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Meet the Team at Mellina Animal Hospital

Meet our highly skilled and caring team at Mellina Animal Hospital in Fort Worth, TX! Whether it’s a routine checkup or specific treatment, you can trust us to provide unparalleled veterinary care for your treasured companions.

Meet Our Team MembersAfter Hours Emergency

Get to Know Our Fort Worth, TX Veterinary Team

We asked our team some questions…

Veterinarians

DR. MEGAN KELLEHER

DVM, Medical Director

Get to Know Dr. Kelleher

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
After attending Texas Christian University for my undergraduate degree, I returned to my home state to attend veterinary school at Kansas State University and graduated in 2007. After living and practicing in New York, my husband and I found our way back to Fort Worth. I have been working part-time at Mellina Animal Hospital since 2018.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I love being a veterinarian, and I strive to be an advocate for my patients while also effectively communicating with pet owners.

3. What do you do in your free time?
Right now, most of my free time is spent chasing my three small children. We also love Texas Christian University sporting events, enjoying time at the lake, and spending time with extended family.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

5. What animal would you be and why?
A Labrador retriever; usually happy, likes to be around people, and loves to eat!

Dr. Steve Willis

DVM

Get to Know Dr. Willis

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have worked at Mellina Animal Hospital as a veterinarian since October of 2019. This is my second time working here. I worked summers and Christmas breaks as a veterinary student from 1984 to 1987. I graduated from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. I worked at Handley Animal Hospital in East Fort Worth from 1988 to 1998. I owned my own practice in Flower Mound from 1999 to 2016. I worked at Safari Veterinary Care Center in League City, Texas, from 2016 to 2019. Coming back to Mellina Animal Hospital is like coming home. Dr. Mellina had the most significant influence on my professional career. His influence has carried over into every aspect of my career. It is great to be 60 years old and still have a hero. I have always said if I ever grow up, I want to be like Dr. Mellina. Of course, I have never grown up…

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on always offering the best that veterinary medicine has and explaining its benefits. Then let the clients decide. It is their family member, and they know them better than I do. I also try to remember that veterinary medicine is both an animal and human profession. What people will do for their pets is truly wondrous. Relationships are the most crucial thing in veterinary medicine. I have clients that have come to see me at three different practices, sometimes from long distances. I have taken care of pets for two to three generations of several families. That is something to be proud of.

I also pride myself on practicing what I preach. I do the same things with my pets that I ask my clients to do, including brushing their teeth. My pets are family members, and I want to have them live as long and happy a life as possible. Even though I am a veterinarian, my dogs and cats have the same issues my client’s pets experience—these range from skin and ear disease through heart and kidney trouble to cancer. I want to satisfy myself, knowing that I have done everything possible to make their lives as long and as good as possible. These experiences can be used to help guide my clients in their decisions. I can also freely answer the common question of “what would you do if this was your dog or cat?”

Clients today are smart and want to know how to take care of their four-legged family members. I take a lot of pride in educating clients on how to prevent illness. Above all, I take pride in letting people know I genuinely care about their dog or cat. I am convinced that clients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

3. What do you do in your free time?
My passion is Texas A&M football. My dad took us to my first Aggie game (according to mom) when I was a babe in arms in 1961. My first memory of a game was 1965. I have been to 330 games all over the country (since 1966, that I can directly recall).

I have had a strong interest in model railroading most of my life and have been continually active in the hobby since 1975. I have built five layouts. The most recent layout encompassed almost the entire upstairs of our home in Lewisville, made from 2005 – 2016. It included advanced electronics, detailed structures, and rolling stock, and hand-painted backdrops that allowed me to depict railroading on the West slope of the Continental Divide in Colorado in the fall of 1956. Through this hobby, I have learned about carpentry, electronics, geology, and vegetation. I have conducted an extensive study of America’s structures, vehicles, clothing, lifestyle, and culture in the 1950s. Most of all, the hobby has allowed me to meet many people who have become lifelong friends. My veterinary skills have been advanced by mastering the skills necessary to build highly detailed models. My goal is to recreate a (hopefully) better layout soon once a suitable home has been found. In the interim, I continue to build models for the next great endeavor.

If that is not enough, I also like to travel to Colorado to study the area of the railroad I model traverses. I also want to see most of Texas. Then, I also hope to see most of the United States.

4. Favorite Quotes?
“Love your clients so much that they would be afraid to leave for fear of a harsher world outside your door. “ – Mark Opperman

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I am going to be happy in it.’’ – Groucho Marx

“Every day when I wake up, I listen and sniff the air. If I don’t hear sobbing or smell flowers, I know it’s okay to get up.”

5. Favorite Sayings
I want to live forever. So far, so good.
Diagnose before you treat.
At the end of the business day: Did we do some good today?
My dad told me that when we get over 60, the first thing we lose is our memory. I asked him what the second thing was that we lost. He said he couldn’t remember.
My wife said she wanted to marry a man who would listen to her and remember what she said. She didn’t want that at all.
20 years from now, how important will this thing you are stressed about be to you?
When everyone around you is angry or upset, hide in a corner and throw chocolate.
When you are stressed, pet a cat. It will probably make you feel better. It will make the cat feel good. For the cat, that is good enough.
A veterinarian has the world’s coolest job. We get to play with other people’s pets for a living.
A wise man once said…

6. What animal would you be and why?
I could be either a cat or a dog. Cats are independent thinkers, meticulous, clean, intuitive, and focused on objectives. I also want to learn to have a nap like my cat eventually. He looks so happy. Dogs have many attributes I admire. They are loyal and intelligent (German shepherds). They are always excited and want to share that happiness with those around them (golden retrievers and boxers). They always want to make you happy (Australian shepherds). They can make you laugh (French bulldogs). Those are all admirable traits. I have often thought that if I could learn these traits and learn to use my eyes as a dog does, I could accomplish great things!

Dr. Budds

DVM

Get to Know Dr. Budds
Dr. Budds was born in Bloomington, Illinois and during childhood lived in Phoenix, Arizona, Texas, and finally called Ruston, Louisiana home until veterinary school.

Her passion for animals and biology started as far back as she can remember, but she didn’t know she wanted to become a veterinarian until her senior year of high school. Dr. Budds earned her BS in Animal Science from Louisiana Tech University in 2018, where her interest in large animal medicine grew. She then earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. After graduating, she practiced in Texarkana, TX before calling Fort Worth home.

Dr. Budds believes the human-animal bond is one of the strongest things in our existence and an integral part of our lives. Her goal as a veterinarian is to strengthen and preserve the bond with every client and patient she encounters.

In her spare time, Dr. Budds enjoys hiking, exercise, dog training/dog sports, painting, deer hunting, and trying new restaurants, wineries, and breweries. She currently lives with two beautiful golden retrievers, Cooper (4) and Duncan (9), and her newest addition, a kitten named Ivy.

Favorite quote/saying: “A dog doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his -John Grogan

What animal do you most associate yourself with and why? A: I would ideally like to be a golden retriever, but in reality, I think I am a cat. I’m reserved initially but outgoing and loyal when I trust you. I also either super energetic or just want to nap, there’s no in-between.

Leadership

Liz Meyer, CVT

Practice Manager

Get to Know Liz

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have spent 10 years at Mellina Animal Hospital and 16 years in the veterinary profession overall.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on the compassion I give to my patients and their families.

3. What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I garden/work in the yard with my son helping. I also enjoy hiking, running, reading, and traveling.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“There is a sunrise and sunset every day, and you can choose to be there for it. You can put yourself in the way of beauty.” 

5. What animal would you be and why?
I would be an elephant – peaceful, strong, and a good leader. They stay in small groups but extremely loyal to those around them.

Technicians

Amy Gonzalez, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Get to Know Amy

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have spent twelve years in the veterinary medicine field.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I feel like I have gotten better at sensing when they need a different approach when not eating or in pain or uncomfortable.

3. What do you do in your free time?
I love to nap, read, workout and skate.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“What day is it, and what are we doing.”

5. What animal would you be and why?
Cats – I love them, and they love me.

Cory Rogers

Technician/Hospital Assistant

Get to Know Cory

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have worked at Mellina Animal Hospital for about eight years.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I don’t let the hustle and bustle of this line of work get to me. I keep cool under pressure.

3. What do you do in your free time?
I read, draw and tinker with things. When I’m not doing those things, I play video games and board games with friends.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“There is no one as dangerous as he or she who has nothing to lose” – Rebecca Solnit

5. What animal would you be and why?
I would be a turtle. They have a hard shell with soft innards.

Client Service Representatives

Chandra Trujillo

Receptionist/Lab Assistant

Get to Know Chandra

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have been at Mellina Animal Hospital for two years. Overall, I have spent five years in the veterinary profession.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I am very proud that I have found this career. I love being with the patients and seeing them leave feeling better. Caring for our client’s babies is the best feeling ever.

3. What do you do in your free time?
I spend time with my two beautiful daughters, Lena and Hannah. We love the outdoors or just playing board games, being with our family.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“Smile; it makes people wonder what you are thinking.” 🙂

5. What animal would you be and why?
Elephant – Big, graceful, excellent memory. Oh, and scared of mice!

Extra: I truly believe that God puts you where you are needed. I am so blessed that he has me here at Mellina Animal Hospital. My co-workers are the best. They are my family.

Katie Smith

Receptionist

Get to Know Katie

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have been at Mellina Animal Hospital for two years and in the veterinary profession for a little over eight years.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on the compassion I have for the patients and their owners.

3. What do you do in your free time?
I like spending time with family, playing video games, and reading.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

5. What animal would you be and why?
I would be a goat – headstrong, motivated, gentle, and quiet.

Kennel Staff

Andie Payne

Kennel Technician

Get to Know Andie
1. How long have you been at MAH or in the veterinary field?
I have been working at MAH for a little over two weeks now and have loved every minute of it! I also plan on extending my knowledge and career to become a vet tech through Penn Foster College.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of patients?
I pride myself on taking care of my patients’ needs in the most efficient way that I can. Getting to love on them and care for them makes my heart happy!

3. What do you do in your free time?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to read, play my guitar, and spend quality time with my family. I also love going on spontaneous adventures and going along with what life brings to me.

4. Favorite quote or saying?
“I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” – PHILIPPIANS 4:13

5. What animal would you be and why?
A lion—I am honest, and protective, and I like to take initiative.

Kirsten Jacobs

Kennel Assistant

Get to Know Kirsten
1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have been with MAH for only a couple of months, but I have over 600 volunteer hours at a clinic back in high school.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on being eager to learn how to properly take care of the animals, as well as improving on handling them.

3. What do you do in your free time?
Spending time with my niece and nephews.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“It be like that sometimes.”

5. What animal would you be and why?
A piggy because I snort when I laugh.

LENA Trujillo

Kennel Assistant

Get to Know Lena

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have been working with Mellina Animal Hospital for about 2 months.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
The baths and the older dogs that come in. I like to take care of them.

3. What do you do in your free time?
Draw and listen to music.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“During your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dream.”
– Tupac

5. What animal would you be and why?

A sheep – reason.. I am lead by the one true shepherd

Care Team

Cristie Peters

Animal Caregiver

Get to Know Cristie

1. How long have you been at Mellina Animal Hospital or in the veterinary profession?
I have been on the staff at Mellina Animal Hospital for a little bit over a year.

2. What do you pride yourself in when it comes to your job and/or taking care of your patients?
I pride myself on the smiles on the pet’s faces as we help them live a long and happy life!

3. What do you do in your free time?
I love to read in my free time.

4. Favorite quotes or sayings?
“Bright and sunny.”

5. What animal would you be and why?
All cats and dogs, their communication is so fun and funny.

Extra: The love of animals is joyous and freeing.