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 schooling at Texas A&M. Growing up in Central Texas, she has lived and worked on small farms with a menagerie of animals: from cats, dogs, goats, horses, backyard birds and a parrot, to fish, toads, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and a turtle!
She is certified in Fear Free handling and is currently working towards becoming certified in veterinary acupuncture.
When not at the clinic or busy entertaining her cats at home, Dr. Benard spends most of her time rock climbing, running, hiking, and making up new recipes. She enjoys volunteering with Christian Veterinary Missions and hopes to continue with them in the future!
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!
Samantha
Head Veterinary Technician
Samantha grew up in Bastrop, TX, and as a child always had animals around: dogs, cats, chickens, horses and rabbits! She started working in the veterinary field in high school as kennel staff at a nearby clinic. She attended college at Texas State for a degree in Animal Science while improving her skills as a tech at King’s Highway Animal Clinic. After graduation, she went to work with whitetail deer for a few summers.
Upon returning home, she worked as a vet tech again and is always ready to grow and learn new skills. She spends most of her time off at home with her husband and daughter, playing with their Husky/Shepherd mix, Kallie, and their 2 cats Romeo and Tigerr!
Jess
Veterinary Technician
Originally from Louisiana, Jess moved to the Austin area in 2015 when her husband started physical therapy school. Jess graduated in May 2020 from Texas State University with her bachelor’s degree in agriculture and animal science, with hopes of one day going to veterinary school.
In her free time, Jess likes to travel and go to concerts with her husband. Jess currently has 1 cat named Kitty and 3 dogs named Nikko, Natty and Reid. Jess also enjoys working out and spending a majority of her time outdoors.
Courtney
Veterinary Technician
Courtney has been a veterinary technician for the past 4 years and joined the Deep Roots team in June of 2021. She is dedicated and disciplined in ensuring all patients receive adequate, gold-standard quality of care and has a deep passion for client education. As a veterinary technician, she primarily works with surgical and critical care patients, and is heavily involved with the behind-the-scenes actions of clinic inventory.
Outside of work, Courtney describes herself as a permanent student. She spends most of her time pursuing her academic goals of becoming a nurse practitioner, or CRNA. She is currently completing her pre-nursing courses at Austin Community College and is enrolled to begin her nursing program at Galen College of Nursing in the upcoming months.
Hannah
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hannah was born and raised in the Austin area and moved to San Marcos to attend college at Texas State University. She recently joined the veterinary field after switching from a major in business management to a major in animal science. She and her significant other have a handsome cat named Leo, 2 parakeets named Elestia and Elenia, and their newest addition, a puppy named Ophelia. Hannah is eager to learn and grow as a technician assistant on the Deep Roots team!
In her free time, she enjoys reading, finding new shows to watch, cuddling up with her cat, going on hikes in the park with her significant other and puppy, and cooking with her roommate.
Tom
Veterinary Technician Assistant
A Texas State University graduate, Tom is from McAllen, Texas. He found his way to Kyle one day to contest a speeding ticket and ended up enjoying a lemon bar at the Texas Pie Company. He has lived in Kyle for 5 years with his wife, son, 3 standard poodles, 2 parrots, and ball python. He was a dog trainer before getting into the veterinary field 7 years ago.
Shyann
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Shyann grew up in San Antonio, Texas, but recently relocated to Buda, Texas with her husband of 3 years, their dog, 2 cats, and 2 horses. She has experience working in a couple of different clinics and is enjoying learning all she can from the amazing opportunity at Deep Roots! While not currently going to school, it’s in her future plans.
When not at the clinic, she finds joy riding her horses or exploring Austin with her husband.
Trysta
Veterinary Technician Assistant
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
Madison
Customer Service Representative
Madison grew up in Miami, Florida, but recently relocated to San Marcos, Texas in the summer of 2020. Growing up she always had a huge spot in her heart for all animals! Though she is new to working in the veterinary field, she is excited to be a part of the Deep Roots family and enjoys learning new things about veterinary care every day. She is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is pondering the idea of working with therapy animals once she graduates.
When not behind the front desk or doing schoolwork, you can find her at the gym or napping. She enjoys going to the river and exploring the city she is growing to love and call home!