Staff
Jake Merritt, Practice Manager, is the husband of Dr. Merritt and a former deep sea commercial diver and construction manager. He now works above sea level making sure our clients and four-legged friends are taken care of and that you and your pet are in an easy low stress friendly environment.
Meet the smiling friendly greeting of San Benito Animal Hospital's Teresa Deadman. Starting in 2012, and as the most senior member of our staff, Teresa serves as our Office Manager. In addition to her responsibilities up front, Teresa works well in any of a number of other roles when the clinic is faced with any of a number of other problems as duties increase. When not at work, Teresa loves spending time with her husband, three children, and three step children along with her furbabies which consist of four dogs and three cats.
Rebeka recently graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology with Magna Cum Laude honors. She has always had a passion for animal care and takes great pride in sharing the knowledge she has learned with others. Rebeka has a very friendly personality and is always willing to answer any questions you may have. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her two dogs, two cats and crested gecko.
Zoelina is currently enrolled at Texas A&M University-Kingsville majoring in the Animal Science Pre-Vet Program. She plans to attend Graduate School and study Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University-College Station. She has 4 years of clinical setting experience and hopes to gain more knowledge in a professional setting for her future career. Her volunteer experience and work ethic has provided her with a job opportunity at San Benito Animal Hospital.
Zoelina works as a veterinary technician when she is not studying on holiday breaks and summers. With her ambitious and positive personality, she is always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Zoelina has 1 cat, 2 dogs and one energetic pup, Bailey! Out of scrubs, Zoe’s and Bailey’s hobbies include spending time outdoors, binging on Netflix shows or sleeping!
Hi, my name is Samantha Ramirez. I have been working at San Benito Animal Hospital since April 2019. My animal experience begun when I was 16 years old and I had been volunteering with a dog rescue group in Brownsville. Besides volunteering with the rescue group, I have gone to several veterinary clinics to volunteer, intern, or work. I love helping animals feel better, I feel as though it is my passion!
When I’m not at work, my hobbies consist of volunteering, reading, gaming, or spending time with my family. Currently, I am going to school at Texas A&M University-Kingsville to get my bachelors degree in Veterinary Technology to become a licensed veterinary nurse (LVT). I am also a Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and I am fear free certified where my goal is for your pet to have the least stressful veterinary visit possible!
Mayra, who is studying to be a Veterinarian one of these days, is enrolled and studying Biomedical Science at Texas A&M University. Mayra works as a veterinary technician at the San Benito Animal Hospital during holidays and summers. She has three dogs, Piggie, Alaska, and Lola.
Be on the lookout for Dr. Myra in a few years!
Jose JuarezJose has been working with animals since 2016. He works as a veterinary technician and is one of the many friendly smiles here ready to help. Sadly he never had animals growing up but his love for animals grew with each rescue he brought home. Now he has three boys Chewy, Dante, and Zero.
My name is JonnieRose Thoeni. I have an Associates in Biology from TSTC and a certificate in Veterinary Assistant from ABC College. I have been working with animals for over 5 years and they have always been my passion. My specialty is customer service and giving the best scratchies to your pets. I hope to continue my education later on. My hobbies are playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends, watching netflix/hulu, reading and playing video games. I have 3 dogs, for now, and they are the reason i smile every day. Their names are Cujo, Charlie and Penny.
Montserrat Esquivel is our friendly bilingual receptionist. Montse is a loving mother of two young-energetic kids and two curiously-adorable cats. She is a TSTC alumni with an Associates in Biology and Agricultural Technology. Montse has many years of experience as a volunteer and as a former staff member of The Humane Society of Harlingen. She is passionate about serving and educating her community on responsible pet ownership; moreover, she still actively volunteers at HSH by fostering, volunteering and donating. Montse will compassionately guide pet owners by informing them how to keep their pets safe and healthy.
Maria is a vet assistant
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