Our Veterinarians & Certified Veterinary Technicians 

Rachel Poet, DVM

Dr. Poet has been serving patients and clients at Highland Veterinary for 20 years, and owns the practice with her husband.
She graduated from the Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
She values making long-term connections and building relationships with pets and their people.
Dr. Poet is the proud owner of three dogs, ferrets, two rabbits, and a leopard gecko.
Outside of work she enjoys exercise, reading and going camping.  Dr. Poet is passionate about coffee,
Star Wars, and spending time with her family.

Blayne Houston, CVT

 



Blayne has been with Highland since January 2015. Blayne graduated from Central Oregon Community College
with an Associate of Applied Science VeterinaryTechnology Degree. Blayne loves her job because she is always
seeing something new and medically fascinating. She is a proud Pug-Mom to the very busy Hamilton. 
Outside of work, Blayne enjoys video games, reading, and going thrift shopping. 
She is passionate about all things Pug. 

Support Staff

Jessica: Receptionist

 



Jessica joined Highland in the summer of 2022 and brings many years of experience in the
veterinary industry. Outside of work, Jessica loves anything outside - skiing, hiking, traveling - the
world is for exploring! If she must be inside, Jessica enjoys woodworking, crafting, gardening,
building just about anything, and - most especially - time with her family.

Sarah: Lead Veterinary Assistant

Sarah has been apart of our veterinary assistant team since March of 2021. She is passionate about client education and
helping our clients optimize their relationships with their pets. Sarah is also cross-trained in reception, so you may see her
at the front desk sometimes! Outside of work, she enjoys anything outdoors - hiking, horseback riding, paddleboarding, and spending time
with her Australian Shepherds. Sarah is also a professional dog groomer and has been competing with AKC show dogs for many years.
Sarah recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Psychology.

Erika: Veterinary Assistant

Erika has been with Highland Veterinary since August of 2024. She has a passion for veterinary medicine,
and came to us with extensive prior knowledge from years of working emergency veterinary medicine in
the greater Portland area. The beautiful Central Oregon country is what brought Erika and her family to this area!
Outside of work, Erika enjoys spending time with her children and her menagerie of pets,
including a collection of Pugs, cows, and pigs! 

Annika: Kennel Assistant

Annika joined Highland in late 2021. She enjoys gaining more experiences working with
different species of animals. She is the proud owner of many pets of all varieties. Annika graduated from high
school in 2022 and now attends Bushnell University, where she is working toward her
long time dream of becoming a Veterinarian. 

Reese: Kennel Assistant

Reese joined the Highland team in October of 2024. She is a recent high school graduate with plans
to pursue veterinary medicine. Outside of work, Reese enjoys the outdoors and when the weather is nice,
you can often find her spending time fishing. She is the proud owner of a Longhaired Dachshund
named Gator. 

Sebastian & Kristoff: Clinic Cats

Sebastian and Kristoff have been a part of our team here at Highland for many years.
They are often the first face you may see when you arrive at our office! Sebastian and Kristoff
love soft pets and stealing snacks. Their most important daily tasks are to provide emotional support 
to our staff, clients, and patients.