Meet Our Team
At Animal Care Veterinary Center, it is our goal to help make your veterinary experience a positive one to ensure that both you and your pet are at ease.
We are experts in veterinary knowledge, but pride ourselves in supporting each client with kindness, compassion, patience, professionalism, integrity, and agility.
Our Staff
Dr. Rawn Gabbard, DVM
Veterinarian
After growing up in central Arkansas as a young kid with a special penchant for ‘fixing things’, Rawn Gabbard attended Central Baptist College for his associates degree. After, he attended the University of Central Arkansas for his bachelor’s in Biology, and later obtained a master’s degree in Biology with a specialty in Electrophysiology. In 1997 he graduated from Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He was raised on a farm with many animals (chores, sigh), and has fond memories of bottle feeding calves, raising kittens, and training the Basenjis his parents raised. He was also interested in fixing and saving small wildlife that crossed his path. He has been a long time member of the national and state AVMA and obtains 20 hours of continuing education per year. Professional interests include small and exotic animal medicine and surgery with particular interests in diagnostic imaging (ultrasonography and radiology) and feline medicine/neonatal care. When not at work, Dr. Gabbard can be found camping, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities like hunting, biking, and motorcycling. He has developed a special interest in gunsmithing as well. “I enjoy taking care of my clients most at ACVC by taking care of their beloved companions.”
Dr. Mike Beard
Veterinarian
Dr. Beard is a Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Certified in Canine and Feline Practice. Dr. Beard always did well in school and thought someday he would go to medical school. He enjoyed growing up around farm animals and the summer before ninth grade, he had the opportunity to work at Byreview Veterinary Clinic in Hope, AR. After that, he realized his passion was in veterinary medicine and would someday go to vet school. He grew up in South Arkansas, and did his undergraduate studies at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR. He graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. He is a past President of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association. He is also a member of the International Association of Veterinary Pain Management. Since Dr. Beard is board-certified and a very experienced practitioner, he often accepts referral cases and does consulting for other veterinarians. Dr. Beard married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Glenda, in 1978. Glenda has been with him every step of the way. They have a daughter, Elyse, a son, Ethan, , one grandson Cody, and a granddaughter, Avery. Their family also includes fur members: Margeaux, a standard poodle, and Millie, a non-standard munchkin. Dr. Beard is thankful for the opportunity to be involved in activities at Second Baptist Church. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with his family. His motto is “Just because you are having a bad day does not mean you are having a bad life.”
Dr. Pete Johnson
Veterinarian
Alicia M.
Practice Manager
Alicia has been with ACVC since it broke ground! She is the cog in the machine that keeps the business turning. All of your medicine, food, and supplies are managed and brought to you by her vigilant inventory work. While you don’t see her on a regular basis, she is working tirelessly behind the scenes. She does everything from pharmacy management, handbook creation, account keeping…to the beautiful artistry on our clinic sympathy cards. She keeps order in the house, and is Dr. G’s right hand! Her comfort and kindness makes ACVC’s working environment feel like home, and she always takes time out of her busy schedule to pore over each pet that she comes in contact with. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 6 kids. She and her family love the outdoors, especially searching for Arkansas’ Waterfalls and other beautiful scenery. In their “slow time”, she also enjoys getting to chill out with the family for “movie nights” and considers her life very blessed. “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past” Isa 43:18
Glenda B.
Glenda has a BS in Agriculture Business from Southern Arkansas University, and received her Funeral Director license in 2006 and Funeral Embalmer license in 2014. She is married to Dr. Mike Beard and has two children, Elyse and Ethan, one grandson Cody, and one granddaughter, Avery. Glenda is a member of Second Baptist Church. She and her family are huge LSU Tiger fans. In her spare time she enjoys working out and staying fit.
Grace B.
Grace is our equine-friendly member! She’s our quick-learning veterinary assistant and part time receptionist! Grace has lifelong experiences with animals and has owned her own pets since she can remember. She teaches the Faulkner County Horse Knowledge 4H Group as a club leader volunteer, she’s a library of information on horses! Her role as a club leader is to prepare the pupils and horses for the District and State Horse Knowledge (Hippology) contests which run annually between June and July. Grace does have pets of her own: an adorable speckled hound mix named Belle, and two dainty, precious cats, Boots and Fuzzy. Aside from caring for her personal animals, Grace is an active pet sitter, an artist, she trains horses, and rides on the Faith & Freedom Riders Drill and Trick Riding Team…a true multi-talent powerhouse! Grace enjoys working at ACVC because of the “constant interactions with animals and the plethora of busywork/duties veterinary work supplies.” Her assistance is invaluable to the team!
Parker M.
Veterinary Assistant
Animal Care would like to welcome our newest team member Parker! Animal Care is Parker’s first VetMed job and we are excited to see how Parker’s career grows in this industry. Parker comes to VetMed from the service industry but has always had a passion for animals and hopes to enroll in school to become a future Veterinarian. Parker gets plenty of practice with animals at home with his 2 cats, 1 dog, 1 breaded dragon, 3 snakes, 1 leopard gecko, 1 skink and a tarantula. When Parker isn’t at work or home taking care of his animals he loves to be out in nature on a hike or traveling, Parker’s favorite travel destination is Hawaii.
Lindsay B.
Everybody loves Lindsay! Lindsay has been a professional pet groomer with ACVC since we opened in 1998, and is truly a hair-cutting powerhouse, one woman show. She specializes in a plethora of styles for any breed of canine, as well as our feline friends! She works wonders with dogs who are uncomfortable (or a little crabby), and often forms great relationships with them and their owners. She strives to make the experience as stress-free as possible, and keeps up to date with the latest ‘do’s.
Janna S.
Janna is enrolled in San Juan College to obtain her Veterinary Technology Degree. We are so proud of Janna as she was bestowed the honor of Veterinary Assistant of the Year for the entire STATE in 2023!!
Rebecca S.
Rebecca is one of the familiar faces around Animal Care as she’s been with us for 4 years! Rebecca started her career at the age of 18 and has worked in all positions in the business, as a veterinary assistant, in kennels and in reception as well, which is where you can find her at Animal Care. Rebecca loves the connections she gets to make while in the clinic, working with clients, pets and the staff is why she loves her job and getting to learn new information about the incredible field of Veterinary Science is what Rebecca LOVES about working in VetMed. When asked “after 8 years in VetMed, what is your favorite breed” she has two, Golden Retrievers and Huskies because of their fun loving and goofy personalities. When Rebecca isn’t at work, you’ll find her spending family time with her two sisters she is really close with.
Elyse
Lead Technician
Have you met Elyse, our lead technician at Animal Care. Elyse has been with us for a little over 2 years and in the industry for 20 years! Elyse is a POWERHOUSE in the industry, not only does she have a bachelor’s in veterinary technology, but Elyse was also the 2020 Veterinary Technician of the year and the President of the Veterinary Technology Association for 5 years! Elyse loves the industry and loves getting to be an advocate for her patients. Her passion for her patients ensures that not only is she a voice for her patients but she provides a place of security when pets are stressed, sick and needing support. Elyse has a special connection with cats and loves getting to assist with anything cat related while in the clinic. When Elyse isn’t at work, she loves spending time with her kiddo and Tonka, her lovely German Shepard.
Cora G.
Congratulations to our NEWLY married Cora Grinder!! Cora has been in the VetMed industry for over 4years, and we are happy to have spent the last 2 years with Cora at Animal Care. Cora is one of our CVTs at Animal Care, Cora graduated in 2021 and boarded in 2022 with her CVT and we couldn’t be prouder! What drew Cora to veterinary medicine? Cora said that she LOVES the medicine part of the industry and working with our patients to understand and help pets feel better. Cora also loves being at Animal Care because of the fun she’s able to have at work with her team and with her patients. Cora is the nurse the clinic looks to for all of our herding breeds, Blue Heelers, German Shepards, Cattle Dogs are all of Cora’s favorite breeds as she loves their energy and tenacious personality. When Cora isn’t working, she loves to relax with her husband at their homestead where they raise chickens and garden or her beloved hobby of making quilts.
Anna
Emily H.
Receptionist
Emily is one of the friendly and smiling faces you see as soon as you walk into Animal Care Veterinary Clinic. Emily has been with us for over a year and her love for customer service and client communicate makes her the perfect fit for our ROCKSTAR reception team. Emily loves getting to snuggle all the pets that we are blessed to take care of at Animal Care and doing it with her awesome team is Emily’s favorite part of the job! When Emily isn’t working, she’s at home taking care of her 4 cats, Neo, Kiki, Tina, Kiki or out hiking with her beloved dog Reggie or taking it easy and spending time with her other half Travis and hanging out with family and Friends.
Abi L.
Veterinary Assistant
Abi is one of our new faces at Animal Care and we are so excited to have her as part of our team. Abi comes to us with over 4 years in the VetMed industry and is currently enrolled and working to complete her Certification in Veterinary Technology. Abi loves getting to help people and pets alike and loves being able to offer that soft touch with nervous pets and loves being the person to help make a difference in a pet’s veterinary experience. Abi LOVES a golden retriever but has a soft spot in her heart for all the mutts and thinks MUTTS are her favorite breed. When Abi isn’t working you might find her with her twin boys having fun or with her Quarter Horses that she breeds and raises.