A passionate group of animal lovers who just happen to be exceptionally talented veterinary professionals. We work together to make sure your pet receives the best patient care there is. Now, meet the team at your side.
Doctors
Kate Oliver
Dr. Kate Oliver is a 1998 Graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and has a BS in Veterinary Science. “Being a veterinarian is what I was always meant to be, ” Dr. Oliver says. “Caring for animals just comes naturally to me and knowing that I can be an integral part of a pet’s health over their lifetime is very rewarding.”
She moved to the Austin area after graduating and loves the community, which she says will be her forever home. Dr. Oliver opened the doors of Oliver Animal Hospital in September 2006 and dedicated herself to creating a veterinary hospital that provides excellent patient care while cultivating lasting relationships with clients. “I really enjoy working with my clients and I am very grateful that they have entrusted me with their pet’s healthcare,” she says.” I treat my patients as if they were my own and I consider my clients and their pets as part of my family.
As the practice has grown, Dr. Oliver has invited multiple associates to join her team. ” I believe that my associates are just as dedicated to providing the utmost in veterinary care and client service as I am,” she says. “We collaborate well together and each of us believes in going above and beyond for our clients and their pets.”
Dr. Oliver is married with “two sweet but very energetic boys” that keep her busy when she isn’t at OAH. The family pets are Dotty Marie, a four-year-old Vizsla; a 14-year-old cat named Tinker Bell; and a 16-year-old cat named Kiko. When she is not busy caring for your pets or her own, Dr. Oliver enjoys running and gardening.
Donnielle Reynolds
Dr. Reynolds grew up in Wildomar, California located in Southern California near Temecula wine country. She received a Bachelor’s of Science from California State University. She then attended Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
While working at busy mixed animal practice in Wyoming, Dr. Reynolds had the opportunity to work with wild horses and mustangs.
While she enjoyed her experience in Wyoming she is thrilled to now call Austin her home. In her free time Dr. Reynolds enjoys reading, crafting, and horseback riding.
She has two sweet fur babies of her own. Sugar is a 12 year old. Chihuahua and Halley is her 5 year old Chihuahua mix.
Kristen Ussery
Dr. Ussery grew up in northwest Arkansas. As a child she knew that she wanted to work with animals. She received a Bachelors in Biology and minored in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Central Arkansas. During undergrad she worked at a busy mixed animal practice where she grew to appreciate the problem solving aspect of medicine. Dr. Ussery then attended The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After visiting the great city of Austin during her final year of veterinary school she knew this was the place she wanted to live.
Dr. Ussery enjoys keeping her senior patients comfortable and happy as well as internal medicine.
In her free time she enjoys yoga, reading, video games, horseback riding and exploring Austin with her loved ones.
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
-Anatole France
Care Team
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Tara MaxsonLVT, CVPM, Practice Coordinator
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JordanCVA-1, Surgery, Technician, Venipuncture Trainer
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KatherineCVA-1, Kennel Technician
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JodiTechnician Assistant
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ChelseaReceptionist
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MelissaReceptionist
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KandiceCVA-1, Technician
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AlyssaReceptionist
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MarlaReceptionist
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MadilynTechnician Assistant, Kennel Technician
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SamiTechnician Assistant
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MariahTechnician Assistant
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CaitlynnTechnician Assistant
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Tani
Tara Maxson
Tara holds a BS in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Lone Star College. She is a LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician & a CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice coordinator)
As a technician, Tara has over nineteen years of experience, including four years in emergency medicine. Tara has been the practice coordinator since OAH opened in 2006. In 2014, Tara founded the Austin Veterinary Practice coordinator Group (AVPMG) which now has over 150 active members.
Tara also serves as co-chair of the advisory committee for the Austin Community College Veterinary Technology program. The committee, formed in 2013, promotes a mission to expand and enhance veterinary education in Austin.
In her spare time, Tara enjoys working on creative projects, traveling, and taking direction from “Susie Bruiser” her chatty, Manx tabby cat.
Jordan
I became a CVA during my senior year of high school, after completing an internship at Capital Vet Clinic, and taking my CVA exam. I joined the OAH team 3 months later in the fall of 2017. It has been my goal to work with animals ever since I was a kid. I love aiding in their wellness, recovery from illness, and/or injury. I am continuing my education to earn my LVT license to move forward in my career. I have two cats, Patch and Max, and a goat named Mochi.
Katherine
Katherine is a kennel technician;CVA 1 at Oliver Animal Hospital. She has always had a passion for animals and feels blessed to be able to assist in making them feel better. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in zoology and continues to learn and grow in this field. Outside of work she loves to run and scuba dive.
Jodi
I started working at OAH in November 2021 and have always wanted to work with animals since I was a kid. Growing up, I had numerous pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and rats. I have a bachelor’s in animal science from Texas State University and wish to become a vet in the future. My current hobbies are spending time with my pets, playing video games, and watching anime in my spare time.
Chelsea
I have been a receptionist at Oliver since 2021 and am currently training to become a technician assistant.
I have always enjoyed the companionship of animals both scaly and furry alike. I worked with dogs for a doggie daycare and boarding facility for 3 years and that curated a passion and interest in the veterinary world. I enjoy being able to aid in the recovery and wellness of pets to help them live their best lives. I am looking forward to learning more and continuing my training and education as a technician assistant.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and trying out different cuisines! I love a good cup of tea in the garden with a mystery book or spending quality time with my chatty and opinionated cat, Marie, and my loved ones.
Melissa
I started as a receptionist at Oliver Animal Hospital in August of 2022 after an injury ended my zookeeping career of over a decade. In 2025, I moved out of state to Washington but still work with Oliver behind the scenes remotely.
I studied Biology with a focus on animal behavior and zoology at UTSA and Sul Ross State University. I have always loved working with and being around animals. I have a special love of birds and marine mammals. I have had the pleasure to work with everything from reptiles, to primates, to big cats, to birds of prey, to parrots, to foxes, and everything in between.
Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering with some local falconers, participating in a Pirate escapism group (playing the role of Captain), visiting the local zoo and wildlife refuges, traveling, and hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband and our golden retriever mix, Freyja.
Kandice
I am a Certified Veterinary Assistant level 1 (CVA 1), and took classes for CVA at Austin Community College (ACC) for 2 years. I have been taking care of dogs and cats for almost 10 years now.
I had always wanted to work with animals, and so far I am enjoying the medical side of pet care. Working at Oliver has helped me become more knowledgeable and confident in taking care of my friends’ and family’s pets when they go out of town.
Alyssa
I am a receptionist at Oliver Animal Hospital. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX and graduated at Texas State University Winter 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science Pre-Vet. I have traveled to work with Elephants, goats, cattle, chickens, dogs, and cats, just to name a few. I am interested in learning something new everyday and hope to grow in the Vet-med field.
In my spare time, I like to listen to music, read, journal, focus on fitness, and spend time with family and friends while also having a passion for traveling.
Marla
Started in November of 2024. I have always deeply cared about animals and I’m happy to be a part of a team dedicated to helping out animals. I have three loving cats and a small sassy poodle. Outside of work, I am a massive nerd when it comes to anime/manga and music.
Madilyn
I started working at OAH in July 2025, and I love my coworkers and the environment. I chose vet med because I wanted to help patients feel better alongside an awesome team. I love to read, hang out with my friends and play with my cat, Drae.
Sami
I joined the team as a high school intern in 2023 during my Senior year. After graduating, I became a permanent member of the team and am now cross-trained as both a technician and a receptionist. I am currently continuing my education by working towards a bachelors degree in Animal Science. In my free time, I like to fish and spend time with my friends and family. I have a long haired Chihuahua at home who enjoys biting clinic staff in his free time.
Mariah
I joined Oliver Animal Hospital in July 2025 and have been passionate about veterinary medicine since childhood. I earned my Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) certification during my senior year of high school and completed over 250 internship hours. I have also volunteered at animal shelters and served as a foster parent, further strengthening my dedication to animal care.
At home, I care for three dogs; a Chihuahua, a Chiweenie, and a Rottweiler as well as a chameleon and a turtle, giving me experience with a variety of species.
My favorite part of working at Oliver Animal Hospital is being part of a dedicated team that supports one another’s growth and is committed to finding answers to provide the best possible care for every patient.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing the flute, reading, and creating arts and crafts!
Caitlynn
I started working at OAH in the fall of 2025, I chose vet med because it has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I grew up riding horses and having small breed animals. I am studying to take my CVA this may, and I have a black lab named Tulip who loves to swim and play.
Tani
I joined the OAH team in fall of 2025. I have wanted to be a Veterinarian ever since I was 4 years old. I started working at OAH to help take care of animals and, hopefully, help me achieve my dream.
I study Biology at UT Austin and would love to attend A&M for vet school. I have a cute kitty named Carbon and a family dog named Copper. When I’m not at work, I love salsa dancing, volunteering, and exploring new places with my friends.