April, Office Manager

April has always had a natural love for animals of all kinds. Growing up, her family typically had one or "one too many" pets and April would happily step up to be the first in line to care for them. It was this love for animals coupled with her organizational and leadership skills that made a career in veterinary management the best choice for her. April joined Villa Park Animal Clinic in 1994 as kennel attendant.  After some time, she was cross-trained as receptionist.  She really enjoyed the client interaction and was soon appointed to the position.  After a couple of years, she went on to become office manager. April still covers as a technician and kennel attendant from time to time, wherever she is needed most. Now, that is a manager who is not afraid of getting her hands dirty! What April likes most about working at VPAC is getting to know all of the pets.  April said, "I love that I get to know them their whole life."  April also enjoys working with Dr. Miles and Dr. Cruz, noting, "The entire staff here feels more like extended family than co-workers."

April has three rescue pets at home that she loves endlessly.  Poodle is a beautifully fluffy, bright orange Maine Coon mix who rules the house with a swish of her fantastic tail. April's other two pets are dogs: Sugar, a stunning and athletic white Shepard who loves to play ball and Sunny, a Boxer mix who has been a wonderful addition to the family with his extra energetic charisma and gusto for life.  In her spare time, April enjoys working on home improvements and in the garden. She also enjoys taking Sugar and Sunny on fun outdoor adventures, visiting with her family and just making the most of life! "Everything is better with a good laugh!"

---

Lisa, Receptionist

Lisa has always had a love for her pets and enjoyed giving them the best in veterinary health care.  In fact, Lisa started out as a client of Villa Park Animal Clinic!  She had been bringing her family pets into VPAC for several years, when one day she was asked to join our team as receptionist.  Her infectious smile has been filling the hospital ever since.  What Lisa enjoys most about working for Villa Park Animal Clinic is the doctors, the clients, and the pets!  Lisa said, “I love greeting the dogs that come into see us!  I like to give them kisses and cookies!” 

Lisa spent more than 12 years volunteering for Orange County Zoo.  She absolutely loved the work there and especially loved her time with bears.  She said, “The bonds I shared with those bears are unbreakable."  In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and their two black labs named Vincent & Spitty. 

---

Debbie, Receptionist

Debbie has a natural fondness for pets and the people that come with them.  She joined Villa Park Animal Clinic in 2006 and has been working up front as receptionist ever since.  Her favorite part of working at VPAC is getting to know the patients and helping to calm the nerves of their loving pet parents.

Debbie and her husband have one dog, a cat and a grown daughter.  When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading books, and making unique crafts for her friends.

---

Melissa, Receptionist

Stay tuned for more information on Melissa! 

---

Ryan, Registered Veterinary Technician

Ryan loves sports cars and had originally planned on becoming a custom car painter. He loves taking the time to create eye-catching designs and color schemes. It wasn't until after graduation that he considered a career in veterinary medicine and discovered his passion for the field. Ryan started working at our sister clinic in 2015 and simultaneously enrolled at Heritage College to study Veterinary Technology. He joined VPAC in the summer of 2016 and has since earned his Registered Veterinary Technician license.
Ryan's favorite part of working at Villa Park Animal Clinic is caring for the animals. He said, "I like watching the puppies grow up and being a part of sick dogs getting better." He went on to say, "I feel really lucky to work with such an experienced team. I learn something new everyday!"
In his spare time, Ryan likes to walk his friend's dog. work out, study, and listen to music.

---

Hanna, Veterinary Technician

Hanna joined us in June of 2016 and is currently attending Heritage College to become an RVT. She said, "My goal is to acquire the knowledge and skills to help an animal in need." She has always loved animals and has a dog named Rafa that her mom rescued as a stray. She also has a turtle named Emma-Lemonade.
Hanna's favorite part of working at VPAC is constantly learning from Dr. Miles and her co-workers. She loves learning more about her craft, helping pets, and being able to bond with them so they trust her. We often hear her singing to them while working too.
In her spare time, Hanna enjoys taking Rafa to the dog park, cuddling with her cat, Candy, and dancing. She's not ashamed to say she loves Ariana Grande and watching "Keeping up with the Kardashians" too.
Hanna is a great addition to the VPAC team!

---

Jazmin, Veterinary Technician

Jazmin is a busy mom pursuing her lifelong dream of working with animals. While in school, she volunteered at an animal shelter and since then has worked her way up the ranks. She is almost done with school now and will be a Registered Veterinary Technician soon! She says her kids are her inspiration and why she works so hard. 

Jazmin has always had a special bond with her pets and her dream has been to provide greater care for them in return for the happiness they give her. She enjoys being able to nurse them back to health and building trust with them. She says, "The most rewarding part of working in this field is the look on the pet's face. Something about a pet's eyes and facial expression says thank you."

​Jazmin is happily married, has 2 young boys, 3 cats, 3 dogs, and 3 chickens! All of her dogs are rescues. Precious is 12 years old and the boss. Jazmin took her in at 2 weeks old after the mom passed away. A kitten named Marshmellow is the newest addition. One of our clients found her as an abandoned newborn. We've had the pleasure of watching her grow as Jazmin had to bottle feed her every few hours during the first few weeks of her life. Jazmin's mothering, nurturing and caring nature were very apparent as she helped this little baby gain strength.

​Jazmin's personal interests include sports (because of her boys), family time (she can never have too much), spending time with her pets (the furry and feathery ones), and reading fiction fantasy books. 

---

Lisa, Kennel/Vet Tech Assistant

Lisa was born and raised in Villa Park.  She developed her love for animals at a very young age and said, "I can honesty say, I love animals more than most people."  Lisa joined Villa Park Animal Clinic almost 20 years ago and has enjoyed getting to know all of the patients throughout the years.  Lisa said, "I love the relationships that grow over the years while caring for our patients." 
Lisa is a mother to three great kids and two wonderful grandsons.  She has two rescue Chihuahuas named Dexter and Mr. Tucker.  For Lisa, two dogs is not enough!!  She also has a Cavalier King Charles named Charlie and a cat named Captain Hook.
Lisa keeps busy with work and house sitting but when she has some free time she spends it with her family or relaxing by the pool.  She has met some amazing people working at VPAC and says she looks forward to making more new friends!

---

Belen, Kennel/Vet Tech Assistant

Belen joined VPAC to be more involved in the field of veterinary medicine and expand her knowledge base. She joined us with a lot of experience caring for puppies and now enjoys caring for pets of all ages.  Belen has always loved animals and couldn't imagine working in any other field. In the future, she would like to attend school to become a registered technician and continue working in a veterinary hospital.

In her spare time, Belen enjoys watching movies, going hiking, and spending time with her very sweet and affectionate beagle, Titan.

---

Ellie, Kennel Attendant

Ellie is currently enrolled in OC Veterinary Assistant School with the goal of one day becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. Her passion for working with and helping animals began when she was a little girl and she looks forward to working with animals for the rest of her life.  Her favorite part of working in this field is "getting to comfort sick animals and watching them completely transform once they get better." 
​
At home, Ellie has a 3-year-old Morkie named Pixie. She was a rescue pet and has the biggest heart imaginable. When Ellie isn't tending to our pets here at VPAC, she like spending time at the beach and going to concerts. 

---