Veterinary Support
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Technician Supervisor
Ashley, LVT
Veterinary Tech School: Pierce College
Ashley became interested in the veterinary field in high school, when she volunteered at a small daytime clinic in her hometown of Twisp, WA.
After that experience, she decided to pursue a career as a veterinary technician and attended Pierce College. Ashley graduated in 2007 with an associate's degree in Veterinary technology and has been working for VCA ever since.
After 5 years of working in Seattle, WA as a licensed veterinary technician, Ashley decided to move back to Palm Desert, where she recently joined Valley bringing her experience in emergency and critical care to our practice.
When she's not working she loves hanging out with friends and family. She also enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and kayaking. She has a 3 year old cat named Lilly.
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Registered Veterinary Technician
Jacqui, RVT
Jacqui is a Coachella Valley native, her first job was actually here at Valley Medical Center as a kennel technician while in high school in 1998. Always an animal lover, her interest was sparked to pursue a career in medicine when her pet dog “Cookie” became paralyzed and was referred by Valley to a specialty hospital in San Diego to have a MRI and then surgery. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Health Science, at California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2005. She later achieved her Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2007.
After she completed her degree she returned to the same specialty referral hospital where she had taken her beloved “Cookie." She joined the surgery team with 4 board certified surgeons who specialized in both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. She excelled as a leader and became head technician for one of lead surgeons’. Jacqui returned to the Coachella Valley in 2009 to be closer to family. She joined the VCA team initially in Rancho Mirage, transferring in 2010 to VCA Valley Animal Medical Center.
Jacqui is currently a treatment/critical care technician and surgical nurse. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with all her animals and traveling to foreign countries
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Janet
Registered Veterinary Technician
Janet, RVT
Veterinary Tech School: Pierce College
Janet comes to us most recently from VCA Desert Animal Hospital where she was working as a surgery, dental and critical care technician since relocating to the desert in 2007. Janet is originally from Washington State where she attended the Pierce College Veterinary Technology program graduating in 1995 with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. She acquired LVT status in Washington State by passing both the state exam and the national board exam for veterinary technicians and maintains current status. Janet acquired her California RVT status while working at VCA Desert Animal Hospital.
Janet brings with her a broad range of knowledge and experience acquired since beginning her career in the veterinary field in 1989 as a kennel attendant in a mixed animal practice. She has also b en a receptionist and was a veterinary assistant prior to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. She owned horses for 20 years prior to moving to the desert and went trail riding whenever she could. Now, in her spare time, Janet enjoys spending time with her husband attending car shows, relaxing with their two cats, Roadrunner and Sammy, and gardening.
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Registered Veterinary Technician
Jeannette, RVT
Veterinary Tech School: Cal Poly Pomona
Jeanette started taking care of animals at a very young age, when her family became accustomed to the many injured and sick animals she would find and bring home. After high school graduation, she got her first veterinary assistant job where she stayed for three years and was promoted to lead assistant.
Continuing on her chosen career path and working at a spay/neuter clinic and an emergency clinic, Jeanette went to Professional Veterinary Assistant school and became a registered veterinary technician in 2004. Her advanced training made her eligible to become a veterinary technician at Veterinary Surgical Specialists in Tustin, where she worked alongside board certified surgeons for five years, monitoring surgical patients, assisting with surgeries and providing intensive post operative care.
While still working as a technician, Jeanette pursued her Bachelor's in Animal Science at Cal Poly Pomona and graduated on June of 2010, making the Dean's list her final quarter. The last year of her schooling involved commuting from her new found home in the Coachella Valley, where she moved to in 2009.
Jeanette joined the Valley Animal Medical team in January of 2009 as the hospital's first registered veterinary technician. She has been instrumental in increasing the level of professionalism and state of the art care that has become the hallmark of Valley.
When not caring for hospital animals, Jeanette spends her spare time with her husband, son, and daughter, multiple friends, a large family and running...which she apparently doesn't get enough of at work.
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Ronda & Poop-e-doo
Registered Veterinary Technician
Ronda, RVT
Veterinary Tech School: Pima Medical School
Profession duration: 1995 to present
Education: Graduate of Pima Medical School Technical Veterinary Program in Mesa, Arizona 1995
Graduate of Mt.San Antonio College Alternate Route Program in Walnut,Ca 2007
Achievements:CVT license in 2003
RVT license in 2007
Memberships:American Association of Feline Practitioners
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
California Registered Veterinary Technicians Club
Position:RVT critical care nurse and surgery technician
In the last 18 years of being a Veterinary technician i have had the honor/opportunity of experiencing general practice,shelter medicine,low cost spay/neuter clinics and
a position of being a lead technician in surgery and a non-profit veterinary hospital.
Interests in field:Passion for feline internal medicine and all forms of surgery.
Goals:VTS in Anesthesia in 2014 -
Registered Veterinary Technician
Teresa RVT
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Registered Veterinary Technician
Terri, RVT
Terri grew up in southern California with a large variety of pets, ranging from dogs and cats to birds, fish, and multiple reptiles. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with and assist animals.
She began working at a feed, tack and small animal supply store while in high school and was promoted to a managerial position within a year. Two years later she began working at her first veterinary hospital, taking her interest in working with animals to the next level. After a year as a veterinary assistant, she moved to the Coachella Valley where she continued her career at a local veterinary practice, as well as occasional emergency work.
Terri became part of the Valley Animal Medical Center team in May of 2009, where she has worked as a veterinary assistant. Terri completed an intensive online veterinary technician course in December of 2011 and she became a licensed veterinary technician in June 2012. Expanding her skill set and responsibilities is important to her, and allowing her to do more for the animals she cares for and is committed to.
When Terri is not furthering her education or at Valley Animal Medical Center, she is busy as a first time homeowner and enjoying the company of her four large dogs, three cats, 9 foot red tail boa and fish.
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Alberto
Veterinary Assistant
Alberto, VA
Veterinary Tech School: University of Ciudad Juarez
Alberto was born and raised in Juarez, Chihuahua. He grew up in a restaurateurs and farm family, on 20 acre propriety full of fruit and nut trees; he liked to spend his free time with the animals his family raised on their farm. Thus began his passion for animals.
After completing high school Albert went on to study agricultural and animal science, he graduated with a technical degree in animal science. Alberto went to the University of Ciudad Juarez where in 1987 he was granted his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. While studying at the University Alberto was an assistant to the doctor instructor in microbiology, pathology and surgery. Since graduation, he has worked in several areas of the veterinary field. After graduating Albert spent the next two years working at a private clinic in Juarez, Mexico.
Alberto became a resident of the United States, where he worked in a small animal practice in El Paso, Texas. Here he learned about the treatment of exotic animals from small birds and rodents to large reptiles and snakes. He continued his education by attending a six months course in the specialization of small animals at the University of Ciudad Juarez.
Alberto moved to California in 1996 after his mother suffered a massive stroke to take care of her with the help of his family. In 2000, Alberto moved to the Coachella Valley, he has spent the past twelve years working at Valley Animal Medical Center and Emergency Hospital working in treatment. Alberto’s interests in diagnostics lead him to taking courses in Ultrasound. In 2008, Alberto received his diploma in diagnostic medical sonography of humans and in 2010 he completed a course in advanced ultrasound on small animals.
Someone once asked him, “What is it you like most about your job? Simple he answered, everything, I like to comfort a very ill pet, help calm an aggressive one or talk to the surgeon while assisting them. I like helping in an emergency situation, or taking the best x-ray. Simply, I like everything, but most of all I like taking ultrasounds.”
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Veterinary Assistant
Danielle, VA
Danielle has been in the veterinary field since 2002 where she started as a kennel tech. Danielle loved working with dogs so much she went to pursue a degree and became a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist from Triple Crown Dog Training Academy in Hutto, TX. Danielle is currently pursuing a degree in nursing at College of the Desert.
When she is not busy tending to the pets at work, she is busy with her family and pets. She also enjoys traveling, tennis, snowboarding, photography; making cupcakes with sprinkles, spending time with her family, and of course, the highlight of her life, being a mom.
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Jonathan
Veterinary Assistant
Jonathan, VA
Jonathan has grown up with animals since childhood and always wanted to work with animals. He first started in the veterinary field at VCA All Care Animal Referral Center; he spent 8 months there before moving to the Coachella Valley. Jonathan has been with VCA Valley Animal Medical Center for seven years, he currently works with our emergency and critical care team.
In his free time Jonathan likes to go hiking, fishing, camping, and enjoys the company of his friends and family. He currently has three dogs and two parakeets.
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Veterinary Assistant
Jose, VA
Jose grew up here in the Coachella Valley. He is the middle child in a family of six children. He graduated high school in 2004. Jose worked in food service for a year before realizing he wanted to work with animals. In 2005 he began his employment at Valley Boarding Kennel as a kennel attendant. Jose's natural touch with animals became quickly evident and he was promoted and trained to be a veterinary assistant at Valley Animal Medical Center's Emergency facility in 2006, where he has been employed and appreciated since.
Valley Kennel is home to many of the Border Patrol dogs. With constant exposure to the important work these dogs do, Jose began taking classes in Administration of Justice at College of the Desert. He is hoping to become a member of the Border Patrol. We are proud to have him as part of the team. When Jose isn't working or taking classes, he spends time with his wife, son and sweet, big Rottweiler.
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Veterinary Assistant
Lisa, VA
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Veterinary Assistant
Patricia, VA
Patricia emigrated from Mexico in 2005; her first employment opportunity was with VCA Valley Animal Medical Center Emergency Hospital in the housekeeping department. Patricia didn’t stay there long, within six months she was given the opportunity for advancement working with the patients and having the opportunity to learn from the doctors and their assistants.
Thanks to the training she has received here at Valley, she has developed a great respect and love for our patients. She enjoys the work that she does with our emergency and critical care team; every day is an opportunity to learn something new.
Patricia loves to spend time with her three children and her very first pet, their adored Yorkshire Terrier, Andy.
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Veterinary Assistant
Seth, VA
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Tammy
Veterinary Assistant
Tammy, VA
School: College of the Desert, Associates Degree in Liberal Arts
Tammy was born and raised in San Jose, Ca. At the age of 5 she found a feral cat with kittens living under the water heater in the garage. She spent every day watching, talking and feeding her until she earned her trust. That's when the passion for animals started in her heart and it grows everyday of her life. She grew up with lots of pets from dogs and cats to reptiles and livestock. She still has more than a few pets at home.
She went to College of the Desert and graduated in 2000 with Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She has worked in a few grooming shops in the Valley before landing a position, in 2007 at Animal Medical Hospital in Palm Springs, CA in their grooming/kennels. She was transferred to Valley Animal Medical Center in 2009 and advanced to veterinarian assistant. Tammy is proud of her job in the animal field and would love to advance further.
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Doctor Assistant
Ari, DA
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Arlene
Doctor Assistant
Arlene, DA
Arlene was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. She left for awhile and lived in Texas and Arizona, but realized that this is where her home and heart are. Arlene graduated high school in 1999. Even in high school while everyone else enjoyed their summer breaks, Arlene was busy being a lifeguard. She has a very diverse employment background that includes three years as a pharmacy technician and three years as an early childhood education pre-school teacher, both of which gave her excellent people skills. Arlene came to Valley Animal Medical Center as a receptionist in 2007. Within six months of being in that position, she had exceeded all expectations and at the request of the Medical Director was promoted to the position of room nurse, where she has excelled since. Recognizing her desire to grow and expand her skills, Arlene has once again been promoted to work with the emergency staff and become a veterinary assistant.
Arlene has three amazing sons, ages 12, 11 and 7 years. All of her spare time is devoted to them, whether it's watching them participate in football, baseball, or other community youth sports. Arlene takes an active role in their lives and feels very lucky to have such a wonderful family, a job where she can help animals and continue to improve herself and be part of the Valley team.
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Doctor Assistant
Dezeray, DA
Dezeray Flores has been with VCA Valley Animal Medical Center for the past decade. She began in the janitorial department, and shortly after advanced to the client service representative department. After working two years in the client service department she made another transition to the room nurse department, where she has advanced her technical skills and interest in medicine.
On a personal note Dezeray is very involved in her families Brotherly Love Church. This helps the community by providing emotional support. She is the head Sunday school teacher to the youth group. She also enjoys singing and is a part of her worship team choir.
Her parents have been married for over 20 years. She also has two younger brothers and a wonderful pit bull named Tonka who is fifteen and going strong.
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Elizabeth
Doctor Assistant
Elizabeth, DA
Elizabeth Aispuro has been with VCA Valley Animal Medical Center since 2005. She started at Valley working in the reception department but is now working more hands on with our clients as a doctor’s assistant. She says the best part of her job is being part of the miracles that happen here at Valley everyday, from sick pets getting necessary treatments to keeping our healthy pets well with our highly recommended early preventative care.
As a little girl Elizabeth loved animals and one day hoped she would be doing what she does now. She has a passion for animals and has 3 of her own. There is Eve who is a Boxer, Diesel who is a Pit Bull, and Gucci who is a Pomeranian.
She has many hobbies. She enjoys staying fit by eating healthy and working out. She is also is a very talented artist, she enjoys every thing from simple art like doodling to panting pictures and designing clothes.
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Maria
Doctor Assistant
Maria, DA
Maria E. Bonnell joined VCA Valley Animal Medical Center in 2001. Since coming to VCA VAMC, she has been a Receptionist, Room nurse, Lab technician, Veterinary assistant, Treatment Coordinator and Safety Coordinator. Her most fulfilling and current job duty has been Treatment Coordinator which she has served for over five years. Together with the Medical Director, Regional Manager, Hospital Manager and the Leadership Team, she helps to improve the direction and the day to day operations of the hospital which is an important aspect of her life. She thrives to be thorough and innovative to facilitate the work flow. Her enthusiasm and willingness to help clients makes her an exceptional asset to the hospital. Her discipline to be professional, friendly, and compassionate makes her a great liaison among her co-workers.
Before joining the team at VCA VAMC, she graduated from Indio High school in 1998. She was a member and Treasurer of her local FFA (Future Farmers of America), which sparked her love of animals. She also worked for PetCo, which allowed her to continue her interest in animals where she became Lead Cashier, Small Animal Specialist and finally Assistant Manager.
Outside of professional interests, Maria grew up in Guadalajara Jalisco until her family migrated to the United States in 1986. She finally became a United States Citizen through Naturalization in October, 2011. She is married to a former United States Marine who manages a large retail store, has two lovely boys in elementary school and a wonderful white pit bull named Luna, like the moon.
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Yolanda & Jamaica
Doctor Assistant
Yolanda, DA
As a little girl Yolanda always showed an interest in animals. She started bringing home stray, injured animals, which her parents were not always too fond of. In her home town she was called the dog healer. Yolanda, at the request of her neighbors, performed burial ceremonies for their fury little friends. As a side job Yolanda walked, bathed and took care of her friends’ and family’s pets. Yolanda took this love for animals very seriously and became an animal advocate. As an adult she volunteered her time to rescue and rehabilitate ill animals then found them good homes. That passion drove her to get involved with training and showing dogs.
Yolanda joined VCA Valley Animal Hospital in September of 2002. Since coming to VCA VAMC, she has been a receptionist, room nurse, lab technician, veterinary assistant and treatment coordinator. Currently she enjoys the daily challenges as a room nurse/veterinary assistant, she is passionate about and takes great pride in her work, loves the opportunity to work with animals and learn new things.
Yolanda is currently attending College of the Desert, pursing her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts.
Yolanda is very dedicated to her family; she enjoys spending time with her parents, family and friends, loves to cook and go jogging with her dogs Bolo and Jamaica. But her greatest joy is staying at home being a new mommy and spending time with her husband.
