The Team
Who We Are
Natalie Hammons
General Manager
Hi there! I'm Natalie, and I've been working at Midtown for over eight years now. I've lived in Texas my whole life, and I've always had a deep love for animals and the outdoors. Growing up, I was surrounded by all kinds of animals including chickens and goats, but dogs have always been my absolute favorites.
I have a wonderful dog named Obie, who is 11.5 years old. I adopted him from the Austin Animal Center when he was just 4 months old, and he's been my entire world ever since. Obie loves coming to Midtown and takes his job as yard patrol very seriously!
In my free time, I enjoy working out, doing yoga, and taking Obie for walks. I also love to relax and watch movies whenever I get the chance. Family and travel are very important to me, and I take every opportunity to spend time with my loved ones or explore new places.
My favorite part of working at Midtown is getting to know each of the dogs. I have a soft spot for the seniors and the shy ones, and I love putting pet parents' minds at ease when they leave their babies with us. I can't imagine not working with dogs and am so grateful for Midtown for making it possible!
Michelle Guillerault
Assistant Manager
I went to Southern Connecticut State University for biology because I knew I wanted to work with animals, just not sure how. I worked at a pet resort when I moved to Texas in 2017 and I loved it! I started at Midtown when I moved to Austin in 2019.
When I get to work, I love saying good morning to all our boarding dogs and having them tell me all about how their night was. I love spending time with the dogs, especially with the littles, making sure they’re having a good time and giving them love.
When I’m not at Midtown, I enjoy playing with my cat Henry. At night he’ll curl up on my lap and make biscuits while we catch up on our shows. One of my hobbies is putting together Lego sets, especially flowers and animals.
Chloe Smith
Assistant Manager
Hi, I’m Chloe, a native Austinite! I grew up around a wide variety of animals, not just including dogs and cats, but also fish, birds, snakes, and a rabbit. I’ve always been obsessed with animals from the get-go, but the dogs on Pet Star really kickstarted my interest in working with dogs! I graduated with a BSA in Biology right from UT, and I ended up in dog training to study dog behavior. I’ve since found my way to Midtown and have now been working with dogs professionally for over 7 years. I’ve also volunteered with wildlife rehabilitation, interned at a zoo, and currently volunteer as a photographer and event helper in animal rescue. Outside of animals, I enjoy reading, playing video games, and photography (of animals of course!).
At home, I have a mini-zoo consisting of two dogs, two cats, and two ball pythons. Enzo, my 11 year old german shepherd mix, is my first personal dog. He’s taught me a lot about training, and he’s helped by being the best boy to introduce to scared puppies. My newest addition is my young sapsaree, Journey, whom I recently imported from South Korea. I’m most excited for our “journey” together to become good ambassadors for her breed. Amber and Sol are my cats that aspire to live forever (going 16 and 15 years strong), and Soba and Ember are the ones I’ve dreamed of since I was a young kid aspiring to be a herpetologist!
Rosa Garcia
Grooming Manager
Hi! My name is Rosa I love my profession and pride myself in treating each pup I service as my own. I specialize in helping troubled pups become confident and professionals on the grooming table by gaining their trust.
I find my job to be truly rewarding, after all I’ve been grooming for 11 years. I’ve always been intrigued by dogs from being a child and begging my parents to let me have my own. To now working with them and making them look and feel their best.
I am a Texan at heart; grew up in the armpit of Texas, a little place called Laredo where daily temperatures are 105+, so my activity of choice other than staying cool indoors is swimming, beach side, pool side. I have 5 furry children, 2 cats and 3 dogs, and they are the reason I work so hard to provide them with everything they need and want!
Tori Cates
Groomer
Hi, I’m Tori! I’ve been working in grooming salons since 2015, starting as a bather in Orlando, and I’ve loved every moment of it. It’s so rewarding to see my favorite pups regularly and build connections with both them and their families.
I have a short-haired cat named Charlie who’s been with me for 10 years—he’s the most loving and sweet cat I could ask for. I also have a two year old Doxiepin named Jojo, who is usually either snuggled up with me peacefully or being a crazy girl and keeping me on my toes!
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I was born in the Bahamas, raised mostly in Vermont, and also spent time in New York and Florida growing up, so I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the best of both snowy winters and tropical sunshine.
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When I’m not working with pets, I’m focusing on my art. I enjoy a multitude of mediums, but I especially love painting with acrylic paint and using oil pastels. One of my favorite things to paint are flowers and bouquets! It’s my way of expressing creativity outside of the grooming world.
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El Chism
Groomer
Hi! I’m El, and I started in the grooming industry as a teenager, and discovered my passion for dogs of all varieties!
When I’m not pampering pups, you can find me enjoying the great outdoors with my 11 year old heeler, Chief, or hanging out with my friends. I love spending time in nature and making memories with the ones I care about.
I’m excited to be part of the team and can’t wait to meet your furry friends!
