Our Team

Meet our talented doctors and staff!

Appointment

Our Doctors

Melissa (Vogeler) Barrow, DVM

Melissa (Vogeler) Barrow, DVM

Veterinarian & Owner

About Dr. (Vogeler) Barrow

Melissa (Vogeler) Barrow, DVM received her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!) and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. She purchased Bluebonnet Animal Hospital, formerly South Lamar Animal Hospital, in the Fall of 2012. Her professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, and preventative medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids!

Kabita Deka, DVM

Kabita Deka, DVM

Veterinarian & South Lamar Medical Director

About Dr. Deka

I started working at Bluebonnet once weekly at the end of 2015. Eventually, I decided to become a full-time employee at the beginning of 2017 (after having the pleasure of working with such amazing people). I’m the only non-Aggie in the building and went to veterinary school in Alabama. After graduation, I decided to move to Austin to start something new. I grew up in a small town in North Louisiana where there was nothing to do except eating good southern food. My main interests in veterinary medicine include surgery and internal medicine. In my free time, I enjoy running, most outdoor sports activities, traveling, eating, spending time with friends/family, and of course, being with my main squeezes – my chocolate lab (Cosby) and my handsome kitty (Romeo).

Kelly Hopkins, DVM

Kelly Hopkins, DVM

Veterinarian & Riverside Medical Director

About Dr. Hopkins

Dr. Kelly Hopkins received her Bachelor’s in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. She went on to Texas A&M to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree then spent 5 years practicing at a small animal practice in Dallas, TX. She was excited to return home to Austin in 2019 to set up roots. Her professional interests include surgery, dentistry, ultrasound, cardiology, and preventative medicine. Dr. Hopkins has a goofy rescue pug and kitty who are best buddies. Outside of work, she loves traveling, hiking, and trying new restaurants!

Cheryl York, DVM

Cheryl York, DVM

Veterinarian & Circle C Medical Director

About Dr. York

Dr. Cheryl York received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University in 2009, then went on to graduate from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She practiced in San Diego, California for several years prior to her move back to Texas in 2017 to be closer to family. She has been with the Bluebonnet family ever since, having practiced at all 3 locations! The Circle C location is her long term work home, where she is currently serving as their medical director.

She finds great joy in advocating for her patients and communicating well with their pet parents to allow them to live long, healthy, and comfortable lives. Her veterinary clinicals interests include ultrasound, dermatology, cardiology, and ophthalmology. Her professional interests include helping other veterinarians improve their leadership and communication skills, as well as being very involved in organized veterinary medicine with the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Outside of work, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, baking, reading, as well as spending time with her close friends and family. She loves living in Circle C with her husband Matt, daughter Quinn, and her two cats Jasmine and Zazu!

Ana Michel, DVM

Ana Michel, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Michel

Dr. Ana Michel graduated with honors from Oklahoma State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and biochemistry & molecular biology. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University in 2014.

Dr. Michel enjoys providing individualized, compassionate care for a variety of pets. She is dedicated to educating the public about preventative care and loves to help owners understand their pet’s medical conditions and daily needs. She is constantly learning new things at continuing education seminars locally and nationally and particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery and dentistry.

Originally from Dallas, Dr. Michel lives in southwest Austin with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. Other family members include Finn, a husky mix rescued as a puppy, and Faith, a quarter horse mare.

When not focused on pets and their people, Dr. Michel enjoys playing music (piano, guitar, singing) with her family and friends. Her other interests include gardening, horseback riding, hiking around Austin, cooking, and reading.

Leah Vela, DVM

Leah Vela, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Vela

Dr. Vela is originally from the Houston area and graduated from University of Texas for her undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences. She then went to Midwestern to complete her veterinary degree, and worked in emergency medicine after graduation. She is ecstatic to get back to the Austin area where she feels is home. Her professional interests include nutrition, behavior, and dental care. Her personal interests, outside of work, include being outdoors, cooking, painting, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Vela has three pets, 1 cat named Jefe, and 2 dogs named Chiquita and Jerome.

Laurie Dulaney, DVM

Laurie Dulaney, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Dulaney
Dr. Dulaney is a native Texan. She grew up in a small town in east Texas, went to undergraduate at Lamar University in Beaumont, and then headed off to College Station for veterinary school. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2001, she moved to Austin and has lived here ever since. Her veterinary interests include feline medicine, senior pet care, dentistry, and nutrition. Currently, she owns 3 cats and has 2 freshwater aquariums. She has also owned and loved many dogs, rats, and parakeets. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and hanging out at local parks with her daughter and husband.
Erin Lake, DVM

Erin Lake, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Lake

Dr. Lake grew up in Round Rock, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science with a minor in Biochemistry from Texas State University and her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Ross University.

Growing up, Dr. Lake always had a love for animals and her family pets inspired her to pursue veterinary medicine. Her goal is to help clients understand their pets’ medical conditions and treatments. She wants them to feel informed and empowered to make decisions for their pet.

Her special interests include brachycephalics especially pugs, dermatology, dentistry, senior and preventative healthcare. When she is not taking care of patients, she enjoys rock climbing with her husband and spending time with friends & family.

Michelle Gilbertson, DVM

Michelle Gilbertson, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Gilbertson
Bio and Picture coming soon!
Jonathon Miller, DVM

Jonathon Miller, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Miller

Dr. Jonathon Miller graduated with honors from Louisiana State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with dual minors in biology and chemistry. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University in 2014.

After graduating, Dr. Miller moved to the Austin area with his wife and began practicing in the Burnet area. Since then, he has continued to practice in the north and central Austin areas with experience ranging from overnight critical care to routine wellness visits. Though he is comfortable providing care in almost all situations, his primary interests include soft tissue surgery and dentistry. He is always in pursuit of more knowledge and expanding his skills with regard to these interests as well as a general practice.

When not providing care to those patients great and small, Dr. Miller spends time with his wife and their newborn son. He enjoys running with his two dogs Oddball and Looney Tunes, as well as rock climbing, obstacle course racing, and reading. Recently, though not a professional cinephile, he has spent more time at home watching movies with his wife while they both care for their adorable son.

Vanessa Adarme, DVM

Vanessa Adarme, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Adarme

Dr. Vanessa Adarme grew up in The Woodlands, Texas. Her family is originally from Colombia, and she is fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Adarme received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Bethune-Cookman University with a Minor in Biology. Afterwards, she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. After graduation, Dr. Adarme practiced small animal medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada prior to relocating to Austin, TX. Her primary areas of interest are soft tissue surgery, neurology, and dermatology.

Dr. Adarme is the proud dog mom of a spoiled Toy Poodle named Kingston and a loving German Shepherd mix named Mia. In her spare time, she loves traveling, yoga, and playing golf.

Laura Saunders, DVM

Laura Saunders, DVM

Veterinarian

About Dr. Saunders
Dr. Laura Saunders was born and raised outside Columbus, Ohio. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in Biomedical Sciences. After graduation, she moved to Austin and fell in love with Texas. She then completed her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 2014. After graduation, she returned to Austin and has been practicing in the area ever since.

Dr. Saunders believes in collaboration when it comes to working with each patient. Her professional interests include fear-free techniques, dentistry, surgery, and internal medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her husband, son, and two dogs, Bluebell and Aspen.

Our Staff

Francisco Quintana

Francisco Quintana

Director of Client Experience

About Francisco

Meet our Office Manager! Francisco (Frankie) has been with Bluebonnet since it opened eight years ago. He has three cats (Duncan, Khaleesi, and Reyna) and is originally from Santa Fe, NM. He enjoys all of what Central Texas has to offer, but fishing is his number one hobby. If you’ve been to our clinic before, you’ve likely been met at the front with one of his smiles!

Fun Fact: He designed and created some of the awesome artwork in the lobby and exam rooms.

Neil Leinen

Neil Leinen

Director of Operations

About Neil
Neil grew up in San Antonio, TX, where his passion for animals began.  His career in Veterinary Medicine began in 2003, gaining experience in all positions in the veterinary hospital, both clinical and emergency.  He studied biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio and graduated in 2008. After moving to Austin in 2013, he joined the team at Bluebonnet Animal Hospital, providing leadership in veterinary care to the South Austin area, and has expanded to the East Austin area at Bluebonnet Riverside Veterinary Clinic in 2018.  In 2020, he achieved his Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification that recognizes the knowledge obtained from years of practice management, knowledge of human resources, adhering to a strict code of ethics.

He has one handsome dog and two sweet cats and enjoys hiking, camping, and serving the Austin area.

Tara Oram

Tara Oram

Circle C Practice Manager

About Tara

Tara has been working at Bluebonnet Animal Hospital since February 2015. She has special interests in staff development and training, providing client education, and working with pets with special health and behavioral needs. She is a Level 3 Certified Fear Free Veterinary Professional and holds a certification in small animal CPR and Advanced Life Support. In her free time, she enjoys spending time hiking, trying new foods, and attending concerts. She and her husband share their home with their son, a pack of rescued chihuahuas, and a leopard gecko.

Christopher Diaz

Christopher Diaz

Riverside Practice Manager

About Christopher

Originally from Laredo, Tx. Christopher joined Bluebonnet Animal Hospital in 2019. He has over fifteen years of experience in the veterinary field. During this time, he has excelled in training new veterinary technicians, nurturing client relationships, and maintaining a stress-free environment for clients and patients. Christopher is passionate about client education, surgical assistance, and rehabilitation. During his free time, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife, his 2 playful dogs (Liska and Crom), and his independent cat (Pickles).

Bailey Speare

Bailey Speare

Lamar Practice Manager

About Bailey

Bailey, who is originally from Iowa, has been working with a variety of animals since 2018. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2020, she made her way up to Austin. Bailey is Level 3 Fear Free Certified and is working towards obtaining her licensure in Veterinary Technology. She is passionate about connecting with people and learning more about their pets. In her spare time, Bailey enjoys spending time with family and her cat Leo, going to the gym, and running!

Gabbie Addington

Gabbie Addington

Circle C Assistant Manager

About Gabbie

Gabbie is a native Texan originally from Dallas and joined Bluebonnet Animal Hospital when she relocated to Austin in 2022. Gabbie has always had a passion for animals and began working with them in 2016 at a training facility. She became a veterinary technician in 2019 and is dedicated to educating clients and veterinary staff so they can better understand the patients and expand the relationships between clients and patients. In her free time Gabbie can be found outdoors exploring Austin with her Pointer mix (Teruhashi) or lounging around the house with her two cats(Russet and Macadamia).