Caring. Careful. Communicative. The team at Walnut Creek cares deeply about helping animals. We believe the bond you share with your pet is precious. We’re here to protect it.
Doctors
Brian Barone
Dr. Brian Barone is a 2004 graduate of The Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was born and raised in Azle Texas. After graduating from vet school, Dr. Barone worked full time at two different mixed animal practices in Jacksonville followed by a few years doing independent relief work in Lufkin and the surrounding areas. In 2012 Dr. Barone joined the staff at a busy emergency clinic in Longview Texas where he remained, until a long standing desire to return to his home town led him to purchase Gieb Veterinary Clinic(now Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital) from Dr. James Gieb in June of 2014.
Melissa Bauer
Dr. Bauer is a 2016 graduate of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. As a full time associate, she brings a unique energy and enthusiasm to Gieb Veterinary Clinic. She has proven to be an exemplary doctor showing incredible compassion and the highest standards of care. Clients and patients love her! She has 2 dogs she takes hiking, jogging and exploring! They are professionals at holding the couch down though! She is also owned by 2 kitties she loves very much and they run the household, Stella and Favre.
“One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.”
–Pam Brown
Management
Lauren Hernandez
Lauren is a Texas Native raised in Azle, Texas- who graduated from Azle High School. Went to Sul Ross State University and spent 15 years as a teacher. Branched out into management after her teaching years. She has been married for 20 years to John who has been at TCU for 21 years (Go Frogs) and has two boys 10 and 16 that keep her world busy and spinning. She also has two dogs, Jengo and Ziggy, and recently adopted a sweet kitten Magnolia. If she is not wrangling the family Lauren is an avid reader, a lover of swimming and cooking.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
–Anatole France
Technicians
Kristina Caughey
Kristina is our lead technician here at WCVH. Kristina had always wanted to work with animals and says her life changed when she joined the veterinary field in 2009. She focused on emergency and surgery specialties but wanted to use her knowledge to lead others in practicing great medicine and compassion. She enjoys spending her free time with her cats and dog; Kane, Jekyll, and Ripley. She’s passionate about pet rescue and loves traveling the world when possible.
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer joined the WCVH family in 2020 as a Veterinary Technician. She started in the field in 2006 helping animals of all sizes and rescuing bottle babies. Completing her CVA certifications as well as being CPR certified and Fear Free certified. When not working she spends most of her time with her 4 kids, riding horses or traveling to baseball fields to support her kids. She has a house full of adopted fur babies of all sizes.
Kami Walden
Kami Walden has been a Walnut Creek Vet Hospital veterinary technician since January 2023. She received an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2018 and became an LVT licensed with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in 2020. After growing up in Springtown she is excited to use her talents to serve the community that is such a large part of her heart and her family’s home. Kami is married and has 3 cats and a whole flock of spoiled chickens. Kami has always gone out of her way to care for all types of animals and considers herself fortunate to have the opportunity to continue on this path professionally.
Mason DeLong
Mason Delong has been in the vet industry for about 8 years. When she is not working she enjoys running with her 4 legged baby Goose. She can be found spending time outdoors and traveling with her partner Dawson.
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”
–Martin Buber
Kennel Technicians
Kaylee Parrish
Bio Coming Soon!
Lydia Hall
After ending a long successful corporate career, Lydia escaped the hustle and bustle of Fort Worth in search of a slower pace and relocated to Springtown. She volunteered for over 23 years mentoring young women and for several years with the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control. Once settled in Springtown, she joined the WCVH team where she will continue caring for animal’s welfare.
Charysma Casillas
Bio Coming Soon!
Zoey Reid
Bio Coming Soon!
Ty Hernandez
Bio Coming Soon!
“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”
–AD Williams
Veterinary Assistants
Katelyn Williams
Bio Coming Soon!
Daniela Perez
Daniela studied Animal Science at West Texas A&M. She has a handsome Turkish Angora named Rick O’Connell. She came to WCVH and worked as a kennel technician, after her exceptional skills being observed and her quiet confidence our team said she would be a perfect fit for Vet Assistant where she is training and honing her skills to be an amazing Vet Technician.
“Cats are angels with fur.”
–Sark
Receptionists
Janet Steed
Janet joined Walnut Creek Vet Hospital in 2017 and has become an integral part of our team. You can often find her beloved Black Labrador, Stetson behind the reception counter, and she is grateful for the kindness they have both received from our clients. She values the relationships she has made and enjoys meeting and helping new people with their pet care needs.
Shandel Miller
Shandel Miller is a Paradise transplant. She has a heart for animals and will always stop for a stray. She has a busy house with animals and is always up for fostering a bottle baby. Her personal interests are rodeos, barrel racing and heading to the lake with her friends. She can do anything from front to back and we love having her here at WCVH.
Cassidy Thomas
Cassidy is a Native Texan, born and raised in Azle. She attended Azle Christian School and went on to get her Associate’s Degree from Weatherford College and attended Tarleton State University. She also has her Veterinary Assistant Certification through Animal Behavior College. She is happily married to her husband Joshua and their family consists of 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 bunnies. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movie theatre, crafting, and spending time with her fur babies.