Our Team
Dr. Lauren Ball
Dr. Lauren Ball is originally from the Sunshine State but got a dose of the Midwest while attending the University of Notre Dame for undergrad. She returned home to Florida and graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Dr. Ball then completed internships in small animal medicine and surgery in Colorado prior to moving to Indianapolis.
While Dr. Ball has always had a strong interest in surgery, she has also worked in various positions within the veterinary field including emergency medicine, general practice, medical director of a 24-hour hospital, and shelter medicine. It was during her time as a medical director that Dr. Ball came to realize the need for owners to have alternative options for their pets when they were unable to pursue specialty referral for surgeries. She has completed numerous continuing education classes in soft tissue surgery, tibial tuberosity advancement, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and fracture repair. Her goal in starting Indy Animal Surgery Center is to provide personalized surgical care as well as therapeutic options for pets and their families.
Dr. Ball’s family consists of five humans, four dogs and a cat. She and her husband Patrick enjoy watching Andy compete in marching band and indoor percussion, Molly play softball, and their toddler, Noah, grow and explore the world around him. The family has one crazy Boxer, two strong-willed French Bulldogs, and a Brussels Griffon…all of which helped fuel Dr. Ball’s strong interest in brachycephalic dogs and the medical complications they can face. Then there is a spirited Bengal cat to round out the family.
Heather Tracey
Heather is our Care Manager and brings her 20 years of corporate operational leadership experience along with her passionate care of animals to our center. She is dedicated to offering the best experience for our clients and patients, especially the well-deserved feeling of comfort, calm and care with every visit to the center. Heather resides with her six person family in Avon IN, which also includes three dogs ranging in age from two years old to seven years old. She is an avid dog show exhibitor and other dog sports with her Barbet (French Water Dogs), of which she owns two.
She was inspired to change careers when one of her dogs was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer, and came to understand just how important the experience is for pet owners who must deal with unfortunate circumstances regarding their beloved pets. She often volunteers at a local animal rescue to give back to the community and continue her learning of animal care. In Heather’s free time, she enjoys watching all sports, reading, camping, and grooming/training/showing her fur babies.
Zoey Hill
Zoey Hill is a veterinary assistant who graduated from International Business College in December 2024. Currently, she works full-time at Indy Animal Surgery Center, where she provides hands-on support for animals and contributes to their healing process. Zoey looks forward to spending each day at work and continually progressing her knowledge to provide the best possible care for her patients. This role has allowed her to deepen her experience in animal care and expand her skills in a clinical environment. In addition to her full-time role, Zoey works part-time at a Fear Free Certified clinic, where she plays an active role in creating calm and stress-free experiences for both pets and their owners. Zoey is Fear Free Certified, a qualification that showcases her commitment to promoting the well-being of animals.
Outside of her professional life, Zoey is a devoted pet owner to her independent and playful calico cat, Hazelnut, and her spirited and mischievous Yorkshire Terrier, Viper. Their lively personalities bring constant joy and energy to her home. When Zoey isn’t working or caring for her pets, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Her friends and family are a constant source of support and happiness, making her time outside of work just as meaningful as her professional life.
Melissa Hawkins
Mel Hawkins is a registered veterinary technician at Indy Animal Surgery Center. Mel is originally from the greater Phoenix area in Arizona but moved to Indianapolis in 2013. She wanted to work in veterinary medicine since she was a young child. Her family did wildlife rehabilitation, and Mel helped with the animals’ basic needs at home and at the wildlife center. After graduating from high school, Mel attended Pima Medical Institute in 2008 to become a certified veterinary assistant and has since taken the VTNE to become a registered technician.
Mel has worked in multiple areas of the veterinary clinic, including management. Her passion has always been working in surgery and giving her patients the best care they can receive. She knows that every patient is different and needs their own personalized care when they visit the surgery center.
When Mel is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Travis and their daughter Cecilia. Her family loves trying new experiences and enjoying the world around them. Mel also enjoys concerts, hiking, and going to as many summer events as possible.
Mel and her family have multiple pets in their house. They have three black cats which are named Sally, Hala, and Jack. They also have three beagles named Bernie, Bruce, and Betty. They tend to keep the household very active and always entertained. The family does have two exotic pets as well, Bubbles the guinea pig, and Rainbow Dash the axolotl.
Our small team is committed to providing the best care for your beloved pet and impeccable service to you and your family! Having a small team allows us to deliver excellent, personalized care while keeping costs down. That is our goal!
Women-Owned Business
