Dr. Darryl B. Leslie, DVM
Darryl B. Leslie was born and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He attended New Mexico State University for his undergraduate studies and then attended Colorado State University and received his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1991. This added a third veterinarian to the family, as his father and his oldest brother, Earl, are also veterinarians. Dr. Leslie joined his father’s practice in June 1991and purchased the practice from him in 1994. The practice, Leslie Animal Clinic, was set up By Dr. Earl Leslie in 1959 and it was a proud day for the family as it passed from one generation to the next.
Dr. Leslie believes it is important to listen to client needs and provide compassionate veterinary health care. He tells us “I believe in working to improve the veterinary profession by being involved in the state and national associations”. He demonstrates this commitment to veterinary medicine by serving in the following positions:
- President of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association (NMVMA) 2003-2004
- Southwest Director of the NMVMA 1995-2003, 2006-2007
- Represented NM on the Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) 2009-2016 and served as Treasurer and as President during his term
- NM Representative to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as the alternate delegate from 2016-2019 and as Delegate from 2019 to present
In addition to his community and professional work, he is accredited with the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) as a Category 1 veterinarian. He can fulfill pet import and export requirements and issue international health certificates for dogs and cats.
Dr. Leslie married his wife Kim in 1990 and they have three children: Caysen, Dara, and Londyn. Caysen and Dara are married and still live in the Alamogordo area and Londyn is still at home and in middle school. The Leslie’s also have a high spirited Labradoodle named “Dizzy” and a miniature Goldendoodle named “Baylee Grace”. Outside of work, Dr. Leslie’s interests include his family, church (he is a deacon at Bethel Baptist Church), shooting sports, woodworking, gardening, traveling and general “tinkering” with household projects.
Dr. Derek Turner, DVM
Dr. Turner grew up in a ranching community in central New Mexico. Developing a special interest in biology and chemistry while in high school, veterinary medicine seemed a perfect fit for a challenging and rewarding career. Dr. Turner received his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from New Mexico State University and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from Colorado State University in 1989. He has practiced veterinary medicine in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. His special interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery as well as critical care. Dr. Turner is married to Cheryl Louder Turner who was born and raised in Alamogordo. They have two adult children and a standard poodle named Reba. In his spare time, Dr. Turner enjoys oil painting, sculpting, and traveling.
Dr. Ben Gardner, DVM
Dr. Gardner’s lifelong passion for animals began on the cow-calf ranch where he was raised, where daily life revolved around caring for livestock on horseback. This early experience inspired a deep commitment to animal care, which he pursued academically at Kansas State University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. In recognition of his dedication, he received the prestigious Pet Tribute Award in 2008.
Continuing his professional development, Dr. Gardner has completed advanced training in fracture management and orthopedic procedures. He finds great fulfillment in building strong relationships with both pets and their owners, working together to ensure the best possible care.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Gardner enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Tera, a nurse practitioner, and their daughter. His hobbies include hiking, golfing, fishing, and shooting—activities that reflect his love of the outdoors.
June
Client Relations
June has been with Leslie Animal Clinic the longest. She started in September of 1995. She has been an animal lover all of her life. Born and raised in Alamogordo, everybody in town knows and loves June. Her smile and vibrant personality make you feel like family the minute you meet her. June is the proud mother of two girls, two bulldogs, a chihuahua, two cats, and a horse. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and shopping.
Morgan
Practice Manager
Morgan has been with Leslie Animal Clinic since 2017 and is our Practice Manager. She is certified in abdominal and cardiac ultrasound. She was born and raised in Alamogordo and her love for animals came at an early age. Morgan is currently raising her daughter, Karter, and 2 fur babies, two Aussie’s, “Remi” and “Nova”, with her high school sweetheart who she married in 2022.
Tina
Inventory Manager
Tina has been with Leslie Animal Clinic since December of 2019. Her first career as a math teacher lasted 26 years. During the two summers Tina worked as a veterinary nurse here at LAC, she fell in love with the people and the clinic. After leaving the education world, she was happy to return to the Leslie Animal Clinic family. She started out in a Client Relations position and has since moved into an Inventory Manager position. Tina is married to her husband Dale, and they have had many German shorthair pointers over the years. They currently have four females; Abby, Emma, Liesl, and Tilli.
Makayla
Patient Care Coordinator
Makayla started with us in March 2022. She worked in customer service for 10 years as an assistant manager at Tractor Supply prior to joining our team. Whether it was showing animals in FFA or doing rodeos at a young age. Makayla has always had a love for animals. She and her husband have a small ranch outside of Alamogordo where she raises 2 horses, 4 dogs, cows, chickens, a wild 2-year-old daughter, and has a little one on the way!
Kayla
Veterinary Nurse
Kayla joined our team in October of 2023. She has worked in vet med since 2018. She is an animal lover with plenty of her own such as cows, goats, horses, 4 dogs, 3 cats, and a rabbit. During her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking with her dogs.
Ashlynn
Veterinary Nurse
Ashlynn joined our team in January 2024. Since she was a little girl, she has always dreamed of working in the veterinary field. This is the first clinic she has worked at and so far, it has been a dream come true for her. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling up with her chocolate lab Allie.
Danielle
Veterinary Nurse
Danielle joined our team in June 2024. She has 15 years of experience as a retail store manager. She has since infused our clinic with a touch of southern hospitality, having relocated from the south. Danielle resides at a cattle ranch here in Alamogordo with her husband, 2 kids, and 2 dogs. Her love for people and animals alike is evident in her work.
Heather
BS, LVT (Texas), RVT (New Mexico), LAT
Heather joined our team in August 2024. She is a military spouse that traveled here with their 2 fur kids. She a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) in Texas and is soon to be registered in New Mexico. She has skills spread across various taxonomy, including canines, felines, non-human primates, large animals, and exotic species. She is a registered laboratory animal tech, has her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Wildlife Veterinary Technology from Texas A&M – Kingsville, and is the past President of Veterinary Team Association of Texas. Through the Texas Medical Association, she is a general member, is a part of the strategic planning committee and paraprofessional committee, and a contributor to certified veterinary assistant certification program. With all her experience, we are glad to have her on our team and she can’t wait to help with all your furry loved ones!
Hailey
Veterinary Assistant
Hailey joined our team in April 2025, bringing with her four years of valuable experience in the medical field. From a young age, she’s had a deep passion for animals and has always dreamed of working in veterinary medicine. Currently pursuing her studies to become a licensed Veterinarian, Hailey is dedicated to turning that dream into reality.
Outside of work and school, Hailey enjoys spending time outdoors with her three beloved dogs—Oakley, Koda, and Honcho—who keep her active and inspired every day.
Caitlin
Client Relations
Cailin joined our team in May 2025. Caitlin is a dedicated client service representative with over six years of experience in the animal care industry. With a background as both a veterinary assistant and client service in various settings- including general practice, high-volume spay/neuter clinics, and emergency care- Caitlin combines expertise with compassion to make every visit smooth and stress-free as possible. She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and is also a proud Navy veteran. She is passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere for both pets and their owners. Her calm demeanor and sense of humor help put clients at ease, whether it’s cracking a joke to lighten the mood or offering a reassuring word during stressful visit. When not at work, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her two black cats, Siegfried and Mrs. Hall, as well as exploring the outdoors, reading, and staying connected with her community.