Doctors & Staff

Dr. David James Tang

Believe it or not, I am a second generation Arizona native and a proud graduate of Madison Simis Elementary and Central High School in Phoenix. I completed my undergraduate education at Occidental College in Los Angeles and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University in 1985. I joined the Bell Ridge Animal Hospital Staff in 1991 and have witnessed its growth through three remodels to its current 3600 square feet, addition of boarding services and evolution into a three doctor plus practice. My wife Terri, daughter Abby, and son Miles share our home with three dogs, two cats, numerous tropical fish and an occasional "lost" pigeon. With what little time that is left, I enjoy coaching youth baseball, gardening, photography and travel.

Dr. Joel Lee Ruehs

I grew up in Phoenix and graduated from Shadow Mountain High School. Receiving my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1989, I returned to Arizona. I joined Bell Ridge Animal Hospital in 1995. My Wife and I have two great boys and one dog. In our spare time we like to hike and camp.

Dr. Greta Heinemann

Dr. Heinemann was born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois. She received a Bachelor of Animal Science in 1993 from the University of Illinois and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 from the University of Illinois. After graduation she followed her husband to Arizona, and quickly fell in love with everything Arizona had to offer. Before joining our staff in 2010 she has worked for 12 years as a Veterinarian throughout the valley. Dr Heinemann brings her great enthusiasm and extensive knowledge to continue her mission for compassion and competent care for all of her patients and clients.

Deb - Manager

I grew up in the Seattle area and have lived in San Francisco and Seattle until moving to Phoenix with my husband in 2010. My start in the animal field began at the San Francisco Zoo as an extern in the education department and then, Assistant Curator at the Insect Zoo. My love grew as I volunteered in the veterinary department and learned the medical side of animal care. I became a Vet Tech in 1992 at a small animal practice in San Francisco, and after six years was promoted to management. I have been a manager since 1998, managing companion animal day and emergency practices.

My hobbies include swimming, hiking, yoga and spending time with my husband and friends. We share our life and adventures with our dog - Boo; three cats - Daisy, Curley, Misha and Amazon Parrot, Rocky.

Courtney

Jessica

I was born and raised in Arizona and knew as a young girl that I wanted to be in the Veterinary field. My cat was hit by a car and the lack of knowledge and helplessness I felt that night I knew I wanted to help others in their hour of weakness. I graduated from Kaplan College with an AA in Veterinary Technology and have been working in this field since 2005. Seeing our patients from when they are a puppy or kitten to when they are grown up is one of the things I like most about working at Bell Ridge. I also enjoy emergency situations, and the thrill of seeing a successful outcome.

My hobbies include spending quality time with my friends and family and playing with my cats: Mokey, Tinkerbell, Rory, Tux, GSR, and my dog friends: Katie, Sparky and Stoge.

Liz

Melissa

I have been working at Bell Ridge Animal Hospital since September 2004. I live with my husband Mark and our wonderful son, Markie. We share our home with our three dogs – Sammie, a Chow mix, Piper, a Pitbull mix and Arles, an English Bulldog.

Nicole

My name is Nicole and I was born and raised in Peoria, Arizona. I have been a Veterinary Technician since 2005 and a supervisor since April 2010. I chose this field because it is very rewarding and fun and I have a passion for the medical field. I love emergency and trauma cases; it really gets the adrenaline pumping!

I have a Boston terrier/Beagle mix of my own, who I call my child, and love him as if he was. His name is Wolfwood. I do power lifting training/competitions outside of work and love to go camping, watch drag races, go to car shows, watch UFC fights and spend time with my family.

Sara

In 2007 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Arizona State University after playing 4 years of Division I softball in Louisiana. I returned to Arizona to further my career in the veterinary field after a lifelong dream of doing so.

I enjoy camping up north, fishing, wake boarding, and snowboarding. I have three cats (Kraker, Cheez and Rory) that are my life, but I truly consider any patient of mine part of my family. Beside work, I have my own healthy coffee business (OrGano Gold) and I am also an abstract painter which fills the weekends with markets and shows. I truly believe in living life to the fullest and following your dreams, because they do come true.

Shannon

I am a born and raised Arizona native. I grew up on a small ranch that has cows, chickens, goats, rabbits, turkeys and pigs. I’m used to hard work and dealing with messy clean ups. Working with animals just comes natural to me.

In high school I was in a work for credit program in my junior year and applied to Bell Ridge. I’ve began working here in September of 1999 as a Kennel Attendant. Many people ask me why I have chosen to stay as an Attendant. I enjoy pampering pets more than the medical aspect of the job, but am happy to help out where I’m needed.

In my spare time I enjoy drawing, playing guitar and decorating. My husband and I share out home with two cats, Mabel and Maggie; one dog, a Siberian husky named Husker; three Parakeets, Bobo, Pickles and Chillies; a guinea pig, Axl; and, lastly, is our rat, Ms Brisbie. Working at Bell Ridge is rewarding and the staff is just like family.

Shepard

I was born and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. I attended Long Medical Institute for veterinarian assistant in April of 1998. My wife, Kris and I have two sons, Shepard James and Cashlin Lane. We also have 4 pets, Fender and Stevie the dogs, and Kali and Thor the cats. I have worked at Bell Ridge Animal Hospital since 2005 as a Veterinary Technician, which has some of the best doctors I have worked with in the 11 years of being in the field. We provide some of the best client education with keeping our clients up to date with new and current developments in veterinary medicine, while also providing you and your pet with the best treatment and care.

Tosha

I am a Phoenician, born and raised, and graduated from Thunderbird High School. I started working at Bell Ridge in 2007 and love coming to work and helping all of the different animals that we see.

Most of my spare time is spent with family, friends and playing sports. I have two dogs that mean the world to me, Twoface and Lady, both Pitbull mix.

Wendy

I grew up in Quincy, Illinois, but spent a lot of my childhood living in California, Nevada and Arizona. I was very happy to move back to Phoenix and call it my home in 2001. I grew up with animals and have always loved animals and they love me!

Since 1997 I have worked in the animal field and our patients and clients happiness is one of my true joys. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and spending time with my kids. We share our household with two dogs – Evo and Sam; two cats – Moochie and Jeepers; a bunny named Pushrod and a Giant Pacu (freshwater fish) name Gilbert.