Meet Our Team
Dr. Krista Byrom, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian
Dr. Krista Byrom is a respected veterinarian practicing small animal surgery and internal medicine, serving Gatesville and the surrounding communities. With over a decade of professional experience and a passion for advancing veterinary care, Dr. Byrom has become a trusted name for pet owners seeking the very best for their beloved companions.
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Krista’s path to veterinary medicine began in her hometown of Gatesville, Texas, where she graduated from Gatesville High School in 2000. Her early life in Gatesville sparked a deep connection with her local community and a love for animals of all kinds. Determined to pursue her calling, Krista went on to attend the prestigious Texas A&M University.
Driven by a desire to make a lasting impact in her field, Krista continued at Texas A&M’s renowned College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2007, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine—a distinction that reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and her impressive scholastic achievements.
Dr. Byrom’s professional focus is in small animal surgery and internal medicine. Her clinical interests span a wide range of surgical procedures and in diagnosing and managing challenging internal medicine cases, providing comprehensive care for conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and other vital organ systems.
Krista is deeply committed to her family and to her community. She is married to Cody McFarlin, and together they are the proud parents of five energetic children. Her children are active participants in a variety of extracurricular activities, sports, and academic programs across the Jonesboro and Gatesville ISD school districts.
Dr. Byrom’s philosophy centers on treating each patient with empathy and respect, understanding that pets are not just animals—they are cherished family members. She believes in building lasting relationships with clients, providing clear communication, and tailoring care plans to meet the individual needs of every pet she encounters.
Dr. Byrom maintains active membership in professional organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). She regularly attends conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay abreast of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, surgery, and emergency care.
Kerry W. Newman, D.V.M.
Veterinarian
Dr. Newman obtained his Doctorate degree from Texas A & M University, School of Veterinary Medicine in May of 1985. He and his family moved to Gatesville in June of 1995 upon purchasing the clinic formerly known as Bar L Veterinary Clinic from Dr. “Snub” Liles. The clinic name was later changed to Gatesville Animal Clinic.
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“We wanted to move back to this part of Texas and were looking for a practice located in a smaller community to finish raising our kids in. We came into town on West Hwy. 84 and when we saw the view of the Courthouse as we came over the hill, we just felt this was the place we’d been looking for.” Prior to moving to Gatesville, Dr. Newman had practiced in Hobbs, NM for 10 years working alongside his older brother, Dr. Don Newman, who is also a veterinarian.
Education:
- Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M Unveristy
- Bachelor of Science, Texas A & M Unverisity
- Bachelor of Science, West Texas State University
Affiliations and Certifications:
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Texas Veterinary Medical Association
Jamie Newman, LVT, B.S. Animal Behavior
Office Manager, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Kennel Supervisor and Animal Behaviorist
Jamie has been an employee of our clinic since 2010. She is a Licensed Veterinary Technician as well as oversees the Kennel area & supervises the Kennel Technician positions. She obtained her Veterinary Technician certification (LVT) in May 2001 and has been a practicing Licensed Veterinary Technician for over 20 years.
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She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior from Texas A&M in 2010. She offers Puppy classes as well as obedience training to interested Clients which can be scheduled by contacting her at the clinic & speaking with her directly. Jamie has a large fur family with 5 mini donkeys, 2 goats, a mini pig, 4 cats and 3 dogs. Jamie is currently learning the accounting and financial duties.
Education:
- B.S. Wildlife Sciences & Animal Behavior
- Associates in Veterinary Technology from Cedar Valley Community College
Affiliations and Certifications:
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Miranda Bush
Receptionist
Miranda originally started in Kennel in 2011, then was quickly promoted to Receptionist where she has professionally and efficiently handled the front desk. She has 2 cats, Tommy and Sunny. She enjoys camping and hanging out with friends or anything in the water.
Carlee Gohlke, LVT
Head Technician ~ Licensed Veterinary Technician
Carlee began working at our clinic part-time while still a high school student & has been a highly valued employee for over 20 years. Carlee is a native of Gatesville and has a special interest in horses. She has dogs, cats and horses in her pet family.
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She obtained her Veterinary Technician degree in 2009 from McLennan Community College in Waco, TX and passed her state and national boards to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
- She was promoted to Head Technician in 2017.
- Married Jared Gohlke in May 2021.
Education:
- Associates in Veterinary Technology from MCC
Affiliations and Certifications:
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
- Registered Veterinary Technician
Mandy Branham
Veterinary Technician
Mandy started at Gatesville Animal Clinic in October 2019. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she moved to Texas in 2001 to Glen Rose. Mandy worked as a Veterinary Technician in Glen Rose for 15 years in a small animal clinic before coming to Gatesville. She has a daughter and dentistry is her passion.
Parker Espinoza
Veterinary Technician
Parker joined our team as a Veterinary Technician at the beginning of December 2024. She was born and raised in Paradise, Texas and has been working as a Veterinary Technician for 7 Years. She enjoys hiking around Texas with her Aussie’s. She has 5 dogs, 3 cats and a tortoise.
Grace
Kennel Technician
Grace is so happy to be part of our wonderful team at Gatesville Animal Clinic as our Kennel Technician. She is from Copperas Cove and moved to Gatesville about 2 years ago. She has a daughter and 1 fur-baby, named Dunkin.
She has loved animals her entire life and grew up with several different breeds of dogs and cats. Grace “Being able to work with animals every day and be part of a team that shares the same passion for their well-being is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and giving every pet the love, attention, and extra treats they deserve!
Samantha Poppen
CVA Level 1
Samantha joined our team December 2024. She was born in Ft. Worth and moved around Texas most of her life. Samantha started her CVA journey during her Junior and Senior year of High School where she received her CVA Level 1. She currently has 3 dogs and 5 cats. She enjoys reading in her spare time.
Sarah
Veterinary Technician
Sarah was born and raised here in Gatesville. She was hired as Kennel Tech in 2015 and when a Tech position became available, she moved to that position as well as cross trained as a receptionist. Sarah enjoys the diagnostic aspects of veterinary medicine, like X-rays and bloodwork. She is married and has 2 children as well as a few fur-babies.
Hannah
Kennel Technician, Receptionist
Hannah was hired in December 2025 as a part-time receptionist and quickly became an important part of the team. You will see her up front, filling in as a receptionist as well as taking care of your pets while they board with us as a Kennel Tech. She is originally from Lorena, moved to Gatesville in 2021. She is engaged with 4 + fur-babies which include cats and dogs. Hannah is currently enrolled at Tarleton University for Pre-Vet.
Her ambition is to become a veterinarian by the end of her schooling. However, until then, she is happy to help with any of your scheduling or boarding needs.
Charlie
Receptionist
Charlie came to work at Gatesville Animal Clinic, April 2026. She is originally from Gatesville and is passionate about saving cats. She and her mom, Candice, run Wags n Whisker’s cat rescue. She has quickly become an important asset to the team with her positive attitude and willingness to learn. She will be one of the smiling faces you see when you come through the door.