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.

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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 10 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, shelter manager and veterinary technician. She is also a trained pet groomer and trainer.

Ethel is a member of the State Board of Directors for the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) and recently was honored with a Presidential Citation Award for her work as a Regional Coordinator in Central Texas. She serves as an Animals in Disaster Volunteer Responder for United Animal Nations – EARS and HSUS. Her hobbies include barrel racing, dog grooming, fishing and training horses. Ethel is a trained TCLEOSE Instructor and is now on board at the Academy full time.

TAACO is very proud and blessed to have such a talented and experienced person as part of our training staff.

In November 2009 Ethel Spence received the prestigious William J, Killpatric award, give by the Texas Animal Control Association, for her dricated service to the animal care and control field. Ethel also was awarded a Presidential Citation for her service to the TACA organization.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Staff

Betty Wade

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