Director of Operations
Instructor/Course Coordinator |
Alan R. Spence |
Alan has 30 years of law enforcement, animal husbandry and business experience. He recently retired as a Police
Sergeant Investigator. His many years in criminal investigations, animal science, and dealing with the public,
well qualifies him for his position with TAACO. Alan also holds a state teaching / instructor certification with
the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement through Texas A&M University, Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator,
and is a Certified Animal Control Officer. His training and education also includes associate courses in animal
science and reproduction. Alan was born and raised on a working cattle ranch where he worked for many years
before entering law enforcement in 1979. He has experience in dealing with domestic animals of all types, but
emphasized his interest on equine and bovine. He and his wife raise working quarter horses for ranch and rodeo
and stock use.
Email: 
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Lead Instructor
Advanced Administrative ACO |
Ethel Spence |
Ethel is an Advance, Administrative ACO with experience in all areas of animal care and control. She has
approximately 20 years of experience in dealing with animal husbandry and care, with 6 years directly in animal
control. Ethel also has an associate’s degree in animal science, and numerous hours of in-service training in
this field. She has served working as a uniformed street officer and in the shelter environment. She is also a
trained pet groomer and trainer.
Ethel is an accomplished barrel racer and horse trainer in her spare time and loves to fish. She is currently
serving as the Assistant Director and kennel manager at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in
Georgetown, Tx. She oversees all animal intake, the Vet Tech and Animal Care Technicians duties, as well as off
site adoptions.
Ethel is a member of the state board of directors for the Texas Animal Control Association and recently was
honored with a Presidential Citation Award for her work as a Regional Coordinator in Central Texas.
TAACO is very proud and blessed to have such a talented and experienced person as part of our training staff.
Email: 
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Chief Admin Assistant |
Staci Retzlaff |
Staci is an experienced office manager with many years of dealing with the public. She also has experience as a
teaching assistant with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Safety Courses. Her love and devotion to animals is
proven in her day to day interaction with them. Her management skills are impeccable and truly enjoys running the
office. She will also be in charge of the student record keeping as well.
Email: 
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Training Assistant |
Leslie Hodges |
Leslie is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over 5 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine,
ranging from working in veterinary hospitals, to working in a non-profit animal shelter. She has an Associates
Degree in Applied Science, and numerous hours of continuing education and in-service training. She is a member of
TVMA. She trains barrel horses and attends barrel races in her free time.
Email: 
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Staff Veterinarian |
Dr. Marla Van Dyke |
Dr. Van Dyke is a fully accredited and licensed veterinarian practicing in Texas. She has a mobile vet service for
primarily large animals with emphasis on equine health and nutrition. Dr. Marla will
be teaching all the pharmacology and physiology in the animal science, chemical immobilization, and euthanasia
portion of the program. She will also assist TAACO in its monthly low cost rabies and spay/neuter clinics for the
public. Marla is a contract instructor on an as need basis.
Email: 
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