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
When she’s not enjoying all the cuteness at Firehouse, she loves curling up with a good book or spending time outdoors. She, her husband, and their children, Freja and Torin, also enjoy going camping together. Their family includes two handsome Great Danes, Baldur and Heimdall, and an orange tabby cat, Newt.
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 clients and their pets.
After graduating from the University of Texas, Dr Henslee attended Texas A&M University, where she received her DVM. She and her husband love watching Longhorn Football in the fall and taking their three kids on hikes when the weather is nice. 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.
Riley Burrows, DVM
Veterinarian
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 originally studied Business in college, but discovered her passion was helping animals. In her free time, she likes to attend live music events with her husband and friends. Her family includes a dog named Calypso, a cat named Hades, a dwarf caiman named Sobek, and a fish named Persephone.
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.
Gina Guerrero
Veterinary Technician
Gina’s goal is to ensure that patients are stress-free and comfortable. She also wants clients to feel involved in their pets’ treatments. She is thorough, patient, and dedicated. This allows her to make sure that she addresses every concern a client has. Gina is Fear Free certified in both domestic animals and avian, and is also CPR certified for animals. She has a soft spot for turtles, which began when she was a child watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Gina enjoys continuing to learn and grow within the field. She attends online veterinary seminars in her free time. Currently, she is studying for her VTNE to become a licensed veterinary technician. She graduated from Texas A&M Kingsville with a B.S. in Agriculture-Wildlife Veterinary Technology. Her minors were in Animal Science and Business Administration. The program allowed her to gain experience with domestic animals, livestock, equine, avian, and exotics. After volunteering at her local animal shelter before college, Gina joined the Firehouse Kyle team as an intern. She is excited to return to the Firehouse family and help patients and clients.
Gina shares her love with her tabby cat, Tink, who is like an irreplaceable roommate. When not working, she enjoys binge-watching anime and k-dramas, reading books, and spending time with her loved ones. She also loves to attend concerts and festivals, and go to the movies.
Tito Salazar
Veterinary Technician
Clients appreciate Tito’s dedicated and detailed approach. He believes that every animal deserves the highest standard of care. He connects with clients through their mutual love of animals and desire to provide top-notch care. He collaborates with clients during vulnerable discussions and takes time to answer their questions.
Outside of the Firehouse, Tito is a proud dog owner and cherishes the bond he has with his furry companion. He is very close to his family as well, who play an essential role in his life and support his aspirations.
Luka Chapman
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Sky Nelson
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Grace Terry
Grace is dedicated to creating stress-free veterinary experiences for both pets and their owners. Known for her patience with nervous or stressed animals, she uses treats, pets, and positive reinforcement to help pets feel comfortable. As a Fear Free certified professional, Grace also encourages “happy visits” to build positive associations and reduce anxiety. She likes to collaborate with pet owners to address behavioral issues using fear free and force-free methods, providing resources and education to ensure pets receive the best care possible. Proactively continuing her education through online courses and webinars, Grace stays current on the latest techniques in the field. Her unique approach to managing behavioral challenges with a fear-free mindset helps pets live happier, healthier lives.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys volunteering at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, hiking with her 3-year-old Irishdoodle, Lucy, and spending time with her niece and nephews. Though she’s always loved dogs, Grace has developed a special fondness for cats through her veterinary work.