Meet Our Veterinarians
Amy Tate, DVM
CO-OWNER, MANAGING PARTNER
Dr. Tate barely remembers not wanting to be a veterinarian. Her career aspiration may have been inspired early on by reading James Herriot’s books about being a veterinarian in post-world War II England. They prompted her to declare to her parents that she was going to be an equine veterinarian and therefore needed riding lessons and to work in an animal clinic. Dr. Tate started riding American Saddlebreds at age 13 – a passion that continues today – and she joined Riverview Animal Clinic as a kennel technician when she was in high school.
After earning her DVM, she joined RAC as a veterinarian in 2000. Her clinical interests include dental health, geriatric care and small-animal oncology. She also assumed practice management duties with an emphasis on introducing new technology and services to maintain the clinic’s leadership edge.
Dr. Tate’s philosophy toward the care of her patients is simple. “I treat each patient as I would treat my own pet when making care recommendations,” she says.
Robert Wood, DVM
CO-OWNER
Dr. Wood initially entered college at the University of Alabama Birmingham intending to study marine biology, but a friend persuaded him that a pre-veterinary program offered more career options. He concurred and has been a practicing veterinarian since 1981 after earning his DVM from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
At the start of his veterinary career, Dr. Wood considered becoming board-certified but realized he didn’t want to limit his focus to a single specialty. Instead, he opted for general practice and pushed the envelope of what this could offer patients, becoming an early adopter of new and emerging technologies and treatments. For example, RAC was among the first general veterinary practices to offer ultrasound when it initially became available in the 1990s.
Dr. Wood’s foresight has helped to position Riverview Animal Clinic on the leading edge of general veterinary care, offering many advanced clinical capabilities usually found only in tertiary referral centers.
Daniel LeBlanc, DVM
A New Orleans native, Dr. LeBlanc graduated from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and began his post-graduate career with a progressive small-animal practice in New Orleans. There he honed his clinical interests in internal medicine, surgery, oncology and emergency medicine until 2005, when he lost his home in Hurricane Katrina.
Dr. LeBlanc, his wife and two daughters relocated to Birmingham where he worked in Shelby County at a solo practice, establishing roots in the community. In 2009, he began doing relief work at various veterinary practices around Birmingham, accepting a full-time post at Hope Animal Clinic in 2010, then joining Riverview Animal Clinic in 2018.
Dr. LeBlanc is passionate about his profession and enjoys the diversity of being a general-practice veterinarian – from the fun of a spirited puppy’s first wellness visit to the most complex medical and surgical cases. He’s committed to excellence and educating pet parents by taking the necessary time to explain their pet’s diagnosis and treatment options.
When not at the clinic, Dr. LeBlanc spends as much quality time as possible with his family, which also includes two dogs, Reggie and Ralphie.
Christopher Campbell, DVM
Dr. Campbell is a Mobile, Alabama, native. He attended Auburn University where he received his undergraduate degree in zoology and his DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine. While at Auburn, he worked with the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center and completed a three-week externship under the “wing” of Dr. Atlas here at RAC, furthering his interest in and knowledge of exotic animal medicine.
After graduation, Dr. Campbell spent a year practicing in Trussville, Alabama, before joining Riverview Animal Clinic. Here, he says, he has “been blessed to work with the most competent and caring staff while being mentored by the most compassionate and selfless doctors I have ever met.”
With his special interest in exotic animal medicine, Dr. Campbell serves on the boards of the Alabama Reptile Rescue Sanctuary and Wild Mammal Care of Alabama. He also assists patients from the Alabama Wildlife Center, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, and the Alabama EARS chapter of the House Rabbit Society.
“Becoming a veterinarian, I realized that I could use my love of science to help people by helping care for their animal companions,” he says of his decision to practice veterinary medicine. When he’s not diagnosing and treating patients, he enjoys music, gardening, general handyman projects, and spending time with his wife Christy, sons Christopher and Callum, and their cat Charlie.
Layla Dodgen, DVM
As a child, one of Dr. Dodgen’s personal pets battled epilepsy, a situation that developed her empathy for animals early on and fueled her desire to make helping animals as a career. She attended the University of Alabama in her hometown of Birmingham, earning her undergraduate degree in biochemistry. She was awarded her DVM from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014.
Prior to graduation, Dr. Dodgen completed a two-month preceptorship at Riverview Animal Clinic. It left an indelible impression of what thorough and caring veterinary medicine should be, and she was thrilled to return home to Birmingham and join the practice as an associate veterinarian. She is a member of the Jefferson County Veterinary Medicine Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Dodgen enjoys exercising, cooking, and spending quality time with her Boston terrier Charlie and tuxedo cat Gus.
Krista Allison, DVM
Dr. Allison is a dedicated veterinarian who brings both warmth and expertise to her practice. Originally from Austin, Texas, she moved to Birmingham over a decade ago and has since made it home. After graduating with a biology degree and a chemistry minor from the University of Montevallo in 2015, Dr. Allison went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Auburn University in 2020.
With a bustling household of pets—including six dogs, six cats, two horses, a pony, three rabbits, a bird, and a snake—Dr. Allison lives her passion for animals every day. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, hiking (most recently in the beautiful landscapes of Banff, Canada) and long-distance riding with her horses. Dr. Allison has a particular interest in emergency medicine and surgery, finding fulfillment in providing critical care when it’s needed most.
Anna Ball, DVM
“Well, of course, you were going to become a vet!” These words, spoken by her family’s long-time veterinarian and friend, perfectly sum up Dr. Ball’s natural connection to animals. Even as a child, she gravitated toward every pet she encountered, whether they belonged to her family, her neighbors, or even her vet’s household. Her passion for animals grew stronger during her years of caring for horses. So, while it surprised her family’s veterinarian that she didn’t realize her calling immediately, it came as no surprise when she ultimately embraced the profession. Now, after over 17 years as a veterinarian, Dr. Ball reflects on her career with gratitude, knowing she’s made a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families.
Dr. Ball graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Shortly after, she and her husband, Aaron, relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where she became a valued member of an exceptional clinic and community. During her time there, she discovered that forming strong, trusting relationships with clients is just as essential as providing outstanding medical care.
Now at Riverview Animal Clinic, Dr. Ball is thrilled to bring her compassionate approach and expertise to a new community. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with pet owners and their furry companions, helping them lead healthy and happy lives.
Outside of work, Dr. Ball enjoys exploring the outdoors with Aaron, their two boys, and their dogs. Whether hiking trails or seeking out the latest local dining spots, she’s always ready for an adventure. If you have any favorite recommendations, she’d love to hear them!
Meet Our Care Team
Administration
Brianne Hardy
Practice Manager
Growing up in a small rural Arizona town, Brianne not only owned various species of pets – including dogs, cats, a ferret, a hamster and turtles – but she also became the pet-sitter for all the neighborhood companion animals, which included dogs, cats, horses and birds. The experience sparked her determination to have a career that involved working with animals.
Brianne graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science, while working full time at a veterinary clinic. During this time, she also interned and later volunteered at the local zoo, which piqued her interest in exotic species. She moved to Alabama and began working at the Alabama Wildlife Center, rehabilitating native avian species, fascinated by the wide variety of birds she learned about.
While working at the AWC, she also learned about Riverview Animal Clinic since the clinic treats injured birds for the organization. “With my prior veterinary experience and growing interest in birds, I figured RAC would be the perfect fit for me,” Brianne says.
She was right, joining Riverview as a veterinary technician in 2016 and assuming her current role as medical team director in 2020. She later became the Practice Manager of our wonderful practice! When not at work, Brianne enjoys music, birdwatching, spending time at the lake and traveling.
Allison Cason
CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
Allison, our Client Services Director, brings a wealth of experience and a deep compassion for both animals and people. Originally from Arlington, Texas, Allison moved to Birmingham 20 years ago. Her love for animals began in childhood, as she would bring home any creature in need—from dogs to injured birds and squirrels.
With 15 years of experience in human medicine, Allison transitioned to veterinary medicine to follow her lifelong passion for animals. At Riverview Animal Clinic, she’s dedicated to helping clients and their pets, ensuring they receive the best care and support.
Allison shares her home with three beloved dogs: Gene, a Pekingese, and two Chocolate Labs, Gunner and Remi. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with her husband and four children. We’re grateful for Allison’s commitment to compassionate service and her dedication to our clients and their pets.
Bray Jones
Medical Team Director
Bray, our Hospital Team Director, brings a strong background in public health and psychology, having graduated from Samford University in 2019. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Bray discovered his passion for veterinary medicine three years ago and is currently pursuing his qualification as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. With a special interest in animal behavior, he approaches his work with both skill and compassion, ensuring the best outcomes for patients and their families.
At home, Bray cares for a unique group of pets, including four dogs, a cat, a rat, and three axolotls. Outside of work, he enjoys the peacefulness of mountain visits, cooking, and relaxing at home. We’re proud to have Bray’s dedication, knowledge, and commitment to leading our medical team in providing exceptional patient care.
Carol Parks
PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR
Birmingham born and raised, Carol Parks is no stranger to Riverview. She often remembers passing by our clinic when it was on a two-lane highway and was the last business to be seen for miles. Little did she know, she would be working there one day.
Carol received her accounting degree from UAB while working a full-time job. Combining her love for numbers with her passion for animals, she joined Riverview Animal Clinic as Practice Administrator in 2019.
When she isn’t at work, Carol enjoys reading, listening to music, shopping, and watching television. She finds relaxation through organizing, gardening, crafting, and coloring. Carol is also the proud parent of two pets: Coco, a Rat Terrier and Riley, a Cockapoo.