Meet Our Team
Alexis Willingham, DVM
Veterinarian, Practice Owner
Dr. Willingham grew up on a dairy farm in the North East Texas town of Sulphur Springs, where she was exposed to veterinary medicine at an early age. Both of her parents and her younger sister have been in the veterinary profession. She also has a sister that is involved in canine genetics research. Through vet school, she had the opportunity to do a summer rotation in Ghana, West Africa, setting up an animal welfare society and was able to complete her externship at a veterinary practice in Orbost, Australia. After graduating from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, she worked several years in a mixed animal practice north of Denton taking care of both large and small animals followed by a small animal practice in Little Elm. She and her husband, Joe, now live in Prosper with their three young boys. Dr. Willingham's veterinary interests include internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery, and endocrinology. She is also passionate about the importance of preventative medicine, feline medicine, and senior pet health.
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Pets: Nim - Female Maine Coon born in 2015
Sherlock - Male Maine Coon born in 2015
Rubie Roo - Female Border Collie born in 2016
Razzle - Male Border Collie Mix born in 2018
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Favorite Quotes:
"There are no ordinary cats." ~Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
"No one appreciates the very special genius of our conversation as a dog does." ~Christopher Marley
Taylor Sheffield, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Sheffield is a local to the DFW area. She was exposed to the field at an early age with her first job as a kennel technician, which sparked her interest in veterinary medicine. Dr. Sheffield attended Oklahoma State University for her undergraduate degree in Animal Biotechnology and Microbiology. There she learned she had a real passion for veterinary medicine and decided to pursue her doctoral degree at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating in 2022 she moved back to the area to practice in canine and feline medicine. Dr. Sheffield's veterinary interests are internal medicine, ultrasound, and senior pet health (she is a sucker for a senior). In her spare time, you can find Dr. Sheffield is either enjoying her time outside, joining a fitness class, or spending time with her family.
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Pets: Potato - Male Feline born in 2015
Jameson - Male, Deaf, Blue Heeler born in 2019
Mila - Female Australian Shepard born in 2009
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Favorite Quotes:
"Animal are such agreeable friends - they as no questions; they pass no criticisms." ~ George Eliot
Lauren Rooney, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Rooney was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas. She went to Baylor University for undergrad and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time there, she realized her love for small animals. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State in May of 2023. Her veterinary interests include ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery, geriatric care, behavioral medicine, and dentistry. She married her husband, Michael, in December of 2021. In her spare time, Dr. Rooney loves to spend time with her family, play board games, and watch movies.
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Pets: Murphy - Male Blue Merle Miniature Australian Shepherd born in 2016
Angus - Female Black Labrador Retriever born in 2021
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Favorite Quotes:
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." ~ A.A. Milne
"Whatever you do, do it well." ~ Walt Disney
Alex
Quality Control
Alex joined the team in 2018 and is a very special part of the PTAH family. Although he enjoys his visits to the lobby, Alex really excels in the moral support department and loves to oversee the day-to-day excitement in our treatment area. Alex can often by found watching our staff work, taking cat naps in his condo, and getting lots of love and pets throughout the day. However, Alex's favorite place to be is sprawled out on our lead technician Nicole's desk. Alex and Nicole share a very special bond - so much so that he gets grumpy when she's not there (it may have something to do with her spoiling him with fresh cold water from her cup)! Something you may not know about Alex is that he is a diabetic. Our staff does a great job making sure he's mindful of his treats and that he gets his insulin each day. While he's normally a pretty laid back guy, Alex tends to get frisky after a shave. If your pet is spending time in our treatment area, rest assured that Alex is keeping an eye out and making sure everything goes smoothly!
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Favorite Quotes:
"You know how it is with cats: They don't really have owners, they have staff." ~Author PC Cast
Stevie
Official Greeter
Stevie joined the PTAH team in 2019 and is the best hospital greeter. Stevie loves to spend time up front with our receptionists greeting our clients and patients when the come to visit. When she's not hard at work, she can be found napping in a sunny windowsill, perching on her cat tower or getting some extra TLC (Stevie is the best cuddler). Every now and then, Stevie will catch a case of the zoomies - she loves to speed around the office and get a little silly (as Dr. Sheffield calls it - she goes feral). While Stevie is certainly a charmer, it is important to watch your snacks around her...she's been known to try and swipe a treat when the opportunity arises! If you havent't had a chance to meet Miss Stevie before, be sure to let our staff know - she's always happy to come say hello!
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Favorite Quotes:
"My dear, I'm a cat. Everything I see is mine." !Rick Riordan
Amanda
Office Manager
Amanda has been with the PTAH Team since the doors opened in June 2013 and has worked with Dr. Willingham since 2006. Having worked in the animal industry since 1999, she has done it all from summer kennel assistant, bather, receptionist, technician, and since 2009 office manager. Amanda really enjoys working with both clients and their pets and uses all of her past experience to make PTAH a great place for our patients, their owners, and the staff. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas Tech University in 2005 and now lives in The Colony with her husband and their two little boys.
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Pets: Riley - Male Boxer Mix born in 2009
Dach - Male Long Haired Dachshund born in 2015
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Favorite Quotes:
"Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are." ~Unknown
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~Roger Caras
Nicole
Head Veterinary Technician
Nicole has been with the PTAH Team since February 2014 and has worked with Dr. Willingham since 2008. She started working in the animal industry in 2000. Her favorite place to be is up in the mountains. Her hobbies are riding her horses with her daughter and hiking with her dogs. Nicole grew up in the Prosper/ Celina area and has enjoyed watching the community grow. She lives in Celina with her husband and family.
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Pets: Danny - Mare Quarter Horse born in 2007
Sammie - Female DSH born in 2013
Gunner - Male Golden Retriever born in 2014
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Favorite Quotes:
"Out greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." ~Thomas A. Edison
Sherrie
Veterinary Receptionist, Admin Assistant
Sherrie has been with the PTAH Team since June 2014 and has worked with Dr. Willingham since 2007 when she started working in the animal industry. Sherrie grew up in Little Elm where she currently lives with her husband. She has three grown daughters and two adorable grandchildren. She enjoys reading, fishing, and watching movies during her off time.
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Pets: Harley Quinn - Female Bobtail born in 2015
Tater Tot - Male Terrier Mix born in 2021
Ramsay - Male Shih Tzu Mix born in 2022
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Favorite Quotes:
"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done." ~Lucille Ball
Courtnee
Veterinary Technician
Courtnee has been with the PTAH Team since 2016. She grew up in Little Elm and remains a local. When she isn't loving on all the fur babies at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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Pets: Bugboo - Female Shepherd Mix born in 2008
Albert - Male Basset Hound born in 2022
Leroy - Male Basset Hound born in 2023
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Favorite Quote:
"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen." ~Orhan Pamuk
Melissa
Veterinary Technician
Melissa has been with the PTAH Team since 2019. She grew up in Fredericksburg, Texas and moved to Anna in 2019. She has been working in the veterinary industry since 2016. Melissa enjoys spending her free time with her husband, 2 daughters, and 3 dogs on the lake or on their ranch in Oklahoma
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Pets: Daisy - Female Dachshund born in 2011
Marshell Wallus - Male Dachshund born in 2017
Trudy - Female German Wirehaired Pointer Mix born in 2022
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Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes in life, you gotta yee the haw, before the haw yees you." ~Unknown
Maison
Veterinary Technician
Maison has been with the PTAH team since 2021. She was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri until 2013 when her and her family moved to Lavon, Texas. She started working in the animal field in 2019 and has loved it ever since. She's currently a student at Collin College. She spends her free time with her son and hanging out with friends and family.
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Pets: Ruger - Male German Shepherd born in 2022
Boots - Males Tuxedo DSH born in 2023
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Favorite Quote:
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France
Megan
Kennel Technician, Technician Assistant
Megan joined the PTAH team in 2021. Born and raised here in the Dallas area, Megan always had a special calling to give animals a genuine sense of compassion and care. Graduating from Prosper High School, Megan was a part of the veterinarian programs offered at her school. After graduating, she has continued to develop and learn new skills to give all pets care and attention. Megan is blessed to go home to her golden doodle, Piper June who never leaves her side and always cheers her up. She is so proud to be working at PTAH and continues develop her skills and give love to all the fur babies! Count on her to give your pets all the hugs and calming pep talks!
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Pets: Piper June - Female Golden Doodle born in 2021
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Favorite Quote:
"This too shall pass." ~Abraham Lincoln
Amanda
Veterinary Technician (Remote)
Amanda has been with the PTAH team since 2021. She grew up in California and moved to Texas for her husband's job. After 2 years in Texas, fate took her back to California where she continues to work remotely for PTAH. Amanda attended the PIMA Veterinary Assistant Program in San Diego. She started working as a veterinary technician in 2014. She has always had a passion for helping animals and loves working in the veterinary field. In her spare time, she loves hiking, going to the beach, horseback riding, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
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Pets: Wilson - Gelding Thoroughbred born in 2007
Gizmo - Female Terrier Mix born in 2013
Bruce - Male Dachshund Mix born in 2015
Jackson - Male DSH born in 2015
Chibs - Males DSH born in 2020
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Favorite Quote:
"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog." ~M. K. Clinton
Alicia
Head Veterinary Receptionist
Alicia has been with PTAH since 2022 after relocating from California with her husband and cats. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from William Jessup University. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and crafting.
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Pets: Wally - Male Orange Tabby born in 2022
Ahsoka - Female Siamese born in 2022
Miso - Male Maine Coon Mix born in 2022
Sabine - Female Lynx Point Siamese born in 2023
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Favorite Quote:
"One cat just leads to another." ~Ernest Hemingway
Michael
Veterinary Technician
Michael joined the PTAH team in 2022. He has been working in the veterinary field since 2000. If Mike is not busy with his twins, or fishing, he is reading to the kids at his wife's elementary school as the pirate Captain No Beard.
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Pets: Shasha - Female Golden Retriever born in 2010
Shadow - Female DSH born in 2022
Smokey - Male Russian Blue born in 2021
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Favorite Quote:
"Life is too short to be angry." ~Unknown
Aubrey
Kennel Technician, Student
Aubrey has been with the PTAH team since 2022. She has an interest in veterinary medicine and hopes to pursue a career in this field once done with school. She is currently taking veterinary classes offered at her high school. She is very involved with FFA.
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Pets: Iris - Female Siberian Husky born in 2014
Elsa - Female Siamese Mix born in 2014
Ghost - Male Siberian Husky/ Malamute Mix born in 2016
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Favorite Quote:
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~A. A. Milne
Rachel
Veterinary Technician
Rachel joined the PTAH team in 2023. She grew up in Tennessee on 8.5 acres and moved to Texas in 1994 and started working in the veterinary industry in 2002. Rachel was heavily involved in FFA and Animal Science all through out her school years. Animals of any kind have been her passion since she was little. She made a dream come true when she received her wildlife rehabilitation license in 2011 through Texas Parks & Wildlife. She devotes her time during the day to loving on and caring for everyone's fur babies and at night rehabbing the wild ones in need and releasing them when it's time. In her spare time she loves being with her kids and going camping, hiking, fishing, and really anything outdoors in nature.
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Pets:
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Favorite Quote:
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France
"If we teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love." ~Steve Irwin
Samantha
Veterinary Receptionist
Samantha has been with the PTAH team since 2023. She was born and raised in San Diego, California and moved to Texas in 2023. She has been in the veterinary medicine field since 2018. Her goal in this field is to be in a management position. She married her husband in 2021 and they welcomed their baby girl in 2022. Sam is a beach girl at heart, loves to be outdoors, and loves to hang out with her daughter.
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Pets: Malibu - Male Golden Retriever born in 2014
Willow - Female Chow Chow/ Husky Mix born in 2018
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Favorite Quotes:
"In bad times and in good, I've never lost my sense of zest for life." ~Walt Disney
Jentrie
Veterinary Technician
Jentrie has been with the PTAH team since 2023. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with animals and took classes in high school to obtain her CVA certification. She is now studying for her LVT through Penn Foster online school. Jentrie grew up in different cities east of Dallas and in Lewisville, and now lives in McKinney with her boyfriend and her pets. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, exploring the outdoors and baking.
Pets: Frankie - Female Maltipoo born in 2016
Finley - Male Maltipoo born in 2016
Faye - Female DSH born in 2023
Jupiter - Female DSH born in 2023
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Favorite Quote:
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." ~Dolly Parton
Alyssa
Kennel Technician, Student
Alyssa joined the PTAH team in 2024. She is a senior at Prosper High School, working at the clinic through the Vet Practicum CTE program to gain experience in animal care. She plans to major in Wildlife Biology once she graduates. Outside of work, Alyssa like hiking, bird watching, archery, and reading.
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Pets: ​
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Favorite Quote:
Maddie
Kennel Technician, Student, Seasonal
Maddie has been with the PTAH team since 2023. She is a senior at Prosper High School and a dual-credit student at Collin College. She is currently doing all the veterinary classes available at her high school, and she will be attending Texas Tech in the fall, majoring in Animal Science. She hopes to go to vet school to become a veterinarian. In her free time, she likes to spend time with friends and be outside.
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Pets: Abby - Female Golden Retriever born in 2013
Ranger - Male Orange Tabby born in 2016
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Favorite Quote:
"Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase." ~Unknown
Hope
Veterinary Technician Assistant, Student, Seasonal
Hope has been with the PTAH Team since March 2020. She has always loved animals and has always known that she wants to be a Veterinarian. Hope is currently completing her undergraduate at Texas A&M University. Outside of work, Hope enjoys relaxing on the beach and spending time with her friends.
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Pets: Violet - Female Yorkie born in 2014
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Favorite Quote:
"Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just illusions." ~ Micheal Jordan