We are thrilled to welcome Michele Munkhaugen-Reyes, DVM, to the NVC team! Michele has been a familiar face at NVC for about a year, working as a relief veterinarian, and she officially joined our team in October 2024. With 12 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine, Michele brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the clinic.
About me
Michele was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Pearland, Texas. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in veterinary medicine—an ambition that began when she was just 7 years old. It wasn’t just a childhood dream but a calling that led her on a dedicated path to become a veterinarian. After completing her B.S. in Animal Science at Tarleton State University, she went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Auburn University.
Background & Experience
Michele’s career in veterinary medicine spans over a decade, starting as a Veterinary Technician in general practice and emergency medicine, and then transitioning to Emergency Veterinarian. Over five years, she honed her skills in general practice and emergency medicine before becoming an Emergency Veterinarian for the last two years. This extensive background has given her a deep understanding of both routine and high-pressure situations in veterinary care.
Her true passion lies in surgery, and she brings a surgical expertise to the team that allows her to tackle complex and challenging cases. For Michele, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping a critical patient recover and watching them leave the clinic with their family, knowing she made a difference.
Michele’s favorite part of her job is advocating for pets and making a tangible difference in their lives. Whether it’s performing life-saving surgery or simply providing comfort to a sick animal, Michele finds great joy in knowing that her work gives families more time with their beloved pets. She embraces the challenges the profession brings and enjoys learning something new every day. According to Michele, “Progress, not perfection,” is her personal motto, and she constantly strives to grow and improve, both as a professional and as an individual.
While she’s a dedicated veterinarian, Michele is also full of surprises! Here are a few fun facts about her: she’s allergic to animals—which is, of course, a bit ironic given her career! Lettuce tastes like dirt to her (we agree, that’s a unique take!). And her ultimate goal is to visit all the national parks in the USA—so if you see her out hiking, you know she’s checking off another park on her list.
Michele is also a fan of surf and turf and can’t live without Dr. Pepper, but she’d definitely need a fan if she were ever trapped on a desert island (she hates the heat).
When Michele isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their beloved dogs. Their Sunday mornings are a family affair, with her husband making pancakes for everyone (including mini pancakes for their dogs). It’s a simple, relaxing routine that Michele looks forward to every week.
Outside of her work in veterinary medicine, Michele is passionate about supporting causes close to her heart. She is an advocate for spay and neuter clinics and is dedicated to helping animal shelters in any way she can.
Michele’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare and her compassionate approach to veterinary medicine make her a wonderful addition to the NVC family. Whether she’s saving lives in the emergency room or offering comfort to anxious pet parents, Michele embodies the spirit of care and compassion that defines the veterinary profession. We are excited to have Michele officially onboard, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact she will make here at NVC. Welcome, Dr. Munkhaugen-Reyes!
