DOCTORS & STAFF

Veterinarians

John D. Clader, DVM

John Clader received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A & M University in 1973, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science in 1972. While at Texas A & M University, he was in the Corps of Cadets as Commanding Officer of Squadron 6 and a member of the Ross Volunteers. After graduation, Dr. Clader served in the United States Air Force. He worked in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam for the first tour and then was stationed in Morocco, with temporary duty in Iran and Afghanistan. He worked in or traveled through 56 countries in 3 years.

Dr. Clader has been a veterinarian for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska since 1996. As an Iditarod veterinarian, he has taken care of sled dogs (and mushers) under extreme conditions along the entire 1,200-mile trail.

Dr. Clader has been:

• President of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practitioners in 1990–1991
• President of the Southwest Texas Veterinary Medical Association from 1982–1992
• Texas Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors from 1985–1994
• Elected to the AVMA Council of Education (COE) representing private mixed clinical practice 1991–1997; the COE is responsible for the accreditation of the veterinary colleges in the United States, Canada, England, New Zealand, and Australia
• Speaker at numerous meetings and colleges, including Texas A & M University; TriState VMA in Jackson, Wyoming; Beijing University in China; and the University of Havana, Cuba.
• Currently serves on the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Dr. Clader and his wife, Laura, have three sons: Kyle, Curtis, and Bridger. They are members of the First Baptist Church of Pleasanton, Texas. Dr. Clader enjoys hunting, fishing, and travel. Laura frequently accompanies him on his many adventures.

Jason W. Trial, DVM

Jason Trial graduated cum laude from Texas A & M University with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in 1997. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science from Texas A & M University in 1998. He completed his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 from Texas A & M University College of Veterinary Medicine. While attending veterinary school, Dr. Trial was active in artificial heart research and surgical implantation with renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. Upon graduation, Dr. Trial joined the team at Chaparral Veterinary Center as an Associate Veterinarian. Dr. John D. Clader welcomes Dr. Jason W. Trial as a partner in Chaparral Veterinary Center.

Dr. Trial is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Society of Theriogenology, American Veterinary Medication Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. In 2007, fellow practitioners elected Dr. Trial to the Board of Directors for TVMA. Dr. Trial’s veterinary interests include small animal internal medicine and surgery and equine dentistry. Dr. Trial and his wife, Kristen, recently welcomed their first child, daughter Jordan Marie.

Kellie A. Cochran, DVM

Kellie Cochran attended Texas A & M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Science in 2000. She obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 from Texas A & M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Cochran worked for three years at Retama Equine, an exclusive equine referral and emergency veterinary practice here in Texas. She then returned to her hometown to join the staff at Chaparral Veterinary Center as an Associate Veterinarian.

Dr. Cochran is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Her interests include equine internal medicine, equine reproduction, and small animal internal medicine. Dr. Cochran and her husband, Chad, recently welcomed their first child, daughter Emersen Paige.

Veterinary Staff

Alice A. Thomas, Office/Hospital Manager

Alice Thomas has been with Chaparral Veterinary Center since 2002. She began her career here as a receptionist after being in the dental field for 13 years. After one year, she was promoted to office/hospital manager and finds her work very challenging and entertaining. She has lived in Pleasanton, Texas, since 1991 with her husband, Wayne; three children; and one crazy cat named Socks. Her family enjoys bowling, fishing, and camping. She is dedicated to providing a pleasant experience and friendly atmosphere for all clients and their animals when they visit Chaparral Veterinary Center

Meghan Courtney Walser, RVT

Meghan Courtney Walser is a Registered Veterinary Technician who began working at Chaparral Veterinary Center in November 2008. She is a small animal technician because she loves working with dogs and cats, but she also enjoys learning a thing or two about large animal medicine. Meg enjoys reading, movies, traveling, continuing veterinary education, and learning to cook. She and her husband, Ryan, have a rambunctious Rat Terrier, Allie; a sweet Schnauzer Terrier, Charlie; a gorgeous German Shorthair Pointer, Sunny; and a clever cat, Cleo.

Neta Johnson, Receptionist

Neta Johnson has been employed with Chaparral Veterinary Center as a receptionist since August 2007. After 23 years in the dental field, she has found that being part of the Chaparral Veterinary Center team is a very rewarding experience. Neta and her husband, David, have been married for 44 years and have lived in Pleasanton for 36 years. She has two children, four granddaughters, and a beautiful boxer named Molly. She enjoys fishing, reading, gardening, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She is a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Pleasanton. Neta looks forward to making your visit to Chaparral Veterinary Center a pleasant one.

JoMarie Valdez, Receptionist

JoMarie is our newest addition to Chaparral Veterinary Center. She is a life-long resident of Poteet, Texas. She has one son, Joe Anthony, who is 11 years old. She is a member of New Wine, A Gathering of Believers Church in Poteet, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, and taking long drives.

Kim Darling, Veterinary Technician

Kim has worked in the field of veterinary technology since 1990 and has been with Chaparral Veterinary Center since 1999. She enjoys both the challenge and the rewards that are encountered daily when working in veterinary medicine. A graduate of Poteet High School, she has traveled extensively, but is happy calling South Texas home. When not working as a technician, she owns and operates a grooming salon for dogs and cats in Jourdanton, Texas. Kim enjoys spending her free time with her horses.

Nichole Wilson, RVT

Nichole Wilson grew up in the small town of Unity, Maine, Ever since she was young, she has always had a love for animals and nature. Nichole came to Texas in 2003 to attend Abilene Christian University where she obtained a Bachelors degree in Biology. Throughout her schooling, her interest for animal care grew. She make the decision to further her education in animal care. In August of 2008, Nichole and her husband Wes moved to Pleasanton, Texas. She began attending the Veterinary Technology Program at Palo Alto College that fall. Nichole began working for Chaparral Veterinary Center in the summer of 2009. In May of 2010 she graduated fromthe Veterinary Technology Program and has become one of the family at Chaparral Veterinary Center. Nichole enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband and two wonderful dogs.

Pete Bautista, Large Animal Technician

Pete Bautista is the senior technician here at Chaparral Veterinary Center. He is our “go to” person for anything and everything. Pete was raised on the Hall Ranch, the original ranch that the 74 Ranch, Arrow-S Ranch, and the Peeler Ranch were divided from. He was working cattle from horseback by the age of 5 years. He started working for Dr. Todd Oliver in 1974 and came on staff at Chaparral Veterinary Center in 1984. Pete is well known and respected throughout the veterinary community in Texas. He has attended numerous continuing education meetings over the years both as a student and a teacher. With over 35 years of experience as a technician, Pete has “helped raise” eight veterinarians and numerous technicians. He is adept at all phases of practice involving both large and small animals. Pete is an accomplished team roper, horse trainer, and custom knife maker. He also ranches south of Christine, Texas. He is married to Atascosa County Judge, Diana Bautista. They have one son, Jason.