At Wisdom Animal Clinic, our entire team is dedicated to delivering top-tier medical and surgical care with a compassionate, personalized approach. We emphasize clear communication and client education, empowering you to keep your pets happy and healthy at every stage of life.
We’re also committed to staying at the forefront of veterinary medicine through ongoing education, achieved by attending conferences, seminars, and skill-building workshops. We work closely together, regularly sharing insights and expertise to tackle complex cases and provide the best possible care.
Our team is passionate about building lasting relationships with pets and their families—get to know the dedicated professionals who make Wisdom Animal Clinic a trusted name in veterinary care.
Dr. Joanna Pridgen
Dr. Pridgen grew up in Richardson, Texas, and her passion for veterinary medicine sparked in high school while working at a local clinic. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 1989 and joined Wisdom Animal Clinic shortly after graduation. In 1995, she became a partner, and in 2001, she and her husband, Dr. Russell Woodard, took ownership of the clinic following Dr. Wisdom’s retirement.
Dr. Pridgen thrives on the challenges of internal medicine, especially when it comes to diagnosing and managing chronic conditions. "Helping people by caring for their four-legged family members brings me the greatest joy," she says.
A dedicated community member, Dr. Pridgen is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana and serves on the boards of the United Way and Women for A&M Texarkana. When she's not reading or solving word puzzles, she enjoys horseback riding with her twin daughters, Jenna and Kate, alongside her husband, Dr. Woodard.
Dr. Russell Woodard
Dr. Woodard’s veterinary journey has spanned multiple roles since earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 1989. Initially focused on large animals, he transitioned to full-time small animal care when he and Dr. Pridgen took over Wisdom Animal Clinic in 2001. Dr. Woodard now manages the clinic’s daily operations, but his passion for surgery keeps him actively seeing patients.
Once a PRCA calf roper for eight years, Dr. Woodard now enjoys spending time riding horses with his twin daughters and introducing them to rodeo through Cowboy Church’s Kids Rodeos. He and Dr. Pridgen share a deep love for college sports, especially when it comes to cheering on their beloved Texas A&M Aggies.
Dr. Laura Matteson
A native of DeKalb, Texas, Dr. Matteson has always had a love for rural life. She continued her family tradition by attending Texas A&M University, earning a Biomedical Science degree in 1994 before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. She joined Wisdom Animal Clinic that same year and has been an integral part of the team ever since.
Dr. Matteson enjoys the unpredictable nature of small animal practice, where no two days are the same. “Caring for pets and their families brings me immense fulfillment,” she shares.
She is married to Darien LaCroix and is a proud stepmother to Kyle and Erika. Dr. Matteson is active in the Texarkana community, serving as the scholarship chairperson for the Texarkana Area A&M Club and on the Race for the Cure committee. Outside the clinic, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring her artistic side as a beginner painter. And like her colleagues, she’s a devoted Aggie fan!
Practice Manager
Loryn Murray
Customer Service Representatives
Emily Brown
Kayla Looney
Caitlan Ford
Macy Huddle
Veterinary Technicians
Felicity Allison
Katelynn Vejvoda
Cassie Wright
Ty Page
Amber Beasley
Kelly Wilson
Lab Technicians
Mackenzie Scott
Reginald James
Judy Walker
Brianna Adcock
Kennel Attendants
Hannah Kennington
Clara Harvey
