Seattle Veterinary Associates

Mark Donovan, DVM
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Donovan earned his degree with Honors from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). His veterinary interests include soft-tissue surgery, endocrinology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases.

He has one pet – a French bulldog named Cutter. Dr. Donovan enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, hiking and backpacking, snowboarding, playing tennis, gardening, going to Mariners games, and reading.

Jeb Mortimer, DVM
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).

“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”

When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.

Pat Richardson, DVM
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Dr. Richardson earned his degree from the University of California, Davis. He completed an internship and residency program at Washington State University, where he also taught as an assistant professor. While at WSU, he concentrated on small-animal internal medicine and surgery – his primary interest of today.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Richardson has focused on veterinary dentistry. He has two cats and a dog. He also enjoys spending time with his family, taking part in continuing education initiatives, skiing in the winter, and biking in the summer.

Stuart Spencer, DVM
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Dr. Spencer earned his degree from the University of California, Davis. He received a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Range Management from Cal Poly San Luisobispo.

“I have a special interest in well patient care, geriatrics, internal medicine, endoscopy and laser surgery.”

He has two dogs, one of which “has a talent for challenging all of my medical abilities with his many chronic illnesses.” Dr. Spencer has a strong interest in international development and resource management. Away from the office, he spends time fly-fishing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, soapstone carving, snow skiing, and snowshoeing.

Sara Barnhart, DVM
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Dr. Barnhart earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan, where she also earned a B.A. in the History of Art. She completed her internship with the Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, Michigan.

“I have a strong interest in oncology and internal medicine, although working with people and animals is the main reason I am in this profession.”

She has six pets – a dog named Maya and five cats named Frida, Boolie, Keith Richards, Potato, and Pablo. She enjoys the outdoors – particularly camping, hiking, and snowshoeing. She also enjoys traveling, doing yoga, checking out art, and listening to music.

Don Canfield, DVM
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Dr. Canfield earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, with Distinction, from Washington State University. He then interned at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.

He then was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Washington. Completing his fellowship in 1970 he became one of the original partners in Seattle Veterinary Associates. While on sabbatical, Doctor Canfield was appointed an Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in 1975 conducting cardiovascular research and teaching. He returned to the practice in 1976.

“Minimizing health risks and managing long-term health needs have always been my primary interests and goals. Meeting the medical and surgical needs of my patients and their families is my daily goal.”

“It has been my honor and privilege to be a veterinarian and a partner in Seattle Veterinary Associates for over forty years”

Dr. Canfield lives in Vashon Island and loves spending his time with three dogs (Kip the Border Collie; Milan, a Labrador Retriever and Gwinnie the Cock-a-poo), four cats (Squash the smash faced orange guy; Dorothea, another foundling gray and white drooler; her fellow drooler, Franklin the black cat who wants to be a dog and Phinneus the 3 1/2 legged blackberry patch cat), Annika a 17 year old thoroughbred Mare, Echo the Gecko, and assorted chickens. He also has strong interests in local schools and community issues and the School for Global Animal Health at Washington State University.

He likes to spend time with his family, travel, ski, hike, and sea kayak and The Seattle Mariners.

Joan Emery, DVM
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Dr. Emery earned her degree from Kansas State University. She earned her B.S. in Zoology from the University of California, Davis.

“I truly enjoy the cases I see in the general practice setting. I particularly enjoy educating people about their pet's health care and preventative medicine. In the science of veterinary medicine, my interest is more towards internal medicine.”

She has three pets – Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, and Chug – and likes to spend time playing soccer, skiing, hiking, and working with her husband, Steve, on their house and garden. Dr. Emery also enjoys exploring the area, discovering other towns, and trying new places to eat.

Valissitie Heeren, DVM
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Dr. Heeren earned her degree from Iowa State University. She interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Denver Veterinary Specialists in Colorado and earned a B.A. in Medical Biology from Beloit College in Wisconsin.

She has a strong passion for surgery and emergency medicine, and volunteers her time spaying and neutering feral cats with the Feral Cat Project. She also provides veterinary care at the Doney Clinic.

She has one pet – a black lab mix named Indy – and likes to spend time gardening or exploring the hiking trails in the Seattle area.

Stephen Jones, DVM
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Dr. Jones earned his degree from Oklahoma State University. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Public Health Services as an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control at the Washington State Health Department.

He brings more than 40 years of veterinary medical experience specializing in small animal internal medicine and surgery; he also was a founder of SVA in 1971.

He lives in North Seattle with his wife, Karen, and their two dogs – Mia and Jorda – and often visits his daughter Kasey, who lives with her husband Chris and their dog, Beatrice, in West Seattle. Outside of the office, Dr. Jones – who ran the Boston Marathon in 1978 –might be running, skiing, bicycling, and spending time in his log cabin near Mt. Rainier.

Carina Nacewicz, DVM
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Dr. Nacewicz earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she also completed her B.S. in Zoology. She interned at Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa.

“While internal medicine and surgery are my key medical interests, the unique bond is what drove me to pursue these avenues in veterinary medicine. After graduation, I pursued additional training in emergency and exotic pet medicine, which was then followed by employment at an emergency, critical care and specialty hospital. It is a pleasure to be able to incorporate these experiences into caring for my patients over the expanse of their lifetime.”

She has two pets and enjoys spending time traveling, listening to music, checking out art, reading, hiking, camping, bicycling, snowboarding, playing board games, and taking advantage of any excuse to socialize and laugh.

Maryam Salt, DVM, CVA
Primary Location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Dr. Salt earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from Washington State University. She then completed an internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. She earned her B.S. in Zoology and Anthropology from the University of Washington. In 2010 Dr. Salt also completed Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture through Colorado State University.

Her professional interests include internal medicine, emergency and critical care, geriatric pet care, and pain management. She also enjoys volunteerism in the veterinary field locally and spent time in the South helping the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Salt lives in North Seattle with two Basset Hounds (Henry and Cooper), a mixed breed dog (Mugsie), an Old Dog Haven foster dog (Granny Franny) and Ollie the cat. In her free time she enjoys swimming, hiking, camping, jewelry making, photography, and spending time with friends. 

Maura Westerdahl, DVM
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Dr. Westerdahl earned her degree from Cornell University. She received her B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College.

She has a veterinary interest in senior care, zoonoses, and public health.

She has one pet – an English Pointer named Callah – and likes to spend time hiking, backpacking, cooking, playing softball, and traveling.

Ann Whereat, VMD
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Whereat earned her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She also received a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She has a veterinary interest in internal medicine and the human-animal bond.

Outside the office, Dr. Whereat has one pet – a Great Swiss Mountain dog – and likes to spend time with her husband and three daughters.

April Aiken, LVT
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

April joined SVA in 1997 after earning her A.A. in Arts and Sciences and A.A. in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College. She has a cat named Marbles and a dog named Halla.

Outside the office, April makes glycerin soaps, salves, lip balms, and facial masks. She also enjoys gardening – growing Italian herbs, mostly – and spending time with her family.

McKenze Berge, LVT
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

McKenze joined SVA in 2005 after earning her Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Technology from North Dakota State University. She is certified in Animal Nutrition and a Certified ABC Dog Trainer. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, but especially likes discussing everyday behaviors of cats and dogs with clients. “There’s nothing better than seeing the difference you can make in someone’s everyday life.”

Outside the office, she enjoys outdoor activities like biking, snowboarding, and hiking. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Paige, and cats, Lady and Picasso.

Lisa Coyne, LVT
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Lisa joined SVA in 1988. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan and has maintained a Washington LVT license from 1988 to the present. Anesthesiology is her area of special interest and advanced study. “I enjoy anesthesiology because it integrates and applies physiology, pharmacology and technical skills. My goal is always to provide anesthetic care that takes the individual’s physical and mental status into account and produces a calm, comfortable and safe experience.”

Since she is admittedly a bit hyperactive, Lisa enjoys working in a profession that requires physical and mental stamina. Outside the office Lisa prefers to be outdoors. She expends energy by rock climbing, bicycle racing, yoga and exercising her dogs in the woods.

Kay Kemman, LVT
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Kay joined SVA in 1988 after completing a B.A. in German and B.A. in Sociology from Whitman College. She is interested in feline behavior. “I really enjoy talking with new cat owners about their pets. Geriatric pet care, when we as a veterinary team and the owner can work together to keep the old guys happy and healthy, it's quite rewarding.”

Kay also enjoys gardening, minor household repair and maintenance, reading murder mysteries, and drinking coffee.

Emilie Kuester
Primary Locations: Ravenna Animal Hospital and Green Lake Animal Hospital

Emelie joined SVA in October of 2009 after earning her BA in Fine Arts from Seattle University and Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Pierce College in 2009. Her Veterinary interests include anesthesiology, hematology, pharmacology, pain management and Sharpei specific conditions and maladies. Her personal interests include photography, traveling, live music, soccer, cooking, reading and buying shoes. She loves to spend time with her family, dog, and boyfriend, Peter. Emilia has a five year old Sharpei named Shasha with a cute wrinkled face.

Linda Merrill, LVT, VTS (SAIM)
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Linda joined SVA in 1977 after earning her A.A. and A.S. in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College. She received her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2008. She has one dog (Sally) and two cats (Raymond, and Audrey), all of whom are rescue pets.

Outside the office, Linda enjoys scuba diving, traveling, motorcycle touring, remodeling her home, and growing orchids and cacti.

Michelle Norkowski, LVT
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Michelle joined SVA in 2008 after earning her B.S. in Veterinary Technology from Michigan State University. “I enjoy everyday challenges that present themselves, be it helping a scared patient calm down or stabilizing an emergency case. I also really enjoy earning the trust of both our clients and patients.”

Outside the office, Michelle likes cycling, hiking, jogging, sailing, and finding funky thrift stores, old records, a good book, and having a great glass of wine. She has two pets, Taja and Mr. Mittens (the softest cat you’ll ever touch and co-founder of Feline Project Mahem.)

Daniel Snodgrass, LVT
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Daniel joined SVA in 2009, specializing in radiology and ultrasonography. He also enjoys surgery and lab work.

Outside the office, he enjoys snowboarding, spending time outdoors, reading, hanging out with his best friend, and karaoke. He has a Chihuahua named Satine and a leopard Gecko named Balthazar.

Dana Strandemo, LVT
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Dana joined SVA in 2005 after earning a B.S. in Veterinary Technology at North Dakota State University and is Certified in Animal Nutrition. "I love surgery and learning new dentistry techniques. Continuing education with clients is also another aspect I love.”

Outside the office, Dana enjoys snowboarding, soccer, biking, or being on the water – when not spending time with Chihuahuas Tucker and Neptune.

Katie Trombley, LVT
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Katie joined SVA in 2003 after completing her A.A. in General Studies emphasizing Biology from Mira Costa Community College. She received a certification in radiation use and safety in Portland, Oregon, and an A.A. in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College.

She’s interested in the outdoors – hiking, cycling, canoeing, and camping. “You know, enjoying the great Northwest!” She also practices yoga and cares for two domestic short-hair cats, Marlee and Norman.

Trish Watson, LVT
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Trish joined SVA in 1999 after earning her B.S. in Elementary Education at James Madison University in 1978 and her A.A. in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College in 1998. Outside the office, Trish enjoys hiking, biking, and volunteering locally and abroad.

Julie Brown, LVT
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Julie joined SVA in 2010. She earned her Veterinary Technician License from Fort Steilacoom Community College in 1985. Julie enjoys all areas of Veterinary medicine and has a passion for working with geriatric pets. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, tall ships, local history and volunteering at NWseaport and World Music.

Constance B., LVT
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Constance joined SVA originally in 1994 after graduating from Pierce Community College with an A.A. in Veterinary Technology in 1993. Her veterinary interests include dentistry and complimentary therapies. Constance has a Great Dane named Duke, a Jack Russell named Nikita, two cats-Grizzley and Mickey Rourke. In her free time she trains her Friesian Horse named Heidi for equestrian competitions.

Angie Brink
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Angie joined SVA in 2005 after completing a certification in Veterinary Assisting from PIMA Institute. She is interested in client education for new puppies and kittens, and likes being able to be there to comfort patients in their time of need.

Personally, Angie enjoys outdoor activities, exploring wildlife and nature, and keeping busy with her two daughters, Alicia and Charlotte. She also has two pets, Penny “a neurotic black lab” and Lil Girl, “the 5-pound princess.”

Kristina Crow
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Kristina joined SVA in May of 2010. Prior to SVA, she attended the Sno-Isle Skill Center for Veterinary Assisting and Grooming. She also spent five years volunteering at a Zoo. Her veterinary interests include surgery and neurology and she is enjoying learning more about veterinary pharmacy. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys hiking, playing sports, listening to music and anything outdoors. She has an 11 year old Dalmatian/Lab mix named Tobi.

Sarah Michel
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Sarah joined SVA in 2009 after earning her B.A. and B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Evergreen State College. She’s interested in phlebotomy, pediatric pet care, exotic pet care (particularly reptiles), and animal behavior.

Outside the office, Sarah likes hiking, backpacking, kayaking, gardening, orchid culture, digital photography, international travel, “culinary snobbery,” and 90s-era PC games. She has a tortoiseshell feline named Nausicaa.

Nicole Negley
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Nicole joined SVA in 2008 after earning her B.A. in English Literature from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin. She has two cats – Stubby (an orange three-legged talker) and Oden James (a young male cat who is prematurely cranky). In addition to enjoying sampling new foods and beverages, Nicole also enjoys working off everything she ate with long walks and hiking.

Ga-Wing Obenberger
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Ga-Wing joined SVA in 2007 after earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. Ga-Wing has three dogs – Waverly, Mauser, and Cricket – and enjoys going to the mountains, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family.

Kasey
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Kasey joined SVA in 2007 after earning her B.S. in Biology, with emphasis in Physiology, from the University of Washington. She currently has two cats; Thomas and Simon, who add a pleasant dash of chaos to her everyday life. In her free time, Kasey enjoys yoga, reading, dangling bits of string in front of her cats and volunteering.

Megan Strong
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Megan joined SVA in 2005 after earning her Certificate of Veterinary Assistant from PIMA Medical Institute. She enjoys working in surgery, continuing her education, and learning and growing everyday.

Outside the office, Megan loves to snowboard, wakeboard, watch and go to football games, and going on hikes with her dog, Gracie, and hanging out with her cat, Cooper.

Lisa Woods
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Lisa joined SVA in 2008 after earning her B.S. at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster LVT On-Line Program. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, running, hiking, skiing, and anything she can do with her two German Shepherds, Kona and Scout.

Kelsey Jones
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Kelsey joined SVA in 2009. She attended the University of Colorado, Denver, and Rocky Mountain School of Animal Massage and Acupressure, AAMT. She loves learning about animal nutrition and canine behavior, and also shows particular interest in rehabilitation and alternative therapy. She also volunteers with Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services Blood Bank.

Kelsey enjoys cooking, baking, and escaping to the mountains for a good bike ride or hike with her American Bulldog mix Nova.

Spencer Crilly
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Spencer joined SVA in 2010 after earning his A.A. degree from Highline Community College. He was primarily trained in assisting with surgery and grew very interested in radiography and remains fascinated by it. Recently he has become more interested in the study of reptiles. When given time off, he enjoys backpacking, camping and spending time with his French Bulldog Murphy and a growing Red Tail Boa who is probably as sweet as a snake could get.

Sue Leisos
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Sue Joined SVA in the summer of 2009. She has a B.A. in Modern European History from State University of New York at Oswego. She is interested in holistic medicine and healing. She will soon be volunteering her time with wildlife rehabilitation outfits throughout Washington. She is very interested in obtaining her license as a wildlife rehabilitationist. She has two wonderfully hilarious cats, Cholo and Perla, and a slightly neurotic Aussie named Jack.

Jack
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Jack joined SVA in 2010 after earning a BS in Natural Science with an emphasis in Biology at University of Puget Sound. He enjoys hiking/camping, playing sports, hanging out with friends and having adventures both abroad and down the street. Jack also likes to spend his free time pursuing artistic ideas and has two Fox Terriers named Spencer and Gracie.

Daniel
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Daniel joined SVA in January of 2011 after earning a BS in Biology at Seattle University. He enjoys fishing, fly-fishing, snowboarding, and just about anything outdoors. He is currently a volunteer Track and Field coach at Seattle University as well as an alumnus of the program. Daniel also has an African Kenji Cichlid named Poke (Po-keh).

Jamie
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Jamie joined SVA in January, 2011. She holds a BS in Zoology at Colorado State University. She volunteers at PAWS Wildlife Center and loves being outdoors and active with her 8 month old Black Lab, Beasly.

Sharleen
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospitals

Sharleen joined SVA in October, 2011 after earning her BS in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in neurology, physiology, and behavior at the University of California, Davis. As an undergraduate she began working at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, equine medicine, large animal ICU and neonatal ICU. She has also worked with bovine and swine and has a great love for equine and canine species. She aspires to attend veterinary medical school on the west coast. In her free time, Sharleen enjoys horseback riding/training, photography, dog training and reading. She has a four year old pound dog mix, an 18 month old German Shepherd, and an eight month old Corgi/Dachshund mix.

Kelly Barth
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Kelly joined SVA in 2007 after earning her B.A. in Communications from Central Connecticut State University. “I have always loved animals for as long as I can remember. I am so thrilled to be training as a Veterinary Assistant! I especially love working with the cats, and I have a keen interest in surgical procedures and radiology and look forward to developing my talents more over the years.”

She loves to read, write, draw, collage, and take photographs. She relaxes by gardening or playing with her four cats – Ariel, Mia, Nevada, and Irie.

Jamesy
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Jamesy joined SVA in 2009. She is currently a student with University of Phoenix focusing on criminal justice and psychology. She plays guitar, enjoys movies, puzzles, and collecting vinyl records. She enjoys yoga and going out on the town. She has inherited two cats, Jasmine and Scamp. She also has a dog, Quinn and a corn snake named Fuego.

Kate Cullen
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Kate joined SVA in 2008. She’s interested in companion animals and pursuing an education in the veterinary field. She attended the art school in San Francisco for photography, and enjoys art, fashion, music, sushi, and sunny days. Kate has a Rottweiler named Bub and a Staffordshire bull terrier named Rhino.

Rachel Denney
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from the University of Washington. She is interested in preventative healthcare for pets, and hopes to work with large animals in the future. She enjoys the outdoors, including: camping, hiking, climbing and gardening. Rachel and her Bengal named Kalonji are looking forward to adding a dog to her family.

Deb Kaye
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Deb joined SVA in 2002 after graduating from the Seattle Institute’s Hypnotherapy program. She enjoys refinishing furniture, kayaking, and running (for 20 years) her private practice of self-image coaching and trauma therapy. She has three cats: Kahtre, Mojo, and ZuZu.

Kelly Lewis
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Kelly joined SVA in September of 2011 after earning her BA in sociology from University of Washington. She loves working with animals. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, surfing, dining out, and spending time with her three dogs, Layla, Berta, Henry.

Jakob Miller
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Jakob joined SVA in 2008. “What’s not to love about all aspects of veterinary science? It’s a distinct possibility that I would like to continue an education and advance in this field of work,” he said. Jakob also is interested in meteorology, music, movies, social gatherings, camping, hiking, and skiing.

He has a ragdoll feline named Mingo, who likes to: Sleep, watch TV, pounce, chase laser light, scratch his post, groom, soil a freshly cleaned litter box, swat at and stare at Jakob in his sleep, mess up blinds, try to steal ice cream, drink Jakob’s drinks, sit on laptops while in use, and finally, he is a MASTER escape artist.

Vicky
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Vicky joined SVA in 2001 after earning her B.A. in English from Washington State University. She enjoys painting, traveling, and seeing all the different animals that call Seattle home. She has a dog named Kelty who “keeps me on my toes and always speaks when spoken to!”

Abby
Primary locations: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Abby Joined SVA in May of 2008 after earning her BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies at Washington State University. She has recently earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Washington. She enjoys walking her dogs, reading, science fiction television and political activism. She has to dogs, Dexter, a Flat-Coat Retriever mix, and Yoshi, a Shih-Tzu mix.

Becky
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Becky joined SVA in 1998 after studying History and English at North Seattle Community College. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her pets, including Joon and Violet (dogs), Lemony (parakeet), and Flannigan (cat).

Kelly
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Kelly joined SVA in 2007. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her pets – two dogs, a cat, and a pair of birds – as well as watching movies, reading books, hiking with her dogs, and photography.

Ana Rodriguez
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Ana joined SVA in 2010. Her experience with animals comes from 10+ years of pet sitting and owning pets of her own. Her education includes one year of university studies with emphasis in Psychology. Ana plans on resuming her studies in Psychology in the near future to be in a position to work with at-risk youth. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Upon invitation Ana sings and/or speaks at women's retreats, conferences and weddings. Interests/hobbies include: Writing, reading, singing jazz & gospel, cooking, fine dining and being active. She lives by the following quote by Mother Teresa, "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of kindness."

Brandon
Primary location: Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Brandon joined SVA in 2009 and he continues to work with the SVA staff to understand as much about pets as possible. Brandon loves interacting with and helping clients, he also enjoys seeing sick pets be nursed back to health.

Outside of work Brandon enjoys video games, reading, working out, and hanging out with friends. Brandon had to leave his Jack Russell Lexie back in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Jaclyn Aldrich
Primary location: Ravenna Animal Hospital

Jaclyn joined SVA in 2009 after earning her BS in Animal Sciences and Primate Ethololgy at the Ohio State University. She loves all furry creatures, and is quite interested in exotics and large animals, particularly horses. She’s also enjoyed working with chimpanzees for cognitive research as well as volunteering at a gibbon sanctuary, and with orangutans at the Woodland Park Zoo.

Jaclyn has recently ventured into the world of roller derby, but also enjoys playing team sports, snowboarding, and has a passion for traveling to foreign countries, and trying new adventures in food. She has a Guinea Pig named Ralph and two cats; Kittybear and Emily.

Lea
Primary location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Lea joined Northwest Veterinary Hospital in August, 2011. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Women’s Studies from Smith College. She has volunteered with animal rescues fostering dogs before adoption and is looking forward to exploring a career with animals. She enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, running, visiting museums, creating mosaic art and spending time with her rescued miniature pinscher mix “Ries”.

Charlie Seneca
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Charlie joined SVA in September of 2011. He enjoys making/recording music, sports, reading and long walks on the beach. He has a longhaired miniature Dachshund named Dakota.

Marilynn Cantrell, Inventory Specialist
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Marilynn joined SVA in 1983 after attending Michigan State University. She’s interested in rubber stamps, reading, walking with her rescued Doberman – Tori – laying on a beach “any place,” and listening to live blues music (especially Buddy Guy).

JoAnne Donelson, Accounting
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

JoAnne rejoined SVA in 2007, after a previous ten-year employment with the company. She earned her BS from the University of Washington, is a Notary Public, and belongs to the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. She has one cat named Sam, though in the past, has enjoyed a variety of cats, dogs, ducks and chickens in her household. JoAnne enjoys spending time with her family and friends, antiquing, and reading.

Candyce Jack, LVT (and our Webmaster)
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Candyce joined SVA in 1995 after earning her B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington. She also has an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Pierce Community College. She’s particularly interested in nutrition and alternative medicine, though she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Candyce, who serves as our webmaster, has three pets – two dogs and a cat – and enjoys spending time outside of the office by gardening, hiking, designing websites, knitting, and taking photographs.

Summer Smith, Human Resources
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Summer joined SVA in 2007 after earning her A.A. from South Seattle Community College. She has three mixed-breed dogs – Zeus, Freckles and Ringo – whom she adopted. Summer enjoys spending time at the ocean digging clams, camping with family and friends, walking in the park with her dogs, gardening in the summer, and spending time with her husband, Bob.

Wendy Soderquist, Practice Administrator
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital

Wendy joined SVA in 2006 as our Hospital Administrator. She came to SVA with 16 years of veterinary management experience, 12 of which was spent in private practice and 4 of which was spent in corporate veterinary medicine where she was regional manager for 11 hospitals. Previous to working in the veterinary field, Wendy worked in retail and held various positions in customer service including a retail office manager position. She became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in 1995 through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.

Outside the office, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, four grown children, and two grandchildren; and Lucy their calico cat and Roscoe their Labrador retriever. She and her husband enjoy gardening, traveling, and cruising in their 1928 Studebaker.