AUSTIN VET - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Artist
- Marketing & Events Manager
Originally from Lubbock, TX, Beth has a B.F.A in Theatre Performance from Eastern New Mexico University. Beth joined us as a receptionist, to familiarize herself with the trade, before becoming our Marketing Manager. Her background in social media marketing and event planning for dog-friendly events in Austin brought her to MVVC, where she could play an active role in MVVC's community events, interface with clients, and work around animals (and animal-loving people) full-time.
In her spare time, Beth is an artist and hand-paints pet portraits and animal art! She also enjoys swing dancing, trying new restaurants in Austin, and spending time with her little tribe of animals. She has two dogs, Mazey and Lucy and an 18 lb. orange tabby cat named Rocco.
Dr. Kelly Might is our on-call Board-certified surgeon for specialized procedures.
Dr. Might was raised in Bedford, Texas. He moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin as an undergraduate student, earning a bachelors in zoology and a minor in Spanish. He then attended Oklahoma State University for veterinary school. Early in his first year at Oklahoma State, Dr. Might found his calling for veterinary surgery, and then completed a 1-year rotating internship in Santa Rosa, California, followed by a surgical internship at Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists in Boulder, Colorado. These experiences were then followed by a three-year surgical residency at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.
During his training Dr. Might developed a strong interest in orthopedics. While at Washington State University, he published multiple manuscripts and found great interest in orthopedic research. Dr. Might is now an integral part of our surgical team, and is able to provide complicated surgical procedures to many pets that would not otherwise be able to receive specialty care in the area.
After 9 years away from home, Dr. Might, his wife, and two children returned to Austin, Texas. When not at work, Dr. Might enjoys cycling and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian, Fear Free™ Certified
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Taia Lubitz was born and raised in San Diego, California. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley. After a few years working as a technician at a local clinic, she headed off to veterinary school in Grenada, West Indies where she graduated Cum Laude from St. George's University. After three years of island living in Grenada, she headed back to the US to complete her clinical year at Texas A&M University.
While attending veterinary school, Dr. Lubitz particularly enjoyed connecting with clients and pets alike. Acting as an advocate for rescued animals by owning and fostering shelter animals all her life, she also fostered animals (including goats!) while studying veterinary medicine. Dr. Lubitz's special interests include emergency medicine and endocrinology.
Away from work, Dr. Lubitz enjoys spending time outdoors with her young daughter Meika, her partner Robert, and other family and friends in Austin. Currently, Dr. Lubitz lives with her rescue dog, Charlie, and cat, Cocoa. She also frequently fosters kittens through Austin Pets Alive.
Dr. Lubitz is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA).
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian, Fear Free™ Certified
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Troy Smith was raised in Austin where most of his family still lives, and graduated from Crockett High School just down the road from MVVC. He received his Bachelor with honors and DVM degree from Texas A&M, and has been in Austin private practice since 1991. After the late Dr. Robert "Larry" Bowen, Dr. Smith became the second owner of MVVC (before passing the torch to Dr. O in 2013). He truly loves being a veterinarian and enjoys going to work every day. He has a special affinity for cats and Petey the clinic cat can often be found in his office (lap) while he's entering his medical notes! We are thankful for his outstanding service as the most senior member of our family, and everyone admires his passion for pet health and wicked sense of humor!
At home, Dr. Smith and his wife, Terri, have 2 dogs and 2 cats keeping them young. On the side, he is an avid fly fisherman and newly-minted blacksmith! His professional passions include internal medicine and diseases of the ear. Over the last few years, his interest in treating Osteoarthritis lead him to the study and practice of Stem Cell and PRP (protein rich plasma) therapy, making MVVC one of the few practices in Central Texas that offer it.
Dr. Smith is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA).
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian, Fear Free™ Certified
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Tolson grew up on a family farm in Stephenville, TX. He received his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Company F-2). Deciding he loved the Aggie football games too much to leave, Dr. Tolson continued his education at Texas A&M and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2018. Since then, he has been practicing in the surrounding hill country area. Manchaca Village Veterinary Care is excited he has joined the team!
Dr. Tolson's professional interests include cardiology, dentistry, clinical pathology, and pain management. His philosophy as a veterinarian is to approach each case as if he himself is the patient. This leads him to be thorough, compassionate, and eager to answer questions. He enjoys educating clients and having them go home feeling like they truly understand what is happening with their pet's health. Don't be surprised if he draws you pictures and shows you x-ray images in the exam room!
Outside of work, Dr. Tolson enjoys sports, music, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Sarah. They have a dog named Riley and a cat named Tweek. Dr. Tolson is also passionate about community outreach and is fond of speaking at local schools to help teach students more about what he considers to be the best job ever!
Dr. Tolson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA).
Leta came to MVVC as a Technician Team Lead in 2014, where her leadership skills and work ethic helped her make the transition to Practice Manager in 2016. Always looking for ways to grow in her field, Leta became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in early 2020. A team player, you can find Leta helping out in any part of the hospital during the workday. In addition to heading up staff management, quality control and client relations, she is also a sometime technician, receptionist, coach, and listening ear. Leta is always happy to chat with you, so don't hesitate to ask for her!
Leta holds a B.S. in Animal Science from West Texas A&M University, and has previously worked in the veterinary industry as a receptionist, surgery tech and vet tech in the Austin area. Leta is passionate about the blending of high-quality medicine with an informed and personal client experience. All-in-all, Leta brings a wonderful balance of teaching and leadership to Manchaca Village Veterinary Care.
Leta is the proud owner of a 13-year old Border Beagle named Ruger, who you can find in her office daily. She is an avid saltwater angler and regularly competes in tournaments with her husband, Jeremy.
Rob was born and raised in New York, where he earned his B.F.A. at Long Island University / C.W. Post. His career after school included many years as a design director and marketing professional for magazines and corporate marketing departments, both in New York and in Austin after moving here in 2005.
When he and his wife Sandra (Dr. O) decided to purchase MVVC from the Smith family in 2013, he left his design career and put his focus on managing the marketing and business operations of the practice. His experience in brand, leadership, business operations and a love of animals make working at MVVC a perfect and rewarding fit!
When not in work mode, Rob keeps active with neighborhood Board work, enjoying time with his little kids, and distance running. He is currently training for his 6th marathon, in a bid to qualify for Boston. Rob's also been spending time training his new dog Penny how to run the business in his absence.
Job Titles:
- Chief Medical Officer, Fear Free™ Certified
Dr. Ontiveros (known to her clients and co-workers as "Dr. O") grew up in El Paso, TX. She received her Bachelor in Zoology from the University of Texas in Austin, where she fell in love with the town. She went on to receive her MBA and DVM from Texas A&M, and then returned to Austin to launch her career and raise her family. She is just the third owner of MVVC over it's 45 years in business!
Job Titles:
- Associate Veterinarian, Fear Free™ Certified
- Member of Our MVVC
- Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Wise is the newest member of our MVVC family. She grew up in Corpus Christi, TX, and received her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. She stayed on to attend veterinary school and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Dr. Wise began her career practicing in Houston and recently moved to Austin to be closer to family.
Dr. Wise is passionate about client education, and her professional interests include dermatology and internal medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Wise enjoys running, record collecting, and going to concerts with her husband, Robert. They have a puppy, Maple, a ginger cat named Kitty and a miniature Egyptian tortoise named Sebastian.
Dr. Wise is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA).