Meet Our Kirby Family Vet Team
Kirby’s Local, Compassionate Veterinary Staff
Meet our San Antonio based vets and hospital staff.
Click each photo to learn more about our team.
Dr. Holly Pappas
Chief of Staff
Dr. Gutierrez
Raime
Mikaela
Nathalie
Veterinary Assistant
Nubia
Veterinary Assistant
Dr. Holly Pappas
Dr. Pappas decided to become a veterinarian on a cold winter day in Ohio when she was 8 years old. Her family got a lovely boxer puppy, they took him to the veterinarian and she was hooked. She knew her calling.
She graduated Summa cum Laude with an Animal Science degree from The Ohio State University before continuing at The Ohio State University for veterinary school as well. She has been practicing small animal medicine for over 20 years and still has the same passion for it that she did as a young girl.
Every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity which she appreciates. She made it down to Texas as fast as she could in 2012 and she became the Chief of Staff at Kirby Family Vet in December of 2021. The experience has broadened her veterinary experience to include leading a team of veterinary professionals as well. It’s been infinitely rewarding and it is her honor to serve you at this hospital with any needs your dogs/cats may have.
In her free time, Dr. Pappas loves working out in the gym, doing yoga, cooking, reading and going out to dinner.
Dr. Gutierrez
Veterinarian | Bilingual en Español
Dr. Jessica Gutierrez is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for animal care. She earned her veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Corpus Christi. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Gutierrez is bilingual in Spanish and English.
She has three dogs—Anubis, Iloda, and Oreo—a snail named Coral, a Leopard Gecko named Echo, and two Bumblebee Poison Dart Frogs. Her experience includes working in a shelter environment, which gave her a comprehensive understanding of veterinary medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Gutierrez enjoys reading, playing video games, running with Anubis, and praying. Known for her hard work and dedication, she is committed to providing the best care for all animals and continually growing in her field.
Raime
Raime is passionate about helping others and finds joy in making a positive difference. Outside of work, she and her family enjoy attending services at Church Unlimited at Stone Oak. A lifelong animal lover, Raime has a special affection for both dogs and cats.
Mikaela
Meet Mikaela—though she usually goes by Mika! She’s the newest face at KFV, bringing with her 5–6 years of experience in the veterinary field.
Mika recently earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University @ San Antonio and plans to pursue veterinary school in the coming year.
A proud San Antonio native, Mika is bilingual in English and Spanish. She shares her home with her beloved kitty, Luna, and four dogs: Koda, Pewee, Maple, and MAC.
She’s excited to meet you and care for your fur babies as if they were her own!
Nathalie
I’ve been a Vet Assistant for 5 years and love helping pets feel safe and cared for. I’m a busy mom of 5, a water lover at heart, and share my home with a sweet PITBULL named King. I’m passionate about what I do and proud to be part of a team that treats every pet like family.
Nubia
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Nubia, and I’ve been a Veterinary Assistant for about 3-4 years. I moved to Texas in 2018 from New Mexico where I was born and raised. Currently I do not have any pets of my own at home, but taking care of your pet daily is what I love to do, I love them as they were mine. This is where I focus my energy on. I’m also Bilingual to help with any and all Translation cases.
Nicole
My Name Is Nicole, I have been Vet Tech since 2014 after graduating from Vista College with a AAS Degree In Veterinary Technology. I’m married and a mother of two wonderful boys who take up all my free time with all their various school & sport activities. When I’m not busy with them I love to travel and Read. I currently have 2 Cats, Jeri and Rustti and 2 guinea pigs, Pig and Pua.
Veterinary Philosophy
We work hard to be the leading animal care provider in town. That means outfitting our clinic with cutting-edge technology and hiring smart, caring people to bring the furry members of your family the best care possible. Our staff takes care of all the details so you can feel confident in our work. Our renovated facility and highly trained make us the best choice for veterinary care in east San Antonio.
Local, compassionate care for your cat or dog in San Antonio (Kirby).
“Kirby Family Vet is fantastic. I have a cat who has a few chronic issues that require attention. The staff and vets at Kirby are thorough, knowledgeable, caring, and kind.”
—Michelle R.
Holly Pappas, DVM
Chief of Staff
Dr. Pappas decided to become a veterinarian on a cold winter day in Ohio when she was 8 years old. Her family got a lovely boxer puppy, they took him to the veterinarian and she was hooked. She knew her calling.
She graduated Summa cum Laude with an Animal Science degree from The Ohio State University before continuing at The Ohio State University for veterinary school as well. She has been practicing small animal medicine for over 20 years and still has the same passion for it that she did as a young girl.
Every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity which she appreciates. She made it down to Texas as fast as she could in 2012 and she became the Chief of Staff at Kirby Family Vet in December of 2021. The experience has broadened her veterinary experience to include leading a team of veterinary professionals as well. It’s been infinitely rewarding and it is her honor to serve you at this hospital with any needs your dogs/cats may have.
In her free time, Dr. Pappas loves working out in the gym, doing yoga, cooking, reading and going out to dinner.
Dr. Gutierrez
Veterinarian | Bilingual en Español
Dr. Jessica Gutierrez is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for animal care. She earned her veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Corpus Christi. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Gutierrez is bilingual in Spanish and English.
She has three dogs—Anubis, Iloda, and Oreo—a snail named Coral, a Leopard Gecko named Echo, and two Bumblebee Poison Dart Frogs. Her experience includes working in a shelter environment, which gave her a comprehensive understanding of veterinary medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Gutierrez enjoys reading, playing video games and running with Anubis. Known for her hard work and dedication, she is committed to providing the best care for all animals and continually growing in her field.
Raime E.
Client Service Representative
Raime is passionate about helping others and finds joy in making a positive difference. Outside of work, she and her family enjoy attending services at Church Unlimited at Stone Oak. A lifelong animal lover, Raime has a special affection for both dogs and cats.
Nathalie D.
Veterinary Assistant
I’ve been a Vet Assistant for 5 years and love helping pets feel safe and cared for. I’m a busy mom of 5, a water lover at heart, and share my home with a sweet PITBULL named King. I’m passionate about what I do and proud to be part of a team that treats every pet like family.
Nicole Vasquez
Veterinary Technician
My Name Is Nicole, I have been Vet Tech since 2014 after graduating from Vista College with a AAS Degree In Veterinary Technology. I’m married and a mother of two wonderful boys who take up all my free time with all their various school & sport activities. When I’m not busy with them I love to travel and Read. I currently have 2 Cats, Jeri and Rustti and 2 guinea pigs, Pig and Pua.
Nubia A.
Veterinary Assistant
My name is Nubia, and I’ve been a Veterinary Assistant for about 3-4 years. I moved to Texas in 2018 from New Mexico where I was born and raised. Currently I do not have any pets of my own at home, but taking care of your pet daily is what I love to do, I love them as they were mine. This is where I focus my energy on. I’m also Bilingual to help with any and all Translation cases.
Mikaela P.
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Mikaela—though she usually goes by Mika! She’s the newest face at KFV, bringing with her 5–6 years of experience in the veterinary field.
Mika recently earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University @ San Antonio and plans to pursue veterinary school in the coming year.
A proud San Antonio native, Mika is bilingual in English and Spanish. She shares her home with her beloved kitty, Luna, and four dogs: Koda, Pewee, Maple, and MAC.
She’s excited to meet you and care for your fur babies as if they were her own!
Tori Way
Practice Manager
I am from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I got into veterinary medicine when a friend of mine let me know about an opening as a receptionist at her clinic. I applied and got the job. As I learned more about veterinary medicine, I fell in love with it. I am extremely passionate about the client experience and making sure we provide the best experience possible, for both our furry friends and their parents. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son and two cats, exploring the outdoors, and binge-watching shows on Hulu.
Janice H.
Client Service Representative
I love all animals. They are extended family members. I have rescued every fur baby that we have. After I graduated high school, I attended Boise State University. I was looking for a job in a small town, and then I accepted a job as a kennel tech, then I fell in love with working with animals because it is so fulfilling. I have worked as a kennel tech, assisted as a technician, and receptionist. I am involved with church and love to garden, travel, and work with senior citizens.
Larissa L.
Veterinary Tech Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Deanna E.
Veterinary Technician
My name is Deanna. I’ve been in the field for 12 years. I’m passionate about animals. My favorite is a cat! I’m married, have 4 cats and 2 kids.
Chris G.
Client Service Representative
From a very young age, I fell in love with and developed a passion for animals. I see them as the only other passengers with us in the vehicle we call planet Earth. So, for that reason, I believe we have a responsibility to learn to coexist, honor, and respect our fellow animal neighbors. Dogs are my favorite of all animals, although I have a particular fondness and fascination for reptiles, birds, and insects. My hobbies include indulging in music, being outdoors and enjoying nature, the internet, and meme culture, and spending time and attention on my Australian Cattle Dog, Kiba.