Meet the Team

Doctor Katie Eick

CEO & Founder, DVM

Dr. Katie Eick, the Founder and CEO of Rockin’ Pets, Rollin’ Vets, is a 1998 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated as the recipient of the Gentle Doctor Award, which is given to the student who demonstrated exceptional and compassionate patient care. Dr. Eick initially practiced in Virginia, where she established and developed a brick-and-mortar veterinary practice before relocating to Alabama, where she engaged in relief work. Finally, she landed in Texas, where she worked in a no kill shelter in Austin, before finally settling down in Houston in 2013.

With extensive experience across various facets of veterinary medicine, Dr. Eick recognized a significant demand for in-home mobile veterinary care. In 2016, she launched her full-service mobile veterinary practice under the name "South By South Vets," which has since evolved into the well-known Rockin’ Pets, Rollin’ Vets. Dr. Eick currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Doctor Jennifer Penland

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Jennifer Penland is a proud native Houstonian. Early on in her education, Dr. Penland embarked on a summer job where she worked at a local veterinary clinic, which ultimately led her to her passion and career in veterinary medicine. After graduating from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Behavior and a minor in Theatre, Dr. Penland went on to obtain her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University and additional clinical training at Texas A&M University.

Dr. Penland has special interests in behavioral medicine, geriatric medicine, and pain management. Dr. Penland and her fiancé share their hearts and their home with Gladys, her Golden Retriever who has been her constant companion since college, along with Kat, a goofy cuddle bug Catahoula/Pit mix, and Edith (affectionately referred to as Screamith), a tiny but very vocal cat.

Doctor Leslie Jenkins

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Leslie Jenkins is a native of Mississippi who relocated to Houston in 2006. Her love for veterinary medicine developed early. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Science and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University.

Upon graduating from MSU with her DVM in 2006, she entered a laboratory animal medicine residency program at Texas A&M University. In October of 2007, Dr. Jenkins joined the staff of Houston Methodist Hospital as a Clinical Veterinarian. Dr Jenkins joined Rollin’ Vets in 2022.

She has almost 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, including specialized training in working with rodents, fish, small ruminants, swine, birds, and small mammals. Dr. Jenkins's areas of interest include pain management, senior care, overall wellness, client education, and small mammal medicine.

Dr. Jenkins is currently “staff” for her multiple feline companions. Dr. Jenkins enjoys volunteering for various charitable organizations supporting Houstonians and their pets in her spare time. She has a passion for travel and college sports. Dr. Jenkins loves to combine the two and will travel to see her beloved Bulldogs play anytime possible. During recent years she worked to overcome an incredible deficiency in plant care and now enjoys being more capable of keeping green things alive and is a true crime documentary/podcast junkie.

Doctor Valeria Alva

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Valeria Alva's journey into the world of veterinary medicine began when she welcomed her first canine companion at the age of five. It was at this pivotal moment that she decided to dedicate her life to assisting pets and their families.

Her path led her to veterinary school in Mexico City, where she successfully graduated in 2021 from the prestigious Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. After graduation, she embarked on her professional career, initially working at a general practice before relocating to Houston with her beloved dog and cat, Prim and Lando to join the Rollin' Vets Team.

Dr. Alva's passion for the field of medicine was kindled during her high school years when she undertook a histology tech course. This experience deepened her love for the medical sciences. Additionally, she volunteered at a goat farm while pursuing her veterinary education, further enriching her understanding of animal care and welfare.

Sergio Amelio

Chief Operating Officer

Sergio Amelio was previously Vice President of Finance at Valley Veterinary, a consolidator of vet practices. For most of his career, Sergio worked in international assignments supporting private equity firms investing in debt and real estate transactions. Sergio received a BA from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from The J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management (Northwestern).

Juan Napoles

Practice Manager

Juan joined the Rollin Vets team in 2022. He has a profound appreciation for the outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking, biking, and gardening. When not immersed in nature, Juan spends quality time with his spouse and their dogs, Levi and Scott. He also volunteers at his local pet shelter on weekends. Juan is passionate about assisting animals and supporting pet owners to ensure their pets lead long, healthy lives. Additionally, Juan enjoys constructing Lego models and exploring captivating literature.