Our Veterinary Team in Shreveport, LA
We’re innovators, disruptors, and animal lovers, and we always have your back. This is not a job to us; this is a calling. We wake up in the morning to change lives. Now, meet the incredible AAHA accredited team of veterinarians and specialists who are here to change yours.
Doctors
Dr. Erin Smith
Medical Director
I’ve always known that becoming a veterinarian was my calling, and it’s still my passion today! My first pet was a toad I kept in a pot, and that’s where my love for animals began. Years later, my family’s farming business, which raises sheep and cattle outside of Shreveport, has allowed me to continue nurturing that passion. Working on the farm has given me hands-on experience and further deepened my commitment to animal care.
I grew up in Shreveport and graduated from Caddo Magnet High, where I was actively involved in gymnastics. After earning my Animal Science degree from Louisiana Tech, I went on to attend LSU for veterinary school.
I’ve always been fascinated by the bond between pets and their owners, and I’m constantly learning about the ways I can strengthen that bond through my work. That’s what drives me every day—to help both animals and the people who love them. It aligns perfectly with the values of UVH, where I strive to make a real difference by offering the highest level of care.
Dr. Erin Smith
Medical Director
Dr. Shannon Jarrell
Thanks to a lifelong love of science and medicine, including a passion for acupuncture and Eastern medicine, Dr. Shannon Jarrell strives to create an integrative approach to patient health. “Each day brings a new variety of cases. I was drawn to the UVH vision to provide the best medicine available for patients, which we present in an easy-to-understand manner. We sincerely consider our clients and their pets to be members of our family, and our goal is to make every client experience positive, educational and stress-free, so you leave our hospital confident you’ve made the best decisions for your pet.”
Dr. Jarrell received her acupuncture certification through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She also enjoys preventative medicine and working with clients to maintain health in their pets. “When we strive to maintain health rather than just react to and treat disease, we can be so much more effective in keeping a pet healthy over the entire course of their lifetime.”
A graduate of Louisiana State University for both undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, Dr. Jarrell is a die-hard Tiger football fan. She also has a wide variety of hobbies, from skydiving to tennis, and traveling to enjoying a quiet day with a book. She enjoys doing many of these hobbies with her family, husband Randy, their daughter, and Maltese mix puppy Leo.
Dr. Shannon Jarrell
Dr. Alisha Spivey
Dr. Alisha Spivey
Dr. Ben Gregorio
Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Gregorio's journey towards veterinary medicine began at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian by attending the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Whether you’re seeking routine wellness care or specialized treatment for your pet, Dr. Gregorio is ready to provide comprehensive veterinary services tailored to meet your furry friend’s unique needs. He understands the importance of effective communication and takes pleasure in educating pet owners, empowering them to make informed decisions about their pets’ health. Bringing energy, optimism, and a team-first mentality, Dr. Gregorio is passionate about delivering exceptional medical care while fostering genuine connections with both pets and their people. For Dr. Gregorio, veterinary medicine is about more than just treating animals — it’s about communication, collaboration, and creating a positive experience for every client and patient. Whether it’s a first-time visit or a familiar face returning, Dr. Gregorio strives to make each interaction sincere, supportive, and tailored to the unique needs of every pet owner.
When not caring for animals, Dr. Gregorio can be found exploring the great outdoors, hiking, skiing, and enjoying all LSU sporting events. His love for nature and adventure complements his dedication to animal care, as he firmly believes in fostering the well-being of both animals and the environment they inhabit.
Dr. Ben Gregorio
Dr. Megan Ricord
Dr. Megan Ricord is a Shreveport native who graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. While she didn’t decide to become a veterinarian until her first year of college, her lifelong love of animals, science, and problem-solving made it the perfect path for her.
One of Dr. Ricord’s greatest passions is mission work. She has traveled to Honduras and to Native American reservations across the United States to provide veterinary services for pets and families in need. “I believe it’s so important to use the skills we’ve learned to help others. I feel honored to be able to use my knowledge and skills to make a difference for pets and the people who love them.”
Her veterinary interests include internal medicine, critical care, dentistry and ultrasound imaging. She is especially passionate about providing advanced medical care for dogs and cats and is always eager to keep learning. “Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and staying up to date is more important than ever. My goal is to help pet parents feel informed and confident so they can give their pets the very best care.”
When she’s not at the clinic, Dr. Ricord enjoys an active lifestyle. She loves cooking healthy meals, practicing reformer Pilates, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Matt, and their two Golden Retrievers, Bourbon and Maple.
Dr. Megan Ricord
Dr. Jennifer Garcia
Ever since she was a little girl, Dr. Jennifer Garcia has always had a love for animals. Growing up, she would ask her mother to take her to the local feed store each day after school so she could see all the chicks and bunnies they had.
A native of Bossier City, Dr. Garcia attended LSU Shreveport for her undergraduate studies, receiving a Bachelor’s in Spanish. Though she was not working towards a DVM at the time, she spent some time in the East Coast, working for AAHA accredited hospitals as a receptionist. It was through these jobs that the same spark she had as a little girl was reignited. After recognizing her love for connecting with clients and their pets throughout the course of their lives, Dr. Garcia knew that she wanted to make a difference in the world and become a veterinarian. As her time in the East Coast came to an end, she decided to pursue her love for the veterinary field and attended LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Garcia is a graduate of the Class of 2022 and loves being a part of the UVH team!
Dr. Garcia’s veterinary interests are internal medicine, dermatology, and preventative medicine. When she is not in the hospital, Dr. Garcia loves cooking and can often be found spending time with her family, traveling especially to Disney World, and being outdoors with her son, Sonny!
Dr. Jennifer Garcia
Dr. Sydney Shelby
I’ve always had a huge heart for animals and was always begging my parents to take in any and every animal I found, no matter what kind. Growing up in Monroe, Louisiana with a family full of outdoorsmen, I quickly learned how to respect and appreciate animals. I was also incredibly blessed to have the influence of veterinarians in my life from a very young age, and I was always so inspired by their kindness and willingness to help others. I couldn’t imagine growing up and doing anything other than caring for pets every day.
I attended Louisiana Tech University for my undergraduate degree, where I earned a degree in Animal Science. I attended Louisiana State University for veterinary school and I am so excited to be practicing so close to home!
I’m so fascinated with the human and animal bond. Animals have such a unique ability to bring so much joy and comfort to our lives. I love the idea of forming relationships with pet owners and being able to support owners through all of the ups and downs that come with owning a pet. It makes me so happy to be able to improve people’s lives through caring for their pets.
Outside of veterinary medicine, you can usually find me enjoying time outside with my dog, Lincoln, or relaxing with a book (or reality television) with my cat, Rooster. I really appreciate a good cup of coffee!
I’m so excited to be apart of the UVH team!
Dr. Sydney Shelby
Dr. Sydney Mouser
Dr. Sydney Mouser has wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as she could remember. Sydney was born and raised in Shreveport. She received a bachelor of science degree from LSU Baton Rouge. Immediately following her undergraduate degree, Sydney attended LSU School of Veterinary Medicine where she received her doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Sydney Mouser
Specialists
Kenneth Pierce
DVM, MS, DACVO
I’m a native of New Orleans, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by my accent as it has been altered over my many years of traveling and living in various places. However, that famous New Orleanian draw comes back when speaking about home. It was during my junior year of high school that I realized I wanted to become a Veterinarian. At that time, there was only one practicing African American veterinarian in the city of New Orleans and his guidance and advice motivated me to pursue this career path. After I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University in Alabama, I received my doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University. I then completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery internship at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and soon after traveled to Southern California to complete a Specialty Ophthalmology internship with Eye Care for Animals and B.Braun, Inc. My training then led me to Michigan State University where I completed a four-year Comparative Ophthalmology residency with a Master’s degree. My passion for Veterinary Ophthalmology led me to return back to Louisiana as a faculty member at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. I became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and served as Associate Professor of the Comparative Ophthalmology Service at LSU. I’ve obtained private practice experience in the northeast practicing at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in New Jersey and later transitioned back down south to the North Dallas, Texas area at Veterinary Eye Institute. As you can see, I have lived in many regions of the United States and have gained valuable experience.
To compliment my experience in academia and private practice, I have served on several boards and committees within the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO). Some notable committees include serving as a member of the ACVO Genetics, Governance, and Exam committees, and also on the Vision for Animals Foundation (VAF). The VAF is a nonprofit organization whose main function is to provide funding for veterinary ophthalmology research. Serving on this board has given me great pleasure as we are able to fund research that will help not only our pets but can also translate into human health care needs.
I love ophthalmology as a profession as it allows me to combine medicine and surgery for all animals. I enjoy the variety of animals I have been exposed to over the years, including large, laboratory, and exotic animals. I believe the eye is the window to the soul, as it is one organ that can truly give us a glimpse as to what is happening within the body. It is unique in how it functions, and it variations between species continually pique my interest in how diseases manifest within animals eyes. This interest fuels my desire to help you resolve you pet’s ocular health problems. I will be of great service to my clients, as well as to your pet’s ocular health care needs.
In my spare time, my wife and I love to travel, exploring new countries around the world. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, community service with my fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., snowboarding and scuba diving.
Kenneth Pierce
DVM, MS, DACVO
Michelle Woodward
DVM, MS, ACVD
Dr. Michelle Woodward has lived and worked in Louisiana for 10 years following graduation from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Dr. Woodward completed a one-year internship in equine medicine and surgery at LSU. She then obtained a Master’s degree at LSU while finishing a 3-year dermatology residency.
Since then, Dr. Woodward has worked in both academia and private practice in Louisiana. Dr. Woodward has interests in allergies, immune-mediated diseases, otitis, and infectious diseases. She is experienced in the management of resistant bacterial infections, ear infections that recur, and itchy dogs and cats. She is also trained in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition to lecturing at veterinary meetings and conferences, Dr. Woodward is also a published author of research studies and case reports in the field of veterinary dermatology.
Dr. Woodward loves working closely with her patients (and their people!) to improve their skin diseases and quality of life. In her free time, Michelle likes traveling and spending time with her husband, two children, and a dachshund.
Michelle Woodward
DVM, MS, ACVD
Our Owners and Founder
Adam Foret
DVM
Dr. Adam Foret grew up around animals, spending time with his father, training and caring for their family hunting dogs. “As a physician and an avid sportsman, my Dad instilled in me a love for the outdoors, a passion for animals and a medical curiosity that developed into a veterinary career. I love helping to maintain the human-animal bond.”
Dr. Foret performs much of the surgery at UVH, and enjoys the often immediate positive impact it can make. He has completed advanced training in a variety of orthopedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. “Pets are family members, and we pride ourselves on taking care of the entire family.” As an owner, Dr. Foret feels this approach is the driving force behind UVH, shaping both the way patients and clients are cared for and the motivation the whole team feels to always move forward, innovate, and practice at the highest level possible.
A native of Lake Charles, Dr. Foret is following in his father’s footsteps by continuing to share his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors with his own sons and their Labrador, Gator. He also enjoys playing tennis and watching LSU football.
Adam Foret
DVM
Catherine Foret
DVM
A native of Shreveport, Dr. Catherine Foret found her love for veterinary medicine when she delivered her first cow. “As a young child, I spent many weekends at our family cattle farm in East Texas, Paine Farms, where most of my childhood memories were made, including the ones that formed my excitement about animals and the circle of life.”
“Becoming a veterinarian is my calling, not just a career. It’s who I am and what I was meant to become. When I can see or feel an animal realize I’m there to help, there’s nothing more rewarding.” Catherine is passionate about dentistry and promoting education about this often overlooked aspect of pet health. She has completed advanced dentistry education and brings her knowledge of progressive diagnostics, surgical techniques and comprehensive oral wellness plans as well as endodontics and oral restoratives to UVH.
When not at UVH, Dr. Foret might be found in her garden, on the tennis court, or spending time with her family, husband Dr. Adam Foret and their two sons John and Charlie.
Catherine Foret
DVM
Gary D. Mirts
DVM, UVH Founder
University Veterinary Hospital is the culmination of a lifetime of dedication and hard work for hospital founder Dr. Gary Mirts. From days spent with patients and clients as the sole veterinarian at UVH, to bringing on new staff, to eventually passing the torch to current owners Drs. Adam and Catherine Foret, seeing the evolution of UVH and being an integral part of each step has been a joy. “I became a veterinarian because I wanted to work with animals. After so many years at UVH, I still enjoy medicine and seeing patients and clients that have truly become good friends. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Originally from Missouri, Dr. Mirts and his wife Betty have called Shreveport home for over 49 years. He can be found at UVH a couple of days a week, spending time with Betty, or traveling to visit their 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
Gary D. Mirts
DVM, UVH Founder
