Meet the Team
Every member of our team is an animal lover committed to treating your pets with the love, respect, and kindness they deserve.
We understand the emotional bond you share with your furry friends and strive to make each visit a comforting experience.
We have a deep understanding of pets, considering both their physical and psychological needs. Recognizing what brings them comfort or causes anxiety, our veterinary team is ready to deliver quick, expert care with genuine love and compassion when your cat or dog is under the weather.
DVM Partner
Dr. Shaw was born and raised in Fort Smith, AR. He graduated from Hendrix College in 1997, and later that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Danielle.
He then attended veterinary school at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated in 2001. After graduation, Dr. Shaw initially worked with race horses in Kentucky, but quickly realized small animal medicine was more his speed. After a few years of working in small animal general practice, he decided to attend law school. To do this, he began working nights as an emergency veterinarian. In 2007, Dr. Shaw transferred to the law school at the U of A, and began working here at AESC. Dr. Shaw graduated from law school in 2010. At that point, he realized that emergency medicine was his true calling.
He is now the medical director here at AESC. He lives with his wife, three kids, and furry family members. Dr. Shaw and his wife own a ballet studio and dance wear boutique. Most of his free time is spent at the studio or at the soccer fields watching his sons play.
DVM Medical Director
Dr. Arden Roderick grew up in Arkansas but has lived all over the south and internationally. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and minor in Business Management. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts and completed her clinical training at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Roderick has practiced in North Carolina and Colorado for several years before deciding to relocate back to Arkansas. Dr. Roderick has a special interest in surgery, urgent care and emergency medicine.
When she is not working Dr. Roderick enjoys hiking, mountain biking, boating, and going on adventures with Kaos her Dutch Shepherd.
Practice Manager
Heather is a proud Arkansan, born and raised, who has called Northwest Arkansas home since 2006. After graduating from Fayetteville High School, Heather briefly ventured to West Texas, but her love for the Natural State brought her back—this time with her husband, of now 15 years, by her side.
Her journey into veterinary medicine began in 2014, when she took her first role as a veterinary assistant. Originally working nights in emergency medicine while pursuing a nursing degree, Heather discovered her true passion was caring for animals and made a bold career pivot.
Over the years, Heather has gained a wealth of experience across a wide array of veterinary fields. From shelter work and high-volume spay/neuter programs to general practice, 24-hour emergency care, and internal medicine, she’s done it all—always with an unwavering dedication to every creature, big or small, furry or scaled.
While at home, life is just as lively! She and her husband share their space with a menagerie of pets: four furry felines, six dachshunds (of all sizes), a beagle mix, a toy poodle, a shih tzu, and a charismatic bearded dragon named Cali. And when they aren’t busy with their own furry (and scaly) family, they often open their home to fosters in need.
With her deep-rooted love for animals and a career built on compassion and expertise, Heather is an invaluable part of our team, bringing warmth and skill to every pet she cares for.