Meet Our Doctors & Team
Dr. Allison Merrill: Medical Director
Raised in Plano, Texas, Allison Merrill is the middle child of Kent and Diana Merrill. Older sister Laura and brother-in-law Donn are the busy parents of four (including a set of triplets!), and younger brother, Kent, and his wife, Nicole, have three "beautiful" daughters, making Dr. Merrill the proud aunt of seven children.
Allison "dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and wanting to be an Aggie since the second grade." Both goals were accomplished: She earned her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University... and even competed for the 'Aggies Over Texas' Skydiving Team!
Dr. Merrill's post-graduate experience included mixed (large and small animals) practice work in Oregon and Greenville, Texas before relocating to Dallas. Foresight and serendipity converged when she began her professional association with Hillside Veterinary Clinic: Not only did she "meet the wonderful doctors and clientele there, but she knew she was 'Home'."
Based on her clear vision, leadership capabilities and commitment to excellence in the treatment of both her patients and their owners, Dr. Allison Merrill was chosen as Medical Director by the Hillside owners.
Home is the 'Merrill Farm' in Rockwall County, where her four-legged friends include: 10-year-old Biggs, a Husky/Shepherd mix she rescued and nursed back to health after an 18-wheeler accident; feline friends Barney and Boogey, adopted strays in need of a loving home; and goats Sammy, Fergie, Penelope and Sienna. (She is also "the proud owner of a John Deere tractor.") She is a member of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice and continues to hone her skills through postgraduate studies.
Dr. Merrill feels immense satisfaction from the way in which the Lake Highlands neighborhood has welcomed her and Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic to the community. She has pledged the best of herself-professionally and personally-to continued quality of medical care to her patients and appreciates the trust their owners have placed in her.
Dr. Danielle Marie Kitz: Veterinarian
Danielle Marie Kitz V.M.D. decided to become a veterinarian when she was 12 years old. "I was a member of the local 4-H chapter, and raised/showed lambs as my projects. One year, my favorite ram Scrapper got into something toxic at the county fair. He was seizuring and we didn't think he was going to make it. Our farm veterinarian came to see about him, and I'm telling you -- on that day he became my biggest hero."
Dr. Kitz was born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania, in a small farm community outside of Pittsburgh. She left the small town where she was raised when she was 17 to go to college. She graduated in 1997 with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York and then graduated in 2001 with a V.M.D. from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Many people wonder why I have different initials after my name. The degree is the same as that of a DVM. The only difference is in the history of my school. My veterinary school was started by a group of medical doctors, and so the degree became M.D. with the V. tacked on the beginning to mean Veterinary Medical Doctor."
Her current pet family consists of Maverick, 4 year old mixed breed dog, two cats, Angel (AKA Snowflake) and Hope, and one horse, a thoroughbred named Glory.
Dr. Kitz loves water sports - knee-boarding, water skiing, boating and fishing. She loves to dance, and couldn't imagine life without music. Country music and the Texas-two step are her favorites. She also likes hiking, camping, horseback riding, and anything out in nature. She loves to watch pro football - Go Steelers!(sorry Cowboys fans!) And if that isn't enough, she is adding on a couple more things!
The goals and dreams she had for her career when she was 12 years old haven't changed a bit now that she is a veterinarian. "I love to make a difference in the lives of people and their pets. That, and my love for all of God's creatures, is why I am a veterinarian."
Renee Humphries: Practice Manager
Renee literally grew up in the field of veterinary medicine, with more than two decades of both large and small animal experience. She worked as a technician throughout her years at Greenville High School in Texas; earned her Certification as a Veterinary Assistant from the Texas Veterinary Medical Association; served as the Technician Supervisor and Surgery Director for Hillside Veterinary Clinic for eight years; and was the Practice Manager of an equine veterinary clinic.
Life intervened, including marriage to David and the birth of Danielle, now 6 years old. The small town of Campbell is home, and other family members are four horses, two cats and a dog. Beside spending time with her family. Renee Humphries' pastimes are Western trail riding, painting, ice skating and roller skating.
Because of her extensive clinical and administrative background, Renee Humphries was selected as the Practice Manager for the Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic in 2004 and colleague of Dr. Allison Merrill, who, Renee believes, "is the best veterinarian because she holds our standards for patients and client care very high." Renee Humphries is dedicated to motivating the Abrams Forest team to maintain those benchmarks.
Michelle: Client Service Represenative/Inventory Purchasing Coordinator
Michelle was born and raised in Texas. After graduating high school, she began working for Starbucks, but her love for animals drew her to a position at a boarding facility. "I explored the doggie daycare job, but wanted to be more challenged in the veterinary field. I met the amazing team, clients and patients at Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic and was sold!"
Michelle joined the team in 2008. She enjoys reading, reality television ("I'm a junkie!"), and scrapbooking. Her pet family includes Sterling, a pointer mix, Grayce, a heeler mix, Sharkey, a red eared slider turtle, and Luda, a ball python.
"I have always had a passion for animals and love people. Abrams Forest Vet Clinic is a great fit for me."
Jamie: Client Service Represenative
Joining our team in 2008, Jamie is our first Registered Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Cedar Valley College in 2000 where she received her associates of Business Science and her R.V.T.
She grew up in the small town of Red Oak, Texas and recalls, "I have always been interested in animals. As a child I preferred watching animal documentaries instead of cartoons and I had many types of pets: cats, rats, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, turtles, fish, ferrets and I even raised Mallard ducks!" When Jamie turned 16, her love for animals led her to her first job, working for a local veterinary practice. She began working as a kennel technician, but was quickly promoted to a veterinary assistant and then a receptionist. After 11 years, Jamie decided it was time for a change; she began working for a pet hotel. "I loved working with people and the animals, but missed the veterinary field. Helping pets stay healthy made clients and me happy, luckily I found Abrams Forest Vet."
When Jamie isn't working she enjoys singing, playing the piano and spending time with her Papillon, Piper and two ferrets, Mica and Snap.
Kiera: CVA Hospital Technician
Kiera grew up in Rockwall and has more than twelve years experience in the veterinary field, including working at an emergency animal clinic. She joined Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic in 2006 and has become a Certified Veterinary Assistant through the Texas Medical Association. She cares for our hospitalized and surgical patients and also works part-time at our other veterinary clinic, Hillside Veterinary Clinic.
"Being a veterinary technician is my dream job...something I've wanted to do since I was a little girl. I always look forward to seeing our wonderful clients and caring for their pets!"
Adding to her personal fulfillment was the birth of daughter Kaitlynne in 2006. She and her daughter have two handsome Chihuahuas, Peanut and Sammy.
Angel: Hospital Technician
Angel, born and raised in Texas, is currently attending college in Mesquite to prepare for the Registered Veterinary Technician program at Cedar Valley College. Angel had worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years between two veterinary clinics and took a short hiatus to work for the Ft Worth Zoo caring for giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, bongos and warthogs.
Angel, also being a proud mother of three beautiful children, decided to become a full-time stay-at-home mom after a year of commuting to Ft Worth. "I have always enjoyed the company of animals, but it was rewarding teaching owners how to provide their pet with a good quality of life." Joining our team in 2009.
Angel's pet family includes 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 guinea pigs, 2 box turtles and 2 hermit crabs. She loves to draw, paint, garden, learning sign language and spending time with husband and children.
Scott, Dr. Merrill's Technician
Joining our team in 2010, Scott is a new Texas resident from Vail, Co. He tells us, "I left my beloved mountains because a southern girl put a hex on me!" Born and raised in Colorado after graduating high school Scott worked a range of seasonal jobs: ski lift operator, a cook and EMT. He found his passion for veterinary medicine when he joined a small animal practice in Vail where he worked for 5 years as a veterinary technician.
He is a proud owner of a 4 yr old Golden Retriever, Lois, whom is constantly at his side.
Scott's hobbies have changed since moving to Texas; he enjoys cooking, reading and painting, although he claims he is "rather horrid at it" and is searching for a new outdoor activity to replace snowboarding.
"I focus my energy on veterinary medicine because I love the patients and getting to know their owners. Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic is the perfect place for that!"
Edward, Dr. Kitz's Technician
Having family in California and Texas, Edward moved between the two states throughout his younger years. He graduated high school in Austin where he played football until he suffered a knee injury and then returned to CA one last time. Edward tells us, "I love Texas and don't plan on making another move." Back home in Texas, he found his passion, working at an emergency veterinary clinic where his father and brother worked. After 4 years at the emergency clinic, he joined our team in 2010. "I wanted to improve my education and skills with the true health care for pets rather than just the trauma cases. Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic has an amazing team that provides a great atmosphere for our clients and patients. I love working here and enjoy the challenge of learning new things!"
Edward has evidence of working in an emergency veterinary practice; three of his four cats were emergency cases he helped care for. Rongi, Felix, Pinkie, and Chloe enjoy spending their time with Edward while he pursues his other passion...video games!