Our Staff

Veterinarians

FRANK M. CERFOGLI, DVM received his DVM from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2001 and BA in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from University of Northern Iowa in May 1997.

Dr. Caren Chellgren grew up in Kansas, where she attended Kansas State University for undergrad and veterinary school, graduating in 2015. She has always been an avid horse-back rider and rescuer of all animals. Although horses were her passion throughout school, she wanted to help the community by providing services for rescued animals and underserved communities. Since 2018, she has been working closely with many rescue organizations and participates in mass spay/neuter events in Houston throughout the year. In her free time, she enjoys riding her horses, camping, and spending time with all of her animals at home. 

Animal Friends’ Staff

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.

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.

DEAN MATTER Devoted dad of 2 daughters, Dean served 10 years n the Marine Corps and went on to attend PIMA Medical Institute, graduating in 2017 with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology & became a Licensed Veterinary Technician that same year. In 2021, Dean graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology. Dean’s 4-paw family includes 2 dogs, 3 cats, 1 Ball Python, 9 chickens, 5 ducks & bee hives – a veritable zoo. His hobbies include riding his Harley Davidson, running & working out. Dean is very excited to join Animal Friends and help with all fur babies healthcare.

Kaitlynn Murphy was active in FFA throughout all four years of high school, culminating in becoming the president of her FFA showing goats and rabbits. She won nationals with her rabbits in 2013. She first starting working in veterinary medicine in 2011, using a program in her high school to volunteer her time at Veterinary Hospitals. This way she gained enough experience to work at several different hospitals, from small exotics all the way up to large animals. She is an avid animal lover with 5 dogs of her own and 3 cats, while rescuing more on the side.

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 34 years as a technician. She managed a small animal clinic in Cypress Texas for 4 years and then joined Animal Friends in 2012 and became the Office Manager in 2015.  She and her husband have horses, pigs and of course dogs and cats. They have 1 daughter, 2 sons and 6 grandchildren.

IN LOVING MEMORY — ELIA GARCIA GUERRERO