Steven Guzmán, DVM
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Guzmán graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 and has practiced mixed animal medicine since. Raised in nearby Manor, TX, he enjoyed raising a variety of animals including dogs, cats, and a family dairy cow.
He and his wife Kassi live on a farm with their children and Blue Heeler, Tally, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. While not at the clinic, Dr. Guzmán enjoys boating, hunting, fishing and serving at their church.
Nicole Benard, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Benard completed her undergraduate and veterinary education at Texas A&M University. Growing up in Central Texas, she lived and worked on small farms surrounded by a wide variety of animals and developed a love for caring for all things fluffy, scaly, and feathered. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and earned her CVA in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine from Chi University in Florida, where she discovered her passion for integrative medicine and providing comprehensive, whole-patient care. When she’s not caring for her pet frogs at home or traveling, Dr. Benard enjoys rock climbing, roller skating, slacklining, and spending time outdoors.
Abby Malthaner, DVM
Dr. Malthaner completed her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at Texas A&M University. As the child of a military family, she spent most of her young life living all over the United States, so the Kyle-area is another new adventure for her!
With a background in wildlife medicine, she has had the opportunity to work with a wide array of species from baby opossums to wild birds and everything in between! She loves getting to know animals of any shape and size.
In her free time, she likes to spend time outside with her dog, Beck, and her cat, Rosemary Potato. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and coming up with new adventures for her and her friends.
John
Practice Manager
John was born and raised in the area, and after living in Colorado, and then northern Arizona, for the last several years, he is very excited to be back home again! With 40 years of leadership and management experience, John is thrilled to be joining the team at Deep Roots. He has two daughters, two kittens, and the world’s best therapy dog that keeps him busy! His favorite quote is by James Herriot, and says, “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” He is looking forward to providing the clients and pets at Deep Roots Animal Clinic with exceptional service and care!
Trysta
Lead Technician
Trysta was born in Austin and has lived in Kyle most of her life. She grew up on a farm with her family of four and her animals. Growing up around dogs, cats, goats, lambs, horses, donkeys, cows, chickens, and ducks has been a contributing factor in her growing love for animals. Throughout high school she raised and showed goats and sheep for 4H and FFA. It has always been her dream to work with animals both large and small. Going forward she plans on furthering her education to fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
In her free time, Trysta enjoys spending time with friends and family. There is never a dull moment on the farm, and she enjoys spending time caring for all her amazing animals
Emily
Emily was born and raised in Wylie, Texas but recently moved to San Marcos to explore new things. She grew up surrounded by animals and always wanted to be in the veterinary field. Now she lives with her dog Paco and her cat Levi. When not at work she enjoys spending time with friends and family
Valerie
Valerie was born and raised in Virginia and moved to Texas in the spring of 2023. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2017. She is in the process of obtaining her Master’s degree in Veterinary Forensic Science and hopes to apply to veterinary school soon!
When Valerie is not working or doing her schoolwork, she enjoys exploring Texas and spending time with her family and her cat, Kono, and hopes to bring her dog, Macy, out here to be a Texas girl eventually!
Jenna
Jenna is a recent graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, she developed a deep connection with animals raising lambs, goats, and dogs. From a young age, veterinary medicine has been her calling and her ultimate goal is to apply to veterinary school. An avid traveler, Jenna is eager to explore new destinations to continue her studies and work with animals around the world. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends, and sharing adventures with her dog, Whiskey.
Tonya
Office Manager
Tonya is a passionate animal lover that has been working in the veterinary field for 14 years. She shares her home with four large dogs, three grand dogs, two grand kitties, a grand snake, and her favorite grand bearded dragon, Tunechi. Her love for animals and people led her to the veterinary field, where she is dedicated to supporting both pets and their owners. Excited to be part of the Deep Roots family, she looks forward to welcoming you and your pet!
Brandon
Brandon was born and raised in El Paso and has now lived in San Marcos for over a year. He has been in the veterinary field for about 4 years, and is excited to continue his growth and knowledge.
Brandon has always been passionate about working with animals and grew up caring for dogs, cats, rodents, and reptiles. When he’s not helping clients get the appointments and care they need, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, Koda and Ivy, tending to his plants, listening to music, and reading.
Aileen
Aileen graduated in August 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Pre-Veterinary minor. She recently applied to veterinary schools around the U.S. and is currently gaining hands-on experience while she waits to begin her studies. Aileen has a passion for animal rehabilitation and a particular love for horses. Outside of work she enjoys staying active, cooking healthy meals and spending time with her cat, Jax.
