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 and she is certified as a Veterinary Dental Practitioner (VDP) by the International Veterinary Dental Institute having demonstrated exceptional practical knowledge and surgical skills in all areas of veterinary general dentistry. She is also member of the Foundation of Veterinary Dentistry, a group that is passionate about education regarding oral health in animals.  

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.