Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Ashley Maxey
I grew up on a small farm in southeast Texas and spent most of my childhood outside, riding horses, fishing with my dad in our pond, and gardening with my mom. Even in my youth, I felt called to the veterinary profession and started working in a mixed animal practice at fourteen. Since then, I’ve worked in small animal practices, research, zoo medicine, emergency medicine, and exotic medicine. I loved having the opportunity to work in so many fields, and no matter the size of the patients, being a vet has always been about understanding and advocating for them. I love opportunities to strengthen the bond between pets and their families, and knowing that I’ve had a positive impact on their lives.
Having lost pets of my own, I understand how painful and heartbreaking that loss can be. It never gets easier, but the unconditional love and joy my pets have brought to my life make the heartache worth it. Every animal deserves a peaceful and gentle goodbye, and it’s an honor to help pets and their families during this final stage of life. My experience with hospice during the loss of my parents showed me how important compassionate end-of-life care is. It’s strengthened my commitment to advocating for my patients and supporting the families who love them.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two young daughters, who keep us very busy! I also love reading and spending time at the beach near our home on Galveston Island.
About Dr. Aimee Beckham
Growing up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, I always knew I would work with animals. However, becoming a veterinarian was a long and winding road. I loved to play with the animals my parents had at home and at the pet store they owned. As a teenager, my mother worked as a veterinary technician at the Houston Zoo, and my after-school time was spent there, behind the scenes. Some of my fondest memories are of watching the veterinary team work to save the old bull elephant, and observing the veterinarian as he performed necropsies.
Although I began my undergraduate work in Sacramento, California, I completed my veterinary degree at Texas A&M University in 1996. I enjoyed practicing as a general practice veterinarian, getting to know my patients and their owners, providing them with the best care I could, and being part of their lives from beginning to end. Being able to make a difference in an animal's life is the best part of being a vet. So many animals need an advocate in their lives—someone to speak up for them when no one else listens—that's what I'm meant to do!
I have lost many pets over the years and every one of them was difficult for me. It's one thing to know that you're doing the right thing for your pet, but it's totally different to have to do it yourself. I think the situations when I may have waited too long to make the decision have had the most significant impact on my thoughts about end of life care. Choosing the right time to say goodbye is an extremely difficult decision for anyone to make, but I believe that quality should be prioritized over quantity, and every soul should be allowed to pass peacefully, with as little pain as possible.
Every pet, whether a dog, cat, or horse, should be able to die with dignity at home, surrounded by those who love them. While I may not be able to physically do many of the things I once took for granted and enjoyed while practicing equine work, this is a gift that I can still provide for the animals and the people who love and respect them.
When I am not working, I enjoy woodworking, stained glass art, and restoring and repurposing furniture (and other found objects). I also plan on interrupting one of my horse's retirement plans and getting back in the saddle soon.
About Dr. Vanessa Romano
I grew up in a house full of animals—dogs, cats, turtles, and frogs—in a small town outside of Houston. As a child, I took an active interest in their care and always wanted to accompany them when they visited the veterinarian. In high school, I volunteered at several hospitals—human and animal—which helped me realize my dream of combining my love for animals with my interest in medicine as a future veterinarian. I got my first job as a veterinary technician in college and that cemented my love for the veterinary field.
I attended Trinity University in San Antonio for my undergraduate studies where I majored in biochemistry and molecular biology and minored in mathematics. After undergrad, I completed veterinary school at Louisiana State University and began working in general practice.
As a veterinarian, I have always been passionate about delivering palliative care—helping to maintain a good quality of life for senior pets and pets with terminal illnesses—as well as providing care for shelter animals. I am also working toward my small animal acupuncture certification.
Losing my heart dog, Nina, who had an aggressive autoimmune condition, was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, but after fighting her disease for several months, I knew euthanasia was the best decision because I couldn’t let her suffer. Going through this process with Nina made me appreciate how important those last moments with your pet are. It meant so much to have been able to let her pass peacefully in her favorite bed alongside her family.
End-of-life care and humane euthanasia are gifts we can offer our pets to prevent suffering. It's probably the most difficult decision any pet owner will make and being able to help and make the process flow as smoothly as possible is so important in helping with acceptance and closure, and I am honored to do this work.
In addition to veterinary medicine, I enjoy crafting and creating things with my hands, including knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, sewing, and painting—I find the process so relaxing and love being able to create something out of nothing.
About Dr. Emma Ferguson
I grew up in Brownsville, Texas with a deep passion for animals. My parents are British, and my favorite childhood memories are of summer trips to England where I spent my days among the horses and sheep on the hill behind my grandma’s house. I knew from a young age I wanted to work with animals, and as soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering at the local animal shelter. I also attended a high school with a medical magnet program and shadowed a veterinarian for a year, which solidified my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from Rice University in Houston, where I had the unique opportunity to spend a summer as an intern working with dolphins and sea turtles in Hawaii. After graduating from Rice, I attended Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
My husband and I moved to Waco, where I practiced as a companion animal veterinarian at a wonderful clinic for 12 years. My experiences there have given me a deep understanding of the powerful bond between humans and their beloved pets, and I look forward to using my medical expertise and deep empathy for pets and people during some of life's most challenging moments.
Losing my first cats, Ginny and Ellie, who saw me through veterinary school, was heart wrenching, but gave me the ability to connect and empathize with other pet owners going through similar situations.
In my role at Lap of Love, my goal is to provide a peaceful and loving end-of-life transition for pets in the warmth of their home, surrounded by the people who love them the most, and to comfort families during a difficult time. I am honored to do this work, as I know the tremendous healing and comfort that these services provide.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, practicing pilates, and baking. I spend most of my free time with my husband, daughter, and son. We have two cats, Poppy and Marigold, and are happy to be back in the Houston area.
About Dr. Miriam Page
I am a highly experienced veterinarian who has been serving the Houston community for more than 30 years. I earned my veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 1989 and have since dedicated my career to providing top-quality care for pets.
I have gained a wealth of experience in various areas of the veterinary field over the years, including relief work and emergency medicine. In 2003, I opened my own veterinary practice, where I worked for the next 10 years. Throughout my career, I have gained a reputation as a skilled and compassionate veterinarian. I have helped many owners say goodbye to their beloved pets, and I understand how difficult it is for families to let their pets go.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my son, hairless cats, Boston terriers, and numerous chickens on my five-acre property. I also love to travel and have been all around the world with my son.
About Dr. Erin Braddon
I was born in San Diego, California, but my family eventually moved to a small town about an hour north called Fallbrook, where we had more land. We grew up with dogs and cats, frogs and snakes, ducks and geese, horses and donkeys, goats and sheep. Fallbrook had a small, country hometown feel even though we were close to the cities and beaches, and 4-H and FFA were a big part of the community.
My parents instilled in me a love for animals from a young age and I always knew I wanted to help them. I had a realistic view of both companion animal and livestock medicine from my experiences with FFA and working at a small animal hospital in high school and college. While I knew every animal couldn't be saved, I knew I wanted to help improve the quality of animals' lives while they're here and when they need to leave us.
I earned my bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. While I took small animal courses in vet school, I focused on large animal medicine. For seven years after graduation, I worked at a large animal practice with mobile and in-house services. I had several clients with goats and sheep who were more like family members than production animals. I loved having the opportunity to work with them on cases that I likely wouldn’t have had in production settings.
Having so many pets growing up also meant that I've had to say goodbye to a lot of them. Whether they were young or old, lost suddenly or slowly declined over months, none of them were easy. It was a little more bearable when we were able to say goodbye in the comfort of our home or where our friend was most comfortable.
I was introduced to purebred Labradors when I met my husband, who is an avid waterfowl hunter. We have had several Labs who were professionally trained for waterfowl hunting and I have run in AKC and UKC hunt tests. I trained our youngest Lab myself, and he will start waterfowl hunting with us soon. We also compete in dock diving in the summer. The dogs love it and have earned numerous AKC titles. We have a 3-year-old daughter who keeps us on our toes! She's already won several placements as a junior handler with our dogs at dock diving events.
About Dr. Thuy Mooney
I grew up in Houston, Texas, surrounded by amazing food and great southern hospitality. I attended a high school that specialized in the health sciences, and I knew immediately that I wanted to be a veterinarian so I could help animals. I volunteered at the Houston Zoo and worked as a veterinary assistant before entering vet school. I completed my undergraduate classes at the University of Houston and then attended vet school at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Although I enjoy practicing all types of medicine, I have a particular passion for emergency medicine. Emergency medicine kept me on my toes and provided opportunities to treat patients requiring urgent care and comfort families experiencing a crisis.
I've lost a few pets over the years, and each time is heartbreaking. Even though we're experiencing sadness, we can reflect, remember, and honor our pet's memory knowing that we loved and cherished every moment with them. I am honored to help families and their pets move peacefully and painlessly to the next stage and be able to comfort them in their grief.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and five children, gardening, cooking Vietnamese and Tex-Mex cuisines, and baking homemade bread and desserts. I adore my three kitties (Gracie, Bambi, and Zion), Gary the gecko, and Jerry the red-eared slider turtle.
About Dr. Bambi Gutierrez
I am a proud Air Force brat. My family moved often when I was young, and we retired in the Florida Panhandle, specifically Fort Walton Beach along the Emerald Coast. There you’ll find the most beautiful beaches and soft sand. Fun fact, the sand there is made of fine quartz crystal. If you dig your feet in too quickly, the sand will “bark” or squeak!
When I was very young, I wanted to be either a veterinarian or a go-go dancer. Alas, I have no rhythm, so I chose to be a veterinarian. I believe it was a wise choice. Besides, with a name like "Bambi" it would seem that my career path was preordained.
My academic road to becoming a veterinarian began in a community college in New Jersey, continued at the University of Florida at Gainesville, and finished at “The” Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in small animal and mixed animal medicine, relief services, mobile veterinary care, and regulatory work for USDA APHIS. However, my first love has always been practicing small animal medicine.
Through the years I have lost several of my fur babies during and they each hold a special place in my heart. I know making these end-of-life decisions for our fur babies is one of the most difficult things we have to do. I have witnessed the immense benefits of providing in-home end-of-life services. While never easy, this work is a sacred privilege. I feel honored and blessed to help pets make the transition in a comfortable and familiar environment, surrounded by love and support.
My spare time is spent with my cats, Gray-Dawg, a foster failure and Georgia, my one eyed beauty. I also co-own three dogs; Snooper, Brindle, and Angel (which she is not). I am lucky enough to live three houses down from my mother and sister, which is wonderful! When not catering to my fur babies, I love spending time with my mother and sister and crafting.
About Dr. Kassie Martinez
I consider Fayetteville, North Carolina my hometown, but since my parents are retired military, I also spent parts of my childhood in Savannah, Georgia and Honolulu, Hawaii.
I wanted to be a veterinarian before I could pronounce the word and in preschool I would often mistakenly tell people I wanted to be a vegetarian. My dad and I often watched Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, and these special moments helped foster my love for animals. I’m also an extremely emotional and empathetic person, which led me to want to heal the animals I love so much.
I completed my undergraduate and veterinary school studies at North Carolina State University and went into general practice after receiving my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. I find the diversity in cases exciting, and I love fostering connections with people and their pets. I also enjoy surgery and caring for exotic pets, such as small mammals and birds.
My greatest passion is helping clients navigate geriatric and hospice care for their pets and providing humane euthanasia so they have a dignified end-of-life experience. I believe this is one of the most important and compassionate aspects of the job and one that I treat with great respect and honor.
My hobbies include watching anime, playing video games such as Pokemon and Stardew Valley, drawing, and painting. I’m also a foodie and love trying new cuisines and restaurants.
About Dr. Kat de Leon
I grew up in Houston, Texas, surrounded by a large extended family. I appreciate the city’s diversity and the excellent food.
I’ve always loved animals and initially dreamed of working with elephants or orangutans. Everything changed when I was in the third grade and we brought home a cocker spaniel puppy named Rex. He got parvo, and I remember worrying my family wouldn’t be able to afford his treatment. Thankfully, Rex survived, and that experience sparked my desire to become a veterinarian so I could care for my pets through any illness.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and my veterinary degree at Mississippi State University. I’ve worked in general practice and emergency medicine. I enjoy many different aspects of veterinary medicine, but I am especially interested in dermatology, cat behavior, and preventive care.
Two years ago, I lost my heart dog, Luna. She had cancer that had metastasized throughout her body, and while she was stable after hospitalization and a blood transfusion, I knew her condition could deteriorate at any moment. I made the extremely difficult decision to humanely euthanize her and chose to say goodbye to her at home because Luna had always been nervous at the vet.
Remembering the fear and confusion I experienced when I found out about Luna’s diagnosis helps me fully sympathize with clients when I’m discussing their pet’s quality of life. I want all pets to be able to spend their last moments as comfortably as possible.
When I’m at home, I enjoy spending time with my 1-year-old Chihuahua/shih tzu mix, Bonnie, and my two cats, Bynx and Momo. I also love visiting new places. Last year, I traveled to Spain, and my goal is to visit Japan and South Korea. My other hobbies include gardening, trying new restaurants, and going to music performances.
About Dr. Ashley Maxey
I grew up on a small farm in southeast Texas and spent most of my childhood outside, riding horses, fishing with my dad in our pond, and gardening with my mom. Even in my youth, I felt called to the veterinary profession and started working in a mixed animal practice at fourteen. Since then, I’ve worked in small animal practices, research, zoo medicine, emergency medicine, and exotic medicine. I loved having the opportunity to work in so many fields, and no matter the size of the patients, being a vet has always been about understanding and advocating for them. I love opportunities to strengthen the bond between pets and their families, and knowing that I’ve had a positive impact on their lives.
Having lost pets of my own, I understand how painful and heartbreaking that loss can be. It never gets easier, but the unconditional love and joy my pets have brought to my life make the heartache worth it. Every animal deserves a peaceful and gentle goodbye, and it’s an honor to help pets and their families during this final stage of life. My experience with hospice during the loss of my parents showed me how important compassionate end-of-life care is. It’s strengthened my commitment to advocating for my patients and supporting the families who love them.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two young daughters, who keep us very busy! I also love reading and spending time at the beach near our home on Galveston Island.
About Dr. Aimee Beckham
Growing up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, I always knew I would work with animals. However, becoming a veterinarian was a long and winding road. I loved to play with the animals my parents had at home and at the pet store they owned. As a teenager, my mother worked as a veterinary technician at the Houston Zoo, and my after-school time was spent there, behind the scenes. Some of my fondest memories are of watching the veterinary team work to save the old bull elephant, and observing the veterinarian as he performed necropsies.
Although I began my undergraduate work in Sacramento, California, I completed my veterinary degree at Texas A&M University in 1996. I enjoyed practicing as a general practice veterinarian, getting to know my patients and their owners, providing them with the best care I could, and being part of their lives from beginning to end. Being able to make a difference in an animal's life is the best part of being a vet. So many animals need an advocate in their lives—someone to speak up for them when no one else listens—that's what I'm meant to do!
I have lost many pets over the years and every one of them was difficult for me. It's one thing to know that you're doing the right thing for your pet, but it's totally different to have to do it yourself. I think the situations when I may have waited too long to make the decision have had the most significant impact on my thoughts about end of life care. Choosing the right time to say goodbye is an extremely difficult decision for anyone to make, but I believe that quality should be prioritized over quantity, and every soul should be allowed to pass peacefully, with as little pain as possible.
Every pet, whether a dog, cat, or horse, should be able to die with dignity at home, surrounded by those who love them. While I may not be able to physically do many of the things I once took for granted and enjoyed while practicing equine work, this is a gift that I can still provide for the animals and the people who love and respect them.
When I am not working, I enjoy woodworking, stained glass art, and restoring and repurposing furniture (and other found objects). I also plan on interrupting one of my horse's retirement plans and getting back in the saddle soon.
About Dr. Vanessa Romano
I grew up in a house full of animals—dogs, cats, turtles, and frogs—in a small town outside of Houston. As a child, I took an active interest in their care and always wanted to accompany them when they visited the veterinarian. In high school, I volunteered at several hospitals—human and animal—which helped me realize my dream of combining my love for animals with my interest in medicine as a future veterinarian. I got my first job as a veterinary technician in college and that cemented my love for the veterinary field.
I attended Trinity University in San Antonio for my undergraduate studies where I majored in biochemistry and molecular biology and minored in mathematics. After undergrad, I completed veterinary school at Louisiana State University and began working in general practice.
As a veterinarian, I have always been passionate about delivering palliative care—helping to maintain a good quality of life for senior pets and pets with terminal illnesses—as well as providing care for shelter animals. I am also working toward my small animal acupuncture certification.
Losing my heart dog, Nina, who had an aggressive autoimmune condition, was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, but after fighting her disease for several months, I knew euthanasia was the best decision because I couldn’t let her suffer. Going through this process with Nina made me appreciate how important those last moments with your pet are. It meant so much to have been able to let her pass peacefully in her favorite bed alongside her family.
End-of-life care and humane euthanasia are gifts we can offer our pets to prevent suffering. It's probably the most difficult decision any pet owner will make and being able to help and make the process flow as smoothly as possible is so important in helping with acceptance and closure, and I am honored to do this work.
In addition to veterinary medicine, I enjoy crafting and creating things with my hands, including knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, sewing, and painting—I find the process so relaxing and love being able to create something out of nothing.
About Dr. Emma Ferguson
I grew up in Brownsville, Texas with a deep passion for animals. My parents are British, and my favorite childhood memories are of summer trips to England where I spent my days among the horses and sheep on the hill behind my grandma’s house. I knew from a young age I wanted to work with animals, and as soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering at the local animal shelter. I also attended a high school with a medical magnet program and shadowed a veterinarian for a year, which solidified my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from Rice University in Houston, where I had the unique opportunity to spend a summer as an intern working with dolphins and sea turtles in Hawaii. After graduating from Rice, I attended Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
My husband and I moved to Waco, where I practiced as a companion animal veterinarian at a wonderful clinic for 12 years. My experiences there have given me a deep understanding of the powerful bond between humans and their beloved pets, and I look forward to using my medical expertise and deep empathy for pets and people during some of life's most challenging moments.
Losing my first cats, Ginny and Ellie, who saw me through veterinary school, was heart wrenching, but gave me the ability to connect and empathize with other pet owners going through similar situations.
In my role at Lap of Love, my goal is to provide a peaceful and loving end-of-life transition for pets in the warmth of their home, surrounded by the people who love them the most, and to comfort families during a difficult time. I am honored to do this work, as I know the tremendous healing and comfort that these services provide.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, practicing pilates, and baking. I spend most of my free time with my husband, daughter, and son. We have two cats, Poppy and Marigold, and are happy to be back in the Houston area.
About Dr. Miriam Page
I am a highly experienced veterinarian who has been serving the Houston community for more than 30 years. I earned my veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 1989 and have since dedicated my career to providing top-quality care for pets.
I have gained a wealth of experience in various areas of the veterinary field over the years, including relief work and emergency medicine. In 2003, I opened my own veterinary practice, where I worked for the next 10 years. Throughout my career, I have gained a reputation as a skilled and compassionate veterinarian. I have helped many owners say goodbye to their beloved pets, and I understand how difficult it is for families to let their pets go.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my son, hairless cats, Boston terriers, and numerous chickens on my five-acre property. I also love to travel and have been all around the world with my son.
About Dr. Erin Braddon
I was born in San Diego, California, but my family eventually moved to a small town about an hour north called Fallbrook, where we had more land. We grew up with dogs and cats, frogs and snakes, ducks and geese, horses and donkeys, goats and sheep. Fallbrook had a small, country hometown feel even though we were close to the cities and beaches, and 4-H and FFA were a big part of the community.
My parents instilled in me a love for animals from a young age and I always knew I wanted to help them. I had a realistic view of both companion animal and livestock medicine from my experiences with FFA and working at a small animal hospital in high school and college. While I knew every animal couldn't be saved, I knew I wanted to help improve the quality of animals' lives while they're here and when they need to leave us.
I earned my bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. While I took small animal courses in vet school, I focused on large animal medicine. For seven years after graduation, I worked at a large animal practice with mobile and in-house services. I had several clients with goats and sheep who were more like family members than production animals. I loved having the opportunity to work with them on cases that I likely wouldn’t have had in production settings.
Having so many pets growing up also meant that I've had to say goodbye to a lot of them. Whether they were young or old, lost suddenly or slowly declined over months, none of them were easy. It was a little more bearable when we were able to say goodbye in the comfort of our home or where our friend was most comfortable.
I was introduced to purebred Labradors when I met my husband, who is an avid waterfowl hunter. We have had several Labs who were professionally trained for waterfowl hunting and I have run in AKC and UKC hunt tests. I trained our youngest Lab myself, and he will start waterfowl hunting with us soon. We also compete in dock diving in the summer. The dogs love it and have earned numerous AKC titles. We have a 3-year-old daughter who keeps us on our toes! She's already won several placements as a junior handler with our dogs at dock diving events.
About Dr. Thuy Mooney
I grew up in Houston, Texas, surrounded by amazing food and great southern hospitality. I attended a high school that specialized in the health sciences, and I knew immediately that I wanted to be a veterinarian so I could help animals. I volunteered at the Houston Zoo and worked as a veterinary assistant before entering vet school. I completed my undergraduate classes at the University of Houston and then attended vet school at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Although I enjoy practicing all types of medicine, I have a particular passion for emergency medicine. Emergency medicine kept me on my toes and provided opportunities to treat patients requiring urgent care and comfort families experiencing a crisis.
I've lost a few pets over the years, and each time is heartbreaking. Even though we're experiencing sadness, we can reflect, remember, and honor our pet's memory knowing that we loved and cherished every moment with them. I am honored to help families and their pets move peacefully and painlessly to the next stage and be able to comfort them in their grief.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and five children, gardening, cooking Vietnamese and Tex-Mex cuisines, and baking homemade bread and desserts. I adore my three kitties (Gracie, Bambi, and Zion), Gary the gecko, and Jerry the red-eared slider turtle.
About Dr. Bambi Gutierrez
I am a proud Air Force brat. My family moved often when I was young, and we retired in the Florida Panhandle, specifically Fort Walton Beach along the Emerald Coast. There you’ll find the most beautiful beaches and soft sand. Fun fact, the sand there is made of fine quartz crystal. If you dig your feet in too quickly, the sand will “bark” or squeak!
When I was very young, I wanted to be either a veterinarian or a go-go dancer. Alas, I have no rhythm, so I chose to be a veterinarian. I believe it was a wise choice. Besides, with a name like "Bambi" it would seem that my career path was preordained.
My academic road to becoming a veterinarian began in a community college in New Jersey, continued at the University of Florida at Gainesville, and finished at “The” Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in small animal and mixed animal medicine, relief services, mobile veterinary care, and regulatory work for USDA APHIS. However, my first love has always been practicing small animal medicine.
Through the years I have lost several of my fur babies during and they each hold a special place in my heart. I know making these end-of-life decisions for our fur babies is one of the most difficult things we have to do. I have witnessed the immense benefits of providing in-home end-of-life services. While never easy, this work is a sacred privilege. I feel honored and blessed to help pets make the transition in a comfortable and familiar environment, surrounded by love and support.
My spare time is spent with my cats, Gray-Dawg, a foster failure and Georgia, my one eyed beauty. I also co-own three dogs; Snooper, Brindle, and Angel (which she is not). I am lucky enough to live three houses down from my mother and sister, which is wonderful! When not catering to my fur babies, I love spending time with my mother and sister and crafting.
About Dr. Kassie Martinez
I consider Fayetteville, North Carolina my hometown, but since my parents are retired military, I also spent parts of my childhood in Savannah, Georgia and Honolulu, Hawaii.
I wanted to be a veterinarian before I could pronounce the word and in preschool I would often mistakenly tell people I wanted to be a vegetarian. My dad and I often watched Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, and these special moments helped foster my love for animals. I’m also an extremely emotional and empathetic person, which led me to want to heal the animals I love so much.
I completed my undergraduate and veterinary school studies at North Carolina State University and went into general practice after receiving my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. I find the diversity in cases exciting, and I love fostering connections with people and their pets. I also enjoy surgery and caring for exotic pets, such as small mammals and birds.
My greatest passion is helping clients navigate geriatric and hospice care for their pets and providing humane euthanasia so they have a dignified end-of-life experience. I believe this is one of the most important and compassionate aspects of the job and one that I treat with great respect and honor.
My hobbies include watching anime, playing video games such as Pokemon and Stardew Valley, drawing, and painting. I’m also a foodie and love trying new cuisines and restaurants.
About Dr. Kat de Leon
I grew up in Houston, Texas, surrounded by a large extended family. I appreciate the city’s diversity and the excellent food.
I’ve always loved animals and initially dreamed of working with elephants or orangutans. Everything changed when I was in the third grade and we brought home a cocker spaniel puppy named Rex. He got parvo, and I remember worrying my family wouldn’t be able to afford his treatment. Thankfully, Rex survived, and that experience sparked my desire to become a veterinarian so I could care for my pets through any illness.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and my veterinary degree at Mississippi State University. I’ve worked in general practice and emergency medicine. I enjoy many different aspects of veterinary medicine, but I am especially interested in dermatology, cat behavior, and preventive care.
Two years ago, I lost my heart dog, Luna. She had cancer that had metastasized throughout her body, and while she was stable after hospitalization and a blood transfusion, I knew her condition could deteriorate at any moment. I made the extremely difficult decision to humanely euthanize her and chose to say goodbye to her at home because Luna had always been nervous at the vet.
Remembering the fear and confusion I experienced when I found out about Luna’s diagnosis helps me fully sympathize with clients when I’m discussing their pet’s quality of life. I want all pets to be able to spend their last moments as comfortably as possible.
When I’m at home, I enjoy spending time with my 1-year-old Chihuahua/shih tzu mix, Bonnie, and my two cats, Bynx and Momo. I also love visiting new places. Last year, I traveled to Spain, and my goal is to visit Japan and South Korea. My other hobbies include gardening, trying new restaurants, and going to music performances.
About Dr. Ashley Maxey
I grew up on a small farm in southeast Texas and spent most of my childhood outside, riding horses, fishing with my dad in our pond, and gardening with my mom. Even in my youth, I felt called to the veterinary profession and started working in a mixed animal practice at fourteen. Since then, I’ve worked in small animal practices, research, zoo medicine, emergency medicine, and exotic medicine. I loved having the opportunity to work in so many fields, and no matter the size of the patients, being a vet has always been about understanding and advocating for them. I love opportunities to strengthen the bond between pets and their families, and knowing that I’ve had a positive impact on their lives.
Having lost pets of my own, I understand how painful and heartbreaking that loss can be. It never gets easier, but the unconditional love and joy my pets have brought to my life make the heartache worth it. Every animal deserves a peaceful and gentle goodbye, and it’s an honor to help pets and their families during this final stage of life. My experience with hospice during the loss of my parents showed me how important compassionate end-of-life care is. It’s strengthened my commitment to advocating for my patients and supporting the families who love them.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two young daughters, who keep us very busy! I also love reading and spending time at the beach near our home on Galveston Island.