Introducing our devoted team of pet-saving professionals

Melanie Spaink

DVM, Medical Director

Originally from Dallas, Dr. Melanie Spaink finished her undergraduate at University of North Texas, then graduated from Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She was actively involved in organizations to offer veterinary care within communities whether that was at local Catnippers in Los Angeles or traveling with World Vets to Nicaragua.

After realizing her love of emergency medicine, she jumped right in and started practicing at a busy emergency clinic in Northern California for 3 years. Family brought her to the NWA area including the arrival of her son. She is particularly interested in surgery and offering client education to owners so they can advocate for their pet’s health strengthening the human-animal bond.

In her free time, Dr. Spaink enjoys exploring new hiking trails and paddle boarding with her 3 dogs; Emma, Alice, and Samson.

Ashley Dinkins

DVM

Dr. Dinkins was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Louisiana State University in 2012. She practiced general medicine and surgery for two years in Canton, MS before joining Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Flowood, MS. In 2018, Dr. Dinkins relocated to NWA where she started as a relief veterinarian and today works in emergency medicine at AESC.

When not practicing emergency medicine, she enjoys high volume spay and neuter surgeries. Dr. Dinkins works with Spay Arkansas and has volunteered with Spayathon in Puerto Rico through ViDAS. She is mother of two children, two dogs and two cats. Dr. Dinkins enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and experiencing the great outdoors when not working

Ashley McMullen

DVM

Bio coming soon!

Carol Rushing

DVM

Dr. Rushing’s alma mater is the University of California, Davis where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1993. She worked for a day practice in Southern California for nine years before moving to Arkansas in July of 2001.

She began working at AESC in November 2001, and her favorite part of emergency veterinary medicine is working on critical cases. Dr. Rushing shares her home with a small herd of English Springer Spaniels and a husband. In her free time, she loves to train and show her English Springer Spaniels.

Denny Koontz

DVM

Dr. Koontz grew up in South Central Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University Veterinary School in 2001. She completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in East Greenwich, RI. Since 2002, Dr. Koontz has worked as an emergency veterinarian at busy 24-hour specialty and emergency animal hospitals in the Pacific Northwest (Veterinary Specialty Center in Lynnwood, WA; Northwest Veterinary Specialist in Clackamas, OR; and Summit Veterinary Referral Center in Tacoma, WA). She relocated to NWA and joined the AESC team in October 2019.

When not at work, Dr. Koontz enjoys road and gravel biking, leading bike trips, camping, exploring the world internationally and locally, cooking and enjoying food, and reading great books. She and her chocolate Labrador, Max, are looking forward to exploring Arkansas.

Sarah Kim

DVM

Dr. Sarah Kim was born in South Korea and moved to Southern California when she was four years old, where she spent most of her childhood. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology. She then graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

After graduation, she moved to WA to be with her now husband, Dr. Matt Finney, who she met at Ross University. Dr. Kim worked in general practice for three years while working as a relief veterinarian for AESC before joining the AESC family full time. Dr. Kim and her husband share their home with their two dogs and three cats.

In her free time, she likes to travel, bake, online shop, and tend to her plethora of house plants.

Stephanie Rainbolt

DVM

Dr. Rainbolt grew up moving between the Midwest and the South, with a variety of animals, particularly dogs, keeping her company. After graduating from high school in South Dakota, she attended the University of Arkansas for both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Animal Science.

Dr. Rainbolt then attended Kansas State University for her veterinary degree. She moved back to Arkansas and has worked in high volume spay/neuter and shelter medicine prior to starting at AESC. She spends her downtime with her husband and two kids, along with dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and chickens.

She also loves to run and hike the great spaces that NWA has to offer. Dr. Rainbolt has a passion for surgery and helping pets and their people during what can be an emotional and stressful time.

Jessica Todd

DVM

Dr. Todd graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and grew up a military brat, spending most of her childhood in central Arkansas. She began her career working in both emergency and general practice before heading out as a traveling ER relief veterinarian for the past 4 years—spending much of that time in Alaska and across the southeastern U.S.

She’s passionate about emergency medicine for the very reason many find it intimidating—you never know what may walk through the door. She thrives on the unpredictability, with a knack for adapting quickly and staying calm in high-pressure situations.

Outside of work, she’s usually with her dog Goose—covered in trail dust from a recent hike, drying off from paddleboarding, or finding the perfect spot to park the campervan for an epic sunset.

Amy Taylor

DVM

Bio coming soon!

Savanna Bruce

DVM

Dr. Bruce is an Arkansas native. She grew up in Little Rock, AR spending most of her time outside with her dogs and cats. She attended the University of Arkansas and received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science in 2017. She worked at various general practices during her undergraduate time and worked with our local small animal internist at Ozark Veterinary Specialty Care for 3 years before attending veterinary school.

She graduated from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2024. She moved back to Arkansas, where she lives with her husband, chocolate lab and fish. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to live music, traveling and kayaking. She is passionate about surgery and is excited to start her journey at AESC.

Kayla Martin

DVM

Dr. Kayla Martin was born and raised in De Queen, Arkansas. Since she was a young girl, she has been immersed in veterinary medicine, often found lending a hand at her family’s veterinary practice where her dad worked as a mixed animal veterinarian. When she wasn’t busy with her show animals, sports, or friends, she was learning the ropes of the profession she loves.

Dr. Martin attended De Queen Public Schools before pursuing a degree in Agriculture Science from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR. Her passion for following in her dad’s footsteps led her to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated in 2024.

In her free time, Dr. Martin enjoys the outdoors, attending church, reading, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Razorbacks. Her loyal Labrador retriever, Georgia, is her constant companion on all her adventures. Dr. Martin looks forward to providing exceptional care to your pets and connecting with the community.