GLENWOOD FALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
Alexa was born and raised in Houston, TX. She still resides in Houston with her husband, Juan Turcios, whom she met shortly after High School and her daughter Aubree. When not hard at work Alexa likes to spend her time trying out different restaurants, traveling, and going out with her friends and family.
Alexa graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2013 where she acquired her Veterinary Assistant License. Since then her passion for animals has only grown stronger. Something you may not know about Alexa is that she absolutely loves to celebrate Halloween!
Favorite Quote: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
If you were a cat breed, which one would you be and why? Calico- because I have a sassy but loving temperament. I'm strong willed and independent like calico kitties.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
Amanda currently resides in Texas, where she was born and raised. However she has spent the past several years transferring from state to state with her military husband, David. Along with their daughter Mary, they have recently resided in Kansas City, Missouri and Columbia, South Carolina. Finally back at home near friends and family Amanda can continue her scrapbooking, photography, and other arts and crafts which includes making diaper cake.
A graduate of the 2005 Lonestar (Tomball) RVT program Amanda hopes to one day advance her education by completing her Bachelors Degree. For now she spends her time with her family, including their furr-babies Amelia, Sarah and Lucky (a Glenwood Falls Adoptee). Amanda truly loves her animals and has a true knack for the job. Who knows, with the same love of animals her daughter Mary may follow in her mama's footsteps one day!
Favorite Quote: "To make a difference in someone's life, you don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care." Mandy Hale
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Rough Collie - because they are loyal, protective, gentle, and intelligent. They get along with everyone and are sweet. I see these traits in myself.
Ashley was born here in Cypress, Texas and raised nearby in Spring. Ashley joined the Glenwood Falls team in June 2021. Outside of her time spent here caring for patients, Ashley enjoys being outdoors. Her hobbies include hiking, swimming, and making old things new again. She hopes to one day travel to experience different cultures. Ashley has one fur baby named Chance who she saved from the streets. When asked about her job Ashley said, "I may be just a face, but their fur baby is my fur baby, and I will care/do anything in my power to love/care for them as my own". We are so excited to have Ashley as part of the Glenwood family.
Favorite Quote: "Nothing changes, if nothing changes" unknown
Brent was born in Killen, TX but grew up in a military family living in five other states including Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Virginia. He is a proud Fightin' Texas Aggie, Class of 2012 and currently resides in the Cypress area with his Great Dane, Drogo, and three-legged tabby cat, Teegan.
When he is not caring for patients here at Glenwood Falls, you can usually find Brent at the rock climbing gym or outdoors climbing, hiking, and camping.
Something that you may not know about Brent is that he can longboard/surf and he would like to go sky diving one day.
Favorite Quote: "Just yourself be, if weird is you" Link Neal
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Specialist
Britney was born and raised in Scottsboro, Alabama and currently resides here with her spouse Brandon and their daughter Emma. Family is very important to Britney and she loves spending time coaching and teaching her daughter's softball team. You can also find her spending her spare taking trips with her family. Something you may not know about Britney is she is a very quiet person, but once she warms up to people, she enjoys making people laugh and smile.
Favorite Quote: Bob: "Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately." (Christina)
Peter: "I wouldn't say I've been missing it, Bob" (Britney)
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Bulldog- because I'm a special person that thinks I am weird and quirky, but it's what makes me attractive and loveable. My friends are important to me and I care about them very much. I am quiet and shy, but once I get to know people I come out of my shell and become a fantastic friend.
Brittany, originally from Spring, TX, resides in the area with her fiancé, Justin and their four cats: Autumn, Lil Bit, Lucky, and Willow. Brittany completed school at the Vet Tech Institute in December 2022, becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. When not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing games, watching movies, and reading. Brittany loves going on trips and hopes to one day travel the world, specifically to Japan.
Favorite Quote: "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always"
Caroline, from Tomball, TX, started at Glenwood Falls Animal Hospital in 2023. Some of her hobbies include swimming, fishing, hunting, and spending time with her dog. When not at work, Caroline can be found volunteering at Abandoned Animal Rescue (AAR). In her future she plans on travelling, specifically West and Northwest
Favorite Quote: "Thinking about tomorrow's problems takes away today's peace" -my sister
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Golden Retriever because I'm friendly, loyal, love to spend time outside, and I have been told once or twice that I can be a little bit stubborn.
Job Titles:
- Hospital Manager / Administrator
Christina, a native of New Orleans, now lives in Tomball with her husband Brian and daughter Blayke. Christina has 3 dogs; Stig (Lab Mix), Willow (Husky mix), and Zeke (Mini Australian Shepherd) and a cat named Foxy. Her hobbies include travel back home to New Orleans, watching football, and she loves to cook! On the weekends, Christina enjoys spending time at her family ranch caring for her 2 donkeys (CeeDee & Breezy), as well as her Longhorn steer named Major. Christina graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Favorite Quote: "When you focus on the good, the good increases." Unknown
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? German Shepherd- because they are gentle, noble, and loyal. They are hardworking dogs who are both protective and watchful of their loved ones. They also tend to be stubborn, which I've been told once or twice is a trait I display with passion.
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
Demi was born and raised in Houston, Texas and she recently married her love, Alex. Demi has 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 bearded dragons, a snake, and a beautiful little human named Ezra! Outside of work Demi loves traveling with her family and going camping on the weekends. One day Demi hopes to travel to Ireland and enjoy touring the countryside.
Favorite Quote: "Nothing that happens is ever forgotten, even if you can't remember it." Spirited Away, Zeniba
Dr. Praczko earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance at Texas A&M University in 2019 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M in 2023.
Dr. Praczko strives to form meaningful relationships with her patients and their families. Her special interests include surgery, cardiology and nutrition.
Dr. Praczko loves spending time with her family and her partner, Tyler. They currently have a Havanese named King, and a Sheltie named Gena. When she is not working, Dr. Praczko enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and training for triathlons.
Favorite Quote: "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." -Jane Goodall
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? A Golden Retriever because I am kind, friendly, curious and love to exercise.
Dr. Elbert "Al" Derrick opened Glenwood Falls Animal Hospital on May 20, 1998. He was born in Laredo, Texas but lived in many different states due to his father having a career in the Air Force.
Dr. Derrick finished high school in Austin, Texas before attending the University of Texas for two years. He then moved to Washington State and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry in 1982. Dr. Derrick then returned to Texas for both Graduate and Veterinary school at Texas A & M University. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1989.
Dr. Derrick's veterinary career started in San Antonio before moving to Houston to work at Spring Branch Veterinary Hospital. He also worked at Animal Hospital Jones Road and followed that with relief work at many clinics while Glenwood Falls Animal Hospital was being built. Dr. Derrick decided to open Blackhorse Animal Hospital in 2008 but the partnership dissolved in 2009 and Glenwood Falls is no longer affiliated with Blackhorse Animal Hospital.
When not working Dr. Derrick can be found spending time with his wife Sharon at their Houston home where they both share a love for wine. Together they have three two-legged children, Jaye, Cristine and James and two four-legged children, Bridget and Maarten. Aside from spending time with his family Dr. Derrick enjoys restoring old cars, fishing, sports of all types and travel.
Dr. Joshua Powell earned his degree in veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State University in 2009. Dr. Powell has a passion for performing soft tissue surgery but truly enjoys all areas of working in general practice with small animals.
Dr. Powell and his wife, Elizabeth, currently have a cocker spaniel named Olive and a shih-tzu mix named Pickles. Outside of work, some of Dr. Powell's favorite things to enjoy are books, movies, food and music.
Favorite Quote: "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? I would like to be as resilient as a Pitbull; but I think I'm actually a Labrador since I have no attention span.
We are SO excited that Dr. Nicole Formas has joined our Glenwood Falls Family!! Dr. Formas graduated with a degree in Biomedical Science in 2016. She took a year to work abroad in Germany before starting Veterinary School at Texas A&M, where she earned her DVM in May 2021. Dr. Formas is no stranger to the team at Glenwood Falls as she completed externships with us in both 2019 & 2020!
Dr. Formas has a passion for surgery and internal medicine. She also has a special interest in animal behavior and served as the Behavior Club Secretary while in vet school. While not dedicating her time to the health and well-being of her patients, Dr. Formas enjoys traveling and has been to 21 countries. She hopes to travel to South America at some point to visit the Patagonia Region.
Dr. Formas has 3 sweet pets: a pit-bull/cocker spaniel mix named Bella, a 3-legged cat named Kit-Kat, and a Russian Tortoise named Gertrude.
Favorite Quote: "Have courage and be kind"
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Lab- because I'm friendly, loyal, have lots of energy (most of the time), and love to eat!
Eric is a native Texan who was born and raised in a small city called Houston, where he currently resides with his beautiful daughters Elaina and Analise. Eric has been caring for patients at Glenwood Falls since 2010! He is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Criminal Justice. One day soon he hopes to travel abroad to both Italy and Tokyo.
Favorite Quote: "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go home and have a heart attack." Vincent Vega
Job Titles:
- Certified Veterinary Technician
Kristen was born and raised in Houston, Texas. For as long as she can remember, Kristen has had an interest and affection for all kinds of animals. Her Weimaraner, Thor, means everything to her!
Very recently, Kristen got engaged to her boyfriend of over 5 years, Victor. Congrats!!
Outside of work, you can find Kristen and her fiance spending lots of quality time with family and friends! Kristen loves to cook, play video games, and has also taught herself to play the guitar. Kristen earned her associate degree in Animal Science and her current career goal is to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
Favorite Quote: "You cannot let a fear of failure or fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing what is going to make you great. You can't succeed without risk of failure, you can't have a voice without risk of criticism, and you can't love without risk of loss". Charlie Day
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Specialist
Kristi loves dachshunds! In fact, one day she would like to own an entire herd of them! Kristi and her husband Nathan live in the Cypress area with their son Wyatt and daughter Charlotte. Kristi currently has only one dachshund; as well as a basset/poodle mix, a cat, and 2 dwarf goats.
Kristi spends most of her free time watching her children play baseball and softball or relaxing at her family lake house. Kristi also loves crafting and owns a small business making personalized shirts, cups, and earrings!
Favorite Quote: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Specialist
Mitchell joined the GFAH CSR team in November 2021. Mitchell loves being around people and their pets and is always happy to help others. In his spare time, Mitchell likes fishing, traveling, working on trucks, and coaching Baseball. He wants to get his college degree in teaching. Mitchell is a very positive and friendly person, and we are happy to have him as a part of our team.
Favorite Quote: "Promise me you'll always remember, you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Winnie the Pooh
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Specialist
Patricia was born in the Houston area and has also spent time living in both Dallas and Austin. Patricia has worked in the veterinary industry for several years in both general practices, as well as within veterinary specialist hospitals. She has experience in veterinary technician assistance and customer service.
When she can get away Patricia loves to go camping on the beach. Outside of work, you can find Patricia enjoying some of her many hobbies such as scratch art, glass blowing, ziplining, and cooking!
Favorite Quote: "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it turned into a butterfly" unknown
Savannah was born in Corpus Christi and raised in Tomball. She started working here as a kennel technician in 2018 during her summer breaks from Texas A&M. After graduating, she started full time as a veterinarian assistant. Savannah and her husband Cameron enjoy traveling to West Texas (specifically Big Bend National Park). She has two cats Luna and Autumn. Savannah is always looking for an opportunity to learn more and we are thrilled to watch her continue to grow in her career.
Favorite Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" Eleanor Roosevelt
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Basset Hound- because I'm friendly and very devoted to those I love. I am also very chilled and laid back.
Toni joined the Glenwood Falls family in April of 2017. Prior to joining our team, she obtained her CVA certificate in February 2012. Toni likes all aspects of Veterinary Medicine, but takes a special interest in veterinary dentistry, radiography, and client education.
She currently resides in Magnolia with her wife Melyssa and seven pets: 3 dogs (Kesslin, Kaymen, & Finnick) and 4 cats (Calvin, Keyo, Little Cat, and LeFou). In her spare time, you can find Toni hanging out BBQing with family and friends, gardening, and going on walks through nature trails. Something you may not know about Toni is that she is originally from England.
Favorite Quote: "You can't have a million dollar dream on a minimum wage work ethic". Unknown
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Great Pyrenees- because we share many traits/characteristics such as being stubborn, independent, gentle, and trustworthy and have a great devotion to family and will not hesitate to protect them. I like the cold weather and share one of their common health concerns (patellar luxation).
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Specialist
Veronica was born on a Naval base in Florida but has spent most of her life here in Houston. When not at work you can find Veronica spending her time traveling, reading, cooking, and taking care of her fur babies! She also enjoys volunteering her time at animal shelters when she can. Veronica has a goal to earn a culinary degree one day just for the accomplishment of having one. We are so thankful to have Veronica's cheerful and dedicated attitude on our customer service team!
Favorite Quote: "Big or small, there's a difference only you can make." Barbie- in the 12 dancing princesses
If you were a dog breed, which one would you be and why? Rottweiler- because I'm loyal, can adapt to my environment, and loves puzzles/something to keep my mind at work.