Education: SUNY College Environmental Science & Forestry, Oklahoma State University

Dr. Barbara Braziel’s undergraduate degree is from SUNY College Environmental Science & Forestry in wildlife Biology & Forestry. After retiring from the Dallas Police Department, she returned to school to receive her veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Braziel lives with her husband Curtis and all of their many furred and feathered children in Cooper. She actively donates her time to several rescues treating heartworm disease and she also volunteers with CASA, a Court Appointed Special Advocate or guardian dedicated to America’s most vulnerable children, speaking up for their best interests.

Fear-Free Certified, Level II
Education: Texas A&M University

Dr. Kristen Decker received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in December 2008. In 2009 she returned to Texas A&M to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2013.

Dr. Decker grew up in the Union Valley area and attended the Royse City ISD schools. She was first employed by Country Friends when she was in high school and worked during her school breaks until halfway through veterinary school. She returned to Country Friends in 2015 and has enjoyed being a part of the family ever since.

In her free time, Dr. Decker enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending church, playing recreational sports, traveling, and reading. She has 2 four-legged friends: Addie, an American Cocker Spaniel, and Ava, a rescue Border Collie mix. She recently completed a Certificate of Ministry through Highlands College out of Birmingham, Alabama.

Fear-Free Elite Certified, Level III
Education: Texas A&M University

Dr. Robin Westwood graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995 with a bachelor’s in veterinary science and in 1998 with her doctorate in Veterinary medicine. She has enjoyed being around animals her entire life and knew when she was in 6th grade that she would be a veterinarian. Since graduating from high school she has been in and around veterinary medicine in some way shape or form. She has worked every job in a veterinary hospital from receptionist, kennel attendant, and veterinary technician to finally veterinarian and practice owner. She is married to her college sweetheart Craig, a Plano firefighter, and mom to her 4 daughters. Her passion has always been animals but in the last 15 years, she has realized she has a passion for people as well. Dr. Robin Westwood joined the staff of CFVC in January 2007 and then took the big jump from a veterinarian to veterinary business owner in 2013 when she became the proud owner of Country Friends Veterinary Clinic. It has been an endeavor filled with change, challenges, fear, excitement, and never a dull moment. She enjoys spending time with her family, teaching and learning from her girls, being a wife to Craig, being outdoors in the quiet of nature riding and eventing on her trusty steed, Romeo, gardening, reading, learning new things, problem-solving, and spending time with God.

She is active with the United States Eventing Association and the Lakepoint Rockwall Church. Her memberships include Dallas County Medical Association (DCVMA), Texas State Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

Fear Free, Level II
Education: University of Missouri

Dr. Anna Stewart was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. She has always loved animals and developed a passion for medicine as she spent time working in veterinary clinics while obtaining her bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2013. Her favorite part of practicing medicine is creating relationships with clients and their pets. She loves to help owners foster a happy and healthy environment where their pets can thrive. There is also nothing more rewarding than having an animal come in sick and sending them home happy and healthy!

Dr. Stewart and her husband Ryan have a daughter and a Catahoula mix named Auggie. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, anything outdoors, reading, baking and traveling.

Education: Oklahoma State College
Fear-Free Certified

Dr. Richardson graduated from Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She had her introduction to veterinary medicine in high school, volunteering at Country Friends. Eventually, she came on staff and worked at the clinic for several years during college. After veterinary school, she worked at a general practice near Austin, TX. Additionally, she volunteered to do spays/neuters at the local shelter. She sees dogs and cats but will also occasionally see exotic pets as well.

During her off time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking. She also has a passion for traveling and seeing new places. She has 2 dogs, a Jack Russell Terrier and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are both very active and love traveling as well.

Education: Tarleton State University
Fear-Free Certified

About 30 years ago, Rhonda moved to North Texas and loves living and working here (y’all are good people!). Rhonda loves being with her family and friends in the area and often travels to spend time with those who don’t. She also has a passion to learn, volunteer, and dig for rocks.

Having experience with fostering both cats and dogs, Rhonda loves sharing how amazing the human-animal bond is. CFVC’s clinic cat, Autumn, loves spending time getting loved on by her chosen human, Rhonda. She expresses gratitude for being a part of the wonderful Country Friends community, “We are an amazing group of people. We are intentional in our focus to practice best medicine with exceptional experiences. We are motivated by our love for animals and you, their families. We’re here for you. I want you to know that we truly have a passion for pets and people!”

Fear-Free Certified, Level II
Client Service Representative Certified

Cynthia grew up in Texas and loves the fall and winter weather. She has a toddler, TWO on the way, a fantastic husband, a dog, and three kitty cats.

We’re not sure how she has extra time, but when she does, she enjoys mystery novels and spending time with her family.

Cynthia loves how family-oriented CFVC is! She also added, “I have grown up around many kinds of animals and love all of them for their individual personalities. Every pet is unique in its own way, and I love getting to know each of them!”

Fear-Free Elite Certified, Level III
Client Service Representative Certified

Lisa has 19 years of experience in client service- and we’re happy to add that 7 of those years she’s been here with us at Country Friends! (We love that so many of our clients and their pets are known by her)

She has always been a part of this community and loves her life here. She is married to Steve, and together their family includes Steve’s son, two horses, a dog (Bella), and Sasha, their cat. When Lisa is not here, she loves spending time with her family and friends.

Fear-Free Certified, Level III
Client Service Representative Certified

Nikki says she got a ride to Texas about 13 years ago and has never wanted to live anywhere else (her southern accent fits right in)! She’s married and has two children (who are also married) and two fur babies Maltipoos, Remi, and Gracie.

When asked about Country Friends Nikki said, “Country Friends are my family.” Nikki loves spending time with her family and getting away to the beach.

Fear-Free Elite Certified, Level III

Laney has been born and raised in Texas. She graduated from Royse City High School and is now in school to be a licensed technician (LVT). She then has the goal to continue her education to become a farrier in addition to equine dentistry school. Laney showed animals and was very active in FFA throughout her HS years.

Laney has two dogs, a black lab, and a Great Pyrenees. She also loves to travel with her family.

Laney loves working at CFVC. She said, “We are like one big family, we care about each animal that comes into the clinic. I love the learning opportunities that I have here!”

Fear-Free Elite Certified, Level III

Traci comes from South Texas, graduated with her technician degree in 2014, and earned her title of LVT here at Country Friends. She’s looking forward to finishing her bachelor’s degree in 2023, in Veterinary Technology at Tarleton State University.

In her free time, Traci enjoys following Houston Astros and Texans, knitting, and possibly creating something new in the kitchen. Traci also has three dogs, and multiple creatures including three dogs, snakes, lizards, tarantulas, and sugar gliders.

Thinking of the future, Traci says, “Eventually Clint and I would like to own our own pet boarding facility, sports bar around the area, or maybe both so we can spend more time traveling.”

Fear-Free Certified

Jenny graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries. She went to Cedar Valley College to obtain her technician’s license. She has worked with exotics, large, and small animals.

In her free time, Jenny enjoys riding horses and focuses on three-day eventing. She has two horses, two dogs, three cats, three chickens, a snake, and a mini donkey.

Fear-Free Certified, Level II
Team Leader and Machine and Equipment Manager

Brandi has been in animal services for 10+ years, eight of which have been here with Country Friends. Her interest in animal care stems from her compassion and passion for animal advocacy. Most recently Brandi has accepted the position within the clinic of Machines, Equipment, and Maintenance Supervisor and we are so grateful for her skills in keeping our important medical resources running smoothly! In the future, Brandi is looking forward to obtaining additional certifications. Brandi adds, “Country Friends has a family atmosphere.”

Brandi is married to BJ and together they have their daughter Lydia, two dogs, and four cats (three of those cats came home with her from Country Friends and one was a stray rescue). If she finds “free time,” Brandi enjoys the creation process in a variety of arts and crafts.

Fear-Free Elite Certified, Level III
Team Leader

Ashley owns three cats, two dogs but is also the proud owner of a hedgehog and bearded dragon- she loves working with exotics.

Ashley’s bachelor’s degree is in Animal Science, and she is currently working on becoming a licensed technician (LVT). She plans on furthering her education in vet med by applying to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine school to become a DVM.

Fear-Free Certified, Level II

Candice is born and raised in Texas gal. She’s a true blue fan of the Cowboys and enjoys watching the games with her family (Husband, two sons and one daughter)! Candice also loves nature, sitting outside in the evenings with the lamps and listening to nature.

When asked about Country Friends Candice replied, “I love working here because we are appreciated for our hard work. We’re also like family, all of us, the employees, the fur-babies, and clients also.”

Fear-Free Certified

Texas has been Savannah’s home her entire life. She loves the variety found here- beaches, deserts, hills, valleys, and sometimes snow!

Savannah was recently married and built a tiny house with her husband. Together they have an Australian Cattle dog named Honey and a Beagle named Beans. She loves singing at her church!

Savannah said, “We have a lot of fun at Country Friends, and everyone cares so much about each cat and dog, making sure that their visit is Fear Free and enjoyable. I love learning new things, getting help, and being a part of some pretty cool things.”

“Everyone at Country Friends is so kind and it’s a great learning environment! I feel very welcomed and so grateful to be here and to be given this opportunity to start my career path!”

Fear-Free Certified

Ashlee is a born and raised Texan that has spent most of her life here in Hunt County and has always had pets in the family- in fact, they have had horses, chickens, reptiles, cats and lots of dogs sharing space on their 10-acre property. All of these furry and non-furry pets have been rescued and now they lovingly refer to their land as “The Last Chance Ranch.”

Ashlee has enjoyed sports and playing several instruments when she played in the school band and now travels when possible, gardening, and collecting plants. She likes to believe that she has a green thumb- but admits that is far from the truth!

She’s always had a big heart helping animals so it is only natural that she found her spot here at Country Friends. Whether Ashlee’s working at CFVC or bringing her pets in for check-ups this place will always be close to her heart and as she said, “the team here is amazing and cares so much about our fur babies and their well-being. I’m more than happy and proud to say that I work at such an amazing clinic!”

A life-long resident of Rockwall County, Texas, Autumn started her life with three legs and a deformed fourth (lovingly referred to as “Chicken Wing”). It was love at first sight when Dr. Robin Westwood met Autumn and immediately she was brought in as a part of our Country Friends Veterinary Clinic team!

Autumn has the highest of standards in pet care- she advocates for vaccines, having pets spayed and neutered, and regular health exams for preventative care. She believes in keeping things pawsitive!

Currently Autumn is enrolled in Purrr College where she is studying the latest strategies in manipulating humans to become an expurrrt in the field with an emphasis on training other clinic cats in the following CATegories: “Treats and Other Important Necessities”, “Paws to Training Humans” and “Ruling the World for Dummies”