Meet the RRVH krewe
We are a friendly, compassionate team dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond.
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We are a friendly, compassionate team dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond.
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Hi! I’m Dr. Courtney Wheeler, the practice owner of River Road Veterinary Hospital. I’ve dreamt of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, dressing as a veterinarian to my school’s Career Days and spending as much time as I could with animals until I was able to attend Ross University of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated with High Honors and completed a year of clinical rotations at Colorado State University. I’ve enhanced my patient care by becoming certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture – Ask me about this therapy at your next visit!
In 2022, I was able to make my dream a reality with the purchase of River Road Veterinary Hospital and have been working diligently to refresh and progress our already wonderfully established practice with the most innovative and progressive veterinary medicine available.
My husband Chase and I welcomed our sweet baby boy, Carver, into our family in 2022. We live with our beloved yellow labs, Cadeaux and Cheerio, and our kitties, Millie and Minnie. I spend my free time with friends and family, out in the New Orleans local community, and also love equestrian sports, particularly show-jumping, with my beloved horse, Daisy!
On a personal note, I would like to thank our incredible clients for supporting Chase and I in this time of growth. As a New Orleans native, I’m thrilled to pursue my goals in providing our community with top-tier veterinary care. Together with our family partnered business, Pawlins, I believe we are bettering the lives of pets and their people.
Hey y’all! My name is Dr. Ben Brignac and I’ve had the privilege of practicing at RRVH since 2019. Growing up here in New Orleans, I spent my summers volunteering at a local animal rescue and working as a veterinary assistant until traveling to St. Kitts and attending Ross University of Veterinary Medicine and completing my clinical rotation at Colorado State University to receive my doctorate in veterinary medicine.
I enjoy community events, spending time with my dog Hazel, practicing yoga, traveling, Mardi Gras, and Saints football! Working with animals has been a passion of mine from a young age and I feel blessed to have made my aspiration to become a veterinarian a reality. It is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to help pets live their happiest, healthiest lives. Every day I appreciate getting to know my clients and witnessing the positive impact we can make on the bond they share with their pet. I’m proud to practice here at RRVH and hope to meet you and your pet soon!
Hello! I’m Dr. John Trahan. I was born here in New Orleans and grew up in Metairie. Growing up, I was always an animal lover and especially loved to visit the animals at the zoo. After getting my Animal Science degree at LA Tech, I went on to complete my veterinary degree at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. I then moved to Phoenix, AZ, for a small animal internship, and stayed there until I moved back home to Louisiana in 2022.
I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine and have a special interest in soft tissue surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. More than that, I truly value building relationships with my patients and their families. I love getting to know each animal’s personality and quirks, and I take pride in being able to provide compassionate care to them throughout their lives.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me hanging out with my wife, Ankitha, and our dog, Ruxin. He’s the best of boys! I also love spending time outdoors – whether it’s fishing, hunting, or traveling. I’ve been practicing my cooking skills lately (and the eating skills too, of course!) I’m a huge sports fan and love playing all kinds of sports, as well as cheering on my favorite teams – like the Saints, Pelicans, and LSU. I root for all Louisiana teams I see!
This spring of 2023, I joined the team at RRVH. I look forward to growing with this amazing hospital and caring for your pets!
At the heart of River Road Veterinary Hospital’s operations is our esteemed Chief Cat Operator, Lily. With her keen eye for detail and unparalleled expertise in lounging, Lily ensures that every corner of our clinic meets the highest standards of comfort and care.
Lily’s journey with us began with a diagnosis of diabetes. But, like the true boss she is, Lily took this challenge in stride. With a revamped diet and a newfound zest for a healthier lifestyle, she not only tackled her diabetes but sent it packing into remission. Her weight loss journey is nothing short of inspirational, proving that a little determination (and a lot of naps) can go a long way.
When she’s not busy overseeing clinic operations, Lily enjoys sourcing the most optimal rays of sunshine, curating an impressive collection of toys, and selflessly sharing her beautiful fur with anyone who may wish to wear it.
Don’t let Lily’s sweet nature and gentle spirit fool you; she is a tough-leader! Lily demands punctuality from her staff at RRVH, most especially when it’s meal time. In her own unique and endearing way, Lily embodies the spirit of our clinic, leaving a paw print of excellence on everything we do.
Chase is our practice manager and co-owner. He and Dr. Courtney Wheeler enjoy their time with baby Carver and their pets Cadeaux, Cheerio, Millie, and Minnie.
His favorite things about working in veterinary medicine are seeing cute lab puppies, being able to work alongside his wife, Dr. Wheeler, and managing the best team!!
As the lead tech at RRVH, Matt is a pivotal member of our team, adeptly handling the most challenging situations with skill and confidence. Known as our “Mr. Fix-it,” he plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes.
Matt shares his life with his family and their two cherished pets: Ryder, a friendly Golden Retriever, and a kitty named Swiss Roll. These furry companions add joy and warmth to his life, reinforcing his passion for animal care.
Matt’s exceptional care and expertise have made him a favorite among our clients, with many regularly requesting him for their pets’ needs!
What Matt values most about working in veterinary medicine is his ability to contribute to the healing process of animals and the positive impact it has on their human families. Matt really keeps things lively around here. With a joke always up his sleeve and stories that never fail to amuse, he’s the kind of guy who makes every day at RRVH feel less like work and more like hanging out with a good friend.
In her dynamic role, Jen oversees front-of-house operations and client relations, while ensuring the hospital’s aesthetic is lookin’ good both in-person and online. Jen’s experience as a veterinary assistant enriches her role in sculpting our digital and community presence, branding, and interior design. She also coordinates RRVH’s community events and is a firm believer in fostering a work environment where joy and professionalism go hand-in-hand.
Passionate about celebrating the team, Jen helps make each birthday, holiday, and professional recognition day memorable for the staff.
Outside of work, Jen’s life is shared with her husband Chris, and their pet family: Maple, Lucille, Stevens, Cookies, Green Phillip, and Tonka.
Her driving force in vet-med lies in the opportunity to provide compassionate care for pets. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of animals and their families remains the heart of her professional journey.
Madison is working towards her dream of becoming a veterinarian!
My favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is…
Meeting puppies and kittens and being able to watch them grow into adulthood all the way to their senior years!
She has a big beautiful pup named Koda and 3 cats named TK, Chuck, and O’Malley.
My favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is…
Helping sick babies get better and I like to be an advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves!
Lyi is the heart and soul of our front desk at RRVH. Her role as our lead CSR and the mentor for new receptionists is infused with the warmth and familiarity of an old friend. Her big, infectious laugh is a signature part of our day, bringing a sense of joy and ease to both the team and clients alike.
She shares her world with her family and their Boxer, Maggie. Together, they create a lively and loving home environment, reflective of the care and enthusiasm Lyi brings to our practice every day.
Lyi thrives on building lasting relationships with our clients and their pets. She finds immense satisfaction in following up on our patients’ progress, and nothing makes her day more than hearing about pets who are on the mend thanks to our care. Her genuine interest in each patient’s well-being and her ability to remember the subtlest details about our clients’ lives make her an invaluable part of the RRVH family.
She has two pups named Zasha and Lala!
My favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is…
Being able to bond with patients and their owners! And also being able to work alongside a great team!
Emilie has a goat named Mocha, a cat named Kiwi, and two horses, Streak and Frost!
“The thing I enjoy most about veterinary medicine is to help as many as we can and touch the lives of many pet owners and their pets as well!”
Haylie has a senior rescue chihuahua named Pixie!
My favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is…
I love meeting and playing with all the patients. i always treat them as my own
Zoe has two dogs named Sage and Zayne and a kitty named Finn!
What I love most about working with animals is…
connecting with them, and making each visit a good experience. Animals have so much love and working here allows me to make sure animals are safe and healthy to be the best companions they can be!
Torrian became a valued member of the RRVH team in October 2023. She has 3 cherished dogs named Bella, Lacey, and Chapo.
Brandon is a new member of our RRVH krewe, known for his keen interest and adeptness in veterinary dentistry. His role as a veterinary assistant is marked by a deep commitment to animal health and well-being.
Brandon’s home is a feline haven, shared with six wonderful cats: Ahsoka, Sagira, Karma, Rowena, Arthur, and Lilith. Each cat brings a unique personality and joy into his life, fueling his passion for animal care.
What Brandon finds most rewarding in his role is the opportunity to educate clients. He believes in empowering pet owners with knowledge to enhance the lives of their pets, thereby strengthening the bond between them. Brandon brings a grounded wisdom and a soothing presence to our RRVH team, making a positive impact whenever he’s here.
Maci is a cherished member of the RRVH medical team, bringing invaluable experience from her background in shelter medicine and doggy daycare. Her commitment and empathy make her a fantastic asset to our practice.
Her fur family includes Janie, a 3-year-old silver Lab mix; Poise, an 8-month-old blue pitbull; Duda, a year-old tabby; and Dooie, a one-month-old black kitten. Each of them holds a special place in her heart.
What Maci loves most about working in veterinary medicine is the opportunity to make a positive impact on animals’ lives and seeing their health improve. Maci lights up RRVH with her infectious humor and playful spirit, always eager to learn and overflowing with affection for both her teammates and our animal friends.
Joining our team with a warm heart and an ever-curious mind, Brooke is one of our newest veterinary assistants at River Road Veterinary Hospital. Her journey in veterinary medicine is fueled by a genuine passion for animal welfare, a path she began in animal rescue. This experience not only honed her skills but also deepened her compassion for our four-legged friends.
Brooke’s sidekick in life is Sweet Pea, a spirited Husky mix, who is as much a part of her journey as her love for vet med. What excites Brooke the most about working in veterinary medicine is the diversity of each day – the constant learning and the new challenges that come with each patient. Her kind-hearted nature and eagerness to absorb knowledge make her a valued member of our team.
Brooke is a testament to our commitment to compassionate, top-tier care for your pets. Every day, she brings her big heart and sharp mind to ensure your furry family members receive the best care possible.
Harlow is the beloved man responsible for keeping Pawlins and RRVH in tip-top shape!
