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Meet Our Staff

Veterinarian

Dr. Samantha Holter
Veterinarian /Owner

Samantha Holter

Dr. Holter grew up in Tomball, Texas. She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015, after completing her clinical year at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Holter spent 3 years working in emergency medicine, and two years working in The Woodlands at a small animal day practice. In 2020, she decided to open BVAH. Dr. Holter brings her years of experience in surgery, critical care, and general health and wellness care to our furry patients. Dr. Holter strives to make every pet feel comfortable and at home. This includes getting on the ground to play or snuggle with her patients, and giving them lots of treats to make their experience as positive as possible.

Dr. Holter met and married her husband, Dr. Donald Holter, while they were in veterinary school in 2014. They are the proud parents to a very happy son, a French bulldog named Mowgli, a lab named Delta, and a flock of ducks plus a few geese. On the weekends you can often find Dr. Holter working on her family's ranch where they raise cattle. 

Dr. Kelly Knappett
Veterinarian

Dr. Kelly Knappett

Dr. Kelly Knappett is very excited to be a part of the team at Brazos Valley Animal Hospital and Pet Resort.  Dr. Knappett grew up in Maryland.  She graduated from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, and she practiced small animal medicine in Maryland for 5 years before moving to Texas.  Dr. Knappett has been practicing small animal medicine in Texas for the past 10 years, most recently at a busy practice in Houston. Dr. Knappett's professional interests include: Cytology, Dermatology, and Internal Medicine.  Dr. Knappett particularly enjoys working with cats of all breeds and ages.  She also loves caring for geriatric animals. 

Dr. Knappett resides in College Station with her husband, 2 children, a dog named Kepler, and 2 cats named Clemens and Fritz.  The Knappett family loves to be outdoors: hiking, camping and going to parks and playgrounds.

Dr. Yi-An Yang
Veterinarian

Yi-An Yang

Dr. Yang is originally from Taiwan and has a strong interest in small animal dermatology. She completed her Bachelor degree and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from National Taiwan University. Following graduation, she earned a Master of Biomedical Science from Michigan State University, and continued her research work as a postdoctoral research associate at Cornell University. She then moved to Oklahoma with her husband, Dah-Jiun, who is a veterinary pathologist and their orange tabby, Jacky, and finished her PAVE clinical year at Oklahoma State University.

She is now based at College Station, Texas and excited to be apart of the BVAH family! Her focus in the practice is improving client education and providing empathetic patient care. Dr. Yang enjoys yoga, cooking, and relaxing with her loved ones. 

Dr. Donald Holter
Surgeon/ Veterinarian

Donald Holter

Dr. Donald Holter earned his DVM degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After graduating, he completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Nashville, TN. He then went on to finish two specialty surgery internships at Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center and Oklahoma State University. He concluded his studies with a 3-year residency in small animal surgery at Oklahoma State University. 


After completing his residency, Dr. Holter went into private practice at Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists, and has since gone on to complete advanced coursework in orthopedics, including I-Loc fracture management, and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). In addition to clinical cases, Dr. Holter is also an orthopedic consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). His areas of clinical interest include orthopedics and surgical oncology cases. He is excited to be able to serve pets in College Station as a MOVES surgeon. 

Staff

Mowgli
Head of Treat Research

Mowgli

Mowgli, also known as the First Lady of BVAH, is a 8 year old French Bulldog. She is known to be an astounding treat sampler and toy inspector, and gives her paw of approval for all snacks left on the counter. She can usually be found in reception and greets her fellow pet companions with a tail wag so intense, her butt wiggles. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, even longer naps, and all the snuggles and love from her friends at BVAH.

Kepler
Clinic Therapist

Kepler

Kepler is Dr. Knappett's 8 year old "Texas Brown Dog."  He was adopted from Urgent Animals of Hearne in July 2016, when he was about a year old. 

Kepler spends most of his work day providing emotional support for the entire clinic staff. 

Kepler loves going for walks with his mom, hanging out with his cat friends, sampling all the cheese, soaking up some sunshine, and getting LOTS of belly rubs.  You may find Kepler up front with the receptionists and he will either be napping or begging for treats.

Mallory
Practice Manager / Licensed Veterinary Technician

Mallory

Mallory is from Bryan, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M with her Bachelor degree in Animal Science (2014) & Master’s degree in Animal Science w/ research in Equine Nutrition (2017). Mallory also completed her Associates degree in Veterinary Technology in May 2023 and went on to complete her national and state testing to become a licensed veterinary technician in July 2023. She joined the BVAH family in September of 2021 as a veterinary technician and became practice manager in September 2023. 

Mallory has several aspects of her career that she loves. This includes lifelong patient care from puppyhood to senior living, critical care of ill patients, and especially surgery. 

In Mallory’s free time, her passion is riding horses, reading, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and caring for her many animals. She has three dogs named Leroy, Shiner, and Mia, along with two horses named Barcelona and Ryker, and two llamas called Tina and Lafonda. 

Milena
Licensed Veterinary Technician/Lead Technician

Milena

Milena was raised in both Colorado and California. She graduated from Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology in May 2019 with an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology. She also received an Associate’s Degree in Animal Science from Blinn College, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University with a major in Animal Science and minor in Equine Science. 

Milena joined the BVAH team in January of 2021 as a veterinary technician. She is currently our lead licensed veterinary technician. 

She loves taking extra time to get to know our clients and patients, and believes that client education is extremely important. 

When Milena is not at school or working here with us, she is spending time with her husband and pets. She has two dogs named Phillip and Leela, along with a cat named Mew, who runs her entire household. 

Jilly
Veterinary Technician

Jilly

Jilly grew up in Katy, Texas. She is currently in school at Texas A&M University where she is majoring in Animal Science. She joined the BVAH team in January of 2023 as a veterinary technician.

Her favorite part of the job is making connections with all of our wonderful pets and their owners. 

Jilly enjoys hiking, camping, and baking. She has two golden retrievers named Sparkle and Murphy, and two cats named Tortie and Cali.

James
Veterinary Technician

James

James grew up in Brazoria, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2024 as an Animal Science major. He joined the BVAH team in June of 2023 as a veterinary technician.

His favorite part of the job is developing meaningful relationships with clients and their pets.

In his spare time, he enjoys attending sporting events, hanging out with friends, and playing video games. He has 2 dogs Baloo and Holly, and is a proud owner of Angus cattle.

Jordan
Veterinary Technician

Jordan grew up in Grand Saline,TX. She graduated high school and plans to attend veterinary technician school to become a LVT. She joined the BVAH team in October of 2023 as a veterinary technician.

Jordan spent four years working in animal reproduction, she even did a student ambassador program in Australia where she learned about reproduction and management of sheep. Her favorite part of BVAH is working with the animals and her team, and making connections with clients. 

In her spare time she likes to do anything that involves being outdoors. She has a great dane named Venus, and a cat named Aspen.

Christina
Veterinary Technician

Christina

Christina grew up on a self-sufficient farm in Plantersville, Texas where she was home schooled.  She joined the BVAH team in December of 2023 as a veterinary technician.

Her favorite part of the job is getting to meet people from diverse backgrounds along with their pets. 

In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her daughter and write novels, she's even been published! She has two cats named Chicken McNugget and Raven.

Haley
Veterinary Technician

Haley grew up in Franklin, Texas. She graduated from the Blinn College Veterinary Technician Program in May 2024. She joined the BVAH team in May of 2024 as a veterinary technician, and is currently studying to take her national and state testing to become a licensed veterinary technician. 

Her favorite part of the job is experiencing unique approaches to healthcare, being an advocate for her patients, and meeting so many furry friends. 

In her spare time she enjoys reading and going on walks with her doberman, Mongo, and fiance. A funny fact about Haley is that she is afraid of birds, especially chickens. 

Chloe
Lead Receptionist

Chloe

Chloe was born and raised in Navasota, Texas. She graduated high school and plans to pursue a degree in animal science in the future. She joined the BVAH team in August of 2023 as part of the reception team and became lead receptionist in February 2024. 

Her favorite part of the job is being able to establish a relationship with clients and their fur babies.

In Chloe’s spare time she enjoys cleaning her home, do-it-yourself projects, and spending time with her family. Chloe has a Shih Tzu named Casey, and two Holland Lop bunnies named Kreacher and Dobby. An interesting fact about Chloe is she trained and competed in martial arts for over 10 years.

Olivia
Receptionist

Olivia

Olivia grew up in Mississippi before moving to Schulenburg, Texas and graduated from Schulenburg High School. Olivia plans to pursue a degree in animal science. Olivia joined the BVAH team in December of 2023 as a part of the reception team.

 

Her favorite part of the job is meeting new clients and patients.. 

 

In her spare time, she likes to paint, spend time with friends, and watch movies. She has a kitty named Ollie that she loves dearly. 

Resort Staff

Kelly
Lead Boarding Kennel Technician

Kelly grew up in Gurnee, Illinois. She is currently enrolled at Texas A&M pursuing a degree in animal science. She joined the BVAH team in September of 2023 as a boarding technician and became lead boarding technician in July of 2024.

Her favorite part of the job is getting to form bonds with all of our boarding pets and make their stays as enjoyable as possible.

In her spare time, she likes to go to the gym and to sew. She has three cats in Illinois named Maisy, Astro, and Apollo, and she has a dog here in Texas named Nigel.

Caitlyn
Boarding Kennel Technician

Caitlyn

Caitlyn grew up in Weimar, Texas on her family's cattle ranch and is currently enrolled at Blinn College as an Education major. She joined the BVAH team as a kennel technician in October of 2023. 

Her favorite part of the job is learning each pet’s unique personality and giving them a comfortable stay while their owners are away. 

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, attending concerts, hunting, and baking. She has a blue heeler mix named Merle.  Her favorite season is crawfish season.

Laci
Boarding Kennel Technician

Laci grew up in Devers, Texas where she graduated from Liberty High School. She is currently enrolled at Blinn College and will be transferring to Texas A&M to pursue a degree in animal science. She joined the team in June of 2024 as a boarding technician.

Her favorite part of the job is spending time with the dogs and cats, and building relationships with clients. 

In her spare time she enjoys training her yellow lab puppy named River, and watching her favorite TV shows. One of the many interesting things about Laci is that she is a triplet. 

Jenna
Pet Groomer

Jenna was raised in Grants Pass, Oregon.  She joined the BVAH team in September of 2022 as a member of the grooming team. 

Jenna’s favorite part about her job is working with all of her team members. 

In her spare time she enjoys reading and gardening. She has five dogs named Jezebel, Fat Daddy, Chicken Wing, Indie, and Aspen. She also has her own flock of chickens.

Nicki
Pet Groomer

Nicki grew up in both Fairfield and Bryan, Texas. She joined the BVAH team in February of 2023 as a member of the grooming team. 

Her favorite part of the job is making people's pets look and feel good. 

In her spare time, she watches murder mysteries and tries to keep up with her 8-year old. She has two pitbulls named Ivy and Gentleman, as well as a Chihuahua named Angel. A fun fact about Nicki is she was born in Mississippi.