Veterinarians
Christopher Paul Boutros DVM, DVSc
diplomate american college of veterinary surgeons
Founder & Board Certified Equine Surgeon
Dr. Boutros is the founder of Waller Equine Hospital and a board-certified specialist in equine surgery with a distinguished career in both clinical practice and academic medicine. Originally from Houston, Texas, Dr. Boutros earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. He went on to complete a large animal internship and a three-year equine surgical residency at the Ontario Veterinary College.
Dr. Boutros is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), reflecting his advanced expertise and dedication to excellence in equine surgery. Before founding Waller Equine Hospital, he served in faculty positions at Murdoch University in Australia and at Texas A&M University, where he was a lecturer in large animal surgery and an emergency surgeon.
With a passion for advancing equine health and providing high-quality veterinary care, Dr. Boutros established Waller Equine Hospital as a referral and full-service practice committed to excellence in medicine, surgery, and client service.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Boutros enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. His leadership, experience, and vision continue to guide the hospital’s mission and growth.
Jessica Bush dVM, MBA
Associate veterinarian
Dr. Bush is a skilled lameness veterinarian with a strong foundation in performance horse medicine and a deep-rooted connection to Waller Equine Hospital. A Houston-area native, she began her veterinary career as a veterinary assistant at Waller Equine while actively competing in the local barrel racing circuit.
She completed her undergraduate studies at Tarleton State University and went on to earn an MBA from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Bush then received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University, followed by a rigorous internship at Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Oklahoma.
For six years, she worked as an associate veterinarian at Equine Athlete Veterinary Services in Pilot Point, Texas, where she gained extensive experience treating high-level show and performance horses across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Bush returned to Waller Equine Hospital in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for diagnosing and treating lameness. Her professional interests also include wound management and regenerative therapies, which she integrates into her comprehensive approach to equine care.
Her practical experience, advanced training, and dedication to helping horses perform at their best make Dr. Bush an invaluable member of our veterinary team.
Brianna Price MS, DVM
associate veterinarian
Originally from White Hall, Maryland, Dr. Price discovered her passion for veterinary medicine at an early age. Growing up surrounded by animals and immersed in the world of Thoroughbred racehorses, she developed a strong foundation in horsemanship and animal care. She competed actively in various equestrian disciplines—including eventing, show jumping, fox hunting, and Pony Club—with her two off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
Dr. Price earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Committed to advancing her clinical skills, she completed rigorous post-graduate internships at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Wellington, the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, and Texas A&M’s Large Animal Hospital. These experiences deepened her interest and expertise in equine sports medicine, reproduction, lameness, wound management—and notably, surgery.
Now a well-rounded practitioner with a special interest in surgical care, Dr. Price brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to every case she handles. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes through both innovative and time-tested surgical techniques.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Price enjoys spending time outdoors, whether she’s riding, kayaking, or relaxing with her dogs.
Estrella Barriga, dVM
Veterinary intern
Dr. Estrella Barriga brings enthusiasm, compassion, and a growing expertise in equine sports medicine to the Waller Equine team. A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Barriga grew up around working Quarter Horses and knew from a very young age that she was destined to become a veterinarian.
She earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in 2019 and went on to graduate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. Her professional interests include sports medicine—with a special passion for equine lameness—as well as ophthalmology and internal medicine. She is committed to developing her diagnostic and treatment skills in lameness to help horses stay sound, comfortable, and performing at their best.
Dr. Barriga enjoys spending her free time outdoors, catching up with friends, and—most of all—spending time with her three beloved blue heelers, Luna, Venus, and Cielo. She’s also never one to pass up a good taco! Her warm personality, dedication to her patients, and drive to grow as a lameness veterinarian make her a valued member of our veterinary team.
Shannon Russell, dVM
Veterinary intern
Dr. Russell is a lifelong member of the rodeo community and brings her deep-rooted passion for performance horses to her role at Waller Equine Hospital. Raised on a ranch in Belen, New Mexico, she grew up surrounded by horses and livestock, and has been actively involved in barrel racing and breakaway roping from a young age.
She earned her Bachelor of Animal Science with minors in Horse Management and Biochemistry from New Mexico State University in 2020, and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona in 2025.
Dr. Russell’s professional interests include sports medicine, theriogenology (reproduction), and emergency medicine. She is dedicated to helping equine athletes stay healthy, sound, and performing at their best—whether in the arena or on the ranch.
Outside of work, she enjoys competing in rodeo events and running with her two dogs, Dixie and Bronc. With her rodeo background, strong clinical skills, and passion for equine care, Dr. Russell is a trusted partner in keeping horses happy, healthy, and in the game.
Marissa Pierik, DVM
Veterinary intern
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Dr. Pierik brings compassion, energy, and a strong foundation in equine care to the Waller Equine team. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in June 2025.
Dr. Pierik has a strong professional interest in both surgery and reproductive medicine. She finds deep fulfillment in helping horses recover, thrive, and return to the roles they love—whether they’re athletes, working partners, or beloved companions.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Pierik enjoys spending quality time with her family, hiking, camping, and staying active in the gym. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and thoughtful approach to patient care make her a valued addition to our veterinary team.
Her professional interests include sports medicine, theriogenology, and emergency medicine. During her free time Dr. Russell enjoys competing in barrel racing and breakaway roping as well as running with her two dogs, Dixie and Bronc.