Dr. Rita Jou

Veterinarian

Dr. Rita Jou grew up in San Antonio, Texas. She left Texas to complete her undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she studied Brain & Cognitive Sciences. Upon graduating from MIT in 2004, she worked in the field of human neuroscience research in Boston and New York City, until she found her passion for veterinary medicine.

Dr. Jou attended the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Massachusetts where she obtained both her Masters and Doctoral degrees. She has practiced as a small animal veterinarian in the Boston area for six years prior to her move to Texas in 2018. Dr. Jou’s clinical interests lie in preventative health, nutrition, and behavior.

In her time away from the hospital, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, which include her husband and young son, exploring all the attractions and great food that Houston has to offer.

Dr. Alan Herron

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Alan Herron was born in Southern Indiana and received his veterinary degree (DVM) from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. After graduation he worked for one year in a private AAHA hospital in Evansville, Indiana. Dr. Herron then went on to complete a two-year research fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical School. After his fellowship ended, Dr. Herron went to the Animal Medical Center in New York City and was named the Thomas-Astor Resident in Pathology in a training program that was sponsored by the Animal Medical Center, New York Zoological Society (Bronx Zoo) and The Rockefeller University. After completing his residency, he embarked on an academic career that included the University of Miami Medical School, Columbia University and Baylor College of Medicine. His research expertise is in genetically engineered mice as models to study human disease, cancer research, zoonotic diseases, and elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus. He held senior faculty appointments at the University of Miami, Columbia University and Baylor College of Medicine and had grant supported research and numerous publications in elite medical journals. He is one of two veterinarians that have been promoted to full professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

Since 2013 he has worked as a part time relief clinical veterinarian in Houston and is now joining the staff of The Rice Village Animal Hospital as a part time associate veterinarian. He enjoys routine veterinary clinical practice and the medical management of pet animals and wellness management. On a limited basis he can review histopathology through his lab at Baylor College of Medicine.

Alan and his wife Helena enjoy watching movies on the big screen, gardening, travel, eating authentic Chinese food and spending time with their two Silky Terriers.

Adrienne Turner, MBA, LVT, CVPM, SHRM-SCP

Hospital Administrator

Adrienne joined the Rice Village Animal Hospital team in March of 2016. She has an extensive background in both veterinary medicine as well as business management and has continued her educational pursuits by completing her MBA and becoming a certified human resource professional. Her focus at RVAH is to continue to foster an environment in which the team, patients and clients all thrive.

Adrienne has lived in Houston for most of her life after living in Libya, Africa as a small child. When not busy with practice management, veterinary medicine, and her education, she enjoys time with family and friends. She is the mother of three grown children and “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She is also “mom” to her three rescue pugs, Major, Daisy & MooShu.

Anita Martinez

Lead Veterinary Nurse / Assistant Practice Manager-in-training

Anita started her career in veterinary medicine in 2006. She was the Director of Pet Nursing/Veterinary Technician in her previous job and currently works as Lead Veterinary Technician/Assitant Practice Manager-in-training and is the supervisor of the kennel technicians. She is also our Safety Coordinator. Anita is a Certified Veterinary Assistant Level II. She has participated in an Emergency First Aid for Pets course, with an emphasis on CPR for animals.

She enjoys spending time with her family, most importantly her young daughter Selene. She is so excited to watch her grow! She is also going to school to obtain an Associates Degree in Animal Sciences. Anita has three pets: “Lacy,” a Pitbull Terrier; “Jasmine,” a chocolate Lab mix; and a cat named “Duncan.” In her spare time, she enjoys reading, music, kickboxing and outdoor activities.

Anita says, “I love animals and get satisfaction when helping pets. I like to have the opportunity to make a difference in any way possible!” Here she is pictured with a regular patient “Bella.”

Karen Williams

Client Service Representative

Karen, originally from Panama, moved with her parents and her sister to Connecticut in 1995. She began working in customer service and retail, but always had a passion for animals. She began working in her first veterinary hospital in September of 2001 and fell in love with the small animal practice world. She strives to give 100% every day to honor the very special bond between a pet and their owner.

She moved to Houston in 2013 and is loving the southern way of life!

In her spare time, she enjoys learning more about computer software, listening to music, playing volleyball, and snowboarding.

Karen is seen here with a very cute Rive Village Animal Hospital patient named “Cassius.”

Nancy Quinteros

Client Service Representative

Nancy was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After working in retail for some time she decided to join the RVAH team. Nancy has found a great deal of joy in working with our furry friends and their owners. Every day she looks forward to being able to help our clients and to see our patients, welcoming them with a smiling face and providing compassion and care. Nancy’s love for all animals has just continued to grow since joining our team.

Jonathan

Veterinary Assistant

Jonathan was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He moved to Houston during his junior year of high school. Upon graduating, he decided he would like to become a kennel technician because of his love for animals. When he comes to work every day, he takes great pride in knowing he makes a difference in the lives of our patients.

He says his favorite part of being a kennel technician is “getting to love on and play with so many wonderful cats and dogs.”

In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys playing soccer and video games.

Noel Oden

Veterinary Nurse

Noel has been working in the veterinary industry since 2014. She has worked in the relief world and has been able to experience a wide range of hospital protocols. She joined the team at RVAH in November of 2019 and has been working hard to advance her career through education and training. Noel is currently enrolled in school in order to obtain her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. Noel is very patient with her care and focused on Fear Free techniques as well as preventative care. In her free time, Noel enjoys being mom to her son Ezra and their 3 fur babies.

Hannah Turner

Veterinary Nurse

Bio coming soon!

Carla Chapman

Veterinary Nurse

Carla joined RVAH in January of 2020. She is a 2015 graduate of the Vet Tech Institute here in Houston and has been working in the field since graduation. Carla feels very passionate about the role of a veterinary technician and has long term goals of returning to school to complete a PhD in Zoology with a focus on research. Carla is determined to discover a new species of land animal.

When not working Carla enjoys playing video games and bowling with her husband. She is also a fan of using her computer in creative, artistic ways. Carla is the pet mom to 3 dogs, as well as a Sun Conure named Cooper.

We are excited to have Carla and her enthusiasm for veterinary nursing on our team!!

Everette Andrews

Pet Stylist

Our fantastic Pet Stylist, Everette, joined our team in September of 2019. He originally hails from Chicago and moved to Houston in 2018. When he isn’t busy getting dogs fresh and ready at work, he is home tending to his own happy family with wife Briana. They are pet parents to 2 dogs, 2 cats, a ferret, a ball python and let us not forget “Feesh” their Beta Fish. This menagerie is what makes home “HOME” for this active couple.

Everette is excited to be part of the RVAH family and looks forward to getting to know you and your pet. Feel free to throw out a great local haunt for brunch idea’s when you meet him.

Abby Lopez

Customer Service Representative & Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Kylie Roach

Office Manager

Bio coming soon!

Necole Woodson

Kennel Supervisor

Bio coming soon!

Mario Castro

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Donovan Duncan

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!