Dr. Steven Cox and Crystal Cox
Dr. Steven Cox was born and raised in Marshall, Texas. His childhood pastime was hunting, fishing, and playing baseball. Dr. Cox earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Texas A&M University in 2006. Since 2005, Dr. Cox has worked in the field of Veterinary Medicine as a technician of both small and large animals as well as serving in other capacities such as whitetail deer management. In 2014, Dr. Cox graduated cum laude with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Texas A&M University. He worked passionately for over three years before acquiring Floerke Veterinary Clinic in Taft, Texas, now known as Cross Point Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Cox particularly enjoys sharing his passion with others by educating them about their pets and livestock. He welcomes questions and conversation any time! He also encourages youth to visit the vet clinic and become involved in their pet’s care. Occasionally, he can be found serving the community by giving presentations on veterinary medicine at schools and other local events.
Dr. and Mrs. Cox met while attending school at Texas A&M. They married in 2007 and now have two children, Caden and Carlee. Caden is enjoys baseball, rodeos, swimming, hunting, fishing, and reading funny books. Carlee loves soccer, tumbling, school, and playing with her friends. Both are a lover of animals and relish at a chance to be up at the clinic!
Dr. and Mrs. Cox enjoy playing 42 dominoes, listening to live country music, spending time with family and friends, Aggie sports, and serving in their community. The Cox Family have a love for the Lord and a strong desire to serve and love people. Crystal’s guiding philosophy is “Count your Blessings, and in ALL things find Joy”. Dr. Cox’s favorite saying is by Texas Country artist, Aaron Watson, “If you ain’t makin your Mama and Jesus happy, you shouldn’t be doin it.” The Cox’s are excited about the opportunity to serve in the Taft/Portland area and look forward to the growth and changes to come!
Dr. Donald Barnett
Dr. Barnett was born and raised in Adkins, Texas. He started working with animals at a young age and attributes his years of showing cattle as the reason for developing an interest in becoming a Veterinarian. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2008, and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2012, both from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Barnett joined the Cross Point Veterinary Team in May of 2017. He has been an incredible asset to our team with his efficiency and attitude. Dr. Barnett may not like to smile for pictures, but don’t let that fool you…his heart and passion for Veterinary medicine is evident the moment you interact with him.
Dr. Barnett is married to Lauren and they have a fun-loving boy and girl. Lauren is a leader in their church’s MOMs group and realtor with MGM Realty in Beeville. Dr. Barnett enjoys hunting, fishing, Aggie Football and Basketball. Dr. Barnett believes that family comes first and was attracted to Cross Point Veterinary Clinic because of this. Dr. Barnett enjoys working for a family-oriented business that values their employees and is excited to be an integral part of CPVC’s future.
Dr. Kellie Pernula
Dr. Kellie Pernula was born and raised in Plant City, Florida but has called Colorado and now Tennessee home during the past seven years. She grew up playing sports (volleyball and tennis) and was actively involved in her church as well as doing life alongside the special needs students at her high school. She played beach volleyball for three years at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida and served as a YoungLife College Leader her senior year. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Pernula has known she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was six years old. Every encounter with veterinary medicine from her high school Veterinary Assisting Program to working as a Veterinary Technician at a small animal clinic during her undergraduate studies affirmed that dream and calling from God. She attended Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Wise Scholar with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2024. Dr. Pernula has a heart for veterinary mission work and was blessed with the opportunity to serve internationally on two mission trips during veterinary school. In her free time Dr. Pernula enjoys playing beach volleyball, watching sunsets, and spending time in fellowship with others. She has a goofy boxer mix dog named Hammie and a sweet domestic shorthair cat named Smokey, both adopted from local shelters over the years. She is very excited to be joining a team that places Christ at the center of everything they do. She is looking forward to serving this community (both large and small animal patients) and sharing the love of God through veterinary medicine!
Dr. Pernula’s life verse is Isaiah 61:3 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” (NIV)
Katrina Green
Katrina is our HR Manager who rejoined the Cross Point family in June of 2023. She had previously worked with our team as our Client Ambassador from 2018-2019. Katrina and her superhero hubby, Trevor, are blessed to volunteer at GracePoint Church where Katrina worked as their Outreach Coordinator from 2019-2023. Before moving to Portland in 2018, Katrina worked alongside her husband in South Korea, where they were the first boots on the ground in helping open an international Christian boarding school. Katrina’s previous 22 years as a manager with JCPenney has provided her with many skills and experiences to help her bless our Cross Point staff. Trevor and Katrina have one fur baby, Xena, a rescue dog that they fostered and then chose to adopt.
Katrina’s life verse is Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Lyndsey Smith
Lyndsey is our outstanding Operations Manager at Cross Point. She grew up in Sinton but graduated from Gregory-Portland High School. Lyndsey started coursework at SFA and has completed schooling for level 1 CVA. Cross Point Veterinary Clinic is blessed by her dedication and work ethic as well as her ability to lead our technicians in a positive and caring manner.
Lyndsey has worked in the Veterinary field since she was 16 years old. She started as a kennel technician and quickly promoted to a Veterinary Technician. Lyndsey joined the CPVC family in March of 2017. She has a beautiful daughter, Charlotte, who loves animals.
Lyndsey and Charlotte stay heavily involved with Sinton FFA, county stock show, and Booster Clubs. They are active in their church and enjoy hunting, fishing, raising animals for the local livestock show, and going to the lake with friends and family. Lyndsey is happy to be a part of a tight-knit and very family-oriented environment where her co-workers feel like family and friends.
Mersaidez Casarez
Mersaidez serves as our Lead Veterinary Technician. She started as a Customer Service Representative then cross trained into a Vet Technician. She has a smile that can be heard through her voice. One of her early days here was spent at our 2019 annual rabies clinic. She jumped right in, winning the love and admiration of not only our staff but our clients as well.
Mersaidez was born in Victoria, Texas and grew up in Portland. She graduated from Gregory Portland High School. Mersaidez has a beloved partner, Alex, and together they have their first child, Xander.
One of her true loves is spending time with family and friends, playing sports or being active. She excels at providing great customer service wherever she is and thoroughly enjoys being able to provide quality medical care to the fur babies that come in. She is a very dedicated and hardworking employee. Mersaidez hopes to continue growing with Cross Point and looks forward to God’s plan.
Summer Merryman
Summer serves as a valued Veterinary Technician. She joined the Cross Point family as a Customer Service Representative in September of 2021. After cross training, she advanced to her current position of Veterinary Technician in April of 2024.
Summer was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2001 and moved to the coastal bend around 2004 with her military family. Although all her extended family lives in Pennsylvania, she considers Portland, Texas her home. She graduated from Gregory Portland High School in 2019 and spent 7 years playing the flute in the Wildcat Band, finishing off her senior year as drum major.
Summer discovered her love for animals as a little girl by rehabilitating many baby birds that had fallen from the nest and nursed them back to health until they were strong enough to fly. She also enjoys spending time with her family, music, running, exercising, horticulture, adventure games and scrapbooking. Her heart belongs to her significant other, John Nesmith and their two dogs, Margo and Molly.
Summer is always eager to learn more each day and spreads positivity amongst not only her teammates, but our valued clients as well. She looks forward to providing quality service and investing her passion into the care of your pets.
Destiny Allen
Destiny began her career as an extern while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from A&M Kingsville, and has since worked in many roles – CSR, vet tech, kennel tech and more – always focused on excellent care! Now at Cross Point, Destiny brings her dedication and experience to every patient and client she serves. She is always looking for ways to expand her knowledge in the field and is hoping to start a veterinary nursing program in the next year to obtain her License of Veterinary Technology. In her free time she is at the beach, fishing, or reading and enjoys doing face painting.
Lori Rodriguez
Lori has been a dedicated member of the Cross Point family since 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. Her deep love for animals started at a young age when she began volunteering at local animal shelters at just 12 years old.
Born and raised in Los Fresnos, Texas, Lori continues to call the area home. She is not only a skilled veterinary technician but also a devoted mother to six wonderful children. Lori’s life is centered around her faith, family, and service to others. She loves God and finds joy in serving her community with a cheerful heart.
When she’s not caring for animals, Lori enjoys spending quality time with her family, going to church, and baking. She also has a strong passion for advocating for individuals with special needs, reflecting her compassionate and caring nature both at work and in her personal life.
Lori’s positive spirit and wealth of experience make her a cherished part of our team, and we’re so grateful to have her caring for your pets.
Mando De Los Santos
Mando was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He and his lovely wife Catherine have 4 cats, 2 dogs, and a guinea pig. He is the oldest in his family and has 3 younger sisters. Mando loves working with and helping animals. It was not until college that he learned he loved the science, biology, and medicine involved with helping large and small animals. He graduated from Texas A&M Kingsville with a Bachelor of Animal Science degree and is now working on his master’s degree.
In his free time, he loves being active, going to trails, birdwatching, riding bikes, having BBQs with the family, and playing music on his guitar. Mando has worked at Cross Point for a year, and he is learning and growing every day. He previously was a cashier at HEB for 8 years.
Mando loves working at Cross Point because we are all here to serve each other, our community, and God.
Monica Garcia
Monica Garcia is a dedicated customer service professional with over 20 years of experience and joined our Cross Point Veterinary Clinic in October of 2023. Bilingual and compassionate, she expertly connects with diverse clientele, ensuring exceptional service that meets the needs of all customers. Monica has built a reputation for her bright friendly smile and her ability to foster positive relationships, making her a valued asset in any team.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Monica is a proud family woman and has been happily married to Roberto Garcia for 15 years, and together they raise three beautiful daughters Miranda, Mercedes and Marivel as well as one handsome son Roberto Garcia Jr. Monica’s love for her family is matched by her passion for her fur baby Mila as well. With the Lord’s blessing, she has been blessed with 2 beautiful grandchildren Cassandra Ruiz and Zakuis Castillo. Her commitment to family values and community service shows detail in her approach to life, blending her professional expertise with her personal dedication to nurturing those around her.
With a vibrant personality and a genuine desire to help others, Monica continues to inspire and uplift everyone she meets, both at work and at home. Celebrating life’s blessings every day!
Amy Gain
Amy is our wonderful Administrative Assistant and is always busy behind the scenes helping the clinic run smoothly. You may even see her from time to time working alongside our receptionists, thanks to her flexibility and love for helping wherever she’s needed.
When Amy isn’t busy with school or working at the clinic, she loves spending time with her 6-year-old daughter, Raelee. Together they enjoy being outdoors, whether that’s visiting a nearby park or spending time at the beach. Amy also enjoys trips to the Texas State Aquarium or staying home playing board games with her family.
Amy’s love for animals began in childhood and grew even stronger when she rescued her 12-year-old cat, Goliath. Since then, she has found great joy in working at Cross Point Veterinary Clinic and loving each pet that walks through our doors.
Amy graduated locally from Gregory-Portland High School in 2013 and is currently continuing her education to become a radiology technician. She plans to continue working with us while completing her schooling and hopes to one day work at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
Renee Cullen
Renee’ currently serves as our wonderful Financial Administrator. She joined the Cross Point family in January 2018. Renee’ was born in Houston and resided in Buda, Texas for 35 years. She and her husband owned a construction company in the Austin area where she managed the secretary side of the business. They retired from that business and moved here two years ago to be close to family. Renee’ is an asset to Cross Point Veterinary Clinic with her positive attitude and clerical skills.
Renee’ and her husband, Frank, have 2 grown children who are both married and 4 awesome grandchildren, 2 boys and 2 girls. They have one fur-baby dog, Zack, whom they adore. They attended Christian Life Church in Austin, belong to the Usher Team there, and enjoyed playing 42 dominoes with friends and family. Renee’ also enjoyed playing Canasta with a group of friends, arts and crafts projects, quilting, and HGTV. They are settling into this area and hope to join in the same kind of livelihood as they had over the past years before relocating here. Above all, family and especially grandchildren, are at the top of the list!
Renee’ feels blessed to work for Cross Point Veterinary Clinic on several levels; the enjoyment to be part of the team, as well as the ability to use her clerical skills to help grow and prosper the Clinic. Seeing the efforts of the staff making a difference to the community gives her great satisfaction, not to mention seeing all the different pets that come into the Clinic.
Cody Belcher-Orell
Born and raised in Beeville, Texas, Cody is a dedicated Facilities Assistant here at CPVC, where he takes pride in ensuring a safe, and welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. Known for his strong work ethic and skill set, Cody plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the clinic—keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Whether it’s maintaining equipment, supporting the veterinary team, or jumping in on farm calls with Dr.Cox, Cody brings a hands-on approach and a great attitude to every task he’s given. When he’s not working on projects for the clinic he enjoys working on any of his own – he’s definitely a workaholic.
