The team at Hot Springs Animal Hospital is comprised of highly trained and experienced animal health professionals who have a genuine love for working with pets. Our staff treats every patient with the highest quality of medical care as well as a gentle touch.
Dr. Brian Peters
Dr. Brian Peters is Chief Veterinarian of Lake Hamilton & Hot Springs Animal Hospitals.
Dr. Brian Peters grew up in Sherwood, Arkansas, and has loved animals since he was a child. He made the decision to become a veterinarian after working as a kennel assistant in high school. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Brian Peters purchased Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs Animal Hospitals in 2008 from Dr. Adney after serving as an associate since 2001. He and his wife, Melissa, have two daughters, Kaitlynn and Lillian and a son, Mason.
Dr Brian Peters is very active in the community and is a member of several local organizations.
Dr. Ashley Stephens
Dr. Ashley Ross Stephens grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and attended Lake Hamilton School District. She knew very early on that she loved working with people, loved animals, and had a passion for medicine. After shadowing Dr. Brian while she attended the University of Central Arkansas, she decided to become a veterinarian. Dr. Stephens graduated from Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in April 2020 and came back home to start her dream career. Dr. Stephens and her husband, Cody, have two dogs named Douglas and Henry Gene. Their family stays active outdoors and loves spending weekends on the lake!
Dr. Valerie Henry Tilley
Dr. Valerie Henry Tilley grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where her love for animals was obvious at a young age. Her journey into veterinary medicine started as a kennel assistant, where she gained valuable hands-on experience caring for animals and quickly realized that veterinary medicine was the career she wanted to pursue. She went on to attend Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids for her undergraduate studies, where her passion for science and medicine continued to grow. With a lifelong love of animals and a desire to combine that passion with her interest in medicine, she knew veterinary medicine was the perfect path for her. Dr. Tilley attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she met her fiance, Kale, and the two decided to make a home together in Arkansas. Their family includes two dogs, Archie and Clyde, who are an important part of their everyday lives. When she’s not caring for her patients, Dr. Tilley enjoys spending time outdoors, discovering new restaurants around town, and relaxing at home with her fiance and their dogs while watching a good movie. She is excited to build her career and become part of the local community while providing compassionate care to the pets and families she serves.
Melissa Nickles
Melissa joined Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs Animal Hospital in 1998 as our Hospital Administrator. Melissa graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Management. Melissa did not realize she had a passion for animals until she started at both hospitals. She loves the challenge each day brings from the staff to the patients. She loves to “love” on the patients, but especially the puppies and exotics. When Melissa is not managing the practices, she loves to spend time with her two daughters and her husband boating, camping and being outdoors.
Brett Duncan
Brett started at Lake Hamilton Animal Hospital while he was in college and volunteered for two years while he completed his Bachelors of Science from the University of Monticello. Brett has a degree in Agriculture in Animal Science. He has been with Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs Animal Hospitals full time since 1999. Brett is our Senior Veterinary Assistant and is also in charge of hospital purchasing. Brett has three children with his wife Darona, Alexander, Abigail, and Aiden. He enjoys spending time with his family and outdoor activities. He has 2 dogs and 3 cats. Pictured with Brett is “Oliver” a Bambino Sphynx.
