Dr. Koren Hellerich
Hello! I am Koren Hellerich, doctor, and owner of North Creek Animal Hospital. I grew up in Nebraska and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. The doors to North Creek opened in 2006. Aside from my time at the Hospital, I enjoy traveling with my husband, boating, fishing, and tending to my many yard projects.
I am honored that you have entrusted my team and me with the medical care of your fur-babies.
Dr. David Corley
Veterinarian
Dr. Corley is a graduate of Texas A& M, and has practiced veterinary medicine in East Texas for his entire career. He has had the opportunity, and pleasure, to work with many different doctors and technicians through the years. When Dr. Corley is not working, he enjoys being a gentleman farmer, and spending time with his family and pets.
Susan Meyers
Client Service Specialist
Susan started with North Creek when it first opened its doors, in April of 2006. She started in the kennel. She advanced to Veterinary Technician for a time. Now she has found her place as a receptionist, where she enjoys taking care of the patients and their owners as they enter the clinic. Susan enjoys happy clients and healthy pets, so she strives to achieve both, with a great attitude and smile on her face. She has 2 adult children, Autumn & Zachary, and has been married to her “old-man” Jerrod since 1991. Together, they have 3 dogs and 3 cats, all of which are rescues. Susan enjoys gardening, digging for crystals in the mountains, and collecting lots of pretty, shiny rocks for her rock garden.
Shawnee Cogswell
Client Services Specialist
Shawnee started in Arizona, but her family relocated to Kilgore, and she feels like a Texan at heart. She graduated from Longview HS, and has been working in veterinary medicine ever since. She’s literally done everything: kennel technician, surgery technician, and receptionist! She feels driven by her love of client education and the patients. Outside of work, she cares for her own pets – 2 dogs and 2 cats. When not pet wrangling, Shawnee likes to hike, forage for mushrooms, and listen to True Crime podcasts.
Sharon Doughty
Veterinary Technician
Sharon moved to East Texas from Detroit, Michigan in 2009. She has been a licensed Vet Technician for 30 years and became a Registered Vet Technician for the State of Texas in 2011. She enjoys hunting, fishing and any outdoor activities. She and her husband have 9 dogs and 2 cats. Most importantly, Sharon is a devoted Grandma to 3 beautiful baby boys. Anyone that knows Sharon, now knows that she knows the lyrics to every song every written, every one not written down, and a few imaginary ones, too. Plus, she’s got moves for them all!
Cheradee Benson
Veterinary Technician
Cheradee is a native East Texan from Henderson. Cheradee brings her experience of 10 years as an emergency veterinary technician to our team. She joined North Creek in Sept on 2013 and has now been a Veterinary Technician for over 20 years! She earned her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology in 2019 and passed the VNT (veterinary national technician test) in 2020. She lives in Overton and raises Bengal cats. In addition to the cats, she has 5 dogs and 5 horses. Cheradee’s family includes 6 children and 2 grandchildren.
Shelby Carroll
Veterinary Technician
Shelby was born and raised in Houston, Texas and attended Tarleton State University for 2 years studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Switching gears, Shelby decided to focus on family, and met and married Justin in 2015. Shelby, Justin and family have settled in Henderson. “Family” means 5 children, and 2 dogs. Shelby’s worked in the veterinary field since 2008. In her spare time, Shelby likes everything outdoors and 2 stepping! With all the kids, there’s lots of Disney to see on TV, but if she gets the chance, she’ll binge watch House and NCIS.
Mandy Stephens
Veterinary Assistant
Mandy was born and raised in Marshall, TX. That is where she had her 3 daughters: Sadie, Brooke, and Kalie. In Sept 2019, she became a new resident of Kilgore. Besides her children being her everything, her passion for animals is next. She has had multiple jobs and brings with her both kennel and technician experience. When she’s not with her children, she enjoys camping and watching True Crime TV shows.
Savannah Hayden
Veterinary Assistant
Savannah was born and raised in Kilgore, and she is looking forward to graduation from Kilgore HS in 2024. She is an active FFA member and has shown lambs, goats, and cattle. After graduation, her desire is to continue her education, studying equine science. Outside of work, Savannah likes to tend to her livestock and spend time with family and friends.
Valeria Zuniga
Veterinary Assistant
Valeria (Val) was born in Dallas and raised here in Kilgore. She graduated from Kilgore High School, where she participated in both the FFA and girl’s soccer. Additionally, Val graduated high school a year early and is currently pursuing her LVT at TJC. Val says her family is what motivates her, but we think it could also be her love of muscle cars!
Ellie McKinney
Veterinary Assistant
Ellie is a native of Kilgore and is currently attending Kilgore HS, where she has been active in cheerleading, and the FFA. Ellie likes to show her cattle for their FFA program. In her free time, Ellie loves to hang out with family and friends, ride 4 wheelers and fish!
Rachel Keiser
Office Manager
This is Rachel Keiser, and she’s the Office Manager for the Hospital. She’s been with North Creek for 5+ years, and enjoys it very much. She was raised in a military family, and has lived all over ~ including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, 7 of the contiguous United States, and Washington D.C. That lifestyle was either a great fit for her personality, or it shaped it; because she’s kinda all over the map! Rachel has 3 grown children, 1 gorgeous granddaughter, 2 old cats, 4 not-so-old cats, and a very large dog they call the Dog Father. It’s never a dull moment, whether she’s at the Hospital or at home! When she’s not busy, she creates in the kitchen, makes her own sourdough, shops local farmer’s markets, and indulges in really nice ($$) cheese.