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 and her husband have four adult children and three dogs ranging in age from two years old to seven years old. She often fosters medical patients at her home in Avon from a local rescue.
She was inspired to change careers when one of her dogs was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in 2022, 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. In Heather’s free time, she enjoys watching all sports, reading, being on the water, camping, cooking and spending time with her fur babies.
Sofia Nappo
As a dedicated Veterinary Nurse for many years, Sofia is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient while supporting their families through every stage of treatment. Her professional interests include emergency and critical care, where she thrives in fast-paced environments that require quick thinking, teamwork, and advanced patient care.
She also has a strong interest in cardiology and anesthesia, enjoys the opportunity to combine technical skills with careful patient monitoring to ensure the safest possible outcomes. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is building lasting relationships with clients and their pets. She believes trust, communication, and empathy are essential to exceptional veterinary care, and she strives to make every visit a positive experience.
Outside of the hospital, you'll usually find her spending time with her six dogs, who keep life entertaining and full of adventure. She also enjoys going to music concerts, camping, watching movies, and taking advantage of any opportunity to be on or near the water. Whether it's a relaxing day by the lake, a weekend camping trip, or discovering new places with her dogs, she loves making the most of my time outdoors and with family and friends.
She is committed to continually expanding her knowledge and skills so she can provide the highest standard of care while advocating for the health and well-being of every animal she has the privilege to treat.
Jess LaMore
Jess is an RVT whose veterinary career started when she graduated from Bel-Rea Veterinary Technical Institute in Denver, Colorado. She has known that she wanted to be involved in the veterinary industry since she was in kindergarten and has been living the dream ever since. Her primary interests in the veterinary field are equine medicine, surgery, and infectious disease.
She is from a small town in southwest Michigan where she grew up riding and showing pleasure horses. In her spare time, Jess enjoys spending quality time with her black lab Koal, riding horses, and golfing.
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
