meet the team!
Our Veterinary Team
Welcome to Tchefuncte Animal Hospital! Our veterinary team looks forward to meeting you. Learn more about us below.
About Tchefuncte Animal Hospital’s Veterinary Team
Tchefuncte Animal Hospital welcomes you and all of your pets to our veterinary hospital in Madisonville, Louisiana. At our hospital, Dr. David Moores and Dr. Laura Ferrara provide comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats.
Dr. Laura Ferrara, DVM - Medicine & Surgery
Dr. Ferrara has been a resident of St. Tammany since 2003 after graduating from LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge and attended St. Joseph’s Academy and Louisiana State University. Dr. Ferrara has been practicing small animal medicine and surgery in Mandeville/Madisonville since graduation.
Dr. Ferrara and her husband, Joe, a dentist, have enjoyed living in Madisonville with their children, Rebecca and Noah, and their two dogs and two cats. She is an active member of St. Anselm Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Dr. Ferrara loves music and the arts, and she was a member of the LSU Golden Band from Tigerland for three years. She loves spending time with her family and friends, especially when cheering on the Tigers and Saints!
Dr. David Moores, DVM - Medicine & Surgery
Education
Dr. Moores is a Covington native who attended St. Paul High School and Mississippi State University. He then attended LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2003. Since graduating from LSU, Dr. Moores has worked in a small animal private practice, emergency medicine, and surgery. Before opening Tchefuncte Animal Hospital in 2008, he worked at a veterinary specialty referral and critical care hospital in Metairie.
Personal
Dr. Moores, his wife Celeste, and two children live in Covington, along with their two dogs. He is an active member of Trinity Church of Covington and enjoys cycling, running, paddle boarding, and swimming. He has completed several marathons and half/full-Ironman races. Dr. Moores loves spending time with his wife, son, and daughter and can often be found on the river or fishing with them. Dr. Moores is also a long-suffering Saints fan who was finally redeemed but now wants another championship!
Dr. Rachel Schott, DVM - Medicine & Surgery
Dr. Rachel Schott was born and raised in West Monroe, Louisiana. She graduated from West Monroe High School in 2013. From there, she attended Louisiana State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in business administration. After receiving her degree, Dr. Schott could not let go of her passion for animals. She decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. She graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2023 and is very excited to meet you and your beloved pets here at Tchefuncte Animal Hospital.
Dr. Schott now resides in Covington, LA with her husband, Tyler, and their three dogs, Bella, Maggie, and Sarge. In her free time, Dr. Schott enjoys cooking and hosting gatherings at her house. She also loves to travel, and never misses an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. She is currently a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, and the Florida Parishes Veterinary Medical Association.
Marrisa, Practice Manager
Marrisa is a passionate Veterinary Practice Manager with a deep commitment to animal welfare. She joined our team in February of 2024 and came with previous experience in the animal industry. She started her career in 2018 as a client service representative, kennel tech, and veterinary technician, and then became a veterinary practice manager in 2020. She ensures the smooth operation of our hospital while fostering a supportive and positive environment for both our team members and our beloved patients. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her pets, gardening, reading, or seeing live music with friends! Pictured with her is her first pet she adopted in 2016, Oliver Winston.
Madisen, Veterinarian Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Madelin, Veterinarian Technician
Madelin has been a veterinary technician at Tchefuncte Animal Hospital since Febuary 2022. Madelin is very passionate about many things, especially getting to use her skills to help pets in need. Madelin has a special place in her heart for Shih Tzus and is holding her sweet boy Falcor in the image above. In her free time, Madelin likes to write, game, and explore nature with an appreciation for biology. She is very thankful for all Tchefuncte continues to teach her and will carry this with her in the future.
Monique, Veterinarian Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Jacie, Veterinarian Technician
Jacie is a dedicated professional with a lifelong passion for animals. She began her career as a kennel technician and quickly advanced to become a kennel manager before transitioning into a skilled vet tech. With a particular fondness for dachshunds, Jacie has cherished these dogs as companions throughout her life, including her sweet girl, Cheerio.
Beyond her career, Jacie enjoys the vibrant atmosphere of concerts and finds solace in nature. She also enjoys gaming as a hobby. These interests reflect her well-rounded personality, blending her love for animals with a vibrant enthusiasm for life’s adventures.
Jacie is committed to ensuring that every patient receives the best care and comfort possible, a testament to her dedication in the field of veterinary care.
Karen, Veterinarian Technician
Jersey, Veterinary Assistant
Megan, Reception
Bio Coming Soon!
Melissa, Reception
Maylin, Groomer
Maylin’s love for animals goes beyond grooming—she is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets, using gentle techniques and high-quality products. When not at the grooming salon, you can find her volunteering at local shelters, advocating for animal rescue, or enjoying outdoor adventures with Isadora.
Tedi, Kennel Technician
Tedi has been a kennel technician at Tchefuncte Hospital since 2024. Previously, she worked as a basic obedience dog trainer at a facility and now enjoys helping friends and family with their dogs for fun she has 3 dogs of her own, a golden doodle (Ace), a husky mix (Molly) and a husky (Roxy) that she has trained herself.
Growing up on a farm with chickens, horses and even monkeys, Tedi has always been passionate about a career with animals. In her spare time, she loves reading about dog training and embraces her adventurous side by working in a haunted house. Tedi is dedicated to learning more about animal behavior to ensure the best care for our furry friends.
James, Kennel Technician
James has loved animals for as long as he can remember, so working at the veterinary office as a Kennel Technician is a perfect fit. He enjoys caring for the pets, making sure they are comfortable and happy, and watching all the funny things dogs do throughout the day.
As the middle child of five, James has always been surrounded by activity, which might be why he’s so good at keeping up with energetic pets! When he’s not at work, he loves hanging out with friends, playing the drums, and listening to music.
James takes pride in making every pet’s stay as stress-free as possible and is always happy to lend a hand to his team and the animals in his care.
Kailee, Kennel Technician
Kailee grew up in Keenesburg, Colorado, and loved to go hiking in the mountains with her family and the family dog. When she realized her black lab was as happy as she was to be running around outdoors, it sparked her passion for helping animals and showing them the love they give us. Kailee first joined the team as an intern from Mandeville High School her senior year but officially joined the team in December 2023 as a kennel tech.
She has loved her job since the day she started and has learned something new every day thanks to her caring staff members. She thrives on helping others whenever and however she can, Kailee is always there to lend a helping hand. She is a loving pet mom of two kitties who run around her home secretly plotting against her new puppy Cabo.
In her free time, she loves taking walks along our beautiful Madisonville riverfront and listening to music that spans every genre of music.
We proudly serve the pets in Madisonville, LA, and beyond.
It is our mission to partner with our clients to nurture and preserve the human-animal bond by providing compassionate, expert, and affordable veterinary. We see patients from communities all over, including Covington, Mandeville, and St. Tammany Parish.