We’re one big family.
Get to know the team that has dedicated their lives to taking the absolute best care of your pet.
John Faught, DVM
Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer
Dr John Faught is both co-founder of Firehouse Animal Health Centers and a practicing veterinarian. As a doctor, he steers pet owners toward the best path for their families and pets using science-based medicine, empathetic communication, and practical solutions. As CMO, he directs the hospital toward best practices in health care, impeccable client service, and philanthropy.
Clients see him as a trusted friend. They appreciate his medical guidance, warmth, and sense of humor. Dr Faught looks for this same spirit in his team. Firehouse veterinarians are skilled doctors who are also willing to do “100 Little Things”. These are the extra moments of connection, support, and kindness that remind clients they’re at the right place for their pet.
Dr Faught knows we all play a role in making our communities healthy, safe, and happy. That’s why Firehouse donates medical services, funds, time, and ideas to local animal support organizations.
He earned a Biomedical Science degree at Texas A&M. He then completed his DVM at Texas A&M’s esteemed College of Veterinary Medicine. On weekends, Dr Faught enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and good friends in and around Austin.
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.
Michelle Henthorne, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr Michelle Henthorne is passionate about making a difference in pets’ lives. You can rest assured she provides personalized treatment for each pet and thrives on solving complex cases.
Clients appreciate her collaborative approach and her lasting relationships with each family. She is happy to partner with clients and plan for pets requiring extra resources or time. Dogs and cats love her gentle handling and positive reinforcement. They also enjoy the treats she uses to help them stay comfortable at visits. While she loves all pets, Dr Henthorne has a special place in her heart for cats.
She enjoys helping pets with skin and ear conditions. She is passionate about pain management to improve quality of life for older pets.
Dr Henthorne attended Texas A&M University for her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, as well as for vet school. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets: dogs Quito (longhaired dapple dachshund) and Maisie (cairn terrier/yorkie mix), and Mozzie, a black cat. She also likes to exercise, cook, and bake (especially sourdough bread!).
Veterinarian
Dr Peyton Dillon (she/her) is dedicated to fostering lasting relationships. Clients appreciate her open, detailed communication and positive, personal approach to medicine. She collaborates with clients to design individual healthcare plans for their companions, whether dogs, cats, or exotic.
Dr Dillon is passionate about making patients comfortable, utilizing Fear-Free techniques to ensure every visit is as calm and stress-free as possible. She values building relationships with her patients at every stage of life, allowing her to spot early changes and keep pets happy and healthy.
Because the veterinary field is always evolving, Dr Dillon considers herself a lifelong learner. She received a degree in Evolutionary Biology from High Point University and her veterinary degree from St George’s University.
An Austin native, Dr Dillon has been a part of the Firehouse team and is excited to now serve the community she lives. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities, especially near water, and volunteers with her church, mentoring high school students. At home, Dr Dillon loves spend time with her two golden retrievers, Kane and Maverick, as well as her black and white cat, Porter.
Client Service Coordinator
Gerri loves building lasting relationships with clients and pets. Her goal is to make each client and patient feel welcome and supported. She has been in the animal care field since she was thirteen, and has experience as a patient caretaker, practice manager, and working with local no-kill shelters.
To keep pets comfortable during their appointment, Gerri provides treats, love, and positive reinforcement. She helps maintain flow in the lobby so that pets have more time in the exam room to acclimate before their appointment. Gerri also loves giving clients tours of the hospital and introducing them to the Firehouse team. She has a special bond with cats.
In her spare time, Gerri enjoys spending time with her granddaughter and her granddaughter’s two cats, Covey and Rue Bear. She enjoys going to see new movies and concerts and exploring Austin’s restaurants and breweries.
Client Service Coordinator
Bridget provides a safe, warm environment for people and pets. She believes every pet deserves the best care so they can live long, happy lives. She loves being one of the first people to greet patients and clients when they visit Firehouse. She wants every visit to feel welcoming and comfortable.
Bridget believes in creating a collaborative and compassionate environment where clients can help with their pets’ care. As a dog owner, she understands how much pets mean to their owners. Bridget has spent most of her adult life involved in animal rescue and joins the Firehouse team as a client-turned-team member.
Bridget shares her home with three rescue dogs: Wendy, Suzie, and Eevee. They remind her why her work is so important every day.
DeAndra Montoya
Veterinary Technician
DeAndra is a passionate, thorough animal lover. Clients love her detailed communication, including how she asks questions to ensure she understands all their concerns. Her goal is to provide the best possible care for all clients and their pets. Clients also appreciate her sense of humor.
DeAndra is Fear Free certified and uses her skills to make each pet feel comfortable. She loves checking in on pets after their appointments to see how they are doing. For DeAndra, each pet who visits Firehouse is family, and their care extends to after their appointments.
She shares her heart with Capone, her Pit Bull. When not working, she loves to play games and try out new restaurants.
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.
Veterinary Technician
Stephanie works with clients to create the best plan for their pets. Clients appreciate her compassionate and detailed approach to pet care. She takes time to listen to concerns, answer questions, and educate people about their pets’ care. She wants clients to feel confident and heard. She is fluent in Spanish.
Stephanie enjoys getting to know the pets who come into Firehouse. Her motivation comes for helping sick pets recover and shy pets become more confident. She uses Fear Free techniques and an individualized approach to keep every patient safe and comfortable. Stephanie earned her Vet Tech Assistant Certification from Austin Community College.
She shares her home with three dogs: Mona, a senior chihuahua; Oso, a Boxer; and Rebel, a German shepherd. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, trying out new restaurants, going for walks and runs downtown, and watching movies with her dogs.
Veterinary Technician
Gabriella works with clients to ensure their goals, concerns, and needs are met. She listens with compassion, knowledge, and commitment. She wants clients and their pets to feel like a part of the Firehouse family. Her goal is to keep clients and patients comfortable and safe.
Gabriella learns each pet’s needs and adjusts her approach to minimize stress. She is Fear Free certified. She understands that pets feed off the feelings of people, so she supports clients and keeps appointments fun. She has experience working with cattle and her goal is to become a veterinarian and pursue a career in mixed veterinary practice.
Gabriella graduated from Texas A&M University with honors with a degree in Animal and Biomedical Sciences. Her emphasis was on animal reproductive research. Outside of work, she loves spending time at the gym or discovering new coffee shops. She has two basset hounds: Hamilton and Barkley.
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Bri’s (she/her) passion is helping pets and people while nurturing the human/animal bond. She has experience working with nervous pets, keeping them calm and secure. She uses safe restraint practices and positive reinforcement. Clients appreciate her thorough, detailed, and gentle approach during appointments.
Bri studied geography but decided to join the veterinary field and is now enrolled at the vet tech program at Austin Community College. She shares her home with her two dogs: Vine, a German shepherd mix; and Scooby, a beagle mix; and Leia, a cat. In her free time, she enjoys painting, crocheting, reading, watching movies, and traveling when she can.