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Our Doctors

Dickson Bain: Veterinarian/Partner

Growing up raising orphaned calves, chickens and horses on the Valley Farm in Ennis, Texas was Dickson Bain's early exposure to the skills and empathy required for animal care. But judging there to be little future in ranching, his sights and passion turned to veterinary medicine.

Graduating from Texas A & M University with both a B.S. in veterinary science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Dr. Bain's career continued for ten years in a mixed--large and small--animal practice in Ennis. Then in 1988 he assumed ownership of Hillside Veterinary Clinic and began expanding its services and staff. He was instrumental in re-locating and renovating the hospital to its present, state-of-the-art facility at East Mockingbird Lane and is now in partnership with Drs. Stephanie Chritton and Sarah Huskey.

Husband to Angie for more than three decades and father to Lindley and James, Dr. Bain's household includes Clifford, 3, a domestic short-haired cat.

Besides his veterinary skills and interest, Dr. Bain snow skis, travels, reads history and relaxes at the family lake house.

Stephanie Chritton: Veterinarian/Partner

With interests in medicine, science, math and a love of cats while she was growing up, Stephanie Chritton's educational choice of Texas A & M University served her well. There she earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Science in animal science, a B.S. in veterinary science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In 2004, Dr. Chritton was named one of the "Best Vets" in D Magazine.

In partnership with Drs. Bain and Huskey at Hillside Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Chritton takes pleasure in working with dogs and "enjoys their senses of humor" and appreciates cats as "the most exquisite of creatures."

After twenty years as a practitioner, the part of her job that Dr. Chritton loves most are the "long-term relationships she shares with her clients", although she doesn't think that "this aspect of veterinary medicine is publicized enough as a 'perk' of the profession."

A big time fan of Dallas-area professional sports ("especially the Mavericks and Cowboys!"), spare time for Dr. Chritton is enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and being active with her family-husband Gerry and elementary-school-aged son Broderick and daughter Sydney.

Not to be forgotten from the Chritton home is their mini pet shop: three domestic short-haired felines; three dogs (two poodles and a Golden Retriever); one corn snake; a hamster; and both fresh and saltwater fish!

Sarah Huskey: Veterinarian/Partner

A self-described "country girl" from west of Ft. Worth, Sarah Huskey still enjoys working with the cows and horses at her parents' ranch, like she did as a girl. Thus it seemed only natural that she would earn her B.S. in animal science at Texas Tech University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A & M University.

After three years of mixed animal practice experience in Greenville, Texas, Dr. Huskey became an associate veterinarian at Hillside Veterinary Clinic, and in 2000 she became partners with Drs. Bain and Chritton.

She credits the "wonderful team environment"--and its many long-term staff members-- with enabling her to meet the "changing and challenging aspects of veterinary medicine." Working with patients and clients continues to bring her personal satisfaction. Professionally, the doctors at Hillside Veterinary Clinic "work well together on cases", allowing for "ongoing growth and development as practitioners." The result, she feels, is the highest standard of patient care and pet owner trust and peace of mind.

Dr. Huskey plays soccer, works in her organic garden and runs with her dogs, Kona and Mia. Her two cats, T.C. and Oscar, remain indoors.

Melissa L. Potter: Associate Veterinarian

An Erie, Pennsylvania native, Dr. Potter moved to Dallas at the age of ten. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Texas A & M University, earning both her Bachelor of Science in veterinary science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees.

Dr. Potter worked one year in Rockwall, Texas before joining Hillside Veterinary Clinic, where she recently celebrated her tenth anniversary as an associate veterinarian.

Dr. Potter, her husband and son make their home in Richardson. They live with four beloved cats (Mason, Louis, Frank and Annie); Australian bearded-dragon lizard, Zeke; and a Betta fish, Mr. Fishy.

She is currently learning American Sign Language, is a sports enthusiast ("especially baseball!") and enjoys cooking, cake decorating and reading.

Dr. Potter has come to love Hillside for the dedicated and experienced veterinarians that are her colleagues. The development of special interests is encouraged and supported in this environment. Dr. Potter's professional interests include, but are not limited to, ultrasonography and surgery.

She believes that the dedicated doctors and exceptional lay staff strive to provide the best care for our patients and clients. She is convinced that we offer superior, full-service, compassionate care, and she is proud to be a veterinarian at Hillside Veterinary Clinic.

Stephanie Baker: Associate Veterinarian

Raised in Little Forest Hills, Dallas, Stephanie Baker was an Arts Magnet High School graduate. She received her Bachelor of Animal Science diploma, specializing in equine science, at Colorado State University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, mixed animal emphasis, at Texas A & M University. After a one year internship and three years of practice in Northern California, Dr. Baker returned to her Dallas roots.

A five-year veteran, Dr. Baker extols the collegiality at Hillside Veterinary Clinic: "This is the most amazing group of people I've ever had the pleasure of working with!" Besides seeking the education and well-honed skills required to serve patients and clients, her special interests are lameness and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Baker wanted a profession she "could love almost every day and do for a lifetime."

Dr. Baker names three cats as her pet family: tuxedo male Spencer, 8, her "big lover"; scaredy cat Bogart, a 6-year-old stubby-tailed, a/k/a "Fluff Man"; and Jolie,3, the fluffy tuxedo girl "psycho kitty" ("definite split personality"). Dr. Baker is "looking for a great dog to fit this clan...if that's possible!"

Her hobbies are yoga, gardening, camping, reading, and, yes, she admits to liking "certain TV shows."

August Claybrook: Associate Veterinarian

A native of Lake Highlands, August Claybrook was bound for Aggieland. The years at Texas A & M University were "full of difficult studies, football games, difficult studies, baseball games, difficult studies and burning up the road between College Station and Austin." But all that education and travel paid off: She earned both her B.S. and D.V.M. degrees from Texas A & M and married Derek Claybrook, her high school sweetheart.

After two years of small animal practice experience in Houston, Derek and August followed their hearts back home, and in the next few years, daughters Madeline, now 6, and Abigail, 4, were born into the household. Not to be forgotten in the Claybrook mix are dogs Andy and Allie ("who smiles and is the best dog in the world") and moody cat, Butterscotch.

Dr. Claybrook began her professional relationship with Hillside Veterinary Clinic in 2000. When she is away from practice, Dr. Claybrook coaches Madeline's soccer team ("Go Pixies!"); teaches Sunday school to junior high school students ("God help me!") and after-school classes at Forest Meadow Junior High; serves on the City of Dallas Animal Shelter Commission and is a member of the Lake Highlands Junior Women's League.

Kevin Sinapi: Associate Veterinarian

Kevin Sinapi received his B.S. in animal and veterinary science at the University of Rhode Island and then headed west: Advanced studies at Oklahoma State University earned him his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Dr. Sinapi's next career move was to Texas where, for the next decade, he gained additional small animal clinical experience. He joined Hillside Veterinary Clinic as an associate in 2005 because of its "compassionate, caring and competent staff." His approach to practice is based on his "love of animals" and commitment to educating pet owners about the best courses of action "to give their pets the best lives they can have."

Remington, his 13-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, "cares about one thing...his tennis ball...but also has fond feelings for his leather love seat." Mixed-breed Gemini, 2, takes enormous pleasure in "harassing Remi by nipping his heels and stealing his tennis ball."

An outdoorsman, Dr. Sinapi's avocations are hiking, mountain biking, camping and snorkeling.

Ashley French: Associate Veterinarian

Raised in Edmond, OK, Dr. Ashley French attended Oklahoma State University, earned a degree in Animal Science and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

She worked at a veterinary hospital as a pet nurse while attending college and recalls, I decided to become a veterinarian because I enjoyed science, medicine and animals, but the true reason, I realized, is because I am very passionate about helping people give their pets the best life they can and to give owners peace of mind during a difficult time.

Dr. French joined Hillside Veterinary Clinic as an associate veterinarian in 2008 and loves the wonderful clientele, their pets and the devoted HVC team. Missing the pace of emergency medicine, she also works part-time for an emergency clinic.

When she isn't working Dr. French enjoys watching sports, cooking and exercising. She shares her home with her adorable, miniature schnauzer, Miss Shadow and her unusual pet: a 3 yr old, blue crawfish!