Our Team at Richland Hills Animal Clinic
Melanie
- Richland Hills Clinic Manager
What I do at Penny Paws: Provide leadership and guidance to our great Reception team at the Richland Hills clinic
Hometown: Cawood, North Yorkshire, England
First Pet: Tiny, a mixed breed dog who went from house to house getting fed by all the neighbors!
Current Pets: Bella, 3-year-old Maltipoo with attitude and Bailey, 1-year-old Poodle mix with a pea size brain!
What I like best about helping animals: The joy I see on our clients’ faces when we have helped their pets to start to feel better, and of course all the puppy kisses that I receive on a daily basis!
Chelsea
- Technician Team Lead
What I do at Penny Paws: Help the doctors take care of the animals, prep & monitor patients for surgery, dental cleanings, and pet all the dogs.
Hometown: Weatherford, Texas
First Pet: A cat named Grimmie.
Current Pets: a mutt butt named Peavey
What I like best about helping animals: You feel at home and can be yourself. Everyone is genuine and compassionate about every pet that comes in.
Lanie
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: I assist the vet with all services and give the pets tons of love.
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
First Pet: A dog named Benji
Current Pets: Pancake, Jack Russell mix & Keoki, Siamese mix.
What I like best about helping animals: I love that I am advocating for the animals, they can't express themselves like we do. It makes my heart happy to know when I come to work that I truly do what I love. Pets are not just pets, they are family!
Delilia
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Assist the doctors to provide the best possible care for our clients and patients.
Hometown: Arlington, TX
First Pet: Cali, a stray Calico kitty
Current Pets: 3 Chihuahuas: Chloe, Shadow & Q
What I like best about helping animals: Knowing that, whether it's a preventative vaccine or a life-saving treatment, that I've made a difference in an animal's life.
Loralea
- Technician Shift Lead
What I do at Penny Paws: Assist the doctors in rooms and surgery and provide a loving hand or shoulder to cry on whilst loving on all the pets even if they use me as a chew toy!
Hometown: Haltom City, Texas
First Pet: Reba - Blue Heeler
Current Pets: Bear - Mastiff, Ragnar - Pit/Husky mix, Lexi - Kitty, 2 human kids!
What I like best about helping animals: Being a voice for the pets when they can't. "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you" - John Bunyan
Maddie
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Assist the doctors in surgery and in rooms, placing catheters, drawing blood, monitoring the sleeping babies.
Hometown: Colleyville, Texas
First Pet: Bella - Golden Retriever
Current Pets: Lucy - kitty cat
What I like best about helping animals: If they're sick they can't tell you what's wrong so it's like solving a puzzle and it is so rewarding when you are able to put the pieces of the puzzle together and solve the problem
Karina
- Customer Support Representative
What I do at Penny Paws: Answer phones, schedule appointments and provide great customer service.
Hometown: Arlington, TX
First Pet: Fluffy, a Japanese Bobtail
Current Pets: Buddy, a Pomapoo (fluff ball), Squirtle, a Painted Turtle
What I like best about helping animals: I love being a part of helping the fur babies owners/parents with any questions or concerns they might have. Also being able to love on all the fur babies.
Kristen
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
What I do at Penny Paws: I assist the technicians and ensure the animals are as comfortable as possible. I help run tests, assist in surgery, shots and much much more!
Hometown: Eastland, Texas
First Pet: Suki, a blue heeler mix
Current Pets: 3 dogs, 2 cats, 12 hens, 1 rooster and 2 20 gallon fish tanks!
What I like best about helping animals: I love helping animals because they love so unconditionally, no matter what. They have no voice and I push to be that voice for them.
Randi
- Lead Receptionist
What I do at Penny Paws: Greet clients, answer phones and ensure our clients are treated well while waiting for their appointments. Provide leadership and training to the Front Desk team. I also help out the technicians when needed.
Hometown: Indianapolis
First Pet: Baby (Doberman)
Current Pets: Stevie (Pit Terrier), named after Stevie Nicks
What I like best about helping animals: It just makes me feel good to know that every fur baby gets the best treatment from our clinic and the owner knows we are here for them no matter the circumstance. Our fur babies are our family and they deserve the very best in life.
Kayla Holsopple
- Receptionist
What I do at Penny Paws: Greet clients, answer phones, schedule appointments, provide great customer service and much much more.
Hometown: Mansfield, TX
First Pet: A dog named Shadow
Current Pets: Echo (Pembroke Welsh Corgi), Rosco (Rottweiler), Mamma Cat (Maine Coon), Zorro (Maine Coon), Lobo (Maine Coon) and Lil’ Bit (Axolotl)
What I like best about helping animals: Being able to help people help their pets fills my heart and soul with joy
Alexandra Byrd
- Veterinary Assistant
What I do at Penny Paws: Assist Technicians by bringing patients to rooms or treatment area, getting weights, giving tummy rubs and yummy treats!
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
First Pet: A cat - Nayra
Current Pets: Nayra (cat), Tobias (cat), Hermes (cat), Sora (dog), Invi (dog), Rena (dog), Koopa (turtle), Seras (snake), Aura (snake), Rynji (snake), Gohma (tarantula)
What I like best about helping animals: All the cuddles and kisses and the knowledge that I help their day be just a little bit brighter!
Niki Matthews
- Receptionist
What I do at Penny Paws: I meet and greet our wonderful customers and their fur babies
Hometown: Denton, TX
First Pet: A Dachshund named Itchy
Current Pets: 3 dogs, a kitty cat and 3 guinea pigs
What I like best about helping animals: I've worked in Vet Med for over 10 years in various roles, the takeaway thus far is my pure love for animals. I look forward to meeting yours.
Our Team at Arlington / Mansfield Animal Clinic
Tonya
- Hospital Manager
What I do at Penny Paws: I oversee the hospital's administrative duties. I also ensure the hospital runs smoothly and efficiently and that we provide the best care possible for the pets that come in to see our staff.
Hometown: Garland, Tx
First Pet: A dog
Current Pets: 3 dogs: Cookie (Chihuahua), Tucker (Shorkie), and Stella (Frenchie)
What I like best about helping animals: Getting to comfort and love the pets and learning so many different things about all the animals we see at the clinic. I also enjoy knowing we can help the pets and make their families happy.
Mercedes
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures.
Hometown: Ruston, LA
First Pet: A dog named Eva (Pit Bull)
Current Pets: 5 dogs: Storm (Rottweiler), Ivy (Frenchie), Ayla (Chihuahua), Zuko (Cane Corso), King (Mixed), and 1 cat named Grandeeney
What I like best about helping animals: Comforting them and making them feel better. I love to see them happy.
Shaddany
- Receptionist
What I do at Penny Paws: I Assist and support clients to get their pet(s) seen by the veterinarian and welcome families into our clinic by ensuring a calm and caring environment.
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO
First Pet: A dog named Fibi (Pomeranian)
Current Pets: 2 dogs: Luna and Caramelo 2 cats: Wicked and Cometa, and 1 Guinea Pig
What I like best about helping animals: I love being able to help animals, especially since they can not communicate their needs to us. What I enjoy most about it, though, is seeing each pet's improved health.
Tammie
- Groomer
What I do at Penny Paws: I am responsible for keeping pet(s) looking and feeling their best by maintaining their hygiene and appearance.
Hometown: White Settlement, TX
First Pet: GSD named Buffy
Current Pets: 6 dogs: Raven (Heeler), Colt (Mini Aussie), Captain (GSD), Sweet Pea (Shepherd Mix), Poppy (Bichon), and Glitter (Shih Tzu Mix)
What I like best about helping animals: Making sure all dogs are happy and safe. I bred Basset Hounds, so I always had my home full of love and excitement.
Brandi
- Licensed Veterinary Technician/Shift Lead
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures. I also assist the manager and provide direct supervision to the team to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
First Pet: Labrador retriever mix named Jack
Current Pets: 5 dogs: Ginger (Chiweenie), Greta (GSD), Gracie (mixed), Gravy (Chiweenie), Gravity (Pit Bull), and 3 ferrets (Lily, Snow, and Ace)
What I like best about helping animals is seeing clients' relief when they receive the health care they need for their pets, and of course, giving the fur babies scratches and rubs! Giving back to the animals means the most to me.
Tamara
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures.
Hometown: Denver, CO
First Pet: A lop-eared rabbit named Izzy
Current Pets: Masie (Beagle) and Lacey (Tabby Cat)
What I like best about helping animals: is the unconditional love and many kisses and tail wags I get from the animals I have helped, along with the appreciation I get from their owners.
James
- Shift Lead/Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures. I also assist the manager and provide direct supervision to the team to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.
Hometown: Ft Worth, TX
First Pet: A dog
Current Pets: 5 dogs: Gracie (Mixed), Greta (GSD), Gravity (Pit Bull), Ginger (Chiweenie), and Gravy (Chiweenie)
What I like best about helping animals: Is seeing a happy animal live to its potential.
Rochelle
- Kennel tech / Groomer
What I do at Penny Paws: I am responsible for keeping pet(s) looking and feeling their best by maintaining their hygiene and appearance, including cats.
Hometown: Temecula, CA
First Pet: Chow-Chow named Cinnamon
Current Pets: 2 dogs: Sushi (Chiweenie) and Zera (Heeler)
What I like best about helping animals: I have been grooming for 18 years. I started in California and 12 years ago I moved to TX. Grooming and helping animals in need has always been my passion.
Isis
- Receptionist
What I do at Penny Paws: I assist and support clients to get their pet(s) seen by the veterinarian and welcome families into our clinic by ensuring a calm and caring environment.
Hometown: Arlington, TX
First Pet: A dog named Nena
Current Pets: 2 dogs: Malachi & Penelope
What I like best about helping animals: I get to love all the animals here and ensure they get the best care.
Jeanette
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures.
Hometown: Dallas, TX
First Pet: A dog named Spot (Lab)
Current Pets: 1 dog: Wish Bone (pit/beagle mix) 3 Cockatiels: Cantiflas, Pancho, and Sofie
What I like best about helping animals is making them feel comfortable and watching them grow. I also enjoy educating people about the importance of vaccines and preventatives.
Nichole
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures.
Hometown: El Paso, TX
First Pet: A dog named Peaches
Current Pets: 3 dogs: Octavia (Husky), Blue (Husky), Roxanne (Boxer) and 4 cats: Orion, Jinx, Gypsy, Missy, and 1 Squirrel Alvin
What I like best about helping animals: I love helping the babies that come in with major stress and anxiety by giving them a lot of attention and belly rubs. I want them to be happy coming into the vet clinic. I love building trust with my patients and clients.
Jerusha
- Veterinary Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Along with the Veterinarian, I help provide the care and support the client needs for their pet(s)’ health, including medical and surgical nursing, imaging, and laboratory procedures.
Hometown: Shimla, India
First Pet: A guinea pig named Ginny
Current Pets: Coco Bailey a (mixed breed) back in India
What I like best about helping animals: I love helping animals feel loved and safe in a hospital setting and love giving them the best possible care so they can go home happy and feeling better.
Our Team at Grand Prairie Animal Clinic
Alyssa
- Practice Manager-Grand Prairie Clinic
What I do at Penny Paws: Manage and operate our full service animal clinic
Hometown: Born & raised in Grand Prairie, Texas
First Pet: A Border Collie named Nikki that my parents got me for Christmas when I was 7
Current Pets: An 11 year old Pittbull named Jackson & a 9 year old Pittbull named Major
What I like best about helping animals: Animals are so resilient and they love unconditionally. Being able to help give care that provides them a full happy life is amazing
Dakota
- Kennel Technician
What I do at Penny Paws: Kennel Technician, AKA Professional Doggy Play-time Provider. While most of my day is taken up with keeping the kennels clean and assisting the doctors and staff, my favorite thing that I do is taking the dogs outside for play time. I also dish out dinner ( and maybe a few snacks) and do my best to keep all of our pets (and even the humans) happy and ensure they enjoy their time at Penny Paws.
Hometown: Grand Prairie
First Pet: Maggie a Rottweiler
Current Pets: Riley the chihuahua
What I like best about helping animals: Animals are so full of love and they are purehearted but they can’t speak for themselves. I love coming into work and being the voice of our pets and helping nurse animals back to health. I like to make sure happy pets STAY happy and healthy. Your pets are our family and I love that.
Mikayela
- Veterinary Assistant
What I do at Penny Paws: Veterinary Assistant
First Pet: Dachshund named Alex
Current Pets: Izzy, an Australian Cattle Dog mix and Sadie, a catahoula mix
Nancy
- Veterinary Assistant
What I do at Penny Paws: I am a veterinary assistant completing her co-op for tech school
Hometown: Duncanville
First Pet: Max, a bird
Current Pets: Luna- tortie cat; Snicky Doodle- Chihuahua; Chloe - Westie X; Peanut & Bubba- Chihuahuas
What I like best about helping animals: Knowing that, at the end of the day, I have helped at least one animal live a healthier life.
Brisa
What I do at Penny Paws: Everything! Except manager/doctor duties
Hometown: Dallas, TX
First Pet: Thomas the turtle
Current Pets: Sir, a mean, 2 year old cocker spaniel; Nala, a rude, 1 year old grey tabby
What I like best about helping animals: Animals help you back by teaching you to love, care and to be patient without saying a word. Even though they may not be feeling their best, they still always try to perk you up.
Megan
- Tech Assistant
What I do at Penny Paws: Tech assistant, receptionist and mobile clinic super star
Hometown: Arlington
Current Pets: Jim Halpert - Grey Tabbey; Pam Beesly - Calico
What I like best about helping animals: Making a difference for both the pets and their families. My work helps me see the value of giving without expecting anything in return.
Selina
- Customer Care
What I do at Penny Paws: I work on the customer care team.
Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
First Pet: Chihuahua named princess Leah and a Siamese named FeFe
Current Pets: Genkidama (Pitbull), Scooter ( Schnauzer), Nala ( pitbull), Spike (pitbull), Shadow (rabbit)
Our Team at Desoto Animal Clinic
Zuleima
- Practice Manager
What I do at Penny Paws: Manage and operate our full service animal clinic
Hometown: Desoto, TX
First Pet: Bella
Current Pets: Bella, Rambo, Shiba, Nin, Sir Boots, Peluche
What I like best about helping animals: Being able to educate clients. I also love helping animals because if veterinarians didn’t exist there would be no one else to speak for him. I love being in this field and helping animals live longer.
Lauren
- Reception Team Lead
What I do at Penny Paws: Ensure all clients and patients have all of their needs met as well as schedule appointments and check patients in for their appointments
Hometown: Clovis, NM
First Pet: A red heeler named Chipper
Current Pets: Three cats named Gerard, Mooney, and Cleo
What I like best about helping animals: How rewarding it is to know that you made a difference in the pet and/or owners life
OUR TEAM AT SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL CLINIC
Brandy
- Veterinary Technician- Team Lead
With over 5 years in veterinary medicine, Brandy cherishes the constant learning from diverse cases. Outside work, Brandy's life is filled with joy from her six dogs, ranging from Great Dane/Cane Corso mix to Chihuahua, six cats (including a sphynx!), a bearded dragon, and a hairless fancy rat. She finds relaxation in reading, movies, and Pokemon GO adventures with her wife and dogs.
Olivia Miller
- D.V.M., Chief of Staff
Olivia Miller grew up in the upstate of South Carolina where she received her BS in Animal and Veterinary Science from Clemson University. She then continued on to Auburn University's College of Veterinary medicine where she met her husband Jarrod and they both graduated in 2015.
Dr. Miller has practiced small animal medicine in Texas, Alabama and Florida as her husband traveled with his career in the Army. She greatly enjoys senior pet care, preventive medicine and dermatology. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading, embroidery and anything related to Harry Potter. She and her husband love to travel, explore the outdoors, and spend time with Wash and Rory, their two dogs.
Piper
- Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, I have always had a deep passion for animals and a commitment to helping those who cannot speak for themselves. As a dedicated veterinary technician with over two years of experience, I strive to provide the highest level of care and compassion to every patient I encounter. My journey in veterinary medicine is fueled by a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of both animals and their owners.
I believe that pets are not just animals; they are cherished members of our families. They bring joy, companionship, and love into our lives, and it is an honor to support their health and well-being. I am proud to contribute my skills and knowledge to a team that shares my commitment to animal welfare and treats every pet as part of the family.
Anyssa
- Client Care Specialist
Anyssa Guerra is 30 years old and has been working in the veterinary field for almost 6 years. She's a receptionist here at Penny Paws Animal Clinic in San Antonio. She has two dogs, a pit mix named Hercules, who is 6 years old, and a cavapoo named Wednesday, who is a year old. She also has a cat named Miss Waddles, she is 4 years old. She loves animals and helping them. She has always taken care of many different kinds of animals growing up on a ranch, this is where her love for animals began.