Veterinarians
Dr. Alexandra Cheramie
Team member since 2024 Dr. Cheramie is a Louisiana native who attended LSU for both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees. After graduating from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023, Dr. Cheramie moved to Oklahoma City to complete an Exotics Internship. Dr. Cheramie has moved back home to be closer to her family and is…
Dr. Reagan Peters
Team member since 2021 Dr. Peters is from Denham Springs, LA. She graduated from Denham Springs High School in 2013. From there, she attended Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana State University for Biology and Animal Science. She graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal, Dairy, and Poultry Sciences in the Spring of 2017….
Dr. Natalie Umbach
Team member since 2019 Dr. Natalie Umbach is a long-term resident of the Ponchatoula area. She graduated Ponchatoula High in 2012 and then attended Louisiana State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal, Dairy, and Poultry Sciences. Dr. Umbach then attended LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded…
Dr. Kirsten Ganucheau
Team member since 2017 Dr. Kirsten Ganucheau is a long-time resident of the Northshore, growing up in Mandeville and attending St. Scholastica Academy in Covington. She received a Presidential Scholarship to attend The University of Southern Mississippi and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology and a Minor in Psychology. She…
Dr. Mary Beth Tamor
Team member since 2015 Dr. Mary Beth Tamor is a native of St. Bernard Parish. She is a 2008 graduate of Chalmette High School. She then attended Louisiana State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Animal, Dairy, and Poultry Sciences. In her free time, Dr. Tamor enjoys running, cycling, hiking,…
Dr. Jessica Downing
Dr. Downing has been working as a Veterinarian at since graduation in 2011. Dr. Jessica Downing is a lifelong resident of the Hammond area, where she grew up on a dairy farm. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in 2004 and then attended Louisiana State University where she graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Dairy…
Dr. Melanie Lavergne
Team member from 1998-2025 Dr. Melanie Lavergne is originally from Baker, LA. She obtained her Bachelors in Animal Science at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) in 1982 where she graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. While at SLU, she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and the 13 Club Honor Society. Dr. Lavergne later attended Louisiana State University…
Dr. William “Bill” Wheat, Jr.
Dr. William “Bill” Wheat, Jr., is a lifelong resident of the Ponchatoula – Hammond area. He graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1976 and attended Louisiana State University undergraduate school. In 1983 he graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He established Animal Care Center in May 1983 and watched its growth from the original…