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 BS, LVT Rebeka is one of our licensed veterinary technicians who has been with us for over 6 years. 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 family, including her menagerie of dogs, cats, goats and a crested gecko.
Zoelina is a graduate from Texas A&M University – Kingsville. 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 and Bailey’s hobbies include spending time outdoors, binging on Netflix shows or sleeping!
Through her time as a veterinary technician at San Benito Animal she has gained a strong work ethic and experience that has granted her admission into vet school. She is currently studying Veterinary Medicine at Texas Tech University. Congratulations!
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 is a graduate from Texas A&M University. She has been working in the field for over 10 years. She is passionate about caring for animals and always willing to step up and lend a hand to help those around her. She has 4 dogs and a cat who keep her busy. During her free time she likes to play video games and hang out with friends.
Syerra BS, LVT, LAT. Syerra is a Texas A&M University-Kingsville alumni. She has a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology and is one of our Licensed Veterinary Technologists. Syerra has worked with numerous species of animals but loves working with “man’s best friend” most. She loves meeting new and seeing familiar pets and their owners. In Syerra’s spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with her three dogs King (the Great Dane), Royal (as pictured), and last but not least Milkshake (a cardigan welsh corgi).
JonnieRose Thoeni is one of our veterinary technicians and boarding manager who has been with the clinic for over 5 years. She has an Associates in Biology and Certification for Vet Assistant. She has been working with animals for over 9 years and had a passion for animal care even as a child. When not at work, she spends her time playing dungeons and dragons, video games, reading and watching anime. She has several dogs, 2 cats and a pet snake.
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
Abigail