Kirk Lewis, DVM/CCRT

Owner/Surgeon

After graduating from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Lewis began his career in emergency medicine. Upon leaving emergency medicine, Dr. Lewis dedicated his career to providing affordable surgery options with an initial focus on spay and neuter surgery. While serving as Medical Director for a local non-profit, Dr. Lewis performed over 50,000 spay/neuter surgeries greatly contributing to Austin’s efforts at controlling unwanted pets. While at Animal Trustees, Dr. Lewis expanded the affordable surgery program to include soft tissue, oncologic and orthopedic surgeries all with the goal of providing the most affordable options to clients.

With the opening of Veterinary Surgical Solutions in the summer of 2014, Dr. Lewis was able to expand that program. Our facility has one of the most advanced digital x-ray systems, an in-house lab, and most recently, the addition of a Canine Rehabilitation Department.

Since 2014, Dr. Lewis and the team at VSS have performed over 6,000 lifesaving procedures.

In his free time, Dr. Lewis enjoys rock climbing, camping, traveling, and spending time with his four children and new fluffy dog Marty McFly.

Marian Romero

Client Relations Manager

Marian is originally from Colombia and joined the VSS team in the spring of 2015. Marian manages client relations and patient recovery.

She graduated with a degree in Web Design but her love for animals drove her to complete her education as a Veterinary Assistant at ACC.

She was drawn to VSS because of our clinic’s mission, which is to provide great veterinary care at an affordable price. Her veterinary interests include surgery, client education, the human-animal bond, and working closely with owners to give their pets the happiest, longest life possible.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her 3 Pit Bulls, trying new foods, going to the lake, dancing, and traveling to beautiful beaches around the world.

John Brandt

Operations Manager

After 18 years in the (human) healthcare industry, John came to us for a more rewarding patient experience. John helped develop our Canine Rehabilitation Program and leads that team working closely with Dr. Lewis to provide our patients with an optimal recovery experience.

Outside of work, John enjoys reading, traveling, gymnastics, singing with his church choir, and spending time on the couch with his two dogs, Texas and Alley, and cats Samurai Jack and Angus.

Sharon Smith

Senior Technician

Sharon grew up in the Northeast and received her degree in fine art at Rutgers University. After years of retail management and freelance painting, she sought out a career where she could feel like she was making a difference and helping someone every day. After completing the Clinical Veterinary Assistant program at ACC, she has become certified as a Veterinary Assistant at the second level and is working towards level 3. Having been with VSS since 2017, Sharon assists with surgery and loves learning and expanding her knowledge every day. In her downtime, she loves spending time with her husband and two dogs Dolly and Zac.

Terry Hackworth

Practice Manager

After moving to Austin from San Diego in 2009, Terry began volunteering with Animal Trustees of Austin. After several years, Dr. Lewis asked him to join the team managing the special surgery program. In 2014, Terry and Dr. Lewis opened Veterinary Surgical Solutions to expand the affordable surgery program in the hopes of helping more families and their pets in Central Texas.

Outside of the clinic, Terry enjoys exercise, traveling, gardening, and spending time with his two Pit Bulls Texas and Alley and cats Samurai Jack and Angus.

Jenn Brown

Veterinary Technician

Jenn grew up in multiple small towns across north-east Texas. She moved to Austin with her husband and her rescued rabbit, Bowie, in 2018. She always knew helping animals in any capacity was a fulfilling life goal, but it was while working at the Humane Society of Austin that she discovered a passion for veterinary medicine, with a special interest in surgery. Three years and two cat adoptions later, she found her home as a surgery tech with Veterinary Surgical Solutions.

Outside of work Jenn enjoys creative writing, chess, movies, and knitting toys for her two cats, Jude and Henry McHenry.