Dr. West was raised in Alto her whole life, and graduated from Alto High School in May 2014.  From third grade through high school, Dr. West was actively involved in 4H and FFA, where she raised and exhibited heifers and steers. Growing up in the country offered many opportunities for her to learn about agriculture and animal growth and development. These experiences shaped her passion and love for animals. 

After high school, Dr. West moved to College Station where she earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 2017. Immediately after graduation, she continued her studies at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in May 2021. 

Following veterinary school, Dr. West moved to Pasadena, Texas, to join her husband, Adam, who is a chemical engineer. There, she worked as an associate veterinarian at a small animal practice until spring of 2023, when the opportunity to purchase Kessel Veterinary Clinic and return home arose. It was always Dr. West's goal to move home and open a clinic so that she could serve a community that means so much to her. 

Dr. West thoroughly enjoys helping animals, both small and large, by providing high quality medical services and preventative care. Just as important to her though, is building relationships with their owners. It is her goal to serve her clients and their beloved pets and livestock for many years to come. 

In April of 2025, Dr. West and Adam welcomed a little boy into their family. In her free time, Dr. West enjoys spending time with her new baby, family, friends, and her dogs, Henry (Goldendoodle) and Sadie (black Labrador). She also enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, and spending time on the lake. 

Mercedes is our full-time receptionist. She is originally from Wells, but now lives in Alto with her family, Hunter, Braxton and Brystol (her twins!). They also have two dogs, a Corgi named Gravy and a Labrador named Buzz. She has worked as a receptionist in the medical field for over 10 years, but recently made the switch to veterinary and is absolutely loving it! Most of her free time is consumed with her twins' sporting events, but she also enjoys cooking, golf, and binge watching her favorite tv shows when she has the time. 

Kaitlynn is originally from San Antonio. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Service and Development. She moved to East Texas to join her fiancé, Richard, who is from Alto. They welcomed a baby girl in June of 2025. Kaitlynn has a cat named Coors and a GSP named Trigger. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends and family. 

Kylie is originally from Arizona, and has a background in the zoology/large animal field. She now resides in Alto with her husband, three dogs, a cat, a horse, goats, chickens, and longhorn cattle. Kylie is passionate about all species of animals and spends the majority of her free time reading books, cooking, covered in mud or out in the pasture with her horse, Lyric. 

Angelina is a part-time kennel technician from Alto and is a senior this year at AHS. She has two dogs named Delta and Bonnie. Angelina has had a love for animals since day one and has hopes to become a veterinarian one day. She enjoys playing sports, showing cattle, and spending time with friends and family.

Kenzie is a part-time kennel technician from Alto and is a senior this year at AHS. She has one dog named Brass and one cat named Grey. She is involved in FFA and hopes to become an ag teacher one day. In her free time, she enjoys participating in numerous FFA events, showing cattle, and attending church. 

Saylor is Dr. West's sister-in-law and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in May 2025 with Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She helps out at the clinic with inventory as her nursing schedule allows. She has a Boston Terrier named Bentley and is originally from Jacksonville, but will be planting roots here in Alto. Saylor enjoys shopping, reading, spending weekends at the lake, and traveling.