Our Doctors

 Corner Vet is owned and operated by Dr. Nicole West. Dr. West is a 2003 graduate from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated with honors. She began her veterinary career in south Louisiana practicing at Magazine Street Animal Clinic, Prairieville Animal Hospital and Sherwood South Animal Hospital. It was at Sherwood South Animal Hospital under the guidance of Drs. Alfred Stevens and Stephen Lee that she found her love of dentistry. In 2011, Dr. West and her husband, Brian, made the decision to move home to North Louisiana to raise their daughters surrounded by family. Dr. West has three beautiful daughters: Ava, Evelynn and Estelle, along with three spoiled pets: Anna Louise (Cavalier), Punchie (Boxer) and Muenster (orange tabby cat). In her spare time Dr. Nicole enjoys tennis, triathlons, coaching softball, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She is an active member of Foundry United Methodist Church and serves as their Lay Leader. Dr. Nicole volunteers as a regional speaker and presenter for Zoetis Animal Health and is a sustainer member of the Junior League of Monroe. She has a strong interest in dermatology, soft tissue surgery, oncology, internal medicine and dentistry.  Dr. West has been a repeat finalist for the prestigious “Best Vet of the Delta” award and Corner Vet has been a consecutive Bayou Buzz Finalist for “Best Vet Clinic” in Bayou Life Magazine. 

Dr. Phoebe Ainsworth Baessler is a native of Wiggins, MS. In 2015, she graduated from Mississippi State University college of veterinary medicine. Upon graduation, she was the class of 2015 recipient of the large animal internal medicine award. She has always had a passion for animals both large and small. After graduation, she began working on the racetrack focusing on equine sports medicine. In 2016, she married her surgery partner and best friend, Dr. Richard Baessler. The two of them started their married life together in Monroe, LA. There is never a dull moment when you are a husband and wife veterinarian duo! In her spare time, she loves riding and competing in the hunter division on her thoroughbred, Confetti. Dr. Ainsworth also enjoys alternative medicine and has recently completed her certification in Animal Chiropractics from Parker university. Dr. Richard and Dr. Phoebe currently live in Sterlington with their three rescue kitties; Thomas, Rio, and Bernie Mac and Corgi, Wilson. They both attend Foundry church and thank God daily for the opportunity to have such a rewarding career, and to be a part of such a special and compassionate team at Corner Vet.

Dr. Richard Baessler is married to Dr. Phoebe Ainsworth and lives in Sterlington, LA.  He developed a passion for animals at an early age from growing up on his family’s farm in Durant, MS.  When he was in the ninth grade, he began working for a veterinarian and immediately knew that he wanted to pursue veterinary medicine as a career.  He graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.   One of his greatest joys is to witness the human- animal bond and to be a part of that relationship with his clients.

Dr. Kristi Marie Laffitte earned her Bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2013 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University in 2016. She loves Jesus, her husband Zack, and her two boys, Waylon and Elliot. Their extended family includes her horse, Banjoe, and the family dog, Stevie. Dr. Kristi has a passion for client education, preventative care, and end of life palliative care.