Our Team
At Cornerstone Pet Hospital, we believe that great veterinary care begins with a great team. From our experienced veterinarians to our caring support staff, every member of our hospital is dedicated to caring for pets and the families that love them.
Meet Our Veterinary Team in Brownwood, TX
Our team combines advanced training, years of hands-on experience, and a genuine love for animals to provide the highest level of care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets throughout Brownwood, Early, and surrounding Texas communities. Get to know us by reading more below.
Our Doctors
Dr. Barnhart and Dr. Kotzur met at Texas A&M University in 2007. They graduated together and got married in 2012. They were in Abilene for 10 years and decided that they wanted a different path for their family. Brownwood/Early area offers a sense of community as well as offering sports, 4H, and extracurricular activities for their 3 young boys to participate in. The family bought Cornerstone Pet Hospital in August 2022 and has since moved to Early and has woven their way into the community as much as possible. They support youth sports as much as possible and participate in town activities often.
Dr. Rebecca Barnhart
Dr. Russell Kotzur
Veterinary Technicians, Nurses, Patient Care Specialists
Our technicians care for your pets from the moment they greet you to working with your pet for blood draws, exams, imaging, and surgical procedures. They monitor hospitalized patients and provide extra eyes and ears for our doctors to provide the best care for our patients, your pets.
Shelby
Darby
View Bio ➞
Rachel
Pet Nurse/Veterinary Technician/Patient Care Specialist
View Bio➞
Catherine
Groomer
Bio Coming Soon➞
Katelyn
Veterinary Assistant
View Bio ➞
April
Kennel Attendant
Bio Coming Soon➞
Client Care & Support Staff
Behind the scenes and at the front desk, our support staff make sure your visit is smooth, welcoming, and stress-free.
Ashley
Kendyl
Bio Coming Soon➞
Dr. Rebecca Barnhart
Dr. Barnhart grew up in rural Pennsylvania, showing horses and being active in 4H. She attended undergraduate school at the University of Findlay in Ohio (2005) and graduate school at Texas A&M University, earning her Master’s in Equine Reproduction (2007) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2011). Dr. Barnhart has been in general practice since graduation and loves to help you and your pets with wellness care, and anytime they aren’t feeling their best. Dr. Barnhart loves to bake and be creative whenever possible, but most weekends will be found at the baseball or soccer fields cheering her favorite teams on.
Dr. Russell Kotzur
Dr. Kotzur grew up in the Rio Grande Valley helping his family farm, playing football, video games, and showing animals with FFA. He attended Texas A&M for undergraduate- BIMS (2006) and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2011). Dr. Kotzur has been in general small animal and mixed animal practice since graduating. Dr. Kotzur enjoys surgery and dental care in practice. Dr. Kotzur is often found supporting his kids on the sports fields, but they also enjoy playing War Hammer at the gaming store in town together.
Shelby
Pet Nurse
Shelby is a native of Brownwood and found her inspiration to join the veterinary field through a high school class. She started at Cornerstone 10 years ago, starting as a kennel attendant, dabbled in grooming, but has found her calling in being a pet nurse. Shelby strives for ultimate pet comfort and care, and building relationships with her patients and their parents. You may also find Shelby in odd places in the clinic as she loves to jump out and startle her co-workers. Shelby enjoys her time outside of work with her dog, Lyle, cat Digit, and two children, Aydrian and Ezekiel. They enjoy spending time with extended family camping, fishing, and going to the lake.
Darby
Pet Nurse
Darby is a part-time veterinary nurse at Cornerstone. She started as a kennel Attendant during high school and has learned the skills to be a compassionate nurse. Darby has continued to work on breaks and summers from college. Darby graduated from Tarleton and recently started at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Darby will be an excellent veterinarian. She enjoys spending her free time being active with her family and lovable canines, Bella and Navajo.
Ashley
Customer Care Specialist
Ashley is the smiling face that greets you at our front desk on arrival at Cornerstone Pet Hospital. Ashley graduated from Tarleton and received her bachelor’s in animal production and science with a minor in business. She has been part of the Cornerstone team since 2022 and in the veterinary field since 2012. Ashley loves getting photos of your pet, so their files have their best side showing. She is passionate about educating our clients on wellness care and preventative medications for their furry family members. Ashley has three canine kids – Reeses, Phoenix, and Piccolo, and a fuzzy bunny, Turbo. She also loves caring for large animals and spending time outdoors kayaking, fishing, and hiking with her dogs.
Katelyn
Veterinary Assistant
Katelyn has lived in the Early/Brownwood area since kindergarten and is a proud third-generation graduate of Early High School, where she also earned a dual-credit Associate Degree in General Sciences. Her passion for animals began early and deepened while volunteering at the local animal shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Katelyn attended the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor, where she began nursing school before realizing her true calling was in animal care. She gained hands-on veterinary experience working with another local clinic, learning about animal health, treatments, and procedures.
After joining the Cornerstone team, Katelyn has continued to expand her knowledge and skills under the guidance of compassionate and experienced veterinarians. She values Cornerstone’s dedication to education — for both staff and pet owners — and looks forward to growing her career while helping animals live happier, healthier lives.
During her free time, she loves taking naps with her two cats, Dumpling and Ledger, or going to the park with her dog Remi. She also enjoys gardening, nature photography, hiking, and pretty much anything that is in touch with nature.
Rachel
Pet Nurse/Veterinary Technician/Patient Care Specialist
Rachel earned her Veterinary Assistant Certification from Weatherford College in 2020 and has been working as a veterinary technician ever since. She has a special place in her heart for all animals, but chihuahuas and senior pets are her true favorites. Rachel loves the fast-paced, hands-on environment of surgery just as much as she enjoys connecting with pets and their families during appointments.
Originally from the DFW area, Rachel spent her whole life there before moving here recently to be closer to family and return to the country lifestyle she loves. At home, she and her husband of nearly 14 years stay busy with their children and a lively crew of pets. After saying goodbye to several beloved senior companions, their home is now filled with three dogs — Freya, Chevy, and Maggie — and three cats — Candy, Nova, and Honda.
With her compassionate nature and deep love for animals, Rachel is dedicated to making every pet’s visit as comfortable and positive as possible.