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Our Team
At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, we know all our clients demand high quality care as well as great service. To meet this expectation, we’ve assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals—doctors, veterinary technicians (many “certified” or CVTs), tech assistants, front desk personnel, kennel staff, and a full-time business manager.
Veterinarians
Dr. Amber Herron, DVM
Owner / Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Amber Herron became lead veterinarian and owner of Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital in January 2018. A native Kansan, Dr. Herron has practiced veterinary medicine in Billings and the surrounding area since 2006. She is a graduate of Kansas State University where she completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, then remained at K-State for her medical education, completing her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) four years later. Like all our docs, Dr. Herron offers care to a wide range of small animals and pocket pets—everything from dogs and cats and birds to bunnies, chinchillas, and reptiles. She is married and spends her free time with her husband Jim, two children, and operates a Bulldog breeding business on the side.
Dr. Erika Cantamessa, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Erika Cantamessa has been an associate veterinarian with Caring Hands since 2015. She is a native of Wallace, Idaho, and did her undergraduate work at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She received her DVM from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, WA. Dr. Erika (as she prefers to be called) enjoys reading, crafting and crocheting, long walks, and time with her kids. She and her family have 1 dog, a golden retriever named Bob.
Dr. Erin Maxted, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Erin Maxted joined our team as a DVM after graduating from Iowa State University in 2023. With over a decade of experience working with animals, she also served as a veterinary technician prior to becoming a doctor, gaining hands-on expertise in patient care. Her professional interests include internal and sports medicine, as well as equine and large animal care. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Medicine to further her understanding of the connections between animal health and the environment.
Outside the clinic, Erin enjoys skiing, hiking, and backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains. At home, she raises fish and adores her furry family: Misha, a Malamute, Cricket, a terrier mix, and her cats Sassy and Luna. Known for her honesty and passion, Dr. Maxted is committed to delivering thoughtful, comprehensive care to every patient.
Dr. Jessica French, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jessica French completed her pre-veterinary studies at Montana State University in Bozeman and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2021—Go Cyclones!
Originally from a small farm in Minnewaukan, North Dakota, Dr. French grew up surrounded by a variety of animals, which sparked her passion for veterinary medicine early on. She began her career in southern Idaho, practicing both dairy and equine medicine—a unique and rewarding combination.
After a year in Idaho, she and her husband made the decision to return to Montana to be closer to his family. Today, she shares her home with three dogs (Nemo, Ringo and Sandi), two cats (Gizmo and Bobby), and a horse named Chester.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. French can often be found cheering on the Reed Point–Rapelje Renegades, where her husband coaches football and basketball. When not at a game, she enjoys relaxing at home and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and son.
Veterinary Technicians
Marcie
Practice Manager, Laboratory Lead, and Veterinary Technician
Marcie is the clinic’s IV catheter Queen. She is originally from Ogden, Utah, but lives here in Billings with her Husband and two kiddos. Marcie has worked for the clinic since 2012, and is our Lead technician and Pharmacy Manager. She enjoys spending her time off at the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.
Fay
Lead - Client Care Specialist
Fay is a Montana native who came to work for us in July of 2020. She has a background working for grooming and boarding facilities, and has proved to be a huge asset to the Caring Hands family. She likes to spend her time off in the mountains, hiking, riding horses, and taking pictures. When not outdoors, she can be found wandering Gainan’s, or the plant section of Home Depot.
Lara
Veterinary Technician, Pharmacist, and Reptile Specialist
Lara is our resident reptile lady! She has worked for Caring Hands since the end of 2017 and has been a technician for the last 2 years. Lara spends her time with her two dogs Raelee and Freya, doing various dog sports, including agility and dock diving, while also running a successful Gecko breeding business! Lara is in school, with a goal to be a Veterinarian. We hope to snag her after vet school!
Tory Barreto
Veterinary Assistant
Tory is a dedicated veterinary assistant with a passion for animal care and a lifelong love for medicine. At 26 years old, she has already built strong skills, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of animals.
Growing up as an Army brat, Tory moved frequently, experiencing different cultures and communities, which helped shape her adaptability and resilience. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for service—values she now applies to her career in veterinary medicine. Tory is currently working on getting her Veterinary Technician license by taking the VTNE. She currently lives with her 4 dogs and 2 cats enjoying the chaos and comfort they bring.
Chris Caruco
Veterinary Technician
Chris is a dedicated veterinary technician with a background in human medicine and a deep passion for animal care. Originally from Florida, Chris relocated to Montana in 2013 and has embraced the mountain lifestyle ever since. After transitioning into the pet industry in 2021, Chris officially became a veterinary technician in May 2024 and hasn’t looked back.
When not in the clinic, Chris is likely out on the trails—whether training for competitive long-distance runs, hiking, camping, or swimming in Montana’s wild beauty. A devoted pet parent, Chris shares adventures with two beloved dogs—Quinn, a Border Collie mix, and Jack, a Pointer mix—along with a feisty tortoiseshell cat named Freya. Combining compassion, clinical skill, and a love for the outdoors, Chris brings heart and energy to every aspect of life and work.
Emery Legare
Coordinator & Veterinary Technician
Emery Legare is a 24-year-old veterinary technician with a deep passion for animal care. She understands that every pet is a cherished family member and works diligently to ensure the clinic operates efficiently—both in providing top-quality care and in managing the essential administrative tasks. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a team of skilled and caring professionals, Emery is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of pet owners and their beloved companions.
Operations
Dr. James Herron, PHD
Chief Administrative Officer
Jim is our Chief Administrative Officer for the practice and assumed administrator duties in the spring of 2018. A psychologist by training, we don’t know what we would do without him here at the clinic! He is a retired educator and has been married to Dr. Herron DVM since 2000. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, tending to his chickens, and writing.
Saige
Veterinary Receptionist
Saige is a veterinary receptionist at Caring Hands Veterinary, bringing experience from a holistic pet food store to offer support and understanding for both clients and pets. With a compassionate approach, Saige handles client interactions, appointment scheduling, and administrative duties with care. Outside of work, Saige enjoys spending time with her Chihuahua, Pixie, as well as reading, collecting antiques, spending time with loved one, and hiking.
Tina Miller
Client Services
Tina was born in Billings and resided here until 1979 then moved to Washington State until her recent decision to move back home to be with her father.
Tina is our Client Care Representative we’ve added into our practice. Although she is new to us she has decades of experience in the Veterinary field and can be very versatile in many different areas. She has a very proactive nature and has instincts that help her to quickly make friends with the fearful – anxious – and aggressive pets to help them feel more comfortable for us to help them in whatever manner we are working through. She also has done in home pet care for many decades to add to her experience with many breeds and the health care needs of all life stages and issues our pets can have.
Tina only has one cat “Izzy” currently but has had many pets and species of all kinds during her life. Her favorite dog breed is Australian Shepherd. Her soulmate fur friend was her Aussie she had to say goodbye to after 17 years. She loves to cook …working in the yard …being outdoors…and arts and crafts of all kinds and music.
Tina is very devoted and dedicated in all aspects of her life and is super excited to continue her career with us.
