Meet The Team
Dr. Kelly Trichel Hudspeth, DVM
Dr. Kelly has always followed her heart—and it’s led her on a remarkable journey of service, passion, and lifelong learning. After graduating from Harrisonburg High School, she earned her first degree in Education from Louisiana Tech University in 1981. She spent the next five years teaching English and social studies, while also coaching basketball—a role that honed her leadership and deepened her connection to her community.
But she always had a calling to veterinary medicine and so she decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. While working as Campus Activities Director at LSUA, she completed her pre-requisite coursework and was accepted to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. She graduated in 1992 and immediately opened her own practice, beginning what would become a lifelong mission of caring for
animals and the people who love them.
In 1993, she married her sweetheart, and soon after became a proud mother to two daughters, born in 1994 and 1997. Over the years, Dr. Kelly has expanded her practice not just in size, but in scope—incorporating advanced therapies like hyperbaric treatment, BioSET, and acupuncture. In 2023, she opened a satellite clinic in Jena to better serve her community.
Dr. Kelly is guided by a simple but powerful principle, quoting Confucius: "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." For her, veterinary medicine isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling, and she feels honored to walk alongside pets and their families through every stage of life.
Kelly B Meyers
Senior Office Manager
Kelly B has been part of the Catahoula Veterinary Clinic family since July 2009, starting out as a veterinary assistant and growing into her role as Office Manager. She’s worked alongside Dr. Kelly for half of her veterinary career, and together they’ve shared many rewarding moments. Kelly truly loves what she does — caring for pets and the people who love them is at the heart of her work. She’s known as the clinic’s jack of all trades and always strives to make sure every client feels listened to, cared for, and supported through both the happy and challenging times.
When she’s not at the clinic, Kelly enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their three daughters — McKensie, Molly, and Morgan. Camping, especially by the beach, is a favorite family pastime. Kelly is also deeply involved in her church community at First Baptist Church Harrisonburg, where she finds joy in teaching Sunday school and sharing her faith with the kids.
Jacob Thompson
Personality Hire (and Veterinary Assistant)
JT graduated high school in 2023 and somehow ended up here—no one’s really sure how, but we’re all just rolling with it. He was hired mostly for his vibes and exceptional ability to make animals (and coworkers) laugh. He’s not a vet (don’t let the scrubs fool you), but he can hold a wiggly dog like a pro, fetch snacks with lightning speed, and confidently nod during serious conversations he only half understands.
When he’s not “supervising” clinic operations, JT enjoys long walks to the fridge, quoting movies no one else remembers, and being an honorary emotional support human to the team.
Warning: May steal your snacks and call you bruh when he denies it.
Brielle Smith
Veterinary Assistant
A proud graduate of Jena High School (Class of 2024), Brielle completed her Veterinary Assistant course in December 2024 and quickly became a valued member of the Catahoula Vet team. As the youngest on staff, she brings fresh energy, a big heart, and a deep love for animals to everything she does. Her passion for caring for pets and her pride in her hometown shine through in her work every day.
When she’s not at the clinic, Brielle enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her own furry companions. Her warmth and dedication make her a bright presence both in and out of the clinic.
Brooklyn Sharp
Receptionist
Brooklyn is a graduate of Sandy Lake Christian Academy and has been part of the Catahoula Vet team for four years. She serves as both a receptionist and veterinary assistant, combining her love for animals with her talent for making clients feel right at home. Dogs have always held a special place in her heart—they’re definitely her favorite!
When she’s not at the clinic, Brooklyn enjoys thrifting, planning her next trip, and spending time with her own pup. She’s passionate about creating a warm, welcoming experience for both pets and their people.
Siarrah Cole
Veterinary Assistant
Siarrah graduated from Jena High School in 2017 and joined the Catahoula Vet team in 2021. She is currently pursuing her associate degree in Veterinary Technology at Northwestern State University. With a lifelong love for animals, Siarrah feels right at home working in veterinary medicine.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys riding horses and spending quality time with her husband and their two-year-old daughter. Her family is her greatest joy, and she loves balancing life as a mom with a career she’s passionate about.
Siarrah is proud to be part of a team that treats every animal like family.
Debbi Smith
Receptionist
After retiring from 34 wonderful years of running her own business in South Louisiana, Debbi joined the Catahoula Vet team—and we couldn’t be happier to have her warm smile greeting our clients every day. With a heart for animals and a love for people, she brings a calming, caring presence to our front desk.
She’s been married for 22 years, is a proud mom of 3, and a joyful grandma to 8 beautiful grandchildren. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her gardening, baking, cooking up something delicious, or treasure hunting for antiques. She and her husband live on a small farm filled with love—and a whole lot of animals—including 5 dogs, 2 cats, miniature donkeys, horses, cows, a potbelly pig, chickens, ducks, and guineas.
Her kindness, experience, and passion for animals make her a perfect fit for our clinic family.
Cruze
Emotional Support Staff
One summer morning, we heard barking outside the clinic—and that bark changed everything. Cruze had been left in one of our horse stalls in the heat with no water, badly injured and scared. She had been hit by a car, leaving her back legs deformed, and had also survived being shot between the eyes. A large fish bone was even lodged between her skin and skull. Despite everything, she fought to survive.
At first, Cruze was timid, but over time, she began to trust us. We treated her injuries, spayed her, and got her healthy. With her new wheelchair, she took off—full of life and determination. Eventually, we amputated one of her damaged legs, and now she gets around just fine on her two and a half legs—no wheels needed!
Rehabbing Cruze took time, but along the way, she stole all our hearts. Today, she’s a beloved member of the Catahoula Vet Clinic family—a true survivor and a reminder of why we do what we do.
