Oncology Faculty and Staff

Dr. Smith completed 3 years of a Biomedical Science program at Texas A&M prior to admission to the DVM program at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine.  She graduated with honors in May 1994. 

Her interest in internal medicine and oncology had been piqued as a senior veterinary student, and during her internship at the University of Illinois, she decided to pursue residency training in both specialties, and joined Auburn University's program in 1995.  Smith was certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in both Small Animal Internal Medicine and Oncology in May 2000.  While pursuing her residency training, she also completed requirements for Auburn University’s Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences, and received her diploma in December 2001. 

She served on the Auburn University faculty as an assistant Clinical Professor from 1999-2000, an Assistant Professor from 2000-2005, an Associate Professor from 2005-2012, and is currently a Professor. 

Dr. Smith coordinates Auburn University's oncology program, which focuses on a multidisciplinary team approach to each patient. When not in the clinic, she especially enjoys time on Lake Martin with her family, including her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one cat.

Dr. Ralph Henderson is professor of surgical oncology. He joined Auburn University CVM after graduation from the University of Missouri in 1972. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and a charter Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, subspecialty Clinical Oncology, Dr. Henderson helped establish the clinical oncology service in 1998.

His research has impacted broad areas of veterinary surgery and medicine. Highlights include the tibial compression mechanism of cruciate ligament injury; a technique for intestinal tube feedings; an intermediate duration tracheostomy technique; numerous reconstructive procedures; and, he and Dr. Mark Bohling documented the fundamental healing differences between dogs and cats. He has received 3 teaching awards, service awards, and was named the Robert and Charlotte Lowder Distinguished Professor of Clinical Oncology. He has been a prolific author and speaker. In addition, Dr. Henderson has had opportunity to contribute directly to human health as an instructor for Basic Life Support (paramedics and nurses) and Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery instruction (physicians and surgeons).

When away from the University, Dr. Henderson spends time with his family in faith pursuits, reading, yarding, gardening, fishing and hunting. Currently, Maddie (mixed breed) and Winston (Min Pin) adopted him and are the top dogs. Facing cancer daily, but thinking of his pets and patients, his working aphorism is, “Our pets should live well and die with grace.”

Dr. Almond is a native of Memphis, Tennessee.  He attended undergraduate at Baylor University and the University of Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984.  He was in private practice for 18 years, the last six years as founding owner of Cordova Station Animal Hospital.  In fulfillment of a long-time dream, in 2002 he returned to school at the age of 42 to do back-to-back residencies in Veterinary Radiology and Veterinary Radiation Oncology.  During his residency programs, he completed a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences.  Although he thought he would return to his hometown to practice, he and his family realized that they preferred the slower-paced life of a sleepy Southern college town.  He also found that he loved the interaction with the veterinary students. It was an easy decision to accept a full-time position on faculty here at Auburn University – although he’ll readily admit that he misses his friends and family back home and has been known to beg to have “care packages” of Memphis barbeque shipped to him.

His professional interests in radiology are conventional radiography, nuclear medicine, and computed tomography.  He enjoys using radiation therapy to fight cancer in pets, receiving great satisfaction being able to provide a glimmer of hope to owners of pets battling cancer.

Outside of work, his passions in life are spending time with his wife, son, and daughter, playing trombone with his son in their church orchestra, restoring vintage straight razors, woodworking, and riding road and mountain bikes.

Dr. Stephanie Schleis has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at Auburn University since she joined the faculty in 2008.  She is a native of Louisiana and received her DVM degree with honors from Louisiana State University in 2004.  Following graduation she did a rotating small animal internship in medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University from 2004-2005.  She was then accepted into a 3 year medical oncology residency at the University of Tennessee which she completed and passed her certifying examinations in 2008.  After finishing her residency Dr. Schleis settled on an academic career so that she could combine her desire for teaching veterinary students, interns, and residents while still actively treating oncology patients.  In her time at Auburn she has authored and co-authored several journal articles, participated in clinical research projects, and delivered several continuing education lectures.  Her professional interests include lymphoma, leukemia, histiocytic diseases, and equine oncology.  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her dog and horse, running, cooking, and scuba diving. 

• Resident - Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
• DVM - The Ohio State University

Dr. Back graduated in 2003 from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, acquiring a BS in Biology with honors including Phi Beta Kappa.  She played Division I soccer for OU capturing the All Mid-American Conference Academic Award and the 2001 Conference Commissioners Award.  She completed her DVM with honors from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, while serving on the University Senate and representing the IAMs Corporation as a nutritional specialist.  Dr. Back was selected for an internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists, a multi-disciplined referral hospital in Titan Falls, New Jersey.  From 2008-2010, Dr. Back was an associate veterinarian at the Beavercreek Animal Hospital, a full service, small animal practice in Beavercreek, Ohio.  Dr. Back was selected for an Oncology Residency at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama in 2010.  Her research experience includes: an OU senior thesis on Locomotion Biodynamics of Primitive Mammal, Rattua Norvegicus; A Retrospective Analysis of Primary Spinal Cord Neoplasia in Dogs; and an AKC funded clinical trial in Evaluating the Effects of Metronomic Chlorambucil on Regulatory T Cells via Flow Cytometry.

• Resident, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
• DVM, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• BS, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC 
• Intern, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 2010 - 2011 

Dr. Wesley Campbell is a Medical Oncology Resident in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Auburn University. She graduated summa cum laude from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in 2010. After graduation, Wesley participated in a rotating small animal internship at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2011, Wesley accepted a three year veterinary oncology residency position at Auburn University. Wesley has presented at several continuing education conferences, authored journal articles in leading veterinary publications, and is pursuing research in various aspects of veterinary oncology. Wesley’s main interests include lymphoma, leukemias and sarcomas, specifically hemangiosarcoma. Wesley enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog (Jake, an Australian Shepherd), running, cycling, reading, and eating new foods.

• Veterinary Technician IV
• AS- Snead State Community College

Janet started working for Auburn University Small Animal Clinic in 2001, as a veterinary technician in Oncology.  Her main assignment to the oncology service is in surgical oncology. She runs anesthesia on all surgical cases and also helps with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Janet took on the responsibility of teaching fourth year veterinary students about proper biopsy techniques. She received her veterinary technician degree with an associate in science from Snead State Community College in 2001. Janet’s main interest is in surgical oncology and anesthesia. Janet also enjoys spending time with her  husband, two children, and animals ( 2 cats and a great dane).

• Veterinary Technician III
• AS- Snead State Community College

Jennifer started working for Auburn University Small Animal Clinic in 2008, after working in private practice for 5 years. Her main assignment is oncology research. She also plays an important role in the oncology service as well. She helps with radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Jennifer took on the responsibility of teaching fourth year veterinary students about chemotherapy safety.  She received her veterinary technician degree with associate in science in 2005. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her two dogs.

• Veterinary Supervisor, Oncology Coordinator
• LVT - Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College 

Natalie graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1980 with an Animal Health Technology degree.  Natalie started working at Auburn University in the Ophthalmology service in 1983; she then went to Soft Tissue surgery.  After a stint as a practice manager she returned and started the Critical Care service.  When the Oncology service started in 1993 Natalie followed a clinician into the service and has been there ever since.  Natalie was also the unspoken Veterinary Technician supervisor until the position was recognized in 1998.  Natalie has had multiple articles in a national technician magazine, has a chapter in a book and has done multiple speaking engagements at national technician meetings.  Natalie’s other interests are family, 3 day eventing and dressage, and is hoping to start search and recues training when “Blue” grows up.

• Small/Large Animal Technician IV

Lynn started working for Auburn University Small Animal Clinic in 2000, after working in private practice for 7 years.  When she first started at Auburn she was the ultrasound technician. She started working for the oncology service in radiation therapy in 2003. Her main assignment is radiation therapy. She also plays an important role in the oncology service where she helps with chemotherapy and teaching of students. She also plays an important role in the radiation portion of many research projects at Auburn University. Lynn’s other interests include barrel racing, softball, and coaching little league.