Our Doctors

Dr. Bob Hale

I grew up in the wonderful southern town of Eldorado, Arkansas. As a young child my parents let me have a variety of pets: raccoons, fox squirrels, flying squirrels, a squirrel monkey, a parrot, a boa constrictor, tarantulas, and of course a few cats and dogs. My desire to work with animals started at a very early age, thanks to my parents.

When I graduated from high school in 1970, I was unsure of what I could do and moved toward a business degree. I graduated from University of Arkansas in 1976 and went to work for Roadway Express Trucklines for two years. The next three years, I worked in Brazil, South America for a shipping company called Offshore Logistics. It was during this time I reflected on my real "calling" in life-- to work with dogs and cats.

I returned to the University of Arkansas to "repeat" my sciences for two years, applied to LSU Veterinary School, and graduated in 1987 as a doctor of veterinary medicine.

At the present time, I have a wife, four children, five dogs, two cats, and one parrot. Everyday I wake up and think about my veterinary mission and how fortunate I am working with wonderful pet lovers, great employees, and doing what I was intended to do.

NOTE: Dr. Bob is off one day during the week.

Dr. Jessi Rhodes

I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a veterinarian. Once I realized that it was not possible to become a horse, I settled on being an animal doctor.

For the majority of my childhood, I was raised in Jacksonville, Arkansas. After high school, I attended the University of Central Arkansas, majoring in Biology. Following my senior year, I moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma and worked in a veterinary clinical pathology laboratory before beginning the vet school curriculum at OSU (go Pokes!).

I first met the Briarwood gang on an internship during my fourth year of vet school. I knew within five minutes of walking in the door that I wanted to practice at a clinic like this one. I felt so fortunate when I was invited to join Dr. Hale's team. I've been at Briarwood since June 2005. I love coming to work every day, and have made many wonderful relationships with our clients and staff. My goal is to protect the bond that people have with their animals by keeping pets as healthy as possible throughout their lives.

As far as my personal life, I currently have three dogs and one cat whom I love dearly. In December 2006 I was married and went from Jessi Baxter to Jessi Rhodes. My name may have change, but inside I'm still that same little girl who dreamed of becoming a horse.

NOTE: Dr. Jessi is in every weekday except Thursday. Saturdays are alternated Dr. Jessi & Dr. Ashley..

Dr. Ashley Mounts

Before I could even say or spell the word, I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian.  My mom tells me that when I was little, I would lean over the backseat of the car and tell her that I wanted to be a “kitty doctor.

As a native of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, I grew up on a state park with dogs, cats, rabbits and abundant wildlife.  There was seldom a time when I didn’t have a litter of puppies or kittens to play with.  My love for animals started early in life and runs deep to this day, thanks in large to my parents and upbringing.

I graduated with a BS in Zoology from the University of Florida in 2001, and went on to attend the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine soon thereafter. 

Like Dr Jessi, I also did a preceptorship at Briarwood Animal Hospital, where I first became acquainted with Dr. Hale and his excellent staff.  I feel blessed to be a part of this practice, serving a wonderful group of clients and the animals that they love.  Veterinary medicine is an exciting profession.  There is rarely a dull moment and the rewards are endless!  I cannot imagine doing anything else.

NOTE: Dr. Ashley is in every weekday except Monday & Wednesdays. She is at Chenal Valley Animal Hospital on Monday's and the last Saturday of each month. The remaining Saturdays are alternated between Dr. Ashley & Dr. Jessi.