Dr Mike Lawton aims to build a trusting relationship with clients and patients. His availability and precision leave a lasting impact. He designs treatment plans that work for both the pet and their humans.

Clients appreciate his understanding and empathetic nature. Dr Lawton’s calm presence helps pets relax during check-ups. A former college basketball coach, Dr Lawton finds inspiration from leading a team. This allows him to nurture a positive and fun-filled culture.

Dr Lawton specializes in reptiles and amphibians. He has an affinity for canine neurology and rehabilitation.

Dr Lawton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, a Masters in Conservation Biology at Acadia University, and then a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. When not at Firehouse, Dr Lawton enjoys time with his wife, also a Firehouse veterinarian. They have a busy house with two daughters, twin sons, Blue (a blue heeler), and Strawberry Pizza (a Yorkie). When not leading his daughter’s Girl Scout troop or coaching t-ball, Dr Lawton can be found cheering for Arizona basketball.

Alison Alcantara
Hospital Manager

Ali knows the importance of building trust with clients and within the veterinary team. She loves meeting and getting to know clients and their pets. Ali’s favorite thing about Firehouse is how the team learns about each pet so that they can make individualized recommendations for clients. She also loves how the doctors collaborate with clients to ensure that pets receive the best care.

Ali joined the Firehouse team in 2019 as a Client Service Coordinator. In her role as hospital manager, she is passionate about setting up her team for success. She has completed Communication Training and is currently working on her Fear Free Certification. Ali also attends continuing education courses about how to improve the client experience and help develop her team. She loves helping clients with any questions or concerns they may have. Her favorite thing about her role is coaching her team to provide the most successful client and patient experience.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in Psychology (with minors in Latin American Studies and Brazilian Portuguese). Because of her lifetime love of animals, Ali found a home in the veterinary field. Her favorite pastime is eating, but she also enjoys all outdoor activities that Austin has to offer (hiking, swimming, biking, roller skating). Otherwise, she can be found at home, curled up with a good book or watching television with her two pets: Lito, a Lhasa Apso mix, who is Ali’s partner in crime, and Patty, a rescue kitten.

Dr Robert Calabrese (“Dr Rob”) offers clients a common-sense approach to their pet’s care. He is collaborative and uses clear communication so clients can make informed decisions.

Dr Rob’s goal is to educate his clients about maintaining their pet’s health and happiness at home. Clients enjoy Dr Rob’s kindness, sense of humor, and empathy. Dr Rob has a special interest in dentistry, nutrition, and preventative medicine. He is also happy to help with reptiles, birds, and small furries like hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs.

He keeps abreast of ever-changing industry trends to offer patients current and well-rounded treatment plans. He partners with specialists and other veterinarians to work through difficult cases. He is a proud member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is Fear Free certified.

Dr Rob earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in 2009. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. When not working at Firehouse Belterra, you’ll find Dr Rob, his wife, son, and daughter exploring the Texas Hill Country alongside their yellow lab named Turkey. They also have an adopted cat named Snake, who prefers to stay at home.

Barbara Boechat, DVM
Veterinarian

Dr Barbara Boechat’s philosophy is that happy pets lead to happier clients. Her friendly disposition and “think outside the box” approach help her connect with clients. She is Fear Free certified and uses her knowledge to make nervous patients comfortable.

She emphasizes preventive care so pets can live long, happy, and healthy lives. Dr Boechat also values communication. As such, she ensures clients are aware of, and in agreement with, each step of the visit. Dr Boechat loves explaining diagnoses and always gives clients treatment options.

Dr Boechat has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, like spays, neuters, and mass removals.

Dr Boechat stays up-to-date with developments in veterinary medicine with continuing education. She reads industry journals, views videos, and attends conferences.

She attended the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. On weekends, she and her husband try new restaurants and breweries with friends. They recently welcomed their new baby, Lara. A lover of all dogs, Dr Boechat holds a special place in her heart for dogs, especially Panda, her mix-breed pup.

Clients love working with Maureen because she is compassionate, thorough, and always willing to help. Maureen wants to make veterinary visits as easy and stress-free as possible for clients and patients. She collaborates with clients to provide personalized care. Clients appreciate that Maureen takes time to get to know them and their pets. Maureen is passionate about helping people and their pets and building relationships with them.

Maureen uses Fear Free techniques to help scared and nervous pets. She reads pets’ body language to understand what they need. If they need space, she gives the pet time to get acclimated while helping the client. Otherwise, she gets on the pet’s level and greets them softly and calmly. Maureen is the resident cat snuggler; she loves checking up on feline patients at the hospital, giving them love, and making sure they are comfortable.

Maureen is constantly learning new skills and ways to improve in her role at Firehouse. After attending the University of Minnesota, Maureen learned that her passions lie in helping people and animals, and she joined the veterinary field. When not working, she loves to go to concerts, watch new TV shows and movies, read, and try new coffee places with her friends. Her heart belongs to Kitten, her tabby cat.

Katie Henderson
Veterinary Technician

Having worked with animals since she was a young girl, Katie has a gentle and empathetic nature. She knows that making veterinarian visits less stressful for the patient allows the visit to be less stressful for the client. Katie’s value of preparation assists the team in making quick and efficient decisions in our patient’s treatment plans.

Staying informed with the best, most accurate information to share with clients and even other coworkers is important to Katie as she continues her degree in Science.

During her free time, Katie is traveling and loving on her two Richmond SPCA rescue dogs, Tank, and Captain Morgan.

Amanda brings many years of experience in the animal health field; she has volunteered and assisted with animals, and worked as a technician and supervisor within the veterinary field. She has a practical, efficient, and transparent approach that allows her to collaborate with clients. She wants clients to feel empowered to make informed decisions about their pets’ health care.

Amanda understands that each animal has their own personality, unique needs, and comfort levels. She uses Fear Free approach when handling patients, which helps both the patient and the client feel more secure and comfortable. She loves getting to know every pet who comes into Firehouse.

Amanda has experience with a variety of pets: including reptiles, small animals, and horses. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Lubbock Christian University. She, her husband, and their two cats (Mar and Baloo) are so excited to be in the beautiful hill country now.

Amanda Lopez
Veterinary Technician

Amanda loves meeting the people and pets who come to Firehouse. She works with clients to answer all their questions and ensure they leave the hospital feeling confident about their pets’ care and treatment plan. She wants clients to know that they are not alone in their pets’ health journeys.

Amanda reviews pets’ records before veterinary visits and creates a plan to keep the pet comfortable. She also creates notes about how the pet did at their current visit and what Fear Free techniques helped the pet feel secure. She takes time greeting pets and adjusting her approach based on their body language. Amanda is Fear Free certified.

A self-proclaimed cat person, Amanda shares her home with her two rescue cats: Punchy and Pipa. Since she is new to Texas, she loves spending her free time exploring Austin and the surrounding area.

Amanda Owen

Bio coming soon!

Michael builds lasting relationships with clients through his patient, detailed approach. He is able to help nervous and anxious pets feel comfortable at their appointment. He reads animals’ body language, including their subtle cues, to determine what they need and provide the best care. He strives to make each visit to the hospital stress-free and rewarding for both clients and pets. Michael has worked in non-profit animal welfare, helping serve under-served communities. His lifelong love of caring for animals and people makes him a valuable member of the Firehouse team.

Michael lived on the East Coast for several years, working in politics and business, before he followed his passion for pet welfare and moved home to Texas. A lifelong musician, Michael loves to play the drums. He relaxes by reading, going for bike rides, and spending time with his friends and family.

Bio coming soon!