Justin D. Payne, DVM
• Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine – 2002
• Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
  Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine – 2002-2003
• Residency in Small Animal Surgery
  University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine – 2003-2006

Veterinary Technicians

Celeste Berton, RVT
Physical Therapy Team Leader
A veterinary technician of more than eleven years, Celeste has extensive experience in specialized areas such as emergency and critical care, oncology, radiology/diagnostic imaging and for the past 7 years, surgey and canine rehabilitation. Celeste first came to STVS in 2000 and left briefly for three years to join another referral practice out of town. Celeste rejoined our team in May 2006 bringing with her expanded knowledge in the area of canine rehabilitation. Celeste has coompleted the UT Knoxville CCRP program and will return in June of 2008 to test and gain certification. Celeste keeps very busy and enjoys her three children Remo, Damek, and Talon, passing on her love and knowledge of dogs and cats!

Brenda Ortiz
A native of San Antonio, Brenda's love for animals has led her to a large happy four-legged family to include 6 dogs, Wiggle, JJ, Max, Sunny, Maddie and Mickey and 4 cats, Honey, Panchito, Piglet and Luna.  Having rescued most of her pets from dire situations, she has nursed them from various states of poor health.  The next most logical step for Brenda's love was to pursue veterinary medicine.  Being very active and involved with sports, she knew she wanted to pursue sports medicine therapy, but also rescuing so many pets with varying degrees of ailments, she desired to learn more about rehabilitation from injury.  She joined STVS in 2003 beginning her journey with rehabilitation and patient care, where she continues to share her compassion and love for our patients.

Ashley Ybarbo