Meet the Team
Our Veterinary Team
Ron Hooley, DVM
Dr. Ron Hooley is a general practitioner with advanced certification in Canine Rehabilitation and a co-founding veterinarian of River Trail Animal Hospital. He has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1989.
A native of Enid, Poteau, and then Edmond, Oklahoma, Dr. Hooley says his family was among the original Oklahoma homesteaders during the Land Run of 1889. "I spent summers working on my family's farm in the panhandle of Oklahoma, where I developed a love of caring for and treating the animals," he says. "In high school, I began working for a veterinary practice in Edmond. I spent most of my days in the kennels taking care of pets, but loved being around the veterinary practice. I eventually advanced to veterinary assistant in the hospital and spent time assisting in surgery. I felt then that I had found my true calling and began my efforts to go to veterinary school."
For his undergraduate studies Dr. Hooley attended Oklahoma State University where he worked for all four years in the Animal Nutrition Department as a laboratory assistant and earned Honor Roll every semester. In 1985 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Later that year he entered Oklahoma State University's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. He graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1989.
Dr. Hooley's areas of professional interest include internal medicine and gastroenterology. In 2009 he earned accreditation in Canine Rehabilitation. Now that he's a veterinarian, Dr. Hooley says, "Just like the first week I ever walked into a veterinary office, every time I go into the clinic I'm excited to see all the patients and their owners. I love the happy patients I get to see every day."
Dr. Hooley's personal interests include riding road and mountain bikes as well as sailing, scuba diving, aquarium reef keeping, and camping.
Roddy Roberts, DVM
Dr. Roddy Roberts is a general practitioner and a co-founder of River Trail Animal Hospital.
A native of Tulsa, Dr. Roberts says, “I grew up in a mixed rural/urban environment, but I was always outdoors. I also spent some summers with my grandfathers – one had a farm in Texas and the other a ranch in Colorado – I spent quite a bit of time around livestock as well as our many household pets, which made it seem like the natural thing to want to spend my life around animals and caring for them. From wildlife to the family companion, animals made me want to be part of that.”
Dr. Roberts attended Oklahoma State University for his undergraduate studies where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine in 1982. In 1986 he graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Roberts’ areas of professional interest include allergy, internal medicine, and surgery. He also holds postgraduate training in hepatic and pancreatic diseases. Now that he’s a veterinarian, Dr. Roberts says, “I really enjoy striving to make the life of your pt the healthiest and happiest it can be. I love continually learning and growing as a veterinarian. The trust you give me is one of the greatest gifts I can receive.”
He and his wife Joanie have two daughters named Miranda and Hannah, both are married, and a son named Boone. The family also has a mixed breed named Finn.
Dr. Roberts adds, “My deepest drive is to serve God and others as a Christian man.” When Dr. Roberts isn’t at River Trail Animal Hospital he is in his wood and metal shops and here lately he has been working on building a ‘hotrod’ truck!
Paula Monroe, DVM
Dr. Paula Monroe made a decision in high school that she stuck to, and that was to become a veterinarian. It was a great choice. Dr. Monroe was named Veterinarian of the Year by the Tulsa Humane Society in 2007, and was featured in the Tulsa People Magazine pet issue in 2008 and 2009.
"I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in the medical field in some way," she said. "I decided in high school because of my love for animals." Dr. Monroe grew up in Kiefer, Oklahoma. "We always had animals of all kinds, from the traditional dogs, cats, chickens and turtles to the not-so-common, including a crow named Crawford and a squirrel named Curley." Right after high school she worked at Jenks Veterinary Hospital as a kennel technician her first summer out of high school.
Dr. Monroe earned an Associate's Degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 1993. She was named an Oustanding Alumnus at her college's 2015 alumni conference.
"Each summer home from college I worked at a veterinary hospital, including Jenks, Alta View and Veterinary Medical Center, all of which were in the Tulsa area," she said.
In 1996 she earned her DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University. While in school Dr. Monroe was elected President of the student chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and she received a proficiency award from the AAFP in feline medicine and surgery during her senior year. Dr. Monroe has a special interest in feline medicine and surgery, pain management, geriatrics and hospice care.
"People seem to feel so helpless when their pet is sick or hurt. It's a great feeling to be able to alleviate some of that anxiety and help the owner make their pet well again," Dr. Monroe said. "I also really enjoy helping people take care of their elderly pets so they live as long as possible and are comfortable, happy and healthy in their senior years."
Dr. Monroe is an active member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
She has completed the North American Veterinary post-graduate Institute in the following disciplines: Feline Medicine and Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. She has completed training in the Advanced Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the Animal Dental Training Center and an advanced course in Feline Ultrasound at Sound Technologies.
Dr. Monroe was on the board of the American Association of Feline Practitioners 2015 – 2022. She served as president in 2018. She was on the AAFP’s feline welfare committee from 2008 – 2020 and served as chair 2011 – 2020. During that time she participated in the subcommittees that created the original position statements on “Environmental Enrichment for Cats”, “Hospice Care in Cats”, and “The use of Positive Reinforcement for Desired Behavior in Cats” which have each been published in the AAFP Journal. She was also on the welfare committee for the AVMA representing the AAFP for 4 years.
Dr. Monroe and her husband share their home with four amazing cats, Kalani, Ti’Amo, Flip, and Bocelli. Dr. Monroe enjoys working out, mountain biking and spending time at the lake with her husband. She is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Inola. She joined River Trail in April of 2012.
Amy Copeland, DVM
For as long as she can remember, Dr. Copeland's mother (a former veterinary technician) instilled a love of animals and medicine in Dr. Copeland in their Yukon, Oklahoma home. From a young age, she knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian, but was afraid that certain aspects of veterinary medicine would be emotionally difficult.
All this changed in high school when her family took in a puppy named Rocky whom, unbeknownst to Dr. Copeland and her family, had serious health issues. She and her family worked closely with their veterinarian to treat Rocky, but he unfortunately passed away. The heartbreak Dr. Copeland felt was accompanied with a surprising sense of peace. She knew they had done everything humanly possible, had alleviated Rocky's pain and suffering, and had given him a wonderful (albeit short) life. This eventually gave her the push to become a veterinarian. Her earlier fears were silenced as she learned that there will be sad times and that she will not be able to cure every patient, yet there will always be something that she can do to help every animal she meets and their humans as well.
After high school, Dr. Copeland attended the University of Oklahoma where she received her bachelor's degree in zoology. While an OU, Dr. Copeland was an Oklahoma State Regents' Academic Scholar and an OU President and Dean's Honor Roll student. For her academic excellence, she was acknowledged by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key Societies. After her undergraduate studies, Dr. Copeland went to Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. While at veterinary school, she was on the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Science President and Dean's Honor Roll.
Dr. Copeland is a "self-described nerd." She enjoys embracing the challenge of learning new things in order to keep up with the ever-evolving and improving field of veterinary medicine. She says, "It is never dull and I get to practice such a broad spectrum of medicine from pediatrics, geriatrics, wellness, surgery, emergency, endocrinology, radiology, ultrasonography, and so much more." Her intense curiosity comes with the added benefit of meeting a variety of interesting, caring pet owners and their equally amazing, loving and entertaining fur children along the way. Dr. Copeland's greatest professional veterinary interests are dermatology, pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine, and wellness & preventative medicine.
Dr. Copeland and her husband Brock share their home with their children Joslyn and kai, a pit bull named Loki, a Catahoula mix Artmeis, and a grey cat Horace. In her free time, Dr. Copeland enjoys swimming, reading, playing with her kids, going to the movies, traveling, and scuba diving. Her favorite hobby is aerial circus arts, including silks, lyra, lillipop, and pole.
D.C. Smith, DVM
Dr. D.C. Smith has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 50 years. He joined the veterinary team at River Trail Animal Hospital in July 2016. Dr. Smith is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association.
His main professional interests are ophthalmology and surgery. His favorite parts of being a veterinarian are the interactions with people, and the ability to use his knowledge and surgical skills to help people and their loving pets.
He was raised on a farm outside of Jet, Oklahoma where they milked cows and raised pigs and cattle. After high school, Dr. Smith attended Northwestern State University for two years before being accepted to the Center for Veterinary Health Science at Oklahoma State University. While at OSU, he was a member of Phi Zeta Honor Society. He completed his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. Then interned at Colorado State University to study ophthalmology and surgery.
Dr. Smith and his wife, Michele, a retired high school teacher, have two daughters - Shelli and Shannon. They have grandkids: Mitch and Haley, McKenzie, Chase, Cal and Preston. He has a ranch in Western Oklahoma where he raises various crops and Angus cattle. He enjoys studying cattle EPD's and improving the quality of Angus cattle. He's also a tennis player and attends Asbury Church.
Gisela Laisney, DVM
Dr. Gisela Laisney was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and traveled the world as a young girl, living in a small town in the south of France for 6 years, as well as spending several years in Miami, Florida. Her family eventually relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma when she was 11 years old and has lived here ever since.
Dr. Laisney always knew that she would work with animals, but it wasn’t until after high school that she discovered her passion for veterinary medicine while working as a kennel attendant in a small animal practice. She says, “For whatever reason, it never occurred to me that I would love the medical field, but working in that hospital made me fall in love with it. Getting to see people’s beloved pets being cared for, and nursed back to health- it was fascinating. I knew then that I wanted to do nothing else.”
Dr. Laisney graduated with an Associate’s degree from the Veterinary Technician Program at Tulsa Community College in 2009 with honors. She earned her Registered Veterinary Technician license and practiced as an RVT while finishing her prerequisites at Northeastern State University to apply to veterinary school.
She then earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. While at veterinary school, she earned several awards and scholarships for her dedication to small animal medicine, and excellent academic standing.
Dr. Laisney’s professional interests include wellness and preventative medicine, soft tissue surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, dentistry and ophthalmology. She says “I love getting to educate clients about wellness medicine and how to best care for their fur babies. I also love the aspect of a never-ending education and getting to learn new methods and procedures as they become available.”
At home, Dr. Laisney has a young golden retriever rescue named Marshall. She also has a tuxedo cat named Dexter and an orange tabby named Babou. Dr. Laisney and her husband Tom love to go camping, visit family across the globe, hike and ride motorcycles, and spending time with their two boys, Hugo and Leo.
Seth George, DVM
Dr. Seth George is originally from a small agricultural community in southern Colorado. He grew up loving anything to do with the outdoors and spent most of his time there. While growing up he was always very involved anytime the family veterinarian came out to work on the family pets and horses, which sparked an interest in veterinary medicine. After graduating from high school Dr. Seth enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman. He spent five years in the Marines. After being medically discharged he moved to Tulsa. Dr. George started working at River Trail Animal Hospital in 2012 as a Pet Lodge Attendant and later as a technician’s assistant.
Dr. Seth attended Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University prior to applying to Oklahoma State University of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State College of Medicine in 2018.
Dr. Seth’s professional interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, client communication and education, and behavioral medicine and modification. He is passionate about furthering veterinary medicine through educating and mentoring the wonderful staff at River Trail.
When not in the clinic Dr. Seth spends time with his amazing wife Nancy, and two wonderful boys, Hunter, and Tanner. His hobbies include blacksmithing, hunting, fishing, hiking, and reading. He is blessed to be the Youth Ministry director for First Baptist Church Preston and loves the opportunities that brings him.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Eryn Ayres DVM, CVA
Dr. Erin Ayres born and raised in Oklahoma; Tulsa was an obvious place for her to land. Early on Dr. Ayres’ love for nature and animals was obvious, and though her first dream of “being a dog when she grew up” passed her by – being a veterinarian was a close second.
After receiving her biology degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, Dr. Ayres moved to Stillwater with the intent of pursing her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from OSU CVHS. Having worked at SeaWorld, and with a passion for large exotics, she started her veterinary career with her sights set on marine mammal medicine. Although this is still an area close to her heart, she couldn’t deny the pull of being an advocate for the four-legged members of the family (and Oklahoma is seriously lacking in oceans). From that point forward, she dove headfirst into the world of small animal medicine.
Dr. Ayres’ professional interests include integrative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, food therapy, pain management, and geriatric medicine. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and is currently pursing certification in food therapy.
At home Dr. Ayres has two rescue pups – Penny, a parvo patient she got a little too attached to, and Bruno, a Bernese mix. When not in the clinic Dr. Ayres enjoys spending time with her daughter Ivy, ceramic and glass work, spending time outside, and finding any excuse to get back to the ocean.
Dr. Jon Hooley, DVM
Dr. Jon Hooley joined the team of River Trail Animal Hospital in June 2023 as a general practitioner.
The son of founder Dr. Ron Hooley, Dr. Jon grew up in Tulsa in an animal-centered family. His mother also worked with rescue animals. Being involved in both of their careers growing up, he developed a deep love for animals and a desire to help them.
He attended Oklahoma State University and received his Bachelors in Biochemistry with a Chemistry and Business minor after graduating in 2019. He continued to pursue his dreams by attending the Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine and graduating in 2023.
When asked about what is most satisfying about being a veterinarian, Dr. Hooley shares that "building connections with people and using my knowledge to help them through difficult times" is one of the most rewarding. He understands that every patient is different, and being able to problem solve and address challenges are some of his most memorable moments.
At Home, Dr. Hooley has three pets - Cricket, a Tripod Pitbull, Toad, a Border Collie/Lab mix, and Batman, a domestic shorthaired cat. In his free time, he thoroughly enjoys the outdoors - kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, and more.