Our Doctors

Summit Veterinary Hospital
Summit Veterinary Hospital

Howdy! I’m Dr. Amanda Richards and I’m the owner of Summit Veterinary Hospital in College Station. I’m a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas. My love for animals started at a very young age. Having animal-loving parents that were so tolerant and soft-hearted made that love even stronger. I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian before I could pronounce the word “veterinarian”.

I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Development. A few years later, I decided to move to Colorado and continue my education. I got a second Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science, a Master’s degree in Toxicology, and finally my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, all from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I have experience in general practice, both small and large animal medicine, emergency medicine, and academia.

In 2014, I married my best friend, Robert, and together we have 3 beautiful children: Ryan, Dylan, and Michael. They’re our whole world and they drive us absolutely crazy! We’ve planted our roots in College Station and have passed the love of all animals on to our children. Our ranch is home to many dogs and cats, 3 miniature horses, a pony, a donkey, a cow, chickens, ducks and even a pig! There’s probably more, but we’ve stopped counting!

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to movies, riding horses, swimming, snowboarding, and traveling. One random and interesting thing about me is that I have a very enthusiastic obsession with elephants. While completing my Master’s degree, I had the opportunity to spend three months in South Africa researching a herd of African Elephants. It was an experience of a lifetime. Unfortunately, Bryan/College Station doesn’t have much of an elephant population, so I’m here opening my small animal veterinary practice to serve Brazos Valley.

I am extremely passionate about providing exceptional veterinary care to each and every one of my patients while forming lasting relationships with their wonderful humans. This is my calling and I’m excited to share it with my community!

Dr. Amanda Richards

I’m Dr. Jessica Nelson, the newest associate veterinarian at Summit Veterinary Hospital. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2013 and went on to receive my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2019. After spending ten years in College Station completing my education, I decided to make it my permanent home.

I met my husband during veterinary school, and we were married in 2020. Together we have two children, three dogs, and two cats—our home is truly a zoo, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I enjoy all aspects of general practice veterinary medicine, with interests in preventive care, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, senior pet wellness, and pain management. I’m passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care and building lasting relationships with my clients and their pets.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Dr. Jessica Nelson

Our Staff

Bailey S.
Bailey S.Practice Manager
Howdy! I’m Bailey. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University – WHOOP! I grew up in Deep East Texas surrounded by various pets and livestock, which cultivated my love for animals at a very young age. Between a love for animals and a love for medicine, it was an easy decision to step towards Veterinary Medicine! Between livestock, show animals, pets, and strays that have always found their way to me, I’ve always had too many animals. I love spending time with my friends and family – especially my nephews and niece, working with wildlife, all things monkeys, and traveling. I’m so honored to have met so many wonderful people and pets since Summit opened and can’t wait to continue helping provide the best of care!
Jadon M.
Jadon M.Veterinary Assistant
Hi, my name is Jadon! I’m a senior Animal Science major at Texas A&M University and I’m from Bastrop, TX. I have been working at Summit Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary technician since 2023. I enjoy working with animals of all types and I plan to pursue a career as a mixed animal veterinarian. I have a cat named Lemon, whom I adopted from Summit. Outside of work, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and playing tennis.
Erin M.
Erin M.Veterinary Assistant
Howdy! My name is Erin and I am a senior Animal Science major at A&M. I just applied to veterinary school and hope to become a mixed animal veterinarian. I have experience with small animals, livestock, exotics, and I even got to travel to South Africa last summer on a veterinary medicine study abroad trip! I also raise service dogs and have two pet dogs, Stark and Lily!
Ashton K.
Ashton K.Certified Veterinary Assistant
Howdy! My name is Ashton and I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. I grew up in Winnemucca, Nevada, where I was surrounded by a wide variety of animals, including exotics, small animals, and large animals—an experience that sparked my passion for veterinary medicine. I have worked in the veterinary field for eight years and earned my Certified Veterinary Assistant title in 2019. I am currently applying to veterinary school with the goal of working with a diverse range of species, including exotic animals. In addition to my work in veterinary medicine, I serve as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. Whether I’m caring for animals, working outdoors, or serving in the military, my diverse background has shaped who I am, and I am always happy to meet new patients and care for their beloved pets.
Zoe L.
Zoe L.Veterinary Assistant
Hi there! My name is Zoe and I am a junior at Texas A&M majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Entomology. Most of my veterinary experience has been with small animals, though I have had the chance to work with both large animals and exotics and loved it. I started working at Summit in May of 2025 and it has been such an incredible opportunity. Outside of work, I love thrifting, reading, and playing pickleball. One fun fact about me is that I actually grew up overseas, spending nine years in Zambia, Africa. After graduating, I plan to attend veterinary school with the goal of working in either exotic or emergency care.
Joshua E.
Joshua E.Veterinary Assistant
My name is Joshua, and I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. I am currently working toward my Master of Science in Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine. My professional interests include preventive medicine, emergency and critical care, and surgery. Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my mixed-breed dog, Apollo, cooking, going to the gym, and painting. One fun fact about me is that I once appeared on a Disney kids’ television show!
Ella M.
Ella M.Veterinary Assistant
Howdy! My name is Ella. I am a senior Animal Science major with a minor in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship and obtaining my equine certification. I have a wide variety of animal experience including cattle and other livestock, dogs and cats, and even exotics such as sloths and servals. I started at Summit in August of 2025 and love our team! Outside of work and class, I am usually with my mini Aussie Goose, reading, or hanging out with friends. I plan to pursue a career in the emergency veterinary medicine field.
Brooke M.
Brooke M.Veterinary Assistant
Hi! I’m Brooke, a 2025 graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. I grew up in Houston and have been an Aggie my whole life. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, from family pets to livestock projects and rodeos. That lifelong passion continues to shape both my work and my goals within veterinary medicine!
Alyse G.
Alyse G.Certified Veterinary Assistant
Hello, I am Alyse! I currently am in my undergrad studies majoring in animal science to pursue veterinary school. I have always been on the veterinary track beginning when I went to vet camp at 10 years old. I have my CVA (Certified Veterinary Assistant) from my high school veterinary internship. I adore animals and I have my own Pomeranian named Teddy Bear who lives with me here in college. In my free time, I also really love traveling and cooking.