Vanessa Vandersande, DVM 
Dr. Vanessa was born in New York, raised in Santa Clarita (Hart 1995) and received a Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Santa Barbara. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University, often studying with her cat Zoe sprawled over her books in a most helpful manner. Dr. Vanessa was the proud winner of the K-State feline medicine and surgery award, as well as the small and large animal internal medicine award in 2007. She did post-graduate research in veterinary diabetes and presented her work at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine conference of 2009.
Dr. Vanessa went on to work at several veterinary practices before purchasing Copper Hill Animal Clinic with her husband. Her work at the Belton Animal Clinic and Exotic Care Center affords her experience with small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. She enjoys working with the particular health problems of bulldogs after her experiences at Uptown Animal Hospital, a practice well known for bulldog expertise. She also received dentistry training at the prestigious Animal Dental Training Center in Maryland and loves to provide preventative dental care to animals of all ages. Her experiences at feline exclusive clinics in Lawndale and Santa Clarita have given her a passion for feline health as well.
Dr. Vanessa is married and has two children. She and her husband, also a veterinarian, are often found discussing cases in the evening over dinner. Dr. Vanessa shares her home with a sweet Siamese mix, Mia and an energetic Golden Retriever, Teya. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys reading, fiber crafts, quilting, and sewing for her children, as well as hiking and relaxing with her family in beautiful Southern California.
Tristan Clark, DVM
Dr. Clark started as a veterinary volunteer during college while completing his Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from California State University Northridge. Dr. Clark moved to the Midwest to obtain his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 after meeting his wife, Dr. Vanessa, while also participating in research involving animal diabetes and equine immunity.
As a general practitioner, Dr. Clark enjoys small animal surgery, dentistry and radiology. Specifically, he has a personal interest in challenging surgical cases, focusing in particular on perfecting techniques for abdominal and ocular procedures. During his free time, Dr. Clark enjoys reading, writing, gaming and spending time with his family.
Nicole Watts, DVM
Dr. Watts went to California State University, Northridge, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During her time at CSU Northridge, she gained research experience working with bats, hummingbirds, and plant ecology in South America.
Dr. Watts went on to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. At K-State, Dr. Watts received the Paul and Phyllis Curd award for excellence in small animal medicine. She also had the honor of being nominated by her peers to receive the “Caring for Others Award.”
As a veterinarian, Dr. Watts has a special interest in the fields of internal medicine, ophthalmology, and cardiology. Most of all, Dr. Watts enjoys the human-animal bond and working with pet owners. During her free time, Dr. Watts enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their three cats: Loki, Abby, and Pipsqueak.