Veterinarians

Dr. Lee Hankins
Dr. Lee Hankins

Veterinarian

As a founding veterinarian and now the medical director, Dr. Hankins has been treating pets at Springhurst Animal Hospital since 1999. He attended Western Kentucky University for his undergraduate work and then obtained his degree in Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University. 

Dr. Hankins returned to Kentucky to begin his career as a veterinarian and accomplish his dream of establishing his own practice.

Thanks to his unending compassion for all animals, Springhurst Animal Hospital has celebrated 25 strong years of success and continued growth.

When not working, Dr. Hankins enjoys spending time with his family and his own pets. He enjoys traveling, golf, tennis, and anything pertaining to the equine industry.

Dr. Lisa Keehner
Dr. Lisa Keehner

Veterinarian

Dr. Keehner has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2000 after graduation from Iowa State University.

She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in San Diego, California. She then moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she worked at MEDVET emergency and specialty center. She arrived in Louisville in 2002 for a residency in Emergency and Critical Medicine at LVSES, now Blue Pearl.

She stayed on as a senior clinician until joining Springhurst Animal Hospital. She is a graduate of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, a certified veterinary rehabilitation therapist, and is a certified Fear-Free veterinarian.

Dr. Keehner focuses on dogs and cats who need pain management. She uses a combination of medication, physical therapy, laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma joint injections, and acupuncture. She is also studying to become certified in animal hospice and palliative care. She is also proficient in ultrasound, surgery, and internal medicine.

Dr. Keehner enjoys time with her daughter, husband, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 3 mini donkeys, and goats. She enjoys volunteering with the local non-profit PETS4LIFE Louisville and has been the secretary/treasurer for the local veterinary medication association for over 10 years.

Meghan Ryckeley
Dr. Meghan Ryckeley

Veterinarian

Dr. Ryckeley is from Gallatin, TN, and did her undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University, where she earned degrees in Biology and Religious Studies. She then moved to Knoxville and went to veterinary school at the University of Tennessee. She is a Fear-Free certified veterinarian. She has lived in Kentucky since 2021 with her husband Carlos, their dog Zagreus, 2 snakes (Persephone and Osiris), and 2 cats (Lailah and Dr. Pepper). She has a special interest in exotic animal medicine and loves seeing all manner of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing video games, and watching anime.

Dr. Amanda Battaglia
Dr. Amanda Battaglia

Veterinarian

Dr. Battaglia has been practicing veterinary medicine for 22 years after graduating from UC Davis Veterinary School in 2001. Most of her career has been spent in the Northern California area around Sacramento but recently moved to the Louisville area in 2022 and started practicing at Springhurst in the spring of 2023.

Her interests include pain management, behavior, dermatology, internal medicine, and ultrasound. She recently moved in with her partner and a Bengal named Violet. Dr. Battaglia enjoys spending time with her college-age kids and traveling and exploring the Kentuckiana area.

Management

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Mary Rauch

Practice Manager

Mary was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. She started in the veterinary industry in 2000 as a veterinary technician and has worked both as a CSR and technician over the past 24 years. In 2010, she became the Practice Manager for Springhurst Animal Hospital. She found her passion in serving both her team, the patients, and the clients. She enjoys educating and teaching both the clients and staff.

She earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology, from the University of Louisville, with a focus in Animal Behavior and Ecology.

Mary enjoys spending time with her husband, college-aged kids, their dogs, Sofi and Denver, and a Russian Tortoise, Natasha. She loves to read and spend time outdoors, hiking, camping, and gardening.

Customer Service Representatives

Chirlela
Chirlela

Chirlela started her career in human medicine and after ten years decided to follow her dream of caring and working with animals. Her newfound path led her to Springhurst Animal Hospital and completely loves her new career.

Chirlela and her fiancé Jake along with 16-year-old son Daren, live in Shepherdsville, KY. Their family includes 2 dogs, Dachshunds Rocco and Abby. She also has two ferrets named Scarlett and Harley.

Deb
Deb

After earning a BA in English and pursuing several different career paths, Deb is finally doing the work that makes her the happiest – working with pets and their people. She has shared her life with cats, dogs and horses. Today she enjoys spending time with one elderly cat, art, and plants.

Veterinary Care Specialist

Naomy
Naomy

Certified Veterinary Technician

Meet Naomy, originally from the sunny city of Los Angeles, she now calls Louisville, KY her home. After graduating with an Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2016, she embarked on her journey in veterinary medicine. This educational foundation has been instrumental in her role as the lead veterinary technician at Springhurst Animal Hospital, where she combines her academic knowledge with hands-on experience to provide exceptional care. She’s dedicated to her profession and is always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of both animals and their owners.

Outside of work, Naomy enjoys the thrill of boxing and staying fit at the gym. She’s a true dog lover and has three adorable furry friends: two lovable Pitbull mixes and a charming basset beagle.

Shelby
Shelby

Veterinary Care Specialist

Shelby is currently a Veterinary Care Specialist but she started out as a kennel tech in 2007. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, playing pickleball, and spending time with her 2 tuxedo cats, Poppy and Branch.

Ashley
Ashley

Veterinary Care Specialist

Ashley has been working in the field of veterinary medicine since 2011. She is a video game enthusiast in her spare time, green thumb, and is a proud pet parent to Luke the husky and a whole crew of adorable pets! She plans to continue her education at Springhurst Animal Hospital.

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Mariel

Mariel graduated from the Animal Behavior College and has worked in the vet field ever since. She has 2 cats and a rabbit at home that she adores. In her spare time, Mariel likes to pet sit and enjoy quality time with her nieces.

Casey
Casey

Veterinary Care Specialist

Casey is a dedicated veterinary care specialist and has been with Springhurst for 5 years. She loves assisting with the care of all animals and educating owners on the different treatments. Casey graduated with an associates in applied science and continues to further her education.

Casey has 4 cats at home that keep her busy. In her free time, she loves playing games and listening to music. Casey also has a passion for sea creatures and loves learning new things about our ocean friends.

Veterinary Care Specialist Assistants

Sarah
Sarah

Veterinary Care Specialist

Sarah graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Sciences. She has a horse of her own named Tucker and enjoys riding him in the warm weather. Sarah has been working in veterinary medicine for 6 years and enjoys working with clients on their pet’s care.

Kailey
Kailey

Kaily joined the Springhurst team in 2021. She grew up with many animals which led her to a career in veterinary medicine. She has two cats (Willow and Tigger) and a Dog at home (Ava) which she loves dearly. Her main goal is to treat every patient like they are her own. When Kailey is not working, she enjoys playing volleyball or coaching a volleyball team.

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Abbott

Abbott is a sophomore at Northern Kentucky University studying environmental science. He started as a kennel technician in April of 2022 and began training as a veterinary assistant in December of 2022. Outside of work and school, he likes camping and paddle boarding with his dog, Denver, and planting his tortoise, Natasha’s, enclosure.

Kelsey
Kelsey

Kelsey has a sweet cat named Cleo and a crazy dog named Nellie. She also has 3 family dogs that she loves like her own and helps care for named Lulu, Rex, and Ginger. Kelsey attends Penn Foster College pursuing a Veterinary Technician Associate Degree. Her hobbies are playing volleyball and collecting crystals.