Meet Our Veterinary Team in Carmel
Dr. Sam Stanley
Originally from central Kentucky, Dr. Stanley graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He began his career in Georgia and Alabama as a mixed animal veterinarian who worked with cows, goats, horses, dogs, and cats. At that time, he was also the veterinarian for a wild animal safari, where he worked on giraffes, lions, zebras, and other species. He then transitioned to small animal emergency medicine for a time before shifting gears to small animal general medicine in Texas, then in Indiana. He opened Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic in April 2016.
Becoming a veterinarian wasn’t a career path he felt he chose; it chose him. He’s wanted to be a veterinarian since he was very young. With over a decade of experience in the field, he loves that his profession allows him to get to know pets and their families on a personal level. He sees them as an extension of the family.
Dr. Stanley is married with two boys. He also has three cats named Derby, Dottie, and Johnny Ringo, and a dog named Henry, who is the “Yellow Dog” of Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic. Although spare time is rare (he’s a father of two young boys), when he does find free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, including fishing, camping, and gardening.
Veterinary Organization Memberships:
Dr. Amy Spencer
Dr. Spencer attended the University of Missouri where she earned both her undergraduate degree in biology and her DVM. She chose a career in veterinary medicine due to her interest in biology and great love for animals. One of her more interesting experiences has been assisting in an ultrasound of a tiger at the Indianapolis Zoo to evaluate his liver! Her favorite part of working in the practice is the opportunity to build relationships with the families of our four-legged patients. Dr. Spencer is also known for her communication skills and commitment to client education.
Dr. Spencer is married to her husband, Joel, and together they have three sons named Samuel, Matthew, and Ben.
Dr. Melissa Justice
Dr. Justice is a native of Yorktown, Indiana. In 1994 she graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. In 1998 Dr. Justice graduated from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and returned home to work in small animal general practice. In 2000 she began working in a small animal emergency clinic in east central Indiana, where she developed a love of small animal emergency and critical care.
In 2007 Dr. Justice joined the Indiana State Board of Animal Health as a field veterinarian, where she continues to work to this day. In addition to her duties as a field veterinarian, she is now the director of small animal health programs and brucellosis programs for the Board of Animal Health. As a regulatory field veterinarian, she helps to monitor, investigate, and test for diseases of regulatory concern (including Chronic Wasting Disease, Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Rabies). Dr. Justice has continued to work as a relief veterinarian in small animal practices since joining the Board of Animal Health. In 2018, Dr. Justice joined the staff of Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic.
When Dr. Justice is not working, Dr. Justice enjoys spending time with her husband Shawn and two children Landen and Taryn. The family has a Staffordshire Terrier named Jaxson and three cats – Thomas, Harley and Midnight. The family loves to go on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, her favorite ports of call are St. Maartin and Curacao.
Dr Lesley Tragesser
Dr. Tragesser- Smith is a highly experienced veterinarian, graduating from Purdue University in 2007 and earning a master’s degree in veterinary Epidemiology from The Ohio State University. With 17 years of practice, specializing in dentistry and certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture and Medical Massage, Dr. T is dedicated to restoring oral health and overall well-being in her patients. Her passion for animals, nurtured through 4H involvement and a childhood on a farm, drives her commitment to compassionate care. Beyond work, Dr. T enjoys reading, sewing, and outdoor activities with her two children. At home, she shares her life with a diverse array of pets, including three dogs, six cats, goldfish, rabbits, and chickens, reflecting her deep connection to animals and their welfare.
Dr. Gail Newcomb
Introducing Dr. Gail Newcomb, our dedicated veterinarian joining us from Bremen, Indiana. With a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Purdue University and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine also from Purdue, Dr. Newcomb brings over a decade of experience, specializing in surgery. Previously practicing in South Bend, she now focuses her expertise on surgical procedures in the Indianapolis area. A loving mother of four and owner of two dogs and a cat, Dr. Newcomb’s favorite breeds include Beagles and long-haired cats. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking, gardening, and cycling with her husband, Scott, and finds joy in cooking. Dr. Newcomb’s passion for animals and commitment to exceptional care make her an invaluable addition to our team at Yellow Dog!
Dr. Katherine Becker
Dr. Becker, originally from Evansville, Indiana, discovered her passion for science and animals through her father’s influence, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 2014 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2017, she then practiced in Crawfordsville for a year before settling in the Indianapolis area in 2018. Dr. Becker’s professional interests encompass ophthalmology, dermatology, and internal medicine, and she values close collaboration with clients to educate and support them in their pet’s care. Actively engaged in organized veterinary medicine, she serves on the executive board for the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and is a member of several esteemed veterinary associations. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Achievement Award in 2023. Outside of work, Dr. Becker enjoys quality time with her husband and their beloved super-mutt, Riley, volunteering at their local church, traveling, reading, painting, and embracing outdoor activities.