Dr. Pankonien

Dr. Blake Pankonien was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where the rhythm of live music and the beauty of the outdoors became her lifelong companions. After graduating from Anderson High School, she pursued her love for both science and art at the University of North Texas, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music with minors in Biology and Chemistry—an eclectic mix that reflects her diverse passions and set the stage for her future in veterinary medicine.

In 2011, she achieved her dream of becoming a veterinarian, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Her journey began much earlier, though, on her family’s ranch, where a deep connection with animals sparked her desire to care for them. This early passion has since evolved into a career dedicated to preventative care and fostering lasting relationships with her clients and their pets.

Outside of her practice, she embraces the great outdoors, whether she’s hiking the majestic trails of Colorado in the summer or carving through fresh powder on the slopes in the winter. Music is still a major part of her life, and she never misses a chance to attend a live concert. At home, she shares her life with her husband, Nate, and Marbles, the sweet cat she adopted during vet school, though her love for animals extends far beyond her own furry companions.

Dr. Savageau

Dr. Savageau is thrilled to be joining Highland Pet Medical Clinic as the new Medical Director. While she has lived in many places both here and abroad, she has called Austin home for the last 7 years. From the young age of 10 Dr. Savageau knew she wanted to be a veterinarian and help animals. She never wavered in that dream and went on to graduate with a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University, and then obtain her degree as a Veterinary Medical Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009. For the past 15 years she has enjoyed treating a range of species from cats and dogs, to reptiles and small mammals, and even wildlife such as koalas while living in Australia. Having grown up with cats, she has a special passion for feline medicine, as well as preventative care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets. Her current cat, Adelaide, was a stray that came to her in 2018, and is the most perfect cat who has ever lived (and she does not forget it)! When she is not waiting on Ms. Adelaide hand and foot, you can find Dr. Savageau traveling, reading, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Nia

Bio coming soon!

Kristina

A strong lover of animals, Kristina’s journey in animal welfare began after spending several years as a rescue volunteer in her hometown community. After helping with rescue non-profits, she moved to Austin to work for Austin Pets Alive. Kristina then moved into the veterinary world, gaining experience working for different animal hospitals and vet clinics around the City of Austin. She is also a proud member of the ATX Cat Punks group and is owned by her mischievous “mini-house panther,” Betty. She aspires to someday own a home full of multiple dogs, cats, and fish… and maybe one day even a chinchilla.

Sienna

Sienna is a vet tech at Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic, with a soft spot for all animals. When not caring for patients, they enjoy the company of their two cats and two pet snakes.

Jessica

Jessica was born in Austin, Texas, and raised in and out of Austin, Del Valle, and Kyle. She enjoys working out, swimming, playing/walking with her pets, and hanging out with family & friends just as much as she likes being home.

She has two fur babies. Her first, Nala, is a gorgeous 75-pound blue-nose brindle Pitbull – she’s beautiful, smart, talkative and hilarious. Her second fur baby, Baby Eevee, is an adorable 3-pound apple-head tan and white Chihuahua – she is very energetic, talkative, and loves staring at mom any time possible with her large googly eyes.

Jess has been drawn to animals since childhood, so working with animals is a very enjoyable occupation for her. She is very pleased to be up front to make clients and pets feel as welcome as possible with a huge smile and lots of yummy treats!

Tessa

Tessa was born and raised here in Austin her entire life. She’s had a lifelong love of animals, all started by a sweet family Golden Retriever named Lord Buckingham or Buck for short. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Integrative Studies, specializing in Psychology, Communication, and Hospitality and Management. Tessa has been the proud owner of a number of pets, including her most beloved chinchilla, ChiChi, who loves to be a tiny Houdini in disguise and surprise people by taking chunks of their hair. Nowadays you’ll find her making as much noise as possible at night, and being a sweet little lady.

Tessa loves being back in an environment where she can help you keep your fur babies happy and healthy!

Dr. Bird

Dr. Bird grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University.  After practicing small animal medicine in Dallas and Austin she attended UT Health Medical School where she acquired a specialty in Comparative Medicine with specialized training in ultrasound interpretation and geriatric medicine.

Dr. Bird’s clinical interests are soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, dentistry and the care of the senior pet.  Her medical skills include pocket pets, every kind of bird, pigs and reptiles, along with, dogs and cats.

Away from work, Dr. Bird loves horseback riding, reading, hiking, kayaking, watersports, snow skiing and spending time with her pets and family.  She and her family love to travel to places for outside adventures. New Mexico is a favorite destination for downhill mountain biking.

Dr. Julie Kenzior

Dr. Julie Kenzior earned her veterinary degree in 2006 from the University of Missouri and completed a year internship in a private specialist clinic in Brisbane, Australia. She has been working as a relief veterinarian in the Austin area for the past 10 years. She is passionate about the quality of pets’ lives and preventive care and has special interest in internal medicine and oncology. She lives in Dripping Springs with her husband, three kids and four gerbils and enjoys crafting and watercolor painting whenever she has a moment.

Diana

Diana, a New Hampshire native, moved to Austin when her husband accepted a new job. They were very excited to move because they had visited Austin many times and really loved the city. Shortly after their cross country move they welcomed their son!

Her love of dogs brought her to Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic. Her family owns four dogs and they occasionally foster dogs as well.

Her lifelong passion is horses. She has been riding most of her life. She owns two show horses. Grace is her eleven year old warmblood mare who she shows in the jumper ring. She recently imported a four year old warmblood who has a promising career in the hunter ring.

Kaitlyn

From a young age, Kaitlyn has loved taking care of animals of all kinds. This is why she chose to focus on a career in veterinary medicine. She is currently attending Texas State University, studying animal science with a pre-veterinary focus. Kaitlyn began working at Highlands in 2021 and has loved every minute of it! She’s excited to use her training at Highlands to prepare her for her dream career as a veterinarian. Kaitlyn has two adorable pups – KC and Louie – that keep her busy when she’s not at work taking care of the wonderful patients at Highlands.

Kiaya

Kiaya moved to Austin in 2011 after living in St.Croix, U.S.V.I for 18 years. Back home she volunteered countless hours at the local Animal Shelter and even adopted her sweet pup, Callaway, when visiting St.Croix the summer after her freshman year at the University of Texas. Callaway is now over 10-years- old, and you can still always find them playing in the water at Barton Springs, hiking the Greenbelt or on one of the many pup friendly patios around Austin. Kiaya has always had a love for animals and found herself back in an environment where she not only gets to meet and greet y’all’s furry friends, but helps to ensure your pets are well taken care of and live long, healthy lives.

Julie

Office Manager

Julie started working at Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic in 2002 and has become an integral part of the team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Texas in 2013. Though it doesn’t seem like social work and a veterinary clinic have much in common, Julie has found that the skills learned during her time in college have been exceptionally helpful when dealing with clients and their pets, especially in the difficult moments of pet ownership.

Julie is married to Joey Silva, who works as an administrator at Paragon Prep Middle School. They are the proud parents of two children – their adorable son Jasper (born in 2017) and their goofy daughter Jordan (born in 2018). She owns one dog named Wilson, a Red Heeler who loves snuggling and snoozing. He’s living the good life!

Julie cannot wait to meet all of you and your furry family members!

Jan

Veterinary Technician

Jan has been a valuable member of the Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic staff since 2001. He has three children –Steven, Breanna, and Jacob. Very recently, Jan became a grandpa! Jan is pictured with his canine companion named Karma. She is a sweet, energetic dog who loves every human and dog she has ever met.

Jan is a huge sports fan, especially University of Texas football and the Dallas Cowboys. On his lunch hour, he can often be found jogging around Town Lake. He loves spending his free time hanging out with his family and friends and treating them to BBQ – his specialty!

Jennifer

Veterinary Technician

Jennifer has worked in the veterinary field for over eight years. She loves the fact that she gets to spend every day helping dogs and cats be as healthy as possible. Jen is the owner of a St. Bernard mix named Sheba and two kitties named Princess and Vader.

Kim

Receptionist

Kim was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her love of animals was ingrained as a child as she grew up with many pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and even a spider monkey. She met and married her husband, Bud, in Pittsburgh. Soon after, they relocated to South Carolina and had a son named Miles.

Although she loves all dog breeds, her family holds a special place in their hearts for sighthounds. They have rescued Whippets for over twenty years. Bud’s job has taken them to many cities, including Baton Rouge and Tampa. While in Tampa, Kim was employed with Keene Veterinary Hospital. She was the front desk receptionist there for over five years.

Kim has developed a special bond with the pet owners and their pets. She feels privileged to serve the clientele. Kim joined Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic in 2013 after relocating from Tampa to Austin with her family, including 2 Whippets (Bama and Devo) and (Rotini) an Italian Greyhound. She understands the importance of pets as family members and is committed to your four-legged friends’ health and well-being.

In her spare time, Kim enjoys spending time at home in the kitchen with her family, creating healthy, high-value nutritive foods for retail, and spending time outdoors. She truly has grown to love this city and the wonderful practice she is now a part of.

Kendall

Receptionist

Kendall was born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Buda, along with her older brother, Hayden. Growing up, she was surrounded by many pets. This included guinea pigs, rats, mice, bearded dragons, ferrets, dogs, and the thousands of creatures in her dad’s saltwater reef aquariums. Kendall spent over ten years practicing various genres of recreational and competitive dance. She now enjoys attending her mom’s vinyasa yoga classes.

She is the proud mother of a dachshund pug mix (Loti) and a beautiful white and cream-colored cat (Marsha). Loti loves protecting her little sister, yet Marsha never returns the favor. They enjoy frolicking in the backyard together if Marsha is not out exploring the neighborhood drains. In 2018, Loti placed second in the “near-weiner” class at the famous Buda Wiener Dog Races.

Kendall started working at Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic in 2018. She always looks forward to being of service to you and your pets.

Alice

Kennel Technician

Alice is a kennel technician here on our team. She’s a part-time student, and working with the animals is the highlight of her day! Her best friend is her pet cat Malcolm. Alice dreams of running a farm with Malcolm one day. Malcolm didn’t feel like attending the photoshoot, so Alice is pictured with Rocket, a Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic patient.

Britlyn

Receptionist

For as long as she can remember, Britlyn has loved every kind of animal, which made her want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Britlyn moved to Austin from Fort Worth in 2018 when she began attending the University of Texas to study biology with a pre-veterinary track. When she’s not studying or at work, Britlyn likes to spend her free time outdoors. Her favorite spot is Zilker or trying all of the great food places in Austin.
Growing up, she always had multiple dogs in her household, and she never knew what it was like not to be accompanied by a furry friend until she moved away for school. Britlyn missed having dogs, so she finally decided to foster (fail) and ended up adopting Augustus, a 2-year-old lab mix with a very quirky personality. He enjoys going on walks around Austin, playing with socks (but not toys), and begging for any type of food he sees someone eating.

Britlyn began working for Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic in the summer of 2020 and has loved every minute of it since.

Stephanie

Receptionist

Stephanie was born and raised in San Antonio but relocated to Austin in 2000. She now lives in Buda with her husband Brian and two cats—Francis and Pancreas. Stephanie and her husband make custom cakes and cupcakes in their free time (check her out on Facebook – Trick R Treat Sweets) to raise money for the haunted house they put on for their neighborhood every Halloween. She enjoys creating art out of fondant and buttercream, true crime/ghost podcasts, cats, and everything Disney!

Clarence

Customer Service Representative

Clarence, our eldest customer service representative, is wise beyond his years. He will ensure that your Highland’s Per Medical Clinic experience is never a dull one. His daily regimen includes copious amounts of napping, sunbathing, and food room supervising. Clarence has learned a few “new” things from Doc, his apprentice in training. Doc’s spry existence has helped to rekindle Clarence’s playful nature.

Doc

Customer Service Trainee

Doc, our newest addition to the family, is a rambunctious orange tabby. We rescued baby Doc from the alleyways of Baylor Street, with plans of rehoming. That obviously didn’t happen, and we think you know why (hint: he’s purrfect)! Doc is an amazing play companion and typically spends his time lurking amongst the clinic, ready to pounce at any given moment.