Dr. Cristina E. Jaramillo

Veterinarian

Cristina E. Jaramillo, DVM

Dr. Cristina Jaramillo was born and raised in Colombia before moving to Texas with her family in 2000. In Colombia, she received her primary education at a Franciscan school, where she developed a deep love, respect, and care for animals. Dr. Jaramillo continued her education at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Science in 2006. During her studies, she nurtured her passion for animals by volunteering at a small animal hospital, a therapeutic equestrian center, and a local animal shelter in Carrollton, TX.

In 2010, Dr. Jaramillo ventured to California to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. She is USDA accredited (Category I) and an active member of both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Jaramillo moved to the Fort Worth area, where she worked at an emergency clinic and later at a general practice, gaining valuable experience and a strong understanding of the local community.

In 2016, Dr. Jaramillo and her family opened St. Francis Veterinary Clinic, where she provides exceptional pet care to the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, she volunteers on the board of directors for the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) and offers educational activities to children at her children's school, as well as after hours at her clinic.

Dr. Jaramillo currently resides in Benbrook with her husband, Mario Valdez, their two children, Aria and Dante, and their beloved rescue pets: Yoda, Subi, Ryu the snake, and Turbo the snail. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, gardening, and camping, which is her favorite family vacation activity.

Dr. Adam Ridenour

Associate Veterinarian

Mr. Mario Valdez

Co-Owner/ Chief Marketing Officer /Building Manager

Mario grew up in Southern California from a very young age, after his family immigrated to the US from Mexico.  He earned his Bachelors in Architecture in 2002 from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  He began his architectural career at Carlile Coatsworth Architects, Inc. in Irvine until his move to Fort Worth in 2010.  Quorum Architects, Inc. welcomed him into the firm with open arms ever since, and has provided a broad range of architectural services to clients including schematic design, construction documents and construction administration.

Although Mario does not work directly with animals, he has a particular soft spot in his heart for their care and wellness.  He took the initiative to work with Dr. Jaramillo in the design and development of St. Francis Veterinary Clinic, with the ultimate goal of providing a home environment with the best accommodations to our clientele.  While working at Quorum, he has also contributed in the design conception and design development for facilities such as Animal Rescue and Adoption Centers, Senior Living Facilities and Veterinary Clinics.

Since his arrival in Fort Worth, Mario has made an effort to stay involved in the community, donating innumerable hours of his personal time to several organizations including The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Steer FW, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.  He also maintains good standing with the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects at the associate level membership. For leisure, he enjoys spending time with his wife, 2 toddlers, and their dogs Noce and Pechan.  Currently, his favorite pastime is to finish and improve the habitat for Kali, our pet water turtle.  Mario is very active and loves riding his motorcycle, and playing soccer for a local amateur football club (Sporting Fort Worth Football Club, member of the FWASA).

Mrs. Myriam Yolanda Jaramillo

Office Manager

Yolanda was born in a small city of Colombia called Armenia. She was the youngest child and grew up with her grandparents who had a beautiful farm.  With her family she learned to love, care, and respect the animals in the farm.  They had many animals including hens, rabbits, turkeys, peacocks, parrots, cats, dogs, and ducks. She enjoyed helping her mother every day to clean up, feed and take care of them. She particularly loved to feed them and take the eggs from the nest. She recalls how they loved her as well.

She married and has a beautiful family with two children that they have raised with strong ethics and passion for the family bond, animal care, and the healthcare field.  Yolanda pursued her education in the healthcare field as well, and graduated as an MD and Surgery in Colombia. Yolanda worked for several years in Emergency care in Colombia.  They migrated as a family to this country with the goal of allowing their children to continue their careers and pursuing the American Dream.

At this time, Yolanda works in situ as the office manager of her husband’s Obstetrics and Gynecology practice in Nederland, TX, and remotely at St. Francis Veterinary Clinic with the office work.  

Mrs. Shugar M. Phillips

Assistant Manager

Shugar is the youngest of 5 children and was born in Victoria, TX. She and her mother moved to Fort Worth when she was 16 years old.

Three years later, Shugar started working with young two legged mammals. Also known as children. She was a teacher at three different daycares over the course of 15 years. While teaching, she acquired her Child Development Associate (CDA) for 3-5 year olds. Seeing a child's eyes light up when they accomplish something, is what motivates Shugar to continue to work with and teach children everyday.

In 2014, Shugar began a new career as a Nanny/Assistant. She started working for Cristina and Mario to take care of their adorable children, Aria & Dante. While she's not in the classroom anymore, she still teaches the children during learning time. Along with being a Nanny, Shugar also takes care of the other kids of the home, Noce and Pechan, and helps out in the Human Resources Department of St. Francis.

Shugar enjoys spending time with her husband, Gerald, her children, Charnise & Antonyo, going to church, & singing.

Mrs. Sara Wooley

Veterinary Technician

Sara Wooley was born and raised in Ft Worth Texas and has had a love of animals from an early age. Sara began working at pet store’s while still in high school in the late 1990’s. Sara then began her career as a veterinary technician at a local veterinarian from 1999 to 2020 until the veterinarian retired and the practice was closed. Sara was pleased to find and become part of the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic family in August 2020. 

When not at work Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. Sara has multiple dogs & cats, 1 turtle, 1 parrot and a tarantula named Marceline.

Ms. Alyssa Parker

Veterinary Technician

Mrs. Linsey Dugan

Lead Customer Service Representative

Mrs. Marsha McLaren

Customer Service Representative

Marsha McLaren, born and raised on a small farm in Peaster, TX.  Her love for animals started at a very young age.  After many years in the medical field, Marsha transferred from humans to animals.  Marsha likes to point that "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of such a wonderful caring team".  In her downtime, Marsha enjoys spending time with her daughter Kaylee and their 3 fur babies, as well as to returning to their farm to enjoy the sunsets and to play with the goats.

Ms. Emily Stroup

Veterinary Assistant L2

Originally from Massachusetts, Emily has made Fort Worth her permanent home.  Emily loves working with animals and is enjoying her position as Kennel Technician.  She is looking forward to learning as much as possible in the veterinary field.

When not at work, Emily enjoys going to the gym and also teaching three spin classes per week.  She loves going to musicals and other events with her mom and spending time with her fur baby.

Mr. Lance Bracco, Jr.

Veterinary Assistant L1