We’re one big family.
Get to know the team that has dedicated their lives to taking the absolute best care of your pet.
Adriana Mendoza, DVM
Medical Director
Dr Adriana Mendoza’s priority is creating a comfortable environment for pets. She lets cats explore the exam room, uses slow movements, and speaks in a hushed voice. To connect with dogs, she sits on the floor and offers treats to establish trust.
Clients love Dr Mendoza’s empathetic approach to medicine. She devotes time to talk with clients so they understand what’s going on with their pet. She offers various treatment options. And she demonstrates how to give medicines and treatments once at home. Dr Mendoza wants clients to leave Firehouse with all questions answered. Her ultimate goal is to help pets live longer lives with their human companions.
While Dr Mendoza loves all animals, she holds a special place in her heart for cats. And she has a special touch with even the most nervous cats.
Dr Mendoza received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and then completed her DVM at Texas A&M. After work, she enjoys spending time with her team at home: her husband, 3 kids, and dogs and cats! She also loves traveling and dancing to country music.
Breanna Holmdie
Hospital Manager
Breanna’s positive and calm demeanor helps put clients and patients at ease when visiting Firehouse. She tries to read the patient’s cues and respect their boundaries to keep their stress level as low as possible.
Breanna is always learning by expanding her knowledge base with training courses and learning from coworkers. She likes to educate owners in their pet’s healthcare and well-being so that can care for them properly at home.
When not being distracted by all the cuteness at Firehouse, you will find her buried in a good book, spending time outdoors, or on a camping adventure with her husband and their daughter, Freja. Their furry family includes a Tortoiseshell cat named Tori, and two handsome Great Danes named Baldur and Fenrir.
Betsy Henslee, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr Betsy Henslee collaborates with clients to create the perfect, individualized plan for her patients. She takes time to learn about the pets’ needs, as well as any constraints the client may have. Then she finds the best solution to fit everyone’s needs and lifestyles.
Dr Henslee has a soft spot for senior pets. She has a strong interest in managing chronic diseases of older pets and helping them have the best quality of life possible in their later years. She might recommend alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic, as well as traditional medications and supplements. One of her favorite things about being a veterinarian is the ability to see a variety of pets and cases, from seniors to puppies, to the sick patients and surgeries.
Clients love Dr Henslee’s desire to help their pets. She truly loves each patient who comes to see her and works to build trust with client and their pets.
After graduating from the University of Texas, Dr Henslee attended Texas A&M University, where she received her DVM. She, her husband, and two daughters love watching Longhorn Football in the fall and going for hikes. Her pets are Addie, a great Pyrenees/Australian cattle dog mix, and her early-bird senior cat, Sophie.
Michelle Montes, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr Michelle Montes works with clients to find the perfect solution for their pets’ unique needs. Her patience, persistence, and honesty help clients feel comfortable with their pets’ care. Dr Montes loves providing relief to pets and clients; she knows it can be scary when our pets do not feel well. She is fluent in Spanish.
Dr Montes is Fear Free and AVMA First Responder certified. She adjusts her physical exam approach and treatments to fit each pet’s comfort level. Dr Montes has a Masters in food safety. She is passionate about small animal pathologies and diseases that can spread from animals to people. Alongside traditional pets, she also loves sheep and goats.
Dr Montes studied Animal Science at the University of Puerto Rico. She then received her Master of Science in Food Safety and Processing. She attended vet school at Ross University in St Kitts, and completed her clinical year at Texas A&M University.
She loves spending time at home in Puerto Rico, especially at the beach. In Austin, she loves to try new restaurants, camp at different national parks, do yoga, and read. She has a schnauzer mix named Chewbacca (Chewi); she is a huge Star Wars fan.
Sami Gates
Client Service Coordinator
Sami uses a collaborative approach to help clients and patients feel welcome. Her detailed communication, empathy, and organization keep veterinary visits stress-free. She loves getting to know people and pets and helping owners through all stages of their pets’ lives. Sami keeps a positive, calm energy when working with pets to help them feel secure while at Firehouse. She also uses Fear Free handling techniques.
Sami has volunteered with animal shelters for many years. She shares her home with her three rescue pets: Charlie (a lab/pit bull mix) and cats Nala and Athena. For fun, she loves going hiking and swimming, and creating all types of art. She also paints and illustrates comic books.
Sabrina Traurig
Client Service Coordinator
Sabrina creates lasting connections with clients through her genuine love for animals. She is dedicated to helping pets live long, happy lives. Her ability to empathize and communicate effectively ensures that clients feel heard and understood. Her goal is to create a welcoming and collaborative environment where clients feel confident making decisions for their pets’ needs. Clients appreciate her positive and compassionate demeanor.
Sabrina has two pets: Franny Pants and Ladybug. While she loves all dogs, she has a soft spot for French bulldogs. In her free time, she loves spending as much time as she can outside, going hiking and taking Franny Pants for trail walks.
Nathalia Pereira
Veterinary Technician
Nathalia is Fear Free certified and uses her skills to keep pets calm. She is empathetic and gentle with patients, respecting their space and boundaries. Her goal is for every pet to feel supported and secure during their time at Firehouse.
A Brazilian native, Nathalia attended a veterinary program at the Universidade de Brasília. Since moving to Texas, she enjoys exploring the nature and foods around Austin. She, her husband, and their child also love spending time on the water, whether that’s a pool, lake, or the beach. She also has two dogs: Fred, a poodle/Lhasa apso mix, and Cookie, a mixed breed.
Meredith Solis
Veterinary Technician
Meredith loves being a voice for pets. She understands that animal care can be confusing and overwhelming at times, so she works with clients to help create the best plan for each patient. She uses simple language and educates clients on diagnostics, treatments, and at home care. She is always happy to answer client questions. By collaborating with clients and the doctor, she helps make veterinary visits successful. She enjoys working in radiology and surgery, and researching pet nutrition.
Meredith originally studied Business in college, but discovered her passion was helping animals. In her free time, she likes to attend live music events and visit local pubs and breweries with her friends. Her family includes two dogs, a cat, and a fish, and she is hoping to adopt a dwarf caiman soon.
MiMi Romo
Veterinary Technician
MiMi works together with clients to ensure their pets have the best experience at Firehouse. She listens to clients’ concerns and answers their questions. She also checks in with them through each step of their pet’s visit. Clients appreciate her outgoing personality and desire to help all pets stay happy and healthy.
MiMi helps pets stay comfortable during their appointment. She empathizes with each patient and adjusts her approach for their unique needs. She educates clients on the importance of dental care, lab work, and supplements.
MiMi studied veterinary technology at Cedar Valley College. She shares her home with two dogs: Juke Burkett, a senior Jack Russell mix, and Bandit, a senior cairn terrier mix; and an African Gray parrot named Pinkie Toe.
Hunter Connelly
Veterinary Technician
Hunter (she/her) is a dedicated, collaborative animal advocate. She loves being able to make a positive difference in the lives of people and pets. She makes clients’ lives easier by listening to their concerns and explaining things in simple terms. Clients appreciate her patience, active listening, and attention to detail.
Hunter uses Fear Free tactics and respects pets’ boundaries. By offering treats and reading animals’ body language, she keeps patients comfortable. She also works with pets’ specific needs, adjusting her approach to find the best option for each patient. She loves being an animal advocate and providing a voice for pets.
Hunter shares her home with her mixed breed dog, Vader. She also has fostered shelter dogs to help them find homes. When not working, Hunter enjoys yoga, playing video games, and learning new animal wellness techniques and skills.
Sarah Wenetschlaeger
Veterinary Technician
Sarah finds fulfillment in helping pets live happy, healthy lives. She wants vet visits to not be scary or overwhelming for pets or their people. Sarah loves to educate pet owners on the importance of prevention and yearly lab work. In addition to answering any questions clients may have, she also provides resources for clients to review.
Sarah believes in the importance of Fear Free techniques. She is always willing to adjust the plan to make pets feel more comfortable. Her care goes beyond the clinic; Sarah cares about how pets do after their appointments as well. She also fosters pets in need of homes so that they can get out of the shelter.
Sarah attended Angelo State University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. An avid animal lover, she shares her home with cats, dogs, horses, and fish. Sherlock is a Stafford Terrier mix and Sarah’s adventure buddy. Her six rescue cats are: Aoshi, Hubcap, Zant, Rudye, Cloud, and Eevee. She also has two horses: Ariel, a Polish Arabian Horse who has been Sarah’s best friend since Sarah was fifteen, and Pepper, a Quarter Horse. She’s learned a lot about animal body language from her horses. She has four fish tanks with a medley of fish.
Grace Terry
Bio coming soon!