Our Staff

Lisa joined SVA in 2008, as a Veterinary Assistant. Lisa earned her Veterinary Technology degree from Penn Foster University and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2013. Lisa also holds a B.S. degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. In 2017 Lisa was the first staff member of SVA to earn her Fear Free Certification and is using that training to improve the lives of pets. Lisa shares her home with her husband and two beautiful German Shepherd Dogs Ryder and Senta who are, together, 150 pounds of energy and love.

McKenze joined SVA in 2005 shortly after she graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelors in Veterinary Technology.  In 2008 she became a certified dog trainer though ABC Behavioral College.  She enjoys the challenges of veterinary medicine and is currently pursuing specialization in behavior. Other interests include: hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, and exploring local parks. She is often seen performing tricks with her sidekick dog, Paige, who comes to work with her every day. She also lives with a beautiful domestic medium hair tabby named Walter who moved in, fell in love, and never left.

Ariel first joined SVA in 2007 as a client service representative (CSR) at our Ravenna Animal Hospital. At Ravenna Ariel became a very knowledgeable CSR and branched out in to working with the veterinary assistant (VA) team as needed. She moved out of the area and took a job as a veterinary assistant at another hospital before returning to the area and to SVA in 2009. Ariel became a sort of “jack-0f-all-trades” and worked in both the CSR and VA as a valued team member providing coverage at each of our 4 veterinary clinics bringing her great attitude with her. In 2019, she became one of two Call Center Coordinators who help to handle messages and prescriptions for all of our hospitals. Her specific veterinary interests revolve around veterinary imaging and surgical procedures because “being able to see the internal part of the body and then ‘fixing’ the problem is a huge advancement in taking care of peoples’ companions.” Ariel has an associates degree in General Education from Central Oregon Community College which plays into her love for her children and helping them grow up to be the best they can be. The family has two German Shepherd Dogs, Otis and Brodhi, a horse, and a few chickens.

Christiana joined SVA in January of 2018 at our Queen Anne Animal Clinic location after earning a BA in International Studies with a focus on social justice at Virginia Commonwealth University. Christiana is passionate about rescue and rehabilitation of farm animals (especially goats). Animal justice is an important part of her life. So much so that she intends to become a licensed veterinary technician and eventually move on to starting her own animal sanctuary. When she’s not working toward her professional goals, she can be found exploring the beauty of nature through alpine climbing. She loves to read poetry, drink tea, and volunteers at the Puget Sound Goat Rescue. She shares her home with two cats, a stunning calico named Cookie Dough (or Cooka) and Rufus, a handsome cat who is always dressed to impress in his tuxedo coloring. Cookie Dough has stellar hunting skills and loves meowing new tunes in her free time. Rufus is constantly seeking new adventures and enjoys binge watching Planet Earth.

Ga-Wing joined SVA as a veterinary assistant in 2007 after earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. In 2019, she became one of two Call Center Coordinators who help to handle messages and prescriptions for all of our hospitals. Ga-Wing lives on a farm with at least one cat, and two dogs named Ruckus and Mossy, some chickens, and couple of pasture horses. She enjoys going to the mountains, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family.

Hailey started working for SVA in October of 2018. She says she was “born with passion for animals”. Her best friend growing up was a grey and white cat named Bubbles who shared 20 years of life together and they were inseparable. She also grew up with Boxers, two Parakeets, and later in life rescued a tuxedo barn cat named Luna. From a very young age Hailey wanted to work with animals and had dreams of owning a horse rescue, and/or becoming a veterinarian. Her prior experience includes working with horses -riding and training in natural horsemanship, training dogs as a hobby, and caring for other pets as a part time job. Hailey is a talented pianist and artist. She enjoys spending time outside whether biking, hiking, swimming, or exploring the forest roads in Washington to discover the best views possible. Featured in her photo is her sister’s boxer puppy named Cooper who she is honored to care for. Hailey is very passionate about her work and she enjoys making connections with people and their pets.

John joined SVA in August of 2019 after receiving his B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. John has worked in the veterinary field for about two years now and has wanted to be a veterinarian since he was a child. He’s planning on applying to vet school in the next couple of years. His particular interests are small animal medicine,  microbiology (really small animals!), and the study of bacterial diseases. When he’s not at work, John enjoys cooking and is adventurous enough to try to make anything, so long as he has a recipe to follow. On his days off he’s running, hiking, or wandering the inter-tidal zones at the beach.

Michele joined SVA in June of 2019 after receiving a veterinary assisting degree from Penn Foster college. She’s currently in their veterinary technician program. Her long term plan is to start a rescue for abandoned and unwanted animals. When she’s not working or studying, Michele loves to hike, rock hound, camp, fish, cook, and read. She takes particular joy in spending time with her family and teaching her children about animals and compassion toward all living creatures. Michele currently takes care of a former race horse named Dallas and a cat named Ben who lives with her grandmother.

Aleigha joined SVA in January 2019. She is currently working on her degree. For now, she loves getting to meet new people and pets and expand her knowledge of veterinary care. When she’s not working or studying she can be found listening to music, attending live shows, camping, and going on outdoor adventures with her partner. She also works as house keeping staff for her two cats Albert (black) and PJ (orange).

Larisa joined SVA in March of 2013. She holds an AA in Early Childhood Education from Edmonds Community College. Larisa grew up on a small farm with goats, rabbits, chickens, geese, cats and miniature horses where she enjoyed caring for stray and injured wildlife including possums, birds, cats, dogs, raccoons, and squirrels. In her spare time Larisa enjoys listening to music, writing songs, singing with her band and spending time with family. She loves children, pets, warm weather and swimming. Larisa lives in what some would describe as a zoo with the princess Wilhelmina (Mina for short) a Chiweenie, Hadlee (affectionately known as Chad) the Border collie, Elliot the tabby, Turt Russell the red eared slider, and two ferrets, Anna Ferret and Daniel Ferrety.

Lauren joined SVA in November of 2019 after spending several years working in a similar position in other industries.  She decided to join our company because “I love animals!” and is excited that she gets to work with them daily. When she’s not at work she’s exploring, traveling and tasting new wines. She particularly enjoys spoiling Mr. Franklin and she says he is “the best cat ever!” We suspect she will have a good time debating that claim with other staff and clients!

Nikki joined SVA in 2014. Nikki  has worked in the animal field since she was 18. She has a passion for taking care of animals and their people. Most of her off time is spent with her husband and two kids, Kaysie and Rylan, as well as her pets. She has 2 dogs; Cami and Ruckus as well as 5 cats; Baby Cat, Bubbles, Izzybella Noche, Jack, Lilo, and Stitch.