PEDERNALES VETERINARY CENTER - Key Persons


Angela Koch

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist
  • Support Staff Member
A native of Germany, Angela joined the Pedernales Veterinary Center team in 2013. Her responsibilities include customer service, managing the front desk, and answering the phone. Angela enjoys bringing a positive attitude to work every day, and routinely spoils the team with her delicious baked goods. On her days off, Angela can be found working in her garden, trail riding through the Hill Country with her horse Angel Star, or playing with her dogs: Reeh-Lein, Mokka, Benny, and Hansi, as well as her cats: Rote, Bones, Muschel, Wusuchel and Stubby. Angela is the proud mom of two sons, Max and Marcos.

Cady Sultemeier

Job Titles:
  • Licensed Veterinary Technician
Cady is a 2001 graduate of Tarleton State University, with a degree in equine reproduction. Following graduation from Tarleton, Cady lived in Australia for a year, where she assisted on a Quarter Horse breeding operation. When Cady returned to Texas, she continued to work in the horse breeding industry for 3 years, before obtaining an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Tomball College. She is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has been working at Pedernales Veterinary Center since 2008. Cady is an exceptionally skilled technician, and provides the foundation for our day to day operations. When not at work, Cady enjoys traveling, reading, planting flowers and spending time with her family.

Chris Van Drasek

Job Titles:
  • Licensed Veterinary Technician
Chris recently moved to Texas from Minnesota, where he spent many years employed in the field of veterinary patient care. Chris obtained his Associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota in 2005. Chris has extensive experience with anesthetic monitoring, surgical assistance, low-stress animal handling, client communications and the husbandry practices of a variety of species. Chris has a particular interest in animal behavior and is dedicated to minimizing anxiety of the patients he cares for.

Dr. Pat O'Neil

Dr. Daniel Patrick (Pat) O'Neil was born and raised in Terrell, Texas, the son of two lifetime educators. Dr. O'Neil attended Texas A&M University, where he ran track for the university. After completing three years of undergraduate work at A&M, he was accepted into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and completed his Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Science while simultaneously working toward his veterinary degree. When Dr. O'Neil was not studying, he could be found playing with his new puppy or attending the A&M Methodist Church with his future bride, Amy. Dr. O'Neil graduated from A&M with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1983, and began his career as a veterinarian in Fredericksburg shortly after. Pedernales Veterinary Center was established a few years later, and has steadily grown into the distinguished practice that it is today. Dr. O'Neil works hard to serve his loyal clients in all areas of animal care. He is extremely skilled at treating an array of animals, however he is most well-known for his expertise in the field of exotic hoofstock and deer immobilization, transport and medicine. He has volunteered with teams of veterinarians in South Africa, utilizing chemical immobilization to treat and relocate such species as Giraffes and White Rhinos. Dr. O'Neil is actively involved in the Exotic Wildlife Association, and also serves on their Board of Directors. In addition to volunteering and raising money for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Dr. O'Neil was a guest speaker at the North American Elk Breeder Association meeting in 2014, where he spoke on the topic of chemical immobilization. Most recently, Dr. O'Neil has been a guest speaker at his alma mater twice this year, both times serving as an authority in the field of wildlife health, disease and immobilization. Dr. O'Neil has been married to Amy Cardwell O'Neil since 1984. Together they have raised three wonderful children (and many special animals). Their oldest child, Eleanor Madison graduated from Southwestern University and works in Washington, D.C.; their son, Morgan Patrick graduated from Texas A&M University and is currently interning for Space X. Upon completion of his internship, he will resume his work towards obtaining a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at A&M. Jennifer Kay will graduate from Fredericksburg High School in 2016, and looks forward to earning admittance to a college of her choice. Dr. O'Neil is a longtime owner of racing Quarter Horses and enjoys watching them run whenever possible. In addition to the organizations mentioned above, Dr. O'Neil is also a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Quarter Horse Association and Ducks Unlimited. Dr. O'Neil graduated from Texas A&M in 1983 . He is the owner of Pedernales Veterinary Center, and finished building our new facility in 2006. He practices both large and small animal medicine.

Hannah Snyder

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Assistant

Herbie Feller

Job Titles:
  • Support Staff Member
  • Veterinary Technician
Herbie is the foundation of our large-animal division. He is exceptionally skilled at handling a variety of different livestock and exotic species. Herbie has been a dedicated employee since 2000, and always keeps us laughing with his playful nature. He ensures that our hospitalized large-animal patients are well cared for, assists on ranch calls, maintains the facilities, and keeps our doctors out of harm's way! He also helps out with small animal patients when needed. Herbie's commitment to PVC is evident; he is always willing to assist well outside of the 8-5 work day. When Herbie is not at the clinic, he can be found umpiring the local sports games, raising show sheep, volunteering with the FFA/4-H and spending time with his wife Barbara, and their 3 children (Tyler, Clay and Kayla).

Jennifer Turrentine

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager
  • Support Staff Member
Jennifer has been with Pedernales Veterinary Center since 2001. As our office manager, she ensures that the clinic runs smoothly by organizing office operations and procedures, maintaining inventory, working as our liaison with pharmaceutical companies, preparing payroll, communicating with clients and filling prescriptions. At home, Jennifer enjoys throwing the Frisbee for her dogs, and staying active with archery, tennis and dancing.

Kayla Stafford

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Assistant

Keeley Hass

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist

Madison Deike

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Assistant
Madison's responsibilities include caring for our boarded pets, grooming, and assisting the veterinarians and technicians with a multitude of procedures. Madison enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with her dogs: Lacey, Harely, and Trigger.

Melissa McDonald

Job Titles:
  • Support Staff Member
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Team Member
Melissa has been a vital team member of Pedernales Veterinary Center since 2007. She is exceptionally gifted in compassionate patient care, surgical assistance, laboratory procedures and client communications. Her kindhearted and patient demeanor means your pets are in the best hands possible. Melissa has recently started working toward her RN, with aspirations of becoming a surgical nurse. She maintains an active lifestyle, and enjoys outdoor activities such as running and biking. She has two beautiful children, Tristen and Shelby, who we often put to work around the clinic!

Rory Kneese

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Technician
Rory is an integral part of our large animal team. He works hard to keep the barn running smoothly, and ensures the best care for each hospitalized patient. In his free time, Rory enjoys hunting, roping, and spending time with his wife Jessica, and son Clayton.

Yvette Torres

Job Titles:
  • Veterinary Assistant