Meet Our Team

Brazos Animal Hospital is proud to serve the Mineral Wells Texas area for everything pet related.  Our veterinary clinic and animal hospital is run by Owners Marlena Smith, DVM and Heather Hester, DVM.  Our team keeps everything running smooth day in day out and treat each patient with top rated care.  We are committed to educating our clients on how to keep your pets healthy year round with annual wellness visits, good nutrition and preventative care.  Brazos Animal Hospital stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian medicine.  Above all remembers that your pets need to be treated with loving care in every annual visit, procedure, or surgery.  

Heather Hester

Owner

My husband Levi and I grew up and currently live in Millsap;  we welcomed our first handsome baby boy Jack, December of 2017.  We have 3 dogs; Gus, Utah, Lady and a one-eye cat named Sully.  I received my Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Tarleton State University in 2008 and went to veterinary school at Texas A&M University.  I was trained in veterinary acupuncture at the Chi Institute in 2015.  I enjoy traveling, running, and spending time outdoors with my family on our small farm. 

Marlena Smith

Owner

I have lived in Mineral Wells for 13 years with my wonderful husband, Philip who was born and raised here.  We have a beautiful daughter Audrey, 3 dogs; Ruthie Jo, Lexie and Sniper.  I am U.S Navy Veteran.  After receiving my Bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University,  I received my Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University.  I also trained in veterinary acupuncture at Chi Institute of traditional Chinese Medicine in 2015.  When I'm not at the clinic I enjoy hiking, yoga, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Susan

​Susan Salter is one of Brazos Animal Hospital's receptionists. A staff member since 2003, Susan loves the family-like atmosphere at the hospital.
Susan's hobbies include horseback riding and camping. At home, she cares for one dog and 11 cats.











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Savannah

​Savannah Carpenter, one of our exceptional receptionists, has been a full time member of the Brazos Animal Hospital staff since August of 2016. Having worked in the animal field for over 14 years, Savannah began her career at Bowie Drive Animal Hospital, later moving on to work with North Texas Veterinary Hospital. We are now proud to say that Savannah is now hard at work here for us at Brazos.
While at home, Savannah likes to hang out with friends and family. She can be found watching the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys whenever there is a game. She has a 5 year old Matlipoo, named Sophie, who is happy to keep her company at home.

Carissa

Veterinary Technician Carissa Ann Brawly has been working in the animal care field for nine years and joined the dedicated team at Brazos Animal Hospital this past March. Carissa graduated from Weatherford High School and has continued her studies at Weatherford College and Cedar Valley College. She enjoys working at Brazos Animal Hospital "because they are family oriented and they want you to learn."
When not at the hospital, Carissa spends her free time running, eating, baking, crafting and working on her Ford Mustang. She has two pit bulls named Chance and Willow and three cats named Casper, Elvis and Nyx.

Kelsey

Kelsey Rae Kline has been a kennel technician with Brazos Animal Hospital since the summer of 2014. After graduating from Mineral Wells High School, she earned her certification as a veterinary assistant through Penn Foster College.
"The staff is very well educated and know what they're doing," she says of Brazos Animal Hospital. "I trust them with my own animals."
Outside of work, Kelsey keeps busy with her three-year-old and three dogs - a Pit Bull named Jase, a Basset Hound named Coon, and a Blue Heeler named Deuce. She also works with the H3R rescue group to assist with rescuing and rehoming herding dog breeds.

Jeremy

Say hello to Jeremy DeWitt, one of our outstanding kennel technicians. Jeremy has been a part time working member of Brazos Animal Hospital since early May of 2017. Having grown up in Weatherford, Texas, Jeremy kept his close to his local roots. Attending Weatherford Community College, Jeremy hopes to graduate in July with a Certificate of Veterinary Tech. Assistant.
At home, Jeremy has an 8 year old Maltese / Bichon mix named Minney, and two labs, one 5 years old named Odin, and the other named Rose, who is 1 year old. He is a member of the American Kennel Club, and enjoys spending his day with animals. In his free time, Jeremy likes to garden, cook, read, and spend time with his family.
“I enjoy spending my day with animals, caring for them and bonding. The staff here is like a big family. Feels like another home to be at.” – Jeremy DeWitt

Kendra (coming soon)

Groomer (coming soon)