Meet Our Team

Discover the faces behind Thunderbird Veterinary Hospital

The passionate professionals dedicated to your pet’s health and happiness.

Welcome to the heart of Thunderbird Veterinary Hospital, where our dedicated team is more than just professionals—we’re pet enthusiasts committed to providing the best possible care. From routine check-ups to specialized treatments, our team brings a wealth of expertise and a genuine love for animals.

Each member, from our veterinarians to our support staff, plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and compassionate environment for your pets. We invite you to meet the faces who consider your pets part of our extended family, ensuring their health and happiness with every visit.

Our Doctors

Samantha Coppedge

DVM

I could never imagine doing anything else with my life besides practicing veterinary medicine, even when it challenges me! I wanted to be a veterinarian ever since I read my first James Herriot book at 9 years old.

Around that same time, my family got my first childhood pet: a Brittany/pointer mix named Bonnie Sue. Now, my family includes a rescue mutt named Arthur and his little “sister” Tonks, a five-pound diva rescue Pomeranian.

Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, camping, and listening to live music. I also love a good Sooner football game! Professionally, my areas of interest are dermatology, dentistry, and surgery.

Nicole M. Irizarry Larriuz

DVM

I could have never picture myself in a job that was not directly related to animals and their wellbeing. This is how I started my journey to become a veterinarian. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, the Island where I grew up. Then I went to Mississippi State University where I gained my DVM degree.

I moved to Oklahoma with my partner and our two beloved mutts Leonidas (cat) and Juvia (dog) to start our next adventure. I love the outdoors and doing crafts. I don’t foresee myself getting any specialties soon, but I’ve always had a special interest in exotic pets and wild critters.

My most interesting experiences so far have been bathing an African Elephant and getting in a pool to support the weight of a rescued Pelagic Beaked whale calf after a beach strand.

Robert King

DVM

I truly have a passion for helping people take care of their animals.  I feel blessed to be a veterinarian and am very excited to join the excellent team here at Thunderbird Veterinary Hospital!

I love to travel with my wife and daughter to attend fairs, festivals, concerts, and car shows.  I also love pinball and cooking.
We have one dog named Daffodil, and three cats named Possum, Maybelle, and Lady Sansa.
My favorite veterinary experience was on vacation at Panama City Beach.  With the help of a group of strangers, I was able to remove embedded fishhooks and fishing line from a brown pelican that washed ashore, saving its life.

Our Staff

Claudia

Practice Manager

I got into this field because of my love of animals. My first pet was a dog named Lassie.

At home I have 8 dogs with which I share my love of the outdoors by taking long walks. I also have pigeons. In the past I have done nursing and I was a certified safety trainer. In my off hours I work with the celtic Corgi Rescue.

Carli

Vet Assistant

I chose this field for my love of animals. I love getting to meet new pets and help treat and take care of them as if they are my own.

My interests are definitely in rescue and I would love to open a stray sanctuary one day. Now that would be the dream! My first pet was my childhood dog, a collie/retriever mix named Susie.

I now have one dog and three cats; Olive, Finnegan, Winnie, and Nalie. I enjoy painting in my free time and going thrift shopping.

Kaydi

Vet Assistant

My first pet is a cat named Bugs and my most interesting pet is Catrick Swayze, he likes to spin in chairs.

My favorite animal is the leopard. When not working I enjoy kayaking.

Cierra

RVT

Ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to work with animals and I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else! I love my job so much and I’m beyond blessed to work at Thunderbird Vet!

I am proud to say that I earned my veterinary technician license at OSU-OKC!

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful dogs, Axel and Sidney, going on walks, going to the lake and riding in the car! I’m a huge family person and my church is an important part of my life! I also enjoy camping and fishing and making as many memories as I can!

Raeanna

Vet Assistant

My hobbies include working with livestock and going to shows. I was involved in FFA and 4H in high school. I am a current member of ABGA (American Boer Goat Association).

I chose this field of work because I enjoy working with and helping animals. I currently own 1 cat, 2 livestock guardian dogs, and too many goats to keep up with.

Casey

Receptionist

Bio Coming Soon!