Dr. Houghton grew up in Huntington, and earned her DVM from Purdue University. After working in Miami, Florida, for 5 years at a surgical referral hospital she returned to Huntington where she operated her own small animal hospital for 25 years. While in Huntington, she served in many leadership roles including Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Huntington Co. Chamber of Commerce, general chairman of the Huntington Co. United Way Campaign, president of the Huntington Co. Humane Society, president of the Northeast Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Houghton’s area of special interest is dentistry. She successfully completed the rigorous 8-month Veterinary Dental Practitioners Program at the International Veterinary Institute (IVDI) placing her among the distinguished in general practice veterinary dentistry. She is passionate about education regarding oral health issues in animal. 

Gardening and knitting are her favorite pastimes when not at work.  She is married to attorney, Theodore Bendall.  Together they enjoy travel, theater, golf, and entertaining.