Meet The Team
Meet our team members who look forward to serving you and your pet in Cypress, and being a part of the bond you share.
Take a moment to learn their stories!
Dr. Darleen Nath
Dr. Nath is originally from Detroit, MI, and knew from a very early age that she was destined to become a veterinarian. She had multiple pets while growing up, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, turtles, fish, and birds. Dr. Nath received a BS in Biology with a minor in Business Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She then attended Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and received her DVM in 2009. Following graduation, Dr. Nath worked for over a year at the Michigan Humane Society in Detroit, MI, and gained plenty of experience in surgery and emergency care. In 2010 she relocated to Washington, DC with her husband and worked at a small animal clinic until they decided they needed more sun and heat in their lives and chose to move to Houston in 2017. She has worked at multiple clinics in the Houston area and loves the Cypress neighborhood!
Dr. Nath and her colleague, Dr. Schnacke, decided to open Lakeside Veterinary Care after realizing that they both want the same things for their clients: individualized patient care, client education for owners, using low-stress handling techniques, and helping with continued education for our staff so they can continue to provide the best care to our patients and owners.
Outside of work, Dr. Nath enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and her pets. She is a proud parent of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue pup named Ella. She also rescued an abandoned Tortie kitten found in a neighbor’s yard the evening before the big freeze in Houston in January 2026. She was under one pound when they found her! Her children named their new kitten Huntrix (iykyk). Pictured is Dr. Nath’s heart dog, Lily, a Siberian Husky Mix, who passed away in early 2025. Dr. Nath enjoys traveling, trying new cuisines, and watching reruns of The Office and Insecure.
Fun Facts: She is a big Harry Potter fan (her heart dog, Lily, was named after Harry’s mom!), her favorite chocolate is Reese’s peanut butter cups, and her ultimate dream vacation is to go on a safari in Africa.
Dr. Amara Schnacke
Dr. Amara Schnacke was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from New York University. During her time in NYC, she volunteered for numerous animal rescue organizations. While in school and away from her pets, she realized that her passion for animals had turned into her professional calling. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. She was an associate at a busy Cypress animal hospital for a few years after graduation. During the pandemic she was a relief veterinarian, working at numerous Houston and Cypress clinics. She loved learning how different clinics function and bonded with various pet parents and fur babies.
Dr. Amara Schnacke
Dr. Amara Schnacke was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from New York University. During her time in NYC, she volunteered for numerous animal rescue organizations. While in school and away from her pets, she realized that her passion for animals had turned into her professional calling. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. She was an associate at a busy Cypress animal hospital for a few years after graduation. During the pandemic she was a relief veterinarian, working at numerous Houston and Cypress clinics. She loved learning how different clinics function and bonded with various pet parents and fur babies.
Dr. Schnacke has a special interest in ultrasonography. She has participated in numerous hours of continuing education and plans to continue learning about it as a remarkable diagnostic tool. Her other professional interests include Dermatology, Radiology, and Internal Medicine.
Dr. Schnacke and her husband, Jonathan, have a precocious toddler and a baby on the way. They also have 3 fur-babies at home: a loveable Boxer mix, a goofy 3-legged Blue Heeler mix and a sassy 3-legged cat.
Fun Facts: She makes an amazingly accurate pig noise (don’t be afraid to ask to hear it), she loves cooking and is always looking for new and interesting recipes, she is a sucker for black and white movies, and if you are looking for her between February and June she will probably be somewhere eating a ridiculous amount of boiled crawfish.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Kuo
Dr. Kuo is a native Houstonian. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University. After graduation, she returned home and has continued to serve the Houston area for over 8 years. Dr. Kuo’s professional interests include internal medicine, preventative care, and soft tissue surgery.
Dr. Kuo shares her home with her husband and two dogs, Isla and Beasley. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, reading, dancing, and traveling. Her bucket list destination is Antarctica!
Brooke, Lead LVT/Office Manager
Hello to all my fellow animal people! My name is Brooke and I have been working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2016. Since my childhood it has been my dream to work with animals and lucky enough, my Mom is also an animal lover and strongly supported my passion. I guess you can say that’s where my dedication to animals began, so thanks Mom! After graduating from Vet Tech Institute of Houston, I began my career at a mixed animal practice working with cats and dogs, as well as horses and livestock. I have been at Lakeside Veterinary Care since 2021 and I believe in advocating for those who cannot do so for themselves. My goal is to collaborate with pet owners on the health care of their beloved pets. Outside of work you can catch me and my family spending time outdoors, at a sporting event, or jamming out to some music for a dance party. Thanks for taking some time to get to know a little about me, I can’t wait to meet you and your pets!
Kaylei, LVT
Howdy! My name is Kaylei! I am from a super small town in East Texas, but spent the last 7 years in College Station getting my education and starting my career. I graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP) in 2020 with my Bachelor in Animal Science, then went on and graduated from Blinn College’s Veterinary Technology program and became a Licensed Veterinarian Technician in 2023! Life now has brought me closer to the Cypress area, and I started at LVC in May 2025. My love for animals has been present since I was very little. It was never baby dolls for me, rather, I would beg my parents for a stuffed animal every time we went to the store. I absolutely love what I do! The most important part of my job to me is having that relationship with the clients and their pets and giving them the absolute best care. I have a Chihuahua- weenie dog mix at home named Charlie who I love to death! He is the bestest boy (in my opinion), and very spoiled. Outside of work, you can find me hanging out with friends and family, relaxing at home, or eating pasta.
Becky, Social Media Manager, Technician
Becky is a proud Houston native who grew up in the Spring Branch area. From a young age, she’s had a deep love for animals—often convincing her mom that they needed “just one more cat.” She has worked in the veterinary field for over 10 years and has held nearly every position in a clinic along the way. Her true passion, however, has always been working as a veterinary technician. She holds a special place in her heart for the geriatric patients!
Becky loves animals of all kinds, from insects to elephants! Her favorite animals are rats and hyenas, and she has a special fondness for critters with 6 or more legs! At home, Becky lives with her husband and daughter, their two dogs (Bigby and Jinx), four millipedes (River, Reese, Shay, and Kit), and her tarantula, Cordelia.
Lea, Technician
Hi! I’m Lea, a technician who’s all about helping pets live their happiest, healthiest lives. As most veterinary professionals my love for animals started from a very young age. I am beyond lucky to be able to turn that passion into a career. I’ve worked in general practice for about 5 years now working with large animals, exotics, cats, and dogs. I enjoy focusing on preventative care and building a strong relationship with pets and their owners. Outside of the clinic you’ll find me either cuddled up, reading a book with my kitty or hiking with my german shepherd. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me, I look forward to meeting you and your pet!
Cydnee, Technician
Cydnee has had a love for animals for as long as she can remember. Inspired by her brother, who worked as a veterinary technician, she developed an early interest in animal care that quickly grew into a lifelong passion. While in school, Cydnee gained hands-on experience caring for both large animals and working in clinical settings, which deepened her appreciation for veterinary medicine and confirmed that this was the field she wanted to pursue.
Today, Cydnee is proud to be part of the veterinary team, where she enjoys helping care for patients and supporting the people who love them. She shares her home with a spirited Papillon and a newly adopted cat, who both remind her every day why she chose this path.
Cydnee is currently continuing her education and working toward completing her bachelor’s degree. She plans to attend graduate school in the coming years with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) within the next 6–7 years. She is incredibly grateful to be working in a field she loves and is excited to keep learning, growing, and making a difference in the lives of animals and their families.
Kennedy, Assistant
I am a Texas native with over five years of experience in the animal science field and a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine. My journey began through involvement in National FFA Organization, where I developed hands-on experience working with livestock and equine. I have also cared for a variety of animals over the years, including owning an exotic pet, which further strengthened my commitment to animal care.
I am currently an undergraduate student at Prairie View A&M University, where I am pursuing a degree in Agriculture with a minor in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and plan to graduate in 2027 before continuing on to veterinary school.
Outside of work and academics, I enjoy running, working out, and spending time with my cat Shayla. As a born-and-raised Texan, and even a twin, I’ve always carried a strong sense of dedication and curiosity that fuels my passion for helping animals. I am proud to be pursuing that lifelong dream while working with the team at Lakeside Veterinary Care.
Kaitlyn “KP”, Receptionist
Kaitlyn, born and raised in Cypress, joined our team in May 2021. She has been in the veterinary field for over nine years as a receptionist. Kaitlyn takes a lot of pride in being the first and last person that clients see when they come to visit. Animals have always been a constant presence in her life. She worked previously at Houston SPCA, a local boarding facility and even on a horse ranch in Bandera, Texas. She has a soft spot in her heart for special needs and senior pets, as she has had many of her own. Kaitlyn’s favorite thing about working in the vet field is helping pet parents learn how to care for their special needs or senior pets. Kaitlyn currently has two dogs, Bilbo and Tony, and two tri-pod cats, Tripp and Missy. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and her family, hanging with friends, going to the movies to see the latest action and horror movies, and trying to get through the TBR list on her Kindle.
Fun Fact: She is a huge Rupaul’s Drag Race fan! Shantay you stay!
Jessica, Receptionist
Jessica has worked in the veterinary field since 2016 and has experience in nearly every role within a clinic. As a receptionist, she loves connecting with clients, answering questions, and helping make visits as smooth and welcoming as possible for both pets and their people. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys cozy movie nights, with The Lord of the Rings and Jurassic Park among her all-time favorites. She also loves traveling and exploring beautiful places, especially national parks like Lassen Volcanic and the Grand Canyon. At home, she shares her life with her husband and their toddler, along with two playful cats, Maggie and Iris, and a loyal dog named Korg.