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.
Jacki Whitmire
Jacki is our valued Lead Customer Service Representative who joined the Cross Point family in May of 2018. Jacki is from Corpus Christi, TX and grew up in the Anaville area. She graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School and attended Del Mar College. With her previous work experience in a small animal veterinary clinic, as well as her extensive background in an office/clerical environment, Jacki contributes immensely to the value of our team.
Jacki is a proud mom of two young gentlemen, Joshua Michael and Christopher Chase. She has a strong desire to serve others through disaster relief efforts, volunteering for church events, Special Olympics, and American Red Cross. While the act of serving others in her community brings her much joy, Jacki finds no greater joy than her family – whether they are spending time together, watching sports together, racing cars, riding motorcycles, or engaging in other fun activities with one another.
Jacki was drawn to the family atmosphere and kindness she felt at CPVC, even as an applicant. She looks forward to growing with her work family and helping to contribute to the excellence of the practice and service to the clients, patients, and fellow team members. Jacki’s favorite quote is by Henry Ford, “obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal!”
Abbi Cantu
Abbi joined the Cross Point team in August 2023 as one of our valued Kennel Technicians. She recently graduated from Gregory Portland High School with a certificate in EKG/Phlebotomy and PCT Technician.
Abbi was raised in small town Portland, TX and has a younger brother, Christopher. She has one dog, Douglas, whom she loves dearly. Abbi loves what she does at CPVC and is currently continuing her education at Del Mar College to pursue a career in radiology.
When not studying or at work, Abbi enjoys spending time with friends and family. Abbi hopes to continue working with CPVC while going to school, she appreciates the love and support from her coworkers, family and friends.
Charlotte Garcia
Charlotte is one of our wonderful Veterinary Technicians. She has been a Vet Tech for the past 3 years and joined the Cross Point family in February of 2023.
Charlotte is from a little town called LaSara, where she would often ride her horse to school. She grew up on a feedlot riding alongside her dad, brothers, uncles, and the cowboys. Because of that Charlotte always knew her future would involve working with animals large or small.
In her free time Charlotte enjoys hunting, fishing, and training her 3 Spaniels, Remi, Lane & Peggy. Her pride and joy are in her pets and any free chance she has she’s out doing things with them like Dock Diving, long walks and all sorts of things to keep them in shape for the hunting season.
Charlotte was drawn to Cross Point because of the small family nature it provides. She continues to enjoy learning new things about veterinary medicine every day.
Jamie Tracy
Jamie serves the Cross Point family as an Administrative Assistant. She moved to this area in 2021 from the north Texas area where she worked for many years as a Social Worker, in a Christian preschool in administration, and in the school district in the special education department as a secretary.
Jamie joined Cross Point in July of 2023. She has been married 33 years to a wonderful husband and has been blessed with 2 terrific children. She has a heart for the Lord and loves His Word! She is active in church and Bible study and loves that Cross Point Vet Clinic is a faith-based business. Jamie loves living near the ocean! She enjoys plants, crafts, and spending time with her family.
One of her favorite scriptures is 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)
Katrina Marshall
Katrina joined the Cross Point team in July 2023 as a Veterinary Technician. Before joining the team Kat spent four years in the veterinary field at a local low cost spay/neuter and at the Laredo Animal Clinic where she started as a Kennel Technician and managed to work her way to a Technician.
Kat grew up in Bruni, TX, where she helped her mother with breeding horses. She was recently engaged in June 2024 to her wonderful fiancé, Elias. Together they have 4 dogs (Apollo, Hunter, Huda and Daisy) and two cats (Drax and Shadow). When she is not working, Kat enjoys spending time with family or you can find her at PINS (Padre Island National Seashore) with Elias, fishing for sharks.
Kat enjoys not only helping the animals but also providing great care for the clients as well. She hopes to continue working in the veterinary field as long as possible.
Kimberly Hiracheta
Kimberly joined the Cross Point Veterinary Clinic as one of our outstanding Customer Service Representatives in 2023. Not only is she passionate about providing excellent care to all our clients, but she’s also a huge animal lover herself. She is always smiling and loving on all the fur babies that enter the clinic! She was drawn to our positive atmosphere and close knit family feel.
Kimberly grew up in Taft and is the eldest of 4. In her spare time she is blessed and busy running her crafting and balloon business, bringing creativity and joy to special occasions! She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her 11 year-old Shorkie named Bailey! You could say they are like two peas in a pod!
Lara Kusch
Lara joined the Cross Point Veterinary Clinic as one of our wonderful Customer Service Representatives. She has a bubbly personality that radiates through the office. Lara grew up in Loyola Beach and Riviera, TX where she graduated from High School. She also graduated from Cosmetology school in Austin, Texas.
Lara began her working career at the age of 15 working at her aunt’s store. She has styled hair for over 16 years and takes great pride in the relationships that were built and maintained while providing care to her clientele. Lara has two amazing sons Reese and Avery and one fur baby named Cash. She enjoys fishing, listening to music, and watching live bands. Lara’s favorite quote that she strives to live by is, “peace and love to all.”
Lara was drawn to the Cross Point Veterinary Clinic’s positive atmosphere. She loves that the clinic is a faith-driven and a family business. Cross Point Veterinary Clinic is blessed to have Lara as part of our team.
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.
Makayla Jones
Makayla was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. She joined the Cross Point family after graduating from Kingsville Texas A&M with her Bachelors degree in Animal Science. Makayla hopes to further her education and become a licensed Large Animal Veterinarian in the future.
Makayla enjoys working with large animals, especially horses. She herself owns one Arabian Gelding named Conager, who she participates with in Performance and Hunter Jumper Competitions. Makayla also has 4 dogs (Hercules, Scooter, Tex and Bindi), 1 cat (Smokey) and 1 snake (Medusa). During her down time Makayla loves to spend time with friends, family and all her fur babies. She plans to continue growing her knowledge with Cross Point for the years to come.
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.
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.
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.
