.  Dr. Willard has been our veterinarian since I moved to New Mexico and I have always admired and respected him. I really enjoy my work at Ruidoso Animal Clinic. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to help promote preventative healthcare as well as help owners gain a better understanding of treatments for their sick or injured animals. I look forward to each day at Ruidoso Animal Clinic, working with people and their special pets.

Abel Guzman is Inpatient Services Coordinator and head animal caretaker here at Ruidoso Animal Clinic.  Abel came to us in August of 2003 after four years of experience grooming and caring for registered Collies, Shelties, Pomeranians and Kerry Blue Terriers. Abel is a proud graduate of Ruidoso High School.  He is in charge of all nursing care, hospital maintenance and handling difficult patients. Recently married, Abel is a real asset to our staff and we are lucky to have someone of his abilities.

Joel Romero came to Ruidoso from Hood River, Oregon.  He was raised in the northwest and in his formative years was active in soccer at Hood River County High School.  Joel was named All District in 6A soccer his senior year and graduated from high school in the upper 1/3 of his Class of 2007.  He has enjoyed various jobs his entire youth and today works as animal and surgical assistant at the Ruidoso Animal Clinic.  When Dr. Willard met Joel, he interviewed and hired him on the spot.  Joel has 3 sisters and a brother, and has always had a small dog and cat as pets growing up.  Joel attends ENMU Ruidoso part-time majoring in pre-veterinary medicine.  His goal is to attend college and play on a soccer team.  Joel continues to amaze the entire Ruidoso Animal Clinic staff with his many talents.