MEET OUR TEAM!
Dr.James Brown DVM
Dr. James Brown was born and raised on a dairy farm in Frankston, Texas. He earned his Associate’s Degree from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens before continuing his education at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated in 1992.
After practicing in East Texas for three years, Dr. Brown purchased Lake Palestine Animal Hospital in 1995. In January 2003, he proudly opened a new, larger facility to better serve the community.
Dr. Brown is deeply dedicated to serving the local community and providing outstanding veterinary care to clients and their pets. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 3 Rivers Veterinary Medical Association, East Texas Veterinary Medical Association (ETVMA), and the TVMA Grievance & Ethics Committee.
He and his wife, Nancy, have two children, Casey and Laura. Their family includes four dogs and one cat.
A message from Dr. Brown to the community:
“I would like to thank our community for its continued support and its help in making us the clinic that we are today. We continue to strive to provide the utmost professional care and services for you and your family. It has been my honor to work with so many valued clients over the years and I hope for many more years of continued service. Thank you.”
Dr.Kimberly Hockenbrocht, DVM (aka Dr.H)
Dr. Hockenbrocht grew up in Killeen, Texas. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University and went on to graduate from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2018.
She began her career at Lake Palestine Animal Hospital immediately after vet school, and we’re proud to have her as part of our team. Dr. Hockenbrocht has made Frankston her home with her husband Austin. She loved it so much, her parents moved here too!
Her furry family includes several dogs—her favorite being Hookah—a cat named Tater Tot, and multiple Nigerian Dwarf goats. Dr. Hockenbrocht loves spending time outdoors, adventuring with her family and pets.
Nancy Brown - Manager
Nancy, wife of Dr. Brown, has been a cherished part of the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital family for many years. They have been married for 38 years and have two children who have both graduated from college.
Nancy serves the clinic as both a receptionist and manager, helping to keep everything running smoothly and ensuring a welcoming experience for every client.
She and Dr. Brown share their home with four beloved pets: Tater and Max, their Chinese Pugs; Sonnie, a blue Heeler; and Kibble, their cat.
Sonia Whitworth, CVBL - Office Manager
Sonia joined the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital team in January 2009 and has been dedicated to the veterinary field for more than two decades. She attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, and Western Career College in Stockton, California. Her passion for veterinary medicine began in her early twenties and has continued to grow throughout her career. Most recently, Sonia earned her Certified Veterinary Business Leader (CVBL) certification through the NAVC.
She began her journey at LPAH as a Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist before stepping into the role of Office Manager in 2013. Today, she helps keep the hospital running smoothly while making sure every client and patient receives the compassion, attention, and care they deserve. Sonia strongly believes in the human-animal bond and understands that pets are so much more than animals—they're family!
Outside of the clinic, Sonia enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. She lives in Jacksonville with her husband, two bonus kids, and a lively collection of animals that includes four dogs, two cats, a one-armed lemur named Nani Luna, and whatever else she happens to bring home! There's never a dull moment in her household!
Laura Byrd - Office Assistant
As the daughter of Dr. Brown and Nancy, Laura has always been part of the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital family. She officially joined the team full-time in May 2016 after earning her Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Houston. She went on to complete her Master’s degree in Healthcare Management in August 2017.
As an office assistant, Laura plays a key role in supporting both our clients and team—helping with daily operations and handling payroll.
In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at home with family and friends. Laura lives in Frankston with her husband, Rick, New baby Cole, and their two pets: Bentley, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Lizzie, a playful gray tabby cat.
Mindy Miller - LVT
Mindy first joined Lake Palestine Animal Hospital in 2002. Originally from Tennessee, she graduated from Austin Peay State University with a B.S. in Biology in 2000. She began her career as a zookeeper at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler before joining our team in July 2002.
In 2009, Mindy took some time to move back home and care for her family but happily returned to the clinic in 2016. Continuing her dedication to veterinary care, she graduated from Dallas College in 2021 and earned her Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) license in 2022.
When she’s not at work, Mindy loves spending time outdoors—hunting, fishing, and riding four-wheelers. She lives in Chandler with her husband, Randy, along with their four Labrador Retrievers and their cat, Fishsticks.
Emily Honea - LVT, Lead Technician
Emily, a native of East Texas, recently graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Tyler Junior College in May.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and golfing with her husband, Chance. The couple recently purchased a home in Chandler, where they live with their sweet pups: Journey, a German Shepherd/Husky mix; and Kimber, a Cane Corso.
Kelly Parker - Veterinary Assistant
Kelly has been a valued member of our team since 2006, bringing 18 years of experience working with both large and small animals. She plays an important role as an assistant, providing compassionate care across a variety of cases.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending quality moments with her daughter. She lives in Chandler with her daughter and their beloved pets.
Jessica Taylor - Veterinary Assistant
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Jessica proudly served seven years in the Arizona National Guard before following her passion for veterinary medicine. She earned her Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) credential and has spent the past eight years building her experience in the veterinary field, beginning her career in Emergency Veterinary Medicine in Mesa, Arizona.
In 2020, Jessica relocated to Texas with her family and officially joined the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital team in January 2022.
Jessica now calls Frankston home, where she stays busy loving on her six pets: two dogs, JackJack and Twix; three cats, Yoda, Anakin, and Obi-Wan; and a bearded dragon named Tumbleweed!
Emily Pickett - Veterinary Assistant
Emily joined the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital team in the summer of 2022. She is currently working toward her Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification through Dallas College.
Emily has a deep love for animals and brings that passion to her work every day. When she’s not at the clinic or studying, you can find her riding her horse or spending time with her goats and her dogs, Scout & Buck.
Cash Campbell - Kennel Technician
Cash became part of the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital team in January 2011. A 2009 graduate of Frankston High School, he has been a familiar and friendly face at the clinic for many years.
Cash has a natural connection with animals and takes pride in helping make the clinic feel like a home away from home for every pet.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and watching movies. He currently lives in Frankston with his dog, Izzy.
Casey Brown - Kennel Technician/Cremation Technician
Casey is the son of Dr. Brown and Nancy and has been part of the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital family since day one—growing up around the clinic and learning the ropes firsthand. After graduating high school, he officially joined the team and continues the family tradition of caring for animals.
In his spare time, Casey enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Keira.
Sabra Perigo - Groomer
Sabra joined the Lake Palestine Animal Hospital team in July 2010. With over 16 years of grooming experience, she is skilled in working with all breeds and styles of both dogs and cats. Her top priority is to ensure every pet—and their owner—has a great experience.
Sabra began her career early, working as a bather for her mother at just 13 years old. Her love for animals, especially dogs, quickly grew, and by the age of 18, she became a full-time groomer after graduating high school.
She now lives in Jacksonville with her husband, Daniel, and their three children: Gemma, Natalie, and Jenson.
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