Our Team
Get to Know Our Veterinary Team
Meet the wonderful veterinarians and staff of Westside Veterinary Service. We take great pride in providing excellent care for your pets!
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. A.D. Elkins
Dr. A.D. Elkins
DACVS
Veterinarian
Dr. A.D. Elkins received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1970 and began his practice in Madisonville, KY, where he cared for the medical and surgical needs of both small and large animals for 10 years. In 1982, he completed a surgery residency and received a Master’s degree (M.S.) at Texas A&M University. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Elkins took and passed the surgery boards to gain board certification into the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Until 1986, he owned a referral practice in Kentucky, but then became chief of small animal orthopedics and assistant professor at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, Dr. A.D. Elkins has had a private referral surgery practice in Indianapolis, Indiana, for 23 years. He does relief surgery work at many practices around the United States. He visits Westside Veterinary Service every week. We are fortunate to have such an asset that sees referral patients that need a surgical specialist in our geographical region.
Dr. Damon Eastwood
Dr. Damon Eastwood
Veterinarian
Dr. Damon Eastwood grew up on a small cattle farm in Hanson, KY. His desire to pursue a career in vet medicine began at the age of fourteen years old. Dr. Eastwood did his undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky before transferring to Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. In 1995, Dr. Eastwood graduated from Auburn and moved to Murray to work at Westside. He worked as an associate veterinarian for five years and then became a partner in the practice in 2000. Dr. Eastwood and his wife Jackie have two children, Lauren and Logan. They live on a small cattle farm in Hazel with their cat Cal and dog Pearl. Dr. Eastwood enjoys the lake and spending quality time with his family.
Dr. Darien Robertson
Dr. Darien Robertson
Veterinarian
Dr. Darien Robertson has had a passion for animals since she was a young girl and always knew she wanted to pursue a career working with Animals. She attended Murray State University for her undergrad and continued to the University of Missouri, where she completed veterinary school in Spring 2022. Dr. Robertson graduated with high honors as a Phi Zeta member, awarded to Veterinary students for their scholarly excellence and research.
Dr. Robertson takes pride in not only taking care of the patient but the owner as well. She is passionate about educating clients to help them feel comfortable with the care she is providing and to collaboratively work together to make decisions to support their pets in having long and healthy lives.
In her free time, Dr. Robertson enjoys riding horses, going to the lake, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Leslie Jackson
Dr. Leslie Jackson
Veterinarian
Dr. Leslie Jackson grew up in Graves County, attended Murray State University, and graduated from Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She joined the Westside team just after graduating in 2001, beginning her journey at Warner Animal Clinic, a satellite clinic associated with Westside. Gradually over the years, she worked more and more at Westside both on Saturdays and throughout the week. After Covid, Warner Animal Clinic was closed, and the entire staff moved to Westside. Dr. Jackson enjoys internal medicine cases and connecting with her clients. She feels blessed to have been able to work part-time initially out of school, being a mom to her 2 daughters, Parker and Taylor, and now enjoys time doing a job she truly loves. She enjoys landscaping, antique shopping, art events, sporting events, and anything involving her children or her pets in her leisure time. She’s a chihuahua, lab, and rat terrier lover.
Dr. Noel Thomas
Dr. Noel Thomas
DACT, DABVP
Veterinarian
Dr. Noel Thomas graduated from Auburn University in 1979 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, he spent 4 years in general and emergency practice in Memphis, TN. In 1984, Dr. Thomas, in partnership, purchased Westside Veterinary Service in Murray, KY. Dr. Thomas’ commitment to continuing education led him to become board certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 1986. The ABVP certifies practitioners with exceptional knowledge, skill, and competency in clinical practice.
While still in private practice, Dr. Thomas completed the certification process for the American College of Theriogenologists. Dr. Thomas and his wife Linda have two children, Jena and Emily. They also have four grandchildren. Dr. Thomas enjoys turkey and duck hunting.
Dr. West
Dr. West
Veterinarian
Dr. Ruth West was born in Michigan, but has lived in Illinois, Hawaii, Oregon, California and Florida. She graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, IL with a degree in Natural Science. Dr. West taught middle and high school science for several years before embarking on a new career in Veterinary Medicine. She graduated from University of Florida with a Master of Agriculture in 2007 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Dr. West was certified in Veterinary Acupuncture at the Chi University in 2010 and also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner at the University of Tennessee in 2015.
Dr. West is excited to introduce acupuncture and canine rehabilitation to the clients of Westside Veterinary Services. Ruth enjoys hiking and exploring her new home of Kentucky with her husband Dave, their two dogs Biscuit and Atom.
Dr. Bob Salley
Dr. Bob Salley
Retired Veterinarian
Dr. Robert Salley graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He was accepted into the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated in 1981. Dr. Salley practiced general and emergency medicine in Memphis, TN, from 1981 to 1984. Dr. Salley, in partnership with Dr. Thomas, purchased Westside Veterinary Service and moved to Murray, KY, in 1984. Dr. Salley enjoys all facets of veterinary practice and especially helping enhance the lives of his clients through their pets. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Salley and his wife Linda have two children, Ben and Brooke, and two grandchildren, who all live in Nashville. Dr. Salley and Linda enjoy spending time with their kids and grandchildren and road trips in their corvette.
Meet Our Veterinary Staff
Chelsea, LVT
Practice Manager
Leigh, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Erin, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Janel, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Katie, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Amanda
Technician
Brady, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Kaelin
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Riana
Receptionist
Jessica
Veterinary Assistant
Sarah
Veterinary Assistant
McKenzi
Kennel Assistant
Maddie
Calista
Kasey
Sierra
Fiona
Kennel Assistant
Carlie
Katelyn
Gracie
Kali
Kennel Assistant / Receptionist
Lydia
Kennel Assistant
Kaitlyn
Kennel Assistant
Jadyn
Kennel Assistant
Kasey P
Receptionist
I was born and raised in Henderson, KY. I then went on to MSU and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I adore all pets, but cats hold a special place in my heart. I enjoy reading books, playing video games, and playing board games with friends and family.
Kasey L
Kennel Assistant
Kasey is from Dayton, Ohio and took Veterinary Science at a career tech center in high school. She took a 3 year break from high school to college and is now a sophomore at MSU studying Pre-Vet. Her goal for the future is to be a licensed large animal vet or a traveling vet. Her favorite breed is pit bulls.
Lydia
Kennel Assistant
Lydia is from Owensboro, KY and is a Pre-Vet student here at Murray State University. Ever since she was a young girl she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life caring for animals. Her favorite things to do are reading, crafting, gardening, and spending time with her family and puppy nephew Chipper. She is also a member of the Tri-Sigma sorority at Murray State and can be found cheering on her sisters at charity events and competitions.
Kali
Kennel Assistant
Kali is from Haubtstadt, IN. She is a junior Pre-Vet major at Murray state. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Wyatt by going on all sorts of adventures such as trail riding, camping, hiking, and spending time with her golden doodle, Emmy Lou.
Gracie
Kennel Assistant
Gracie is currently a Junior at Murray State University, majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Chemistry. She is from Paducah, KY and hopes to one day attend Veterinary School. She loves to work at Westside because of the close relationships she is able to build with her team, and enjoys getting to learn something new everyday!
Katelyn
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Carlie
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Fiona
Kennel Assistant
Caring for animals has always been a passion of mine. From fostering dogs at a young age to now working in a veterinary clinic. It is a dream come true. My hometown is Hopkinsville, KY where I first started working in clinics as a freshman in high school. I now go to Murray State University and hope to graduate as a veterinary technician December 2024.
Emily
Receptionist
I have been in the veterinary profession for 6 years. I pride myself on communication. I like to make sure I am doing everything possible to make sure your pets go home healthy and happy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with kids and family. I love cooking, reading, shopping, and watching movies, and I am a Harry Potter fanatic!
Angela
Lead Receptionist
I was born and raised in Murray, KY, and graduated from Calloway County High School in 1996 and went on to graduate from Murray State University in December 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology. I pride myself on being an empathetic person that understands pets are more than that. They are family. I enjoy meeting new people and their pets.
In my free time, I enjoy gardening, hiking, fishing, traveling, spending time with my family, and playing with my animals.
Janice
Receptionist
Bio coming soon!
Maddie
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Jessica
Kennel Assistant
My name is Jessica, and I’m from Madisonville, KY. I graduated from Murray State in 2023 with my Bachelors in Veterinary Technology. I have worked in a clinical setting since 2011. I’m so happy to be able to fulfill my passion and my career in one setting here at Westside. Outside of work I enjoy painting, playing piano and trumpet, and playing with my 2 cats and one dog!
Calista
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Sierra
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Brady
Licensed Veterinary Technician
I am a native of Mayfield, Kentucky, where I live with my wife, Cheyenne, who I married in November of 2022. We have 3 cats named Ghost, Koneli, and Noodle, a Great Pyrenees named Archie, and a son on the way who’s due in May 2024.
I graduated from Murray State University in May 2020 with a Bachelors degree in Veterinary Technology, and joined the Westside team soon after. After a year with Westside Cheyenne and I moved to Memphis for around 6 months before deciding that the city wasn’t for us and moving back home.
My favorite part of working at Westside is helping peoples’ pets through sickness and watching them thrive and get back to being themselves.
Nicole
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Nicole came to Murray in 2015 to attend Murray State University’s pre-vet/vet tech program. After interning and volunteering at Westside for several years, she accepted a part-time position caring for patients as a kennel assistant. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree and Equine Science minor, Nicole became a Licensed Veterinary Technologist. She can be seen around the clinic doing many different jobs. She is always ready to help especially with animals that may not be the easiest to deal with, cats being her favorite. While not at the clinic Nicole loves to cuddle with her cats or be on her parents farm taking care of their 7 dogs, horses and chickens.
Kaelin
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Kaelin grew up in Oldham Co, KY. She attended Murray State and received her license in December of 2023. She has a dog named Summer and a cat named Willow. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, going to the lake, and traveling.
Jadyn
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Kaitlyn
Kennel Assistant
Kaitlyn is currently pursuing a Pre-Vet/Vet Tech major at Murray State University, aiming to graduate in the Spring of 2026. Her passion for small animal medicine has always been with her, and vet school is definitely the next step! In Kaitlyn’s free time you can find her hanging out with her furry companions Willow, an energetic heeler, and Coco Puff, her cuddly cat. When Kaitlyn isn’t studying or adventuring with her pets she loves to travel back home to see her family!
Sarah
Veterinary Assistant
Sarah is from West Frankfort, IL. She graduated from Murray State in December of 2023, and she plans to attend Murray State again in the near future to become a licensed technician. She has been working in veterinary medicine since 2018. Sarah has two cats, Willow and Symi. She also enjoys going to Land Between the Lakes, going the beach, hiking, collecting sea shells and unique rocks, and spending time with friends and family.
McKenzi
Kennel Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Riana
Receptionist
Bio coming soon!
Hunter
Title coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Haley
Receptionist
I am currently enrolled at Murray State University. I take pride in being the bridge between patient and pet parent so we can work together to find the best care plan for your fur baby. In my free time, I’m always with my standard poodle Tux on campus for class, at my sorority events, or in class.
Dera
Receptionist
I graduated from Murray State University. I take pride in providing compassionate care and trying to give the best experience possible. I’m enthusiastic about medicine & patient relationships. In my free time, I like to travel, do anything outdoors (hiking, kayaking, fishing), try lots of foods/cooking, and take naps!
Amanda
Technician
Veterinary medicine is rewarding in many ways, even on hard days. From helping my doctors, and my teammates, and working on or with patients, I love it! I take pride in building close bonds with clients. For me, being that one familiar face is a necessary part of veterinary medicine. Getting to know the client and their pets on a personal level, gaining a type of trust where they request you with each visit. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right.
My free time is for family. I’m a proud wife of 20 years, a mother of 2 girls, and a newly made grandma. I enjoy cooking, being a cheer mom, and snuggles from my fur babies.
Katie, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Kasey, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
I am a Murray State Grad, GO RACERS! I take pride in knowing I help provide excellent care to all animals that visit Westside. I am proud to be part of this team and treat your animal as if it were my own. In my free time, I enjoy riding ATVs and being outside with my dog.
Janel, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Janel Shelby grew up on a farm in Illinois and came to Murray to attend Murray State University in the Fall of 2005. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Chemistry in 2010. After she received her technologist license in May 2011. Janel married her husband Brian in 2009 and they have a daughter and a dog named Xander. Her favorite things to do are spending time with family and their annual trips to the beach.
Erin, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Erin was born and raised in Bowling Green, KY. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Murray State University in 2020. This was followed by receiving her Master’s in Agriculture in 2022, during which she was an active graduate teaching assistant.
Erin enjoys teaching and mentoring fellow co-workers and students. Erin can often be found spending time outdoors with her two dogs; Ziva and Ellie.
Leigh, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Leigh is from Rock Hill, SC and moved to Murray, KY for college. Leigh graduated from Murray State University in 2019 with a Bachelor degree in Agriculture, majoring in Veterinary Technology. Upon graduation Leigh decided to reside in Murray with her boyfriend Jacob and their three dogs. They have a Boxer named Tyson, a Doberman named Rocko, and a French Bulldog named Diesel. Leigh took and passed the VTNE to become a Licensed Veterinary Technologist in June of 2020.
Leigh enjoys reading books, shopping, and watching movies while snuggling with her dogs.
Chelsea, LVT
Practice Manager
Chelsea Hendrick was born and raised in Murray. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from MSU in 2009. This was followed by receiving her Master’s in Agriculture in 2010, during which she completed her thesis on Canine Arthritis Research. Chelsea married her high school sweetheart Justin in 2009. They have two sons, Kamden and Kallen, and a St. Bernard mix named Amos. Chelsea enjoys reading, cooking, crafting, and spending time with her family. She can also be found on some sort of court or field cheering on her kiddos!