Meet the Team
Sarah Burbridge, DVM
Owner and Veterinarian
Sarah received her degree from Western University of Health Sciences in California and is the owner of Watermark Veterinary Hospital. She is a member if of the TVMA, AVMA and Society for Theriogenology. She enjoys everything about veterinary medicine, but her passion is working with, taking care of and creating a loving and positive environment her clients, patients, and employees. In her spare time, she and her husband Darryl enjoy family time on the farm with her three children Rae, Charlotte and Jeremy, as well as their 2 rescue dogs CJ and Riker and bottle raised “barn” cats Bryan, Debbie, and Leo.
Welcome to Watermark Veterinary Hospital, let us know how we can help you!
Mary Tatum, DVM
Veterinarian
Mary Tatum DVM has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 40 years. Dr. Tatum received her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Texas A&M. For many years she has run very a successful Labrador and Golden Retriever breeding and training program focusing on hunting and field trials.
She spends much of the year traveling and judging trial competitions around the United States. She has a special interest in sports medicine and canine theriogenology. Mary was named “Breeder of the Year” by the AKC in 2015. This recognition was for excellence in breeding Labrador Retrievers. Watermark Retrievers was also featured by Purina in Today’s Breeder magazine.
Although Dr. Tatum is semi-retired, she will be helping to start up our freeze center at Watermark Veterinary Hospital.
Mary’s appointment days are by special requests only.
Welcome to the family Dr. Tatum we are so excited to have you on board!
Jessica Baird, DVM
Dr. Baird is thrilled to be joining our small-town veterinary family and caring for the pets of this wonderful community. She earned both her undergraduate degree and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University (whoop!), graduating from veterinary school in 2019. She grew up in a small town just outside of Beaumont, Texas, so returning to a close-knit community to plant roots and raise her family feels like a full-circle moment.
After graduation, Dr. Baird practiced for four years in San Antonio, Texas and then spent two years in the Dallas area before making the move here—bringing with her a wide range of experience and a deep love for both pets and the people who love them.
Dr. Baird has a special interest in dermatology and internal medicine, and—of course—new puppy and kitten appointments. She especially loves spending time educating families during those early visits, helping set new pet parents up for a lifetime of success.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Baird stays busy with her husband and their young son. As a family, they love traveling, hiking, staying active, and exploring great food—they’re big foodies at heart! She also enjoys running, exercising, and relaxing with a good book whenever she gets a quiet moment.
At home, Dr. Baird’s crew includes two energetic goldendoodles, Honey and Raven, and two sweet cats, Ebony and Bella-so she truly understands the joy (and chaos!) of a multi-pet household.
Dr. Baird is excited to build lasting relationships with clients and patients alike and feels incredibly grateful to care for the animals of a community that already feels like home.
Dr. Jessica Baird
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine
Class of 2019
Karen
Hospital Manager
Karen has been in the industry for over 25 years. She received her BS degree from the University of Houston. Go Coogs!! Karen is on the board of directors for the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Association (HVPMA) and is Fear Free Certified. She is also Certified with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
Whelping litters and neonatal care has been a strong passion and expertise of hers. Karen loves to raise Golden Retrievers and Labradors to get them prepared for more advanced training.
We are incredibly excited to have her help start our beautiful family here at Watermark Veterinary Hospital.
Caterina
Vet Tech
Caterina has worked as a Veterinary Technician for over 35 years. She enjoys working with surgical and hospitalized patients. Caterina believes in good and compassionate client and patient care, whether here for just and examination and wellness or staying for a supportive care in the hospital.
Caterina is also certified in basic and advance CPR. She lives on property in Burton with her fiancé, Sam, six Mustangs, four house cats, 4 barn cats and her sweet boxer, Tucker.
She is a mother of two boys, Mason and Landon, that are attending college in Houston. Caterina enjoys baking, gardening, working on the farm and simply sitting on her porch, watching the wildlife. We are so lucky to have you on board Caterina!
Nikki
Vet Tech
Nikki was born and raised right here in Washington County and graduated from Burton HS. She attended Blinn and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a BS in Animal Science. She has spent over 20 years in the industry at clinics in Texas, Georgia, and Virginia. Nikki loves all things about being a vet tech and caring for animals and is excited to be back after taking a break to raise her daughter, Shayle.
Nikki lives in Burton where she shares her home with her boyfriend and their 3 dogs: Jax, Ollie, and Meg, and indoor kitty, Aslan.
Nikki has a daughter Shayle that is a 2021 graduate of Brenham HS and is a student/athlete at a private university in Oklahoma. Nikki enjoys reading, dancing, fishing and watching the wildlife from her front porch.
Megan
Vet Tech
Megan grew up in Cypress, Texas, and moved to Brenham in 2023. She now lives in Burton with her sister and her cat, Pebbles.
After graduating high school in 2024, Megan knew she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She has been working as a Veterinary Technician Assistant for the past six months and is currently completing her Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) and CPR certifications online. Once completed, she plans to enroll in the Veterinary Technology program at Blinn College to continue advancing her education and career in animal healthcare. Megan is passionate about learning and is excited to grow within the field while providing compassionate care to animals.
Gail Burbridge MD
FACS
Gail is retired General and Vascular surgeon. He practiced primarily in Houston where he led a phenomenal and successful career in human medicine and surgery. In his retirement, Gail splits his time between city life in Houston and country life in Brenham.
He enjoys gardening, playing Bridge, and morning coffee on the porch with his grandson Jeremy. Gail also enjoys exploring Brenham with his wife Mary Jo. He has been a huge cheerleader in the creation of Watermark Veterinary Hospital.
You may see Dr. Gail Burbridge welcoming you at the front desk or helping in our pharmacy and laboratory area. Not only is he my father, but a priceless level of skill, experience and intelligence to have around the practice. We are excited that you are here.
Dessyre
Vet Tech
Dessyre grew up in a small town in California. She moved out to Houston after graduating high school to pursue a career as a Veterinary Technician. She attended the Vet Tech Institute of Houston and graduated in 2021 with her Associate’s degree in animal science.
Dessyre loves everything about being a vet tech and looks forward to continuing learning and growing in the field. She moved to Brenham a few years ago and lives with her fiancée and fur babies Moose and Caribou, heeler mixes. She enjoys baking, being outside, and spending time with her family and friends.
Erin
Client Service Representative
Erin was born and raised in Richmond, TX and spent her teenage years in Simonton, TX. She graduated from Brazos High School in Wallis, TX and went on to attend Sam Houston State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Wildlife Management. She moved to Chappell Hill in 2018 with her husband and has built her family there. She is a mom of 2 toddler girls, 1 dog, 6 cows and 1 mini donkey. On her days off, she enjoys reading, cheering on the Dallas Stars and playing with her girls.
Connie
Vet Tech
Connie is a veterinary technician with over 30 years of experience specializing in canine reproduction and laboratory medicine.
She is passionate and committed to combining technical excellence with compassionate client care, helping preserve generations of exceptional bloodline while delivering personalized service and trusted guidance.
Her expertise includes reproductive management, semen collection, and cryopreservation.
When she is not home spending time with her four little dogs Bree, Bailey, Charlie, and Juniper she likes to attend continuing education seminars, visiting other reproductive clinics, and attending/volunteering at dog shows.
