BluePearl Pet Hospital
Stone Oak
San Antonio, TX
Our Vets

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, University of Findlay, OH

Dr. Jonathan Blakely likes all aspects of surgery. His particular clinical interest is orthopedics, especially treating fractures.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Mississippi State University, Starkville
• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, TX
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, South Texas Veterinary Specialists, Stone Oak
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Texas A&M University, College Station

Dr. Blakely’s favorite pastime is spending time with his wife and kids. He also enjoys playing music, including guitar, banjo and the flute.

Dr. Walter Burghardt has over 35 years of veterinary behavioral medicine experience treating dogs, cats and exotics. His particular clinical interest is treating behavioral problems that strain the bond between pet and owner.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
• Doctor of Philosophy, Biopsychology, University of Maryland, College Park
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Master of Arts, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
• Bachelor of Arts, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton

Dr. Burghardt is married with three grown sons. His favorite pastimes include flying, bicycling, traveling and hiking. He loves dogs, cats and tropical fish.

Dr. Katherine Darrah is an intern in our surgery service. She has experience in emergent abdominal procedures, wound repair, skin reconstruction, amputation and enucleation. She also has a strong interest in:

• Neurosurgery (specifically atlantoaxial instability)
• Fracture repair
• Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV)
• Reduction of surgical site infections

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg
• Bachelor of Science, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg

Dr. Donna Dotson’s clinical interests include ophthalmology, wound repair, mass removal, splenectomy, tail amputation and gastropexy.

• Clinical Rotation, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces

Dr. James Giles is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 27 years of military service, both in the Veterinary Corps. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, his military experience is with the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets).

Throughout his service, he gained extensive experience with military working dogs and has become a leading surgeon in the management of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. While serving as a military veterinary surgeon, Dr. Giles became experienced in advanced dentistry and performing endodontic repairs.

Dr. Giles enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery, particularly total hip replacement and neurosurgery. He has a strong interest in minimally invasive orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, including:

• Arthroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Fracture repair
• Complex wound management

Dr. Giles has served as the hospital’s Medical Director since 2018.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
• Master of Science, Veterinary Biomedical Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

Dr. Giles and his wife, who is also a veterinarian, share two children. His favorite pastimes include outdoor activities, physical fitness, church and church missions and traveling with family. The family pets are Zeke and Sydney, both Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.

Dr. Courtney Hancock is a resident in our surgery service.

• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, San Antonio
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station

Dr. Geoff Hennig was a production artist with a focus on biological and medical illustration before attending veterinary school. He has served on the surgical faculty at Louisiana State University as a visiting assistant professor. His research interests have been principally in the area of canine orthopedic diseases including the effects of injectable local anesthetics on cartilage health.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
• Master of Science, Veterinary Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Georgia, Athens
• Clinical Rotation, University of Georgia, Athens
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St Kitts & Nevis, West Indies

Dr. Katelyn Hickman enjoys all aspects of emergency medicine.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
• Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

Dr. Hickman loves spending time with her dog Miss Lemon Drop, cat Saesumi and all nine of her chickens.

Dr. Sarah Israel enjoys all aspects of surgery with a particular interest in joint replacement surgery, minimally invasive orthopedics and arthroscopy. She is an American College of Veterinary Surgeons founding fellow in joint replacement surgery (JRS).

Learn more about Dr. Sarah Israel and the surgeries she performs in San Antonio, TX.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station

Like most surgery residents, Dr. Jaramillo loves all aspects of surgery. She has a strong background in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Her special interests include joint replacement surgery, thoracic surgery and neurosurgery.

• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Stone Oak, TX
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, Norwalk, CT
• Clinical Rotation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies

During her time off, you’ll find Dr. Jaramillo outdoors with her daughter, spouse and rambunctious pit bull, Thor.

Dr. Kate Kingsley is an intern in our surgery service. She has worked in veterinary settings in England, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Morocco and Kentucky.

• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Maitland, FL
• Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, England
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station

Dr. Kingsley has a passion for traveling. In her free time, she enjoys art, architecture, museums and spending time with her dog, Winnie.

Dr. Kevin McLaughlin is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. He is most interested in cardiology.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Dr. McLaughlin is originally from New Jersey and was part of the inaugural DVM class at the University of Arizona. In his free time, he enjoys reading and exploring the city.

Dr. Coby Ney is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. His clinical interests include critical care, sepsis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Bachelor of Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

In his free time, Dr. Ney enjoys reading, playing games (video and board), puzzles and playing with his dog (Wade).

Dr. Nicole Palermo is interested in all emergency conditions and procedures, including lacerations and minor wound care, blunt trauma stabilization, anaphylaxis, effusive conditions (pericardial, pleural, peritoneal), urethral obstructions, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

• Clinical Rotation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

Dr. Palermo is married and has two lovely daughters and two wonderful dogs. She enjoys outings with family, exploring the outdoors, beach vacations, music, movies, soccer, and other sporting events.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Montana Western, Dillon

Dr. Samson enjoys hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, horseback riding, dog training and falconry.

Dr. Stephen Spence has a strong interest in a wide range of surgeries, especially neurologic, soft tissue and orthopedic procedures. He’s passionate about treating neurologic conditions like intervertebral disc disease, orthopedic conditions like cranial cruciate ligament rupture, patellar luxation, arthroscopic treatment for elbow/shoulder conditions, fracture management and soft tissue procedures like mass excisions and thoracic/abdominal surgery.

• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, San Antonio, TX
• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, San Antonio, TX
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA Animal Specialty Group, Los Angeles, CA
• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
• Bachelor of Science, Pre-Veterinary Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Dr. Spence enjoys traveling, SCUBA diving, Star Wars and spending time with his wife, three kids and two dogs: a French Bulldog named Padme and a Pitbull/Australian Shepherd mix named Finn.

Publications & Articles

Dr. Catherine Strey enjoys all aspects of critical care medicine.

• Residency, Emergency & Critical Care, BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital, San Antonio, TX
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital, San Antonio, TX
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station

Dr. Lindsay Trainor is a resident in our surgery service. She enjoys all aspects of surgery and loves engaging with the community. She has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, orthopedic surgery and wound management

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA Canada Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada

Dr. Trainor is originally from Canada where she enjoyed hiking, camping and anything outdoors. Her current hobbies include adjusting to the Texas heat and spending time with her husband, their dog and two cats.

Dr. Whitney Vickery is deeply passionate about her clinical work, particularly nephrology and endourology. She finds great satisfaction in performing minimally invasive procedures to remove stones or treat ectopic ureters. Her interests also extend to endocrinology, feline medicine, critical care, and infectious diseases. Dr. Vickery values the collaborative relationship with pet parents, working together to achieve the best outcomes for their beloved animals.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
• Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Master of Science, Veterinary Clinical Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Internship, First Year Graduate Veterinary Education, US Army Veterinary Corps, Fort Carson, CO
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Bachelor of Science, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Vickery is a loving wife and mother to three awesome kids. Her family includes two cats, Pippin and Henri, and a military working dog “washout” named Betti. Dr. Vickery’s hobbies include baking, gardening, and reading, with a particular fondness for fantasy and sci-fi, especially the Lord of the Rings series.

Publications and articles

Dr. Danielle Villa’s clinical interests include blood transfusions and all things dermatology.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, San Antonio, TX
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station

Dr. Villa loves to cheer on the Texas A&M Aggie football team (WHOOP! GIG ‘EM AGGIES!) and New England Patriots alongside her Yorkie, Sora, and Maltipoo, Brady!

Dr. Kristen White is an intern in our surgery service. Her clinical interests include orthopedics, emergency surgery, ophthalmic surgery and wound management. She is certified in antemortem sampling for chronic wasting disease.

Dr. White has previously worked in general mixed practice taking ranch calls and small animal emergencies. Her favorite aspect of general practice was connecting with the local community and helping families.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, West Texas A&M University, Canyon

When she’s not saving lives, Dr. White spends most of her free time in servitude to a miniature Australian shepherd and a Devon rex. When she’s not heeding their every need, she enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Katheryn Wolfe continues to be fascinated by the field of Neurology, especially seizure disorders and inflammatory conditions like meningoencephalitis/meningomyelitis. She strives for answers to the tough questions: Why does this occur? What triggers this condition? Do genetic or environmental factors play a role?

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
• Doctor of Veterinary Science, Neurology & Neurosurgery, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Emergency, Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Charlotte, NC
• Internship, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, TX
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, George Washington University, Washington D.C.
• US Air Force Academy

Dr. Wolfe loves spending time with her two kids and three dogs: Watson, Skye and Roo. Her hobbies include swimming, cycling, running (triathlons) and traveling.

Dr. Polina Zinchenko is an intern in our neurology service. She enjoys diagnosing and treating neurologic conditions such as IVDD, seizure disorders and Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Origin (MUO).

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta