Thomas J. Armstrong, DVM

Thomas J. Armstrong, DVM, is the owner and veterinarian at State Road Animal Hospital. He graduated from the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. He worked as an associate veterinarian at a practice in Maine before purchasing State Road Animal Hospital in 1993. His goal is to educate the public about pet health care and preserve and ensure the human-animal bond. Dr. Armstrong is married to Julie, and they have three children. They also have 1½ cats; Charlie, and Izzy, who comes home on weekends from the clinic. In his free time, Dr. Armstrong enjoys spending time with his family, playing the piano, and singing.

A note from Dr. Armstrong...I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was ten years old. I have always felt a strong connection with animals and spent many hours as a youngster observing my cat's behavior and excitedly relaying those observations to my somewhat bewildered parents. I also love the problem-solving process, where answers can be found through diagnostics and plans can be made to achieve good results. I have also always had a passion to serve, a passion that I learned growing up observing my parents example as they served in Christian ministry. In my younger years, that desire to serve motivated me to explore ares like military service, teaching, and ministry. In the end, though, I returned to the pursuit of veterinary medicine, as it seemed to provide a setting where all of my interests could be put to best use. As I grew, I discovered that I had an eagerness to not only become a veterinarian, but to own an animal hospital. So, I worked very hard to learn about the sound business principles and ethics that I now try to apply in my practice. I embrace the responsibility of ownership and I love the opportunity it provides to share our vision with those I work with and those we serve.

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Laura E. Weber, DVM

Laura E. Weber, DVM is a 2006 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career in veterinary medicine 12 years ago as kennel help and has enjoyed working in every aspect of small animal practice on her way to her current position here at SRAH.  She has trained under specialists in feline medicine and veterinary cardiology as well having the opportunity to help create guidelines for Michigan’s Veterinary Emergency Network through the Department of Agriculture.  She loves speaking at local schools and community events as well as mentoring college students interested in becoming veterinarians.  Dr. Weber, her husband Steve and son Jack live with two cats, Iris and Low-boy and their dog Harrison.  In her spare time, Dr. Weber enjoys painting, singing, camping and snowmobiling.

A note from Dr. Weber...
I was first attracted to veterinary medicine after personally experiencing the strength of the human-animal bond. As a 19 year old architecture student I had recently suffered a significant loss in my life. Feeling lost and unsure of what the future held, I had no idea that a chance encounter with an animal was about to change the course of my life. I was driving on I-75 in Detroit on a snowy winter day when I saw an orange cat lying in the snow bank. I assumed the cat had been hit by a car when I saw his tail flick up. I pulled over and picked him up. Amazingly he was unharmed. Why this cat choose to lie on the side of the express way I will never understand. But I took him home and named him Helius.
Helius was a comfort and constant companion to me during a difficult time.  Through my relationship with him I became more interested in helping animals and the people that loved them. To make a long story short, I eventually changed my major in school to biology and got a kennel position at a local feline exclusive animal hospital.

I instantly felt at home in the veterinary hospital and loved the work I was doing. Unfortunately after only having Helius for 1 year, he passed away suddenly from a genetic heart condition. Even though his life was short, his influence on my life was enormous. He taught me that sometimes animals can help us in ways that the people in our life just cannot. As a result, I have committed my career to helping animal’s live long and comfortable lives so that the people who love them can enjoy their company as long as possible. I feel so fortunate to be a part of such an amazing profession and so grateful to Helius for putting me on the path to a career that I love.

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Linda, Office Manager, Veterinary Assistant, Certified Laser Therapist

Linda has worked at SRAH since 1998. She is the office manager and also assists the doctor with surgery and treatments. She loves being involved in testing and finding out the reason behind the symptoms a pet is having. It is very satisfying to her to save owners and their pets potential heartache by warding off future problems through diagnostic tests. Linda is married with 3 grown children, 2 grandchildren, and 2½ cats – Taz, Jade, and Stuart (he’s the half cat – he stays at the clinic during the week, and goes home with Linda on weekends). In her free time she likes reading, camping, and the outdoors.

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Kris, Bookeeper and Kennel Assistant

Kris has worked at State Road Animal Hospital since 2006. Her primary responsibilities are bookkeeper and kennel assistant. She loves to watch everything that goes into making a sick animal healthy again, and to see the happiness of the families when they take their well pet home again. When not working, Kris likes to travel, read, and spend time with family.

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Shashawn, Veterinary Assistant/Certified Dog Trainer

Shashawn has worked in veterinary medicine since 2002, and at State Road Animal Hospital since 2007. She loves all aspects of veterinary medicine and especially likes to educate clients on the importance of taking care of their pet’s teeth, and the relationship of dental health to overall health of the pet. ShaShawn is a Certified Dog Trainer. She has 2 children, 2 dogs and a cat. She enjoys camping with her family.

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Melissa, Licensed Veterinary Technician/Head Surgical Nurse

Melissa graduated from Baker College of Flint in 2007 with a degree in Veterinary Technology, and has been working at SRAH since 2009. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 1999. She loves all areas of the veterinary field, especially surgery. Her pets include two cats, Beau and Bella. She loves spending time with her husband and daughter.

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Lesli, Veterinary Assistant

Lesli has been employed at State Road Animal Hospital since 1989. Her primary responsibility is the lab, running blood tests, fecals, urinalyses, etc, and assisting with treatments. She is also a surgical nurse. She likes helping owners do what is best for their pets. Lesli is married, and has a dog named Sammy, a German Shorthair/Pit bull cross. She enjoys gardening in her spare time.

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Katey, Client Services Representative

Katey has been employed at SRAH since 2009. Katey is responsible for scheduling appointments, ordering food, our website, Facebook, our newsletters and answering phone calls. She enjoys seeing previously sick animals going home healthy with their happy families. Katey is married with two children and a beagle named Gracie. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hunting, and the outdoors.

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Betty, Veterinary Assistant

Betty has been employed at SRAH since 2010. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2006. Betty enjoys being with all the animals most about her job. Betty is primarily an assistant in the exam rooms, she also orders vaccines and other supplies. Betty has 2 dogs, Evie and Bob, as well as, 3 cats, Carter John, Cat, and Tesha. In her free time she enjoys movies, reading, motorcycle rides, and volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her fiancé, friends, family, and her pets.

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Cindy, Client Services Representative

Cindy started at State Road Animal Hospital in 2011. She is responsible for greeting patients, answering the phones and scheduling appointments. She enjoys helping clients and animals receive the care that they need. Cindy is married and has a Chocolate Lab named Holly. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing volleyball and hanging out at the lake.

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Jennifer Hamp, Veterinary Assistant          

Jennifer began working at SRAH in 2011. Jennifer has 4 dogs; Gretchen, Tucker, McGraw, and Max. She also has 11 cats, and 2 bunnies; Slipper and Thumper. Jennifer enjoys wildlife rescue, reading, genealogy, outdoor sports and spending time with her family. Jennifer is also pursuing a degree in veterinary technology.

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Izzy, Clinic Kitty

Izzy has lived at State Road Animal Hospital since 2003. He came here as a starving kitten adopted by the doctor’s daughter, and now makes it his job to never miss a meal – ever! He greets clients happily, especially if they are carrying treats. However, he is on a permanent diet that he cheats on every chance he gets.  All employees learn to never leave their lunch unattended, or they will no longer have a lunch. His favorite place to nap is in a paper tray at the front counter that he thinks he still fits into. On weekends, he goes home with Dr. Armstrong, and enjoys giving their other cat, Charlie, a hard time.

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Stuart, Clinic Kitty

Stuart has been at State Road Animal Hospital since 2003. He came here as a kitten, shortly before Izzy, and has never forgotten that he was here first. He lies in his basket on top of the file shelf, or draped over one of the computer monitors, and checks out everything that goes on. He likes children, and will tolerate their petting, but usually won’t let anyone else pet him for long.  He has a regal manner, and is often referred to as ‘Sir Stu’. He spends weekends with Linda, the office manager, and enjoys getting to do things he can't do at the clinic, such as getting on counters.