Doctors
Dr. Armstrong
Dr. Armstrong was born in Mountain View, California and moved at a young age to El Dorado, Arkansas where he spent his childhood. He graduated with a Bachelor of Animal Science from Louisiana Tech University. Dr. Armstrong attended Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation he moved to West Monroe, Louisiana where he joined a four doctor mixed animal practice. In October 2014, he purchased Live Oak Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Armstrong enjoys working at a true mixed animal practice. His clinical areas of interest include small reproduction medicine and bovine herd health.
Most of his hobbies are related to outdoors. He enjoys all forms of hunting, but bird hunting with good dogs is his passion. Pierce is Dr. Armstrong’s son who he enjoys spending time.
Professional Memberships
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Texas Veterinary Medical Association
- American Association of Bovine Practitioners
- Society for Theriogenology
- Deer Breeders Cooperative
Dr. Bessert
Dr. Bessert, born and raised in Texas, studied at Tarleton State for her undergrad degrees in both Biomedical Sciences & Animal Science. She then attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ.
While she didn’t grow up on a farm, her life-long love of animals kept her around animals between owning & showing horses, and raising dogs, rabbits and pigs. Dr. Bessert has ridden competitively in both the hunter/jumper ring and 3-day events. Dr. Bessert also showed goats in her local FFA in high school.
Dr. Bessert always wanted to be a veterinarian and work with horses, cows, and pigs in a small town practice in rural Texas where she grew up.
Her primary professional interests are cattle herd health and small animal dentistry, but she is excited to see any cases that come her way. She continues to advance her knowledge by learning the technique of pet ear crops.
When she is not busy at the clinic, Dr. Bessert enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horses, attending country concerts, and hanging out with her dogs. Dr. Bessert & her partner James have two beautiful children that keep them very busy.
Dr. Hartrim
Dr. Hartrim came to Live Oak in July 2020. She moved many times up and down the East Coast, but spent the majority of her youth in Florida before her family settled in Texas. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Delaware and worked several years as a technician at a large animal clinic in the Texas panhandle prior to veterinary school. She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean and completed her clinical year at Kansas State University.
Dr. Hartrim enjoys working in a mixed animal practice and the wide variety of species seen from day to day. She has particular interest in soft tissue surgery, and small animal exotics. She is always excited to see different species like tortoises and rabbits.
When Dr. Hartrim is not working she can be found doing something creative from cooking, painting and writing or spending time exploring the outdoors and traveling. She is always trying new recipes and sharing with everyone.
Dr. Miller
Dr. Miller was born in South Bend, Indiana and grew up in the great Hoosier State. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Pre-med Biology and went on to attend Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Miller was excited to join Live Oak Veterinary Clinic and work with a dedicated veterinary team who care about animals of all sizes. Dr. Miller's special clinical interest is in small animal internal medicine as well as small ruminant, camelid medicine and herd health.
When Dr Miller is not at work she enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and spending time with her dog and two cats.
