Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Hill Country Vet Hospital in South Bandera! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets! Please call us at (830) 796-3787 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Dr. Nightingale is a 1971 graduate from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Nightingale takes a special interest in equine sports medicine. Dr. Nightingale also has expertise in Acupuncture, CO2 Laser Surgery, Shockwave Therapy, as well as conventional surgery and practices. Dr. Nightingale and his wife have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Dr. Nightingale remains very active in his community and church activities.
Dr. Jerry Billquist (aka Dr. B) a Native of Montana, Dr. Billquist earned his B.S. at Montana State University and earned his Veterinary degree as well as a Master’s in reproductive physiology from Colorado State University. Dr. B enjoys practicing both companion animal and equine medicine. He served as a military veterinarian in the United States Army, has previously owned 2 private practices in Montana, was the resident veterinarian for a large Texas horse ranch and has worked as a relief veterinarian. Dr. Billquist is currently serving as President of the Kerrville Area Veterinary Medical Association and coordinates veterinary continuing education for Veterinarians in the Kerrville, Boerne & Hill Country area. Dr. B has been associated with Hill Country Vet hospital for 16 years. He and his wife Bonnie have 2 grown sons and two grandsons.
Dr. Forthman is from a small town in East Central South Dakota. After four years in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Forthman attended Iowa State University, graduating with a BS and DVM. He established a mixed animal practice near Ames, Iowa. June of 2018, he moved from Iowa to Fredericksburg, Texas. He and his wife of 50 years have two sons, one daughter and one granddaughter. Dr. Forthman keeps busy at home breeding his three AQHA reining mares and taking their offspring to the yearling sales. “Duke” (or high energy German Shorthaired Pointer) looks forward to their fall trips to South Dakota every year.
Office Manager
Amie assists in the growth and development of all aspects of our hospital. A graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor of science in human ecology 1994. Amie has worked in many different areas over the years including hospitality, retail and teaching. She has worked for HCVH for over 13 years and has two daughters and a loving cat, Meme.
Accounts Manager
For 56 years by her husband’s side Nancy has helped run Hill Country Vet Hospital and raise their three children and three grandchildren. We rely on Nancy to take care of several departments including personnel and accounts payable. She and Dr. Nightingale have been married 56 years, and Nancy has always kept our hospital in its best looking condition. One thing Nancy prides is that we always have a comfortable and nice looking environment for our clients.
Office Manager
Welcoming you to our hospital, either on the phone or in the office you will meet Rebecca Lippy. She has been with Hill Country Vet Hospital for almost 10 years now and will try to answer any questions or concerns you may have. She moved to Bandera from Lake Conroe area in 1995. Growing up she enjoyed helping her dad at a few of the local dude ranches (mainly grooming, riding and spoiling the horses) during her summers. She graduated from Bandera High School in 2003. She and her husband of 23 years traveled over parts of Texas & decided to settle down back in Bandera in 2010 so their children Alyssa 20 & Josh 16 could attend Bandera ISD. On the weekends she enjoys spending time with her family, their dog (Maximus) and 1 cat (Lucky).
Veterinary Technician
HOWDY! My name is Samantha Wright, I am from Helotes, TX and also the youngest of five children. I am a 3rd-gen Aggie and a 2024 Texas A & M University College Station graduate, applying to Vet school. Studying to become a large animal veterinarian and hopefully owning my own business. When I am not working with animals you can find me outdoors!
Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in Bandera, Texas to a large family. Music and dancing are my first loves when I am not playing with my puppies as animals have always been a big part of my life. My decision to become a veterinary technician comes from the many array of animals I had around throughout my life from deer, rabbits, horses, cattle and goats. So many stories to share from raising these animals that I would love to tell. Humor is one of my many gifts as well as I love making people smile.
Veterinary Technician
I am a dedicated veterinary assistant from New Jersey, with a passion for caring for all four-legged friends. Currently working towards becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician, I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills to provide the best care for animals. When I’m not caring for your fur babies, I enjoy traveling to national parks, exploring the beauty of the outdoors with my dog Maizy by my side and working horses.
Groomer
Sheryl Katzer has been grooming for over 30 years in South Texas. She has a wonderful rapport with our clients and strives for 100% satisfaction for her customers! She moved to Bandera in 1992, in her off time she enjoys spending time with her husband, 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 step kids. Sheryl is also a reputable dog breeder.
Veterinary Technician
Hello, my name is Katie, and I am currently a student at Angelo State University studying Animal Science on the Pre-Vet track. I am originally from Katy, TX, but moved to Bandera after graduating high school. I absolutely love working with animals and am very excited to be pursing a degree in veterinary medicine. So very thankful to be a part of this amazing team and have the opportunity to build my skills and gain experience working with animals whenever I am home on break.
Receptionist
Hafa-Adai/Howdy! My name is Sondra, I am half Texan and half Chamorro from San Antonio. Mother of 8, grandma of 3 and 5 dogs. We made our way to Bandera Texas 4 years ago. We absolutely love it here. My journey in the Veterinary field started in 2002 as a phone receptionist at a family-oriented hospital in Stone Oak. Where I had spent the next 20 years working my way around the hospital from phone receptionist to technician asst, technician and hospital administrative asst, you name it I did it. I love every aspect of working in the veterinary field. I would say the most thing I enjoy would be the relationships that are built with the clients and patients. To me it’s an honor to be able to help educate pet parents in providing the best medical care to their abilities and becoming a part of their extended family.
On my off time I love to be with our family. Outdoors is where you will find me! If there is water and lots of sun even better. Outside of my love of animals and the outdoors I enjoy cooking. I love to make people smile through my cooking. My husband and I have run our BBQ business for 3+ years. It’s a lot of work but well worth it with all the smiles. I also enjoy baking. I have never been much of a baker till recently and I’d like to think when I am baking it’s because my mother is by my side in spirit. She was the baker in our family.
I am extremely excited to be a part of Hill Country Veterinary Hospital and can’t wait to continue to grow here and be more involved with our small town community.
