Top Row, Left to Right:  Rachael Goeke, Jimi Kidd, Derrick Fain, Kelly O’Connor & Elia Garcia
Bottom Row:  Sonja Turner, Dr. Kristine Rockey &  Connie Sauer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Veterinarian

KRISTINE M.  ROCKEY-MILLIKIN, DVM received her DVM from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2010 and BS in forestry and wildlife management from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2004. She, her husband Jeff, and their furry family joined Animal Friends in May of 2017. Dr. Rockey has worked in mixed/small animal, emergency, and humane society practices since graduation. She was also a veterinary technician prior to attending Texas A&M. Her primary professional interest is small animal soft tissue surgery, but she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler, outdoorswoman, and equestrian who enjoys spending time with her extended family.

Staff

CYNTHIA ELLIS is a native Houstonian and she has worked at various veterinary clinics in the Houston and surrounding area.  She owns or has owned, rescued and rehabilitated a variety of animals including box turtles, water turtles, tortoises, snakes, baby squirrels, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, pot belly pigs, chickens, goats, domestic mice & rats, horses and ponies – along with countless kittens and puppies over the years.  She is a certified phlebotomist, graduating top of her class from Blinn College.  Cyndi has one amazing daughter who shares her love for God and all His creatures.

DERRICK FAIN – 6’ 1” Nerdy Barbarian who enjoys all things nerdy and geeky.  Vet tech for 8+ years.  Animal Owner.  Has 1 clone trooper (my kid).  Enjoys the great outdoors.  Bookworm with an ever-expanding library.

ELIA GARCIA graduated from The Vet Tech Institute and has passed her state exam and will be taking her national exam in the fall to receive her RVT.  Elia has worked for VCA Hospital in Cypress for several years.  She also interned with Gulf Coast Emergency and volunteered at Houston SPCA.  Elia is also bi-lingual.

JIMI KIDD graduated from Mayde Creek Highschool, Katy, TX in 1999.  Member of FFA for 4 years, showing cattle and lambs during that time.  she has worked in Veterinary field since 1998.  She has a husband and 3 kids along with 4 dogs, 2 cats, 4 horses and 9 head of cattle.

RACHAEL KNISTEIN-GOEKE graduated from Brenham High School in 2000. She was a member of FFA, 4-H Horse Club and a Washington County Calf Scrambler winner. She attended the Texas Academy of Animal Control Officers in 2008 and graduated Valedictorian. She joined Animal Friends as a Veterinary Technician in January 2009. Rachael has been a member of the Bellville Heritage Cowgirls for many years. She has several horses, dogs, cats and cattle. Her late Dad was a great inspiration for Rachael’s love of animals.

KELLEY O’CONNOR joined Animal Friends September 2017.  A native Floridian, she came to Texas to be closer to family.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Troy University in Alabama in Criminal Justice and Sociology, but her passion for animals has steered her in a different direction.  She has spent many years working and volunteering with various animal organizations including a non-profit in Colorado that vaccinated pets for people who were homeless.  It is her desire to continue to learn more about animals and their care.  She has one Pitbull named Tyson and a miniature Dachshund named Lilly.

CONNIE SAUER received her BS degree in Accounting from Houston Baptist University and began a career at Williams Gas Pipeline-Transco.  In 2005, upon retirement, she moved to Brenham and set up horse-and housekeeping north of town with her husband.  In 2014, she joined the staff at Animal Friends as a bookkeeper.  She enjoys working for and with Animal Friends.

SONJA TURNER began her career as a Veterinary Technician in 1988. She moved to a ranch in Caldwell in 1994 to further her career at Texas A&M as an Exotic Animal Technician.  She subsequently worked in several Veterinary Emergency Clinics in the Houston and surrounding areas during her 24 years as a technician. She managed a small animal clinic in Cypress Texas for 4 years. Sonja became the Office Manager at Animal Friends Clinic in 2015.  She and her husband have horses, goats, a donkey and chickens and of course dogs and cats. They have 1 daughter, 2 sons and 6 grand children.