GCVS - Key Persons


Alice McDonald

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. McDonald graduated from Texas A&M University where she received both her bachelor's degree and doctor of veterinary medicine degree. She then completed a rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center Memorial in Boston, MA. Although she loved Boston, Dr. McDonald elected to return to her hometown of Houston after her internship to work as an emergency veterinarian. Outside of work, Dr. McDonald enjoys gardening, being outdoors, knitting, and playing the ukulele.

Catherine Huff

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Procedural Services Manager
Catherine graduated from Tomball College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology in 1996. She transitioned into education in 2007 and began instructing at the Vet Tech Institute. In 2009 she became the Program Director and continued to teach classes such as anatomy, nutrition, clinical pathology and canine behavior. Catherine graduated from Tarleton State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree. Catherine started her career working for Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 2022 and is the Procedural Services Manager overseeing the Neurology, Surgery, Anesthesia and Ophthalmology departments. Catherine serves on a number of committees including the IACUC for the Texas Heart Institute. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her significant other and their three dogs, Poppie, Masie and Jennay.

Christina Trujillo

Job Titles:
  • Ancillary Services Manager
Christina Trujillo graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2014. Since 2010, Christina has worked with various small animal veterinary clinics, including single and multi-doctor practice, private and corporate-owned, and general practice and specialty medicine. Working at the forefront of primary care veterinary hospitals led her towards management in 2016 when she served as a practice manager for newly acquired hospitals implementing updated practices and processes to support the ownership transition and projected growth. Christina began working at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 2018 as the Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor. Christina is now the Ancillary Services Manager overseeing Diagnostic Imaging, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Behavior, Laboratory, Pharmacy, and HBOT. Christina is an active member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and is working to further her knowledge in practice management through the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager Program. Christina enjoys supporting and developing teams that deliver advanced specialty care to pets.

Dr. Alla Bezhentseva

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Alla Bezhentseva received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Animal Science from Rutgers University in 2013. She then earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2017 from Tufts University with the ACVS Foundation Student Surgery Award. After completing a small animal rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center, Dr. Bezhentseva moved to San Antonio for a surgical internship at a private practice. She then returned to the Northeast to complete a surgical residency at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services in Rochester, New York. Dr. Bezhentseva performs orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and has special interests in trauma and minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Amy Davenport

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Internal Medicine
Dr. Amy Davenport received her bachelor's degree in microbiology for the University of Texas in 2005 and DVM from Texas A&M University in 2009. After graduation, she completed a one year rotating internship followed by a three-year residency in small animal internal medicine at North Carolina State University, where she performed research in infectious disease. She was board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2013 and joined Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists that same year. Though Dr. Davenport enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, she has special interest in endocrine, gastrointestinal and immune-mediated disease, along with endoscopy and infectious disease. In her spare time, Dr. Davenport enjoys birding, adventures in nature, playing trivia, watching Spurs basketball, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Matt, and beagles, Kingsley and Bradley.

Dr. Audrey Pierson

Dr. Audrey Pierson received both her bachelor's degree and doctor of veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University. She practiced small animal medicine and surgery for three years prior to specializing in veterinary ophthalmology. Dr. Pierson completed a three year veterinary ophthalmology residency in Dallas, TX and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2016. While she enjoys all aspects of veterinary ophthalmology, Dr. Pierson's special interests include surgical interventions for ocular diseases and neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Dr. Brandy Orr

Dr. Brandy Orr received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 2014. She worked as a veterinary technician for three years, during which time she received her Master of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M in 2016. She continued her education with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Dr. Orr loves all aspects of emergency medicine but is particularly interested in trauma medicine and neurology. In her free time, she likes to work out at the gym, cross-fit, and spend time with her two Rat Terriers, Cama and Trixie.

Dr. Carley Giovanella

Job Titles:
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
Dr. Carley Giovanella received her doctor of veterinary medicine from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 1999, followed by an internship at the University of Georgia. Her residency in neurology and neurosurgery was completed at the University of Wisconsin and the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, England. Dr. Giovanella joined the faculty at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 as an assistant professor and clinical neurologist/neurosurgeon. She became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Specialty of Neurology in 2004. She joined Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 2005.

Dr. Carolina Garcia

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Carolina Garcia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University in 2011. She worked as a veterinary technician for two years and continued her education with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 2017. After graduation, Dr. Garcia completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital. Her interest in emergency medicine grew exponentially after finishing her internship therefore she joined Gulf Coast veterinary Specialist in 2018. Dr. Garcia enjoys indoor climbing, traveling to new places and spending time with her Chihuahua, Valentino.

Dr. Christina Gentry

Dr. Christina Gentry received both her bachelor's degree and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University. She then completed a one year rotating internship the University of Georgia. Following her internship, she completed a three-year dermatology residency at the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado. Dr. Gentry has a special interest in treating feline allergies, performing video otoscopy and deep ear cleanings, and treating autoimmune skin diseases - especially nodular skin diseases. Dr. Gentry is board certified by the American College of Dermatology. Dr. Gentry is originally from Sugar Land, Texas. She has two Corgi mixes and two cats. In her free time, she can be found gardening, cooking, and using her minor in Entomology to identify insects.

Dr. Colleen Willms

Dr. Colleen Willms received her doctor of veterinary medicine in 1998 from the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed a one-year rotating internship at Auburn University. Subsequently, she undertook a three-year, ACVECC-approved residency with doctors. Rebecca Kirby and Elke Rudloff, two highly regarded and board-certified veterinary criticalists. Dr. Willms worked at Alabama Veterinary Specialists for years as the director of the ICU and critical care service prior to joining Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. She was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2005. Dr. Willms has a special interest in using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), as an adjunctive modality to helping patients. She enjoys spending time with her yorkie, Tulipe, who she adopted as a rescue. Tulipe was nursed back to health over a 10-day period in our ICU. She also enjoys traveling, birdwatching, communing with nature, and cooking.

Dr. Elizabeth Underwood

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Elizabeth Underwood received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from University of Connecticut in 2012. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University in 2016. After graduation Dr. Underwood completed a small animal rotating internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in New Jersey. Prior to joining GCVS, she worked as an emergency veterinarian in New York. Outside of work, Dr. Underwood enjoys horseback riding, the beach, and hiking with her dogs.

Dr. Eric Owens

Dr. Eric Owens is a board-certified cardiologist from Chicago. He studied at the University of Notre Dame and then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. George's University, with clinical training at North Carolina State University. Dr. Owens completed a small animal internship at The Ohio State University. Thereafter, he completed a cardiology internship and a cardiology residency at Oregon State University. His clinical interests include interventional cardiology and congenital cardiac disease, and his research interests include advanced cardiac imaging modalities, utilization of endovascular and minimally invasive therapies, and cardiomyopathic disease in dogs.

Dr. Grayson Cole

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Grayson Cole received her Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida in 2006, and then earned her DVM in 2010, also from the University of Florida. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the Ohio State University followed by a surgical internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Cole went on to complete a surgical residency at the University of Tennessee, where she also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2015. She was then in clinical practice at a specialty hospital in San Antonio and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2016. Dr. Cole performs orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and has special interests in physical rehabilitation and minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Heidi Hottinger

Dr. Heidi Hottinger received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Following veterinary school, she pursued an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She then completed a residency in small animal surgery at Michigan State University and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1996. Following her residency, Dr. Hottinger returned to the Animal Medical Center in New York City to join the clinical faculty and staff in soft tissue surgery. She moved to Houston in 1996 to practice soft tissue and oncologic surgery at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, where she is currently one of the medical directors. Dr. Hottinger was instrumental in developing the highly regarded surgical internship training program at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, and continues to serve as a program director and mentor for the internship. In addition to teaching our surgical interns, Dr. Hottinger participates in the teaching and training of veterinarians and veterinary students who visit our hospital. She also lectures on both the national and international stage, and was awarded the Small Animal Instructor of the Year by the WVC in 2013. She has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers in veterinary literature to help advance the field of veterinary medicine. In her free time, Dr. Hottinger enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two whippets, Luna and Reed. She also enjoys gardening, jumping horses, and cycling.

Dr. Kali Sherman

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Kali Sherman received her Bachelor of Science in Animal-Dairy-Poultry Science from Louisiana State University in 2014. Dr. Sherman attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and graduated in 2019, after completing her clinical rotation at the University of Florida. After veterinary school, she pursued a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Tampa, FL. She has been working as an emergency clinician since her internship. Outside of work, Dr. Sherman enjoys photography and spending time with her beagle and her cat.

Dr. Karin Beale

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Karin Beale received both her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 1985. After graduation, she was engaged in small animal private clinical practice in the Washington, D.C., area for one year. Her passion for dermatology grew during this year and the following year she returned to the University of Florida for a residency in veterinary dermatology. After residency, she attained board certification in dermatology, and remained on faculty at the University for four years as an assistant professor of veterinary dermatology before leaving to found Gulf Coast Veterinary Dermatology and Allergy. Having lectured nationally and internationally, Dr. Beale has a special interest in infectious conditions of the skin and ear, and managing the allergic patient. Dr. Beale has 3 children that bring her great joy. She shares her home with her youngest daughter and 2 Golden Retrievers. She is active in several philanthropic activities, including volunteering with Golden Beginnings, a local rescue group for Golden Retrievers. Dr. Beale is a first generation American, is fluent in French as a second language. She enjoys traveling for fun as well as for educating other veterinarians. In her spare time, she enjoys various artistic endeavors including painting and making jewelry.

Dr. Katherine Martucci

Dr. Katherine Martucci received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology along with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 2017. Upon graduating, Dr. Martucci completed a small animal rotating internship followed by a year of practicing emergency medicine at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland, WA. She then joined Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists where she completed both Critical Care and Diagnostic Imaging specialty internships. She began her Diagnostic Imaging Residency at GCVS in July of 2021. Outside of work Dr. Martucci enjoys training service dogs, participating in competitive dog sports, rock climbing, exploring the outdoors with her two golden retrievers Kova and Fluke, and being serenaded by her cat Kindle (affectionately known as Scream Cheese).

Dr. Kimberly Snook

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Kimberly Snook is a native-born Houstonian who has finally made it back home and is looking eager to serve the Houston veterinary community. She graduated from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, and then made the trek up to Brooklyn, New York to complete a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group. She has had a soft spot for neurology throughout her veterinary career, and has additional interests in soft tissue surgery, wound management and the Fear Free care model. Outside of work Kim can be found practicing her indoor rock climbing, yoga, bike riding, baking, playing her favorite Legend of Zelda games, and exploring the ever-growing Houston restaurant scene. She shares her life's adventures with her husband Caileb, and her two cats, Noodles and Nugget.

Dr. Michelle Fabiani

Dr. Michelle Fabiani received both her bachelor's degree and doctor of veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University. She practiced general and emergency small animal medicine for six years prior to pursuing a career in radiology. Dr. Fabiani completed a three year residency at Gulf Coast Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in 2002 and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary radiology in 2003. Since board certification, Dr. Fabiani has acted as staff radiologist at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. Additionally, Dr. Fabiani was an adjunct professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Saint Matthews University, College of Veterinary Medicine from 2006-2012. She has lectured extensively, providing education to veterinary students and veterinarians locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2012, Dr. Fabiani became the first veterinary radiologist to receive the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice Clinical Referral and Consultation Award. She enjoys all aspects of diagnostic imaging but her special interests include computed tomography, echocardiography, exotic animals, and interventional radiology techniques.

Dr. Paul Manino

Job Titles:
  • Internal Medicine
Dr. Paul Manino received his doctor of veterinary medicine from Louisiana State University in 2003. After graduation, he completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, North Carolina. He then worked as an emergency/critical care veterinarian for five years before completing a three-year residency in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Manino was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2012. Dr. Manino has a special interest in liver disease, fungal disorders, and diagnostic laparoscopy and endoscopic-guided laser procedures. He also currently serves as the department head for the internal medicine department at GCVS. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and doing charitable work as a member of the 501st legion.

Dr. Rebecca Norton

Job Titles:
  • Internal Medicine
Dr. Rebecca Norton received her doctor of veterinary medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Minnesota in 2010. After graduation, she completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency at Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral in Bowie, Maryland. She entered her three-year residency program for small animal internal medicine at Gulf Coast Veterinary Internal Medicine in July 2011 and became board certified in 2015. Dr. Norton has a special interest in liver disease and interventional procedures, including diagnostic laparoscopy and minimally-invasive laser procedures. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, swimming competitively, and cooking.

Dr. Rhonda Dixon

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Rhonda Dixon received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Texas A&M University in 1999, having previously graduated with a bachelor's degree in biomedical science and animal science from Texas A&M in 1994. Dr. Dixon has practiced emergency/critical care medicine in the Houston and Sugar Land areas for more than 15 years. Her special interests include trauma medicine, feline medicine, and endoscopy. Time away from work is spent with her wife, their multiple cats/dogs, and a bird. Outside of work, she enjoys watching football, spending time at her lake house in east Texas, and going off road in her 4WD FJ Cruiser.

Dr. Sue Chen

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Sue Chen is a native Houstonian and is board certified in Avian Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She received her DVM from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, where she created a specialized veterinary curriculum track focused on exotic animals. She spent time training at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries in Dallas, Seattle, and Australia, as well as a pathology rotation at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. After veterinary school, Dr. Chen completed an internship at Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics, followed by a residency in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York. She has authored publications on avian and exotic medicine, and has a special interest in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and endoscopic surgery in exotics.

Dr. Wayne Whitney

Dr. Wayne Whitney received his doctor of veterinary medicine from Louisiana State University in 1982. After one year of general practice in Houston, he completed a one-year internship and a three-year surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York. He became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1989. Dr. Whitney was with Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists when its doors opened that same year. Dr. Whitney's career has been primarily devoted to the development and advancement of canine arthroscopy, with continued special emphasis on improving techniques for the cranial cruciate injuries. Dr. Whitney is a co-author of the industry-defining textbook, Small Animal Arthroscopy. Dr. Whitney has a heavy caseload of canine sports medicine, including field trial and agility dogs. In 2018, Dr. Whitney was named a Founding Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery - Small Animal Orthopedics (arthroscopy and fracture repair) by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Emily Elser

Dr. Elser was born and raised in Ohio. She attended the University of Findlay where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She then completed veterinary school at The Ohio State University. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, she entered active duty service in the Army Veterinary Corps as a captain. She served for five years as a Veterinary Corps Officer in Virginia and Hawaii where she traveled throughout the pacific and to Antarctica. After her active duty service, she matched with GCVS as a Diagnostic Imaging Intern. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania where she completed her radiology residency and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. She stayed on as a Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania before returning to GCVS.

Eryn Del Monte

Dr. Eryn Del Monte received her Bachelor's degree in Equine Science and Business Administration from Colorado State University. There, she also completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. While in veterinary school, Dr. Del Monte worked for equine radiologist, Dr. Myra Barrett. Upon graduating, Dr. Del Monte completed an equine rotating internship in the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala, FL. She then completed a rotating small animal internship at VCA Sacramento before joining the GCVS team as a Diagnostic Imaging intern in 2020. She began her Diagnostic Imaging Residency at GCVS in July of 2021. Outside of work, Dr. Del Monte enjoys backcountry backpacking and other adventures with her husband and wire-haired Terrier mix, Peebs.

Hernan Bracho

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Bracho obtained his veterinary degree in his home country of Mexico. He did a two-year Internal Medicine and Surgery residency to strengthen his clinical skills and then practiced in Mexico City for 8 years. He was supervisor of Social Services and Practice Programs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for 6 years, while being an associate veterinarian. In 2010, Dr. Bracho came to Houston, TX. Here he practiced as a general practitioner and one of our referring DVMs for 6 years, prior to deciding he wanted to pursue advanced training and become a specialist. During his GP tenure, he served as a Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital. Dr. Bracho finished a three year Emergency and Critical Care residency training at the University of Wisconsin in July 2021. Medically, Dr. Bracho has special interests in point of care ultrasound, cardiology, sepsis and mentoring new generations of veterinarians. In Dr. Bracho's spare time he enjoys playing soccer, fitness, photography and traveling. He has 2 rescue dogs, Nemi and Chip (rescued from GCVS during Harvey), who also keep him busy.

Jason M. Jucker

Dr. Jason Michael Jucker received his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University. He went on to complete his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. While in veterinary school, Dr. Jucker worked at Ohio State's Veterinary Medical Center's intensive care unit as a student worker up until he graduated. Upon graduating, Dr. Jucker completed a small animal rotating internship at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, before joining the GCVS Emergency Department in 2022.

Jordan Hatfield

Dr. Hatfield was born and raised in La Grange, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After completion of veterinary school, Dr. Hatfield completed an equine surgical internship at Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Oklahoma and a diagnostic imaging internship at Washington State University in Pulllman, Washington. He then went on to complete a residency in diagnostic imaging at Mississippi State University. During his residency, he also obtained a Master's degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Hatfield became board certified in 2020. Dr. Hatfield's research focused on the use of computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of canine intestinal disease. His professional interests include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Hatfield enjoys ranching, fly fishing, nature photography, and traveling.

Kara B. Sessums

Job Titles:
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
Dr. Sessums earned her degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University. After graduation, Dr. Sessums practiced as an emergency veterinarian for three years in Dallas/Fort Worth. Dr. Sessums then completed a neurology/neurosurgery internship at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, followed by a three-year neurology/neurosurgery residency at the University of Florida. From there, Dr. Sessums spent two years practicing in Colorado followed by seven years practicing at Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group in New York. Dr. Sessums' interests include refractory epilepsy, brain tumor treatments and spinal surgery. She is excited about medical advances in the field including new treatments for granulomatous meningoencephalitis and immunotherapy for brain tumors. In her spare time, Dr. Sessums enjoys spending time with her daughter, gardening, and reading. She has four cats, two dogs, one fish, one hermit crab, one tortoise, two mice and one guinea pig. Dr. Sessums is an avid marathon runner and has completed three full Ironman Triathlons.

Kristin Coleman

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Dr. Coleman graduated with the Biomedical Sciences Dean's Medal and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Auburn University in 2008. Electing to stay in the Southeast, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, along with the Small Animal Surgery proficiency award, from Auburn University in 2012. She went on to complete a general rotating medicine and surgery internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan in 2013, followed by a combined Small Animal Surgery residency and Master of Science degree from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2016, Dr. Coleman joined a busy private practice in Brooklyn, New York and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons just a few months later. Dr. Coleman recently moved to Texas with her husband, two cats, and NY-adopted dog to join the Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists family! Dr. Coleman currently performs both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery at GCVS.

Kristine McDaniel

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Client Experience Manager
Kristine McDaniel has a long history in the client and hospitality industry and has been working for Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists since 2007. While Kristine started as part of the reception team, she rapidly rose into leadership as the front desk supervisor. Kristine has recently transitioned into Client Experience Manager, which entails all aspects of client service at GCVS. Kristine is passionate about client relations, especially communication, as an integral piece of the top-notch care we provide here at GCVS. Kristine enjoys crafting and hanging out with her husband, two children, and assorted four-legged family members in her spare time.

Laura Hammond

Dr. Hammond recently completed a residency in diagnostic imaging at the University of Tennessee. Prior to her residency, she completed both an internship in diagnostic imaging at the Veterinary Imaging Center of San Diego, and a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego. Dr. Hammond earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, California, after obtaining her bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 2015.

Lauren Williams Molinari

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Lauren Williams Molinari, DVM, a 2013 graduate from Iowa State University College Of Veterinary Medicine, wanted to become a veterinarian since she was four years old after her favorite animal at the Audubon Zoo, a white tiger named Suri, died from ovarian cancer. She and her husband currently have one son and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants, and traveling. She is excited for the new professional challenge of becoming a hospitalist at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. She looks forward to treating the cats and dogs of Houston and its surrounding areas when in need.

Melissa Clark

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Melissa Garcia-Lacaze

Dr. A. Melissa Garcia-Lacaze received her doctor of veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University in 1998. She then completed a one-year emergency and critical care internship, followed by a three-year emergency and critical care residency at the Animal Emergency Center in Glendale, Wisconsin. Dr. Lacaze joined Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in 2002, and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2003. Dr. Lacaze has a mixed- breed dog, Mungo, and two cats, Nimo and Diamond.

Philip Allen

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Rebecca Cervenec

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Rose Jones

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Support Services Manager

Sherrie Hartke

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Susan Baley

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Theresa Stringer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team