Drs. O'Gan and Evans took a moment to write, in quotes, a brief, silly biography for each staff member that will tell you more about them than any amount of factual information (click photos for real bios).
"She started volunteering with us when she was in High School and now she's a full-time veterinary Technician for us, we are shocked and happy she still wants to be around us."
"That's right, she's a bona fide Certified Veterinary Practice Manager! She'd have to be to manage all of us. Next time you have her on the phone, ask her how she got her nickname, Cat Poop Collins. Oh, and pay your bill."
"Dr. Eifert loves horses, cows and Florida Gators; hopefully for the cows and horses, not all at once. Although if anyone could take care of all three simultaneously, it would be her."
"Sheeee's back! If you don't remember Dr. Martin from her internship here, prepare to be wowed. And prepare for some great baked goods, if you behave."
Tilly is from Weston, Connecticut, but spent the last 5 years at a guest ranch in Wyoming, managing a herd of nearly 200 horses. Deciding to trade in the extreme cold for the extreme heat, Tilly recently moved to the area with her boyfriend, two dogs, two mustangs, and mule. Tilly is excited to be a part of the AE team and expand her equine knowledge
Leah Vural
Veterinary Technician
Leah was born in Ohio, growing up she had the opportunity to live in seven different states. Leah has been in Austin since 2017 and is very excited to be a part of the AE team! In her spare time, she likes to knit and crochet.
Coley Gold
Receptionist
Coley Gold has loved horses for as long as she can remember. She grew up riding for fun on the beach in Northern California and ended up managing a barn and adopting an ex-racehorse in the Hudson Valley, New York. As soon as she arrived in Texas, she knew the first thing to do was to find her fellow horse-loving community so she feels incredibly lucky to be joining the AE team! Her passions include all of the animals, hot yoga, natural horsemanship, the great outdoors, vintage and antiques, matcha everything, dancing to records, going to the cinema, running with her rescue pup Rosie, playing pool, pickleball, and Wingspan with her partner Josh, and the perfect trifecta: a good snack, a good hack, and a good read.
Jessica Dziekan
Veterinary Technician
Jessica was born in Austin Tx and she graduated from Tarleton State University with a BS in Animal Science. Throughout college, Jessica competed within the Interscholastic Horse Show Association. She attended IHSA nationals twice and was the President during her senior year. She has been showing horses her whole life within the eventing and Hunter/jumper disciplines. Jessica currently has a Dutch mare named Remi and a QH mare named Olena. Jessica loves to be outdoors hiking or hanging by the lake (when she is not at horse shows that is)!
Krista Adams
Veterinary Technician
Krisa is a native Texan raised in Wimberley, the heart of the hill country. She has been a veterinary technician since 2019 and started off in a mixed practice, but wanted to follow a dream of working in an equine practice. Outside of work, you can find Krista adventuring outdoors and spending time with her dogs.
Dovie Williamson
Receptionist
Dovie was born and raised in Bryan, Tx but moved to her true home, Austin, as soon as she could in 1997. She has worked in both human and small animal medicine and is excited to fully immerse herself into equine care. She and her fiancé, Billy, enjoy spending their time traveling and on the hunt for vintage treasures. Dovie enjoys bad reality tv, anything creepy, and time with her dog Roadie Roadhouse.
Adam Foss
Barn Assistant
Adam was born in Brewster, New York and moved down to Texas in 2002. He is the only person in his family to ever have horses, and has been working with them for 10 years now! He received his bachelor's degree in animal science from Tarleton State University in 2020. In his free time, Adam loves to hike, hangout by the lake, or being outdoors in general.
Ines Bougatef
Intern DVM
Dr. Ines Bougatef was born and raised in Belgium, but is also half Tunisian as that is where her dad is from. Her family moved to the United States when she was 18 years old. She completed her undergraduate in animal science & pre-vet at Washington State University. She then attended Veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts, and finished her clinical year at Texas A&M. She has always had a huge love for horses and equine medicine, but is very interested in almost all species, big or small.
Jessica Dixon
Intern DVM
Dr. Jessica Dixon comes from the small community of Sunnybrook, Alberta. She completed her education at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2024. Jessica has ridden and shown western performance horses as a youth and continues to ride her horses in her spare time in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Alberta, or wherever else she can find a relaxing trail. Her dream is to one day work her way back into the show pen with a working cow horse! Jessica is passionate about all aspects of equine care, especially sports medicine, and she is so excited to finally get to work helping clients and their equine partners meet their goals!
Sarah Holloman
Intern DVM
Dr. Sarah Holloman is from Hico, Texas where she grew up with horses and showing sheep. She always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian as taking her horses to the vet was her favorite time of the year! She attended Texas A&M University and earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science before attending Kansas State University for veterinary school. Her special interests include equine internal medicine and theriogenology. Sarah is excited to be home in the great state of Texas! When she’s not at the clinic, Sarah loves eating Texas BBQ (she took a BBQ class all 4 years at A&M!), planning her cow-calf operation with her husband, following Aggie and Wildcat football, and spending time with her chocolate Labrador!
Micaela Betts
Receptionist
Micaela is from Belton, TX and recently moved to Austin after graduating from Texas State University where she joined our team. Micaela has a passion for horses as she grew up riding dressage and jumping. In her free time she likes to scrapbook her state parks and life adventures. Micaela is excited to be working at Austin Equine and comes from a background from both small and large animal practices.
Sarah White
DVM, DACVS-LA
Dr. Sarah White was born and raised in Round Rock, Texas. She was pretty terrible at most sports growing up, but horseback riding was something she really enjoyed and decided to dedicate her life to becoming a horse vet. She went to Texas A&M University for both her undergraduate degree and her veterinary school and was thoroughly indoctrinated to bleed maroon and "saw 'em off" at every chance. Although she doesn't like horror movies, she fell in love with doing equine surgery and dedicated an additional 5 years of her life after veterinary school doing additional training in Oklahoma and Wisconsin to complete two internships and a Large Animal Surgery Residency program.
She could not stand the long, dark, cold, miserable winters of Wisconsin and quickly came back to the unending sunshine of Texas. Most of Sarah's family lives in England and she loves to visit them when she can. She is absolutely a crazy cat lady: although she CURRENTLY only has one orange cat she has plans to acquire several more. She still has the first horse she ever bought, Magnum, who is living the joy of a retired life. She lives with her boyfriend, David, who is also a veterinarian, and his dog Cooper (who is a cat in a dog's body). Sarah and David try to talk about things other than veterinary medicine when they're at home together but fail often. Her hobbies include reading, working out, kayaking, and long walks outside (when it isn't 150 degrees). She would love to start riding again now that she is finished with her surgery residency and enjoys watching her patients and clients succeed and thrive with healthy lifestyles.
Adrienne Russell
Barn Assistant
Adrienne was born in Granbury, TX, but raised here in Austin. She grew up as a first generation horse girl riding in the hunter/jumpers for 10 years and then switched to barrel racing. She now starts colts and enjoys training. Adrienne has managed several barns in the area and has experience as a small animal Veterinary Technician. She is excited to be in a place where both worlds collide! Outside of work and horses, Adrienne enjoys hiking, camping, and seeing live music.
Kaitlyn McDaniel
Veterinary Technician
Kaitlyn was born and raised in Austin and attended Truman State University, a small school in Kirksville, Missouri, she graduated as a double major with a BS in Biology and Agriculture Science. Kaitlyn has prior experience working in a small animal clinic, but is very excited to be a member of the Austin Equine team. She has always loved horses and has been riding since she was 10 years old. Growing up, Kaitlyn was a competitive swimmer and is still loving the water! Her hobbies include reading, hiking, traveling, pilates, and playing with her rescued street cat, Steve.
Alyssa Zuniga
Barn Assistant
Alyssa Zuniga was born in Austin Tx and has moved back and forth from Houston and Round Rock, she recently moved to Granger Tx and loves being more rural. Alyssa rode horses at a very young age and took a break as she got older, she is looking forward to having horses back in her life and caring for these amazing animals. She is completing the ACC Veterinary Technician Program and will receive an Associate Degree as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Alyssa loves all kinds of animals big and small and her hobbies include hunting, fishing, working on project trucks, gardening, baking, and small farm homesteading. She is always willing to learn something new and is excited to join the AE Team!
Holly Martin
DVM
Dr. Holly Martin was raised in the beautiful Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. And yes, she does love potatoes. She completed her DVM at Colorado State University then ventured south to experience life as a baked potato in the Texas heat whilst working as an intern at the beloved Austin Equine Hospital. Although she fell in love with the Hill Country, she ventured north to gain specialty training in large animal internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison upon completing her internship. There she experienced the life-altering magical delight of the Wisconsin cheese curd. However delectable those deep fried curds were, even they weren't enough to keep her up in America's Dairyland and she moved across the country, yet again, to rejoin the team at Austin Equine Hospital. Holly was raised riding AQHA performance horses and her and her husband (a genuine human person with a shared aspiration to visit Hobbiton) own a small herd of Gelbvieh cattle. She enjoys cooking, eating potatoes (boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew!), dancing, reading the all-hallowed works of J.K. Rowling, and spending time with her husband and son.
Nicole Humphrey
Receptionist
Nicole grew up in the Dallas suburbs and East Texas, and spent her childhood riding in Pony Club, and her love for horses has only grown stronger as an adult. She has been passionate about horses for as long as she can remember and admires their strength, grace, and intelligence. Nicole graduated with a BA in Anthropology and Evolutionary Biology from CU Boulder, where she developed a deep understanding of both the natural world and the science behind animal care. Her background has given her a unique perspective when it comes to connecting with both people and their animals, and she is excited to bring that understanding to Austin Equine. After relocating from Boulder, Colorado, to Austin, Texas, Nicole is excited to be back in her home state. Outside of work, you can usually find Nicole out on a trail, soaking in the beauty of the Texas landscape.
Beth Digre
Receptionist
Beth is from Longville, a small town nestled in the great pines of Minnesota, with a population of 156 people, three hours south of Canada, it is known as the turtle racing capital of the world. Beth grew up on a family owned and operated resort, which had her working the second she took her first steps. Her favorite activities would include soaking up the sun on the beach, swimming, skating, photography, anything that has to do with any holiday, and of course making memories with my family and friends. Beth moved to Texas in 2012 and she lives in Buda with her husband Brandon and their adored siamese cats, Kiwi and Lemon.
Damon O'Gan
DVM
Dr. O'Gan comes from the Big Horn Mountain country of northern Wyoming. He received his DVM from Texas A&M in 2003. Dr. O'Gan started Austin Equine in 2004, seeing a need for a focused sport horse practice in Austin's growing show horse community. His areas of special interest include lameness, musculoskeletal ultrasound, neck and back pain, stem cell therapy, and the equine foot. Dr. O'Gan lives in central Austin with his superhuman wife, Ellen Jefferson, and when away from the hospital he enjoys playing music, building and racing vintage motorcycles, cycling (building/riding), building musical instruments, and Sheridan leather carving. Also a few more things, but now we're boring you.
Matt Evans
DVM
Dr. Evans is a native Austinite who did his undergraduate work and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. Dr. Evans became a partner at Austin Equine in 2005 and his veterinary interest is equine dentistry. Dr. Evans and his wife have two children, both girls, and they are all better than he deserves. In addition to being a horse veterinarian, Matt is a writer, stand up comedian and oil painter.
JoLynn Joyce
DVM, MS, DACVS
Dr. JoLynn Joyce is a native of Huntsville, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University where she earned both her Bachelor and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Following veterinary school, Dr. Joyce completed an equine internship at Waller Equine Hospital and then went on to Colorado State University to complete a surgical residency. She became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2009. She was happy to return to the great state of Texas and make Austin Equine her home. Her areas of interest include lameness and surgery. She and her husband live in the area and enjoy live music, outdoors and spending time with family.
Brynn Taylor
Intern DVM
Dr. Taylor grew up in Cave Creek, Arizona with a menagerie of pets in her backyard including goats, chickens, donkeys, and of course horses. She showed Quarter horses in all-around and reining which brought her to compete on the NCEA equestrian team at Kansas State University. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biology before moving to southern California to attend Western University of Health Sciences for her Veterinary degree. Her favorite non-horse activities include running, rock climbing, trying new restaurants, and live music. She is excited to become a Texan and explore Austin with her husband.
DJ and Lucy
Mascots
Meet Austin Equine's mascots, DJ and Lucy Our doctors first saw DJ just days after his birth for a lameness evaluation (he was born without a navicular bone in his left foot), and was later given to us in hopes that we could give him the continued treatment he needs for this rare condition (he is sound and doing well). Though we all quickly bonded with DJ, he was lonely without a donkey friend so his breeder sent us Lucy to be his companion. Yes, we got a donkey for our donkey. DJ and Lucy spend their days greeting patients in the barn, observing lameness exams, and eating Dr. Evans' landscaping. They're very friendly and love to follow people around in hopes of a good scratching.
Tamara Murphy
Receptionist
Tamara is a native of Texas and has been in the Austin area since graduating from high school in 2002. She has always had a love for animals and was actively involved in FFA and 4-H growing up. After 15 years working with an established small animal clinic, Tamara made the transition to large animals joining Austin Equine Hospital in June of 2020. In her spare time, Tamara and her husband Justin, enjoy traveling, hiking, attending sporting events, and spending time with their two English Cocker Spaniels, Molly and Gardy.
Tatiana Zhuravel
Barn Manager
Tatiana was born and raised in the Ukraine. In 2013, she graduated from the University of Finance and Accounting in Dnipropetrovsks, Ukraine. After completing her degree, she moved to the United States and ended up in Austin Tx in 2017. Tatiana did not grow up around horses, but she has always been a very social person and loves to explore new things. Joining Austin Equine Hospital has allowed her to learn more about these wonderful creatures.
Heather Brandenburg
Veterinary Technician
Heather grew up on a small cattle ranch in West Texas. She was active in 4H for 10 years. She participated in raising and showing steers, pigs, goats, and horses. Heather graduated from Monahans High School and then attended Tyler Junior College before joining Austin Equine
Stephanie Barrett
Veterinary Technician, RVT
Stephanie was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. After earning a degree in Photography and living in Australia and Canada, she moved to Austin Texas in 2009 with her husband Kevin. Her hobbies include re-finishing furniture, photography, microbrews, and spending time outside with her two dogs Jenny and Sara, and Polish rabbits George and Penny. She is currently working on a degree in Veterinary Technology. A long-time horse lover and animal advocate, Stephanie is excited about being a part of the AE team.
Jessica Matcek-Collins
Practice Manager, CVPM
Born in Santa Rosa, California, Jessica and her family moved to Texas when she was 3. Horses have always been her first love. Riding for fun and competing in western events throughout her childhood and teen years, including qualifying for the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals, strengthened her passion for these amazing creatures. Jessica completed her Bachelors degree at Texas State University and completed her CVPM certification through VHMA. Jessica's favorite activities in her free time are riding her horse Smokey, traveling, hiking, and trying out new restaurants with her husband, and relaxing with their dogs Ophelia, Henry and Helga.
Morgan Hilton
Intern DVM
Dr. Morgan Hilton grew up in Copper Canyon, TX and started riding in hunter/jumpers at age 8 before switching to eventing around age 13. She graduated from Abilene Christian University with a bachelors in Animal Science and received her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London. Training horses, playing board games, and spending time with friends and family are a few of her favorite things. She is looking forward to being back in Texas, exploring the Austin area with her husband, and getting back into eventing again.
Samantha Eifert
Intern DVM
Dr. Sam Eifert is from the sunshine state itself, Florida. She attended the University of Florida where she graduated with an undergrad degree in Animal Sciences and again with her DVM (double gator!). Horses have always been her first love but during vet school she also fell deeply in love with cattle. In her free time Sam likes cooking, watching sports, and hanging out with her friends and family. She is excited to be a part of the Austin Equine crew!
Claire Long
Certified Veterinary Technician
Claire is a native Chicagoan who recently graduated with her B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. She has always had a passion working with animals and obtained her CVA (Certified Veterinary Assistant) certification last year through small animal technician work. Her long term goals include attending veterinary school sometime in the future. For now, Claire is excited to be a part of the Austin Equine team, where she is able to learn, grow, and better develop her knowledge of and passion for horses. In her spare time, Claire enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, exploring new restaurants in Austin, and spending time with her dog, Oakley, and her cat, Nala.
Hayley Goodridge
Veterinary Technician
Hayley was born in Corpus Christi, TX where she lived until moving to San Marcos to attend Texas State University. Here Hayley received her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and rode for the TXST Equestrian Team. Hayley grew up showing quarter horses before switching to hunter/jumpers and buying her horse Augustus. Her hobbies include riding, spending time with her two dogs, and exploring new restaurants and outdoor spaces around Austin.
Dovie Williamson
Receptionist
Dovie was born and raised in Bryan, Texas but moved to her true home, Austin, as soon as she could in 1997. She has worked in both human and small animal medicine and is excited to fully immerse herself into equine care. She and her boyfriend, Billy, recently bought their first home together and enjoy spending their time on the hunt for vintage treasures to fill their new space. Dovie enjoys bad reality tv, anything creepy, and time with her dog, a Boston/Frenchie named Von Zipper.
Olivia Neely
Veterinary Technician
Olivia grew up in Michigan after her dad retired from the Army. She graduated in 2016 with her B.S. in Biology and spent several years as a Barn Manager. After surviving the North for almost 20 years, she relocated to Austin in 2019. It was here that she stumbled into small animal practice. She spent the last year as a small animal surgery technician before joining Austin Equine Hospital. She has been a proud owner of a chestnut Thoroughbred mare for over a decade (oof).
Charlie Lester
Veterinary Technician
Charlie grew up in Northern California, outside of San Francisco. She relocated to Austin in 2019 and worked as an English riding trainer before joining the Austin Equine team. Charlie is pursuing her degree in Equine Science at Post University, and aspires to be an equine veterinarian herself. Outside of work Charlie enjoys hiking with her dog named Oliver, riding horses, and spending time with her boyfriend exploring new restaurants.