What is a Registered Veterinary Technician? (RVT)
An RVT is someone who has attended and completed a formal veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. These programs are highly intensive college-level programs taught by educators who hold licensure as veterinarians or RVT's. Students attend classes for two years before graduating with an Associate of Science degree. Upon completion of the program, the applicant must then take and pass the State Regulatory Exam and Veterinary Technician National Exam.
RVT's who received their registration before 1996 may not have attended a formal veterinary technology program, but already held a degree in a related field. These RVT's were also required to take and pass the State and National Exams.
All RVT's in the state of Texas are registered with and overseen by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
Kristen Cline, R.V.T
Kristen has been with Farrell Animal Hospital for 11 years.
Kristen grew up in Wichita Falls. She received her Bachelors in Education from Midwestern State University and moved to the metroplex to teach seventh grade math in Duncanville in 1994. She began working as a veterinary assistant part-time while still teaching, and eventually quit teaching to work in the veterinary field full-time. In August, 1998, Kristen began working at Farrell Animal Hospital and went back to school at Cedar Valley College. She received an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology and became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in August, 2000. Kristen lives in Arlington with her two dogs- Ginger and Skippy; and her two cats Captain and Vince. In her spare time she trains and competes with her horses, Fibonacci (her soul mate and companion of over 20 years), Honey (her very beautiful rescue), and Reese (her ex-race horse) in dressage competitions.
Heather Barton, R.V.T
Heather has been with Farrell Animal Hospital for 15 years.
Heather was born in Ft. Worth, Texas. She graduated from Lamar High School in Arlington, and attended Texas Tech University where she received her Bachelors degree in Zoology in 1988. She worked in the veterinary field for several years before beginning work at Farrell Animal Hospital in February 1994. Heather became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in June 1995. She lives in Arlington with her two dogs Ulysses and Dobbs, and her cat Kaleb. In her spare time Heather plays competitive soccer on numerous teams throughout the metroplex. (She's really good!)
Tina Bynum, Office Manager
Tina joined Farrell Animal Hospital in November of 2007.
Tina was born and raised in Pampa, Texas. She moved to the DFW area in 1993. She received an Associate's Degree from Mountain View College in Dallas,Texas in 1998 and worked in the medical field for 9 years. Tina has successfully raised three wonderful children. (Coincidentally, her 2 daughters were in Kristen's math class when they were in the 7th grade in Duncanville! Small world!) In her spare time, Tina enjoys spending time with her new husband, Mickey, her kids and their terrific spouses, and her very cute grand-babies! She also enjoys cooking.
Amanda Boyd, Veterinary Receptionist
Amanda was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated after only three years, and with honors, from Alvarado High School in 1998. Amanda spent much of her time growing up in the competitive gymnastics world. After working in the hotel industry for 5 years Amanda decided to pursue her ultimate dream job to work with animals. Amanda currently lives in Arlington with her 2 dogs, Brooklyn and Roxy. In her spare time Amanda enjoys spending time with her god-daughter and baking goodies.
Desiree' Alvarez, Veterinary Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant
Desiree has been at Farrell for just over a year. She was born in Miami, Florida, grew up in Fort Worth, and attended Trinity Valley High School. Desiree is very involved with her family and spends lots of time with her twin 3-year-old brother and sister. (They're very cute!) In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, hiking and playing water bottle fetch with her lab mix, Nick. Desiree is also attending TCC and is planning to pursue a nursing degree.
Amber Garcia, RVT
Amber was born and grew up in El Paso,Texas. After finishing high school, Amber married her high school sweetheart, Nick, and moved to the metroplex. Amber has recently graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Cedar Valley College and is our newest RVT. (Congratulations on aceing her boards!!!) Amber keeps herself very busy with 2 beautiful children and 3 dogs, Emma, Molly and Riley. When she has time, Amber enjoys horseback riding and reading.
Andrea Everett, Veterinary Assistant
Andrea joined the Farrell Animal Hospital team in February, 2008, but has worked in the veterinary field in various capacities for the past 4 years.
Andrea was born in Flint, Michigan and grew up in north Texas. She currently lives in Arlington with her fiance, Tyson, and her daughters Madison and baby Olive. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and their 2 German Shepherds, Lola and Farley, and 2 cats, Cooper and Snowman.
Emily Brown, Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Manager
Emily has been with Farrell Animal Hospital for almost 1 year. She was born and raised in Arlington and graduated from Lamar High School. Currently, she is pursuing an associates degree from TCC and is also working on a Veterinary Assistant certification from TVMA. Emily lives in Arlington with her two dogs, Coco and Mila, and her cats Kiwi and Binx . In her spare time she loves spending time traveling, shopping, or relaxing with her animals.
Dana Schleicher, Veterinary Assistant
Dana was born in North Richland Hills, Texas. She grew up in Arlington, and graduated from Martin High School. She currently attends Cedar Valley College pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology. Dana is engaged to be married and is very busy planning her wedding. Dana currently lives in Fort Worth with her fiance', her 2 dogs Spike and Purdy, and her 2 ferrets Stinky and Bear. In her spare time Dana enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, and camping. Throwing Spike's red squeakie ball keeps her busy a lot of the time.
Debbie Ortman, Certified Pet Stylist
Debbie is our veteran! Debbie has been with Farrell Animal Hospital in various capacities for 29 years!!! WOW!
Debbie grew up in Abilene, Texas. She went to Cisco Junior College on a music scholarship. Debbie started working at Farrell Animal Hospital in 1978 for Dr. J.M. Farrell and stayed with Farrell Animal Hospital as Office Manager for twenty years. She left Farrell for a short time to attend grooming school and received her grooming certification in August 2000. In September 2000 Debbie established The Pet Salon and returned to Farrell to groom. Debbie lives in Watauga with her husband of thirty years. They have three children and three beautiful grand daughters. In her spare time Debbie collects antiques and flow blue. She also enjoys some singing and baking on the side.
WELCOME BACK, DEBBIE!! Debbie has just returned to work after being out for several months for shoulder surgery. We missed her and are really glad she's back!!