The Heart Behind Yaqui's Spay, Neuter, Vax, & Microchip Clinic: How one student's dream became a community legacy.

By Alyssa Cerroni

From the time she could walk, Kate Montiel was surrounded by an unlikely cast of animal companions—ferrets, ducks, turkeys, chickens, cats, and dogs. Her childhood was filled with early-morning feedings, muddy boots, and the quiet lessons that come from caring for creatures who depend on you. It was here that Kate discovered not just a love for animals, but a deep sense of responsibility and empathy, traits that would follow her into the classroom and beyond.

When Kate joined the Donna North Veterinary Science Program, she didn’t simply show up; she helped shape its future. Noticing a gap in the community’s access to affordable veterinary care, she found herself imagining a space where students could gain real-world experience while families received the support they needed. And then she took the bold step that turns a dream into a mission: she spoke up.

Through determination and a remarkable ability to connect people, Kate rallied students, veterinarians, community partners, legislators, and sponsors. Her vision and leadership led to the formation of what is now the Donna North/Yaqui Animal Rescue Spay and Neuter Clinic—a program that not only serves local families but trains the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Kate’s story didn’t end at graduation. Now studying at Texas A&M University, she continues her journey toward becoming a veterinarian. Yet every month, she carves out time to return home, slipping on her scrubs and stepping back into the clinic she helped create. She mentors current Future Vet students, troubleshoots challenges, and works alongside Ms. Cedillo and volunteer veterinarians to ensure every clinic runs with the same heart and purpose it was founded on.

“So many students dream of having opportunities in the veterinary industry, and here we are creating a clinic that opens the door for countless others to follow,” Kate shares.

Her words ring true in every corner of the clinic, where students practice skills, discover passions, and learn the importance of service. Kate remains a living example of what it means to lead with intention, proving that when compassion meets action, entire communities can be transformed.

Her legacy is more than a clinic. It’s a movement. And for the students who step into those clinic doors, it’s a reminder that big dreams, when fueled by heart, can create lasting change for both people and the animals they love.