Our Staff

• Kyle A Frandle , DVM, MS

  
  

  Adjunct Professor College of Veterinary Medicine Washington State University College Washington State University, B.S. Biology 1974 M.S. Reproductive Physiology, Summa Cum Laude 1976 Veterinary School Washington State University, Cum Laude 1980 Internships Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital, 1980-1981 Member California Veterinary Medical Association American Animal Hospital Association, Council of 100 Leadership Committee Past President Santa Clara Valley Veterinary Medical Association Lecturer Washington State  University - College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award Washington State University- College of Veterinary Medicine 1999 Keynote Speaker, White Coat Ceremony, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University  2006 Local Awards Best of Los Gatos Veterinarian 1997-2002            Town of Los Gatos Commendation 2003  PERSONAL INFORMATION: Kyle has been with LGD&C since 1980. He is married with 3 sons. His wife, Kathy, is an elementary school Principal.  Kyle has a special interest  in the area of orthopedic surgery. He is also interested in staff and leadership development within the hospital . Kyle speaks to students at Veterinary schools and  symposiums around the country. An avid reader, he also spends his spare time gardening and enjoying family and friends. Kyle volunteered with the Esther Honey Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the animals of the Cook Islands.   He was named the California Humane Society's "Humanitarian of the Year" in 2000 for his role in providing LGD&C's care of Phoenix, a dog who was severely injured in a widely publicized abuse case. He is a Lecturer in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, and delivered the Keynote Address at the White Coat Ceremony for incoming Freshman at the College in 2006. He has two cats, Gus and Corn Dog, & a dog called Annie. Kyle spends much of his free time in his Crystal Creek Vineyard growing and producing Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir!

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• Marilyn Pachorek , DVM

  
  

  College University of California at Davis, B.S. Biology, Cum Laude Veterinary School University of California at Davis, 1990 Memberships Santa Clara Valley Veterinary Medical Association California Veterinary Medical Association American Veterinary Medical Association Personal Information Dr. Pachorek has lived in Santa Clara Valley since 1990. She is married to a Cupertino native, and has two children. She started with LGD&C right after graduating from veterinary school in 1990. Her hobbies include reading, gardening and playing with her children. She has a Shih Tzu named Spotty. *Dr. Pachorek is no longer available for treatment of Pocket Pets (ie; Rabbits, Hamsters, Rats).

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• Katherine Kaspar , DVM

  
  

  College University of California at Davis, B.S. Animal Physiology Veterinary School University of California at Davis, 1992 Internships California Animal Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Surgery, Radiology, and Emergency Medicine Member American Veterinary Medical Association California Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society   www.veccs.org Pet Loss Support Group, UCDavis, 1990-1992 Feline Medicine, Orphan Kitten Project, 1989-1992 Personal Information Dr. Kaspar was born and raised in Saratoga and currently lives in Santa Cruz with her husband, Brian and their two children. She enjoys mountain and road biking, skiing, and snowboarding. She has special interests in surgery and is working on forming a formal Animal Disaster Management program for Santa Cruz County.

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• Kevin Sheehy , DVM

  
  

  College San Jose State University, B.S. Clinical and Psychology Veterinary School Washington State University, Summa Cum Laude, 1996 Internships Santa Cruz Veterinary Emergency/Referral Hospital Member Santa Clara Valley Veterinary Medical Association California Veterinary Medical Association American Veterinary Medical Association Personal Information Dr. Sheehy is a native of the Los Gatos area and has been involved in veterinary medicine since he was 15 years old. He began as a kennel attendant and later became a veterinary technician here at LGD&C in 1989.  Kevin maintains close relationships with many professors and alumni at Washington State University. He is involved in a student/alumni whitewater rafting trip every summer up in Washington / Idaho / Oregon. He has also begun teaching twice a year at Washington State University. His hobbies include cooking, white-water rafting, hiking, volleyball, water and snow skiing. He also loves sushi and gourmet food and wine.  He has a mixed breed dog named Lada that he brought back from the Cook Islands, where he volunteered for 2 months between December 1999 and January 2000. You may see the two of them frequently on the Los Gatos creek trails.

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• Loren Reynolds , DVM

  
  

  College Duke University, B.S. Zoology   Veterinary School Texas A&M University, 1996   Internship Santa Cruz Veterinary Emergency/Referral Hospital 1997   Memberships Santa Clara Valley Veterinary Medical Association California Veterinary Medical Association Performing Animal Welfare Society      www.pawsweb.org    Animal Legal Defense Fund                www.aldf.org American Association of University Women   Personal Information    Loren Reynolds grew up in Los Gatos and attended Daves Avenue Elementary School, Fisher Junior High School, and Los Gatos High School. Her family brought their pets to LGD&C and she first met Dr. Kyle Frandle when she was 13 years old. At first she was skeptical of the new, young vet that Dr. Fremont had chosen as his associate, but Kyle soon won her over.       Loren worked for both Kyle and Dr. Fern Van Sant (of For The Birds) during her summer breaks from college. "I consider Kyle a second father to me, and I'm so lucky to be working with him and his wonderful team full time".      Her hobbies include: scuba diving (in tropical water only), scrap-booking, pottery, spending time with her family, and gardening. Loren enjoys sports too: water and snow skiing, tennis, hiking, and traveling. She has a super-cute mutt named Wendel, a loveable boxer named Trinity, and cuddly kitties Taz & Mickey Blue-Eyes.

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• Liz Altermatt , DVM

  
  

  College Oregon State University, B.S. Zoology, Summa Cum Laude Veterinary School Oregon State University, Summa Cum Laude, 2004 Member Santa Clara Medical Association California Medical Association Personal Information  Dr. Altermatt is a native of Oregon. She was accepted to veterinary school after 3 years of undergraduate work, and received her Bachelor degree after her first year in vet school. Liz's ties to LGD&C range from: having Dr. Frandle as an advisor for WSU's 2002 Diagnostic Challenge; meeting Dr. Sheehy during a WSU class rafting trip; and externing with LGD&C during the  last 2 years of her studies.   Together, with devoted golden retriever "Maddie", Liz has ventured many scenic hiking trails. She enjoys skiing, scuba diving, rafting, cooking/baking, wine & yoga. Liz recently adopted two kitties, Riley and Lexi. She is an avid runner (including trail running, marathons and half-marathons). Her international travels include time in Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Cook Islands (volunteering with the Esther Honey Foundation www.estherhoney.org/ ).

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• Gabrielle Ravina , DVM

  
  

  College Cornell University, B.S. Animal Science, 1993   Veterinary School Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1997   Internship University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital 1997-98 Small Animal Medicine & Surgery   Memberships Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society California Veterinary Medical Association Santa Clara Veterinary Mecial Association American Veterinary Medical Association   Personal Information: Dr. Ravina was born and raised in New York City. She always considered herself an "East Coaster", but after 8 winters in upstate NY, she needed a little sunshine. So, after completing her internship at UGA, she packed up and moved out to California. By chance, she ended up in Santa Cruz and spent more than 6 years with Pacific Veterinary Specialists, as an emergency veterinarian. Working at PVS gave her the opportunity to see many challenging cases and to work alongside specialists in internal medicine, surgery, oncology, critical care and radiology. Although she maintains a strong interest in emergency medicine, she is enjoying her transition into general practice with LGD&C.   Gabrielle never thought she would stay in CA. However, after picking up surfing in 2000, she will probably never leave. She lives on the west side of Santa Cruz with her partner, Hayden, their son, Dylan, & cats "Roo" and "Rascal". In addition to surfing, she enjoys yoga, knitting, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

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• Megan Hanken , DVM

  
  

  College Oregon State University, B.S. Biology                                               Veterinary School Washington State University, 2008 Phi Zeta Honors Society Member Memberships California Veterinary Medical Association Santa Clara Valley Veterinary Medical Association American Veterinary Medical Association American Association of Feline Practitioners Personal Information Dr. Hanken was born and raised in Los Altos. She then moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she completed her undergraduate degree, worked as a veterinary technician and studied for her doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. Megan is thrilled to be back in the Bay Area, where she lives with her husband, Jeremy. They have two mischievous beagles, Ariel and Ace, and one beautiful cat named Maynard. Most often, Megan can be found walking her dogs, cooking with her husband, or spending time with family. Her hobbies include boating, kiting, gardening, snowboarding, scuba diving, and visiting new places.

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• Marie Strom , RVT

  
  

  EDUCATION: Foothill College, A.S., Animal Health Technology, 1978 CERTIFICATION: Board of Veterinary Medicine, Dept of Veterinary Technicians PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Member North American Veterinary Technician Association     www.avma.org/navta PERSONAL INFORMATION: Marie has lived in the Santa Cruz mountains since 1974, and moved to California from Minnesota in 1970. She has been working with Dr. Frandle since 1984. Married since 1969, she and her husband, John, enjoy living "off the grid" and have built two solar-powered homes themselves. Presently, they share the home with Beefcake the kitty, and Teddy the shepherd mix. Her current favorite activities include yoga, skiing, snorkeling, gardening, traveling, relaxing, and cruizin' in their restored 1964 Pontiac GTO, the "time machine."

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• Sandi Broeland , RVT + Certified Pet Dog Trainer

  
  

  EDUCATION: Foothill College, A.S., Animal Health Technology, 1993 CERTIFICATION: Board of Veterinary Medicine, Dept of Veterinary Technicians PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Member North American Veterinary Technician Association www.avma.org/navta Association of Pet Dog Trainers                          www.apdt.com Veterinary Technician Dental Society                   PERSONAL INFORMATION: Sandi has been passionate about animals her whole life. Since she was 5 years old she knew she wanted to work in the veterinary field. At the age of 16 Sandi began working for a veterinarian that treated dogs, cats and birds, and continued working there while studying animal science at Cal Poly Pomona. She joined the team at LDG&C in 1992 and feels she has found her home. Sandi has been teaching puppy pre-school and adolescent dog classes here at the hospital in '99. In addition she counsels clients about pet behavior problems. Sandi lives in San Jose with her daughter, Mackenzie and her furry children, Cooper the Rottweiler, and cats Nemo and Sissy. She loves going to the beach, gardening, and spending time with her daughter. Relaxing with friends, reading animal related books, going to fun restaurants, plays and drinking good wine are some of her favorite things to do.

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• Mardee Jang , RVT

  
  

  EDUCATION: University of California, Davis, B.S. Zoology Cosumnes River College, A.S. Animal Health Technology CERTIFICATION:                                                  Veterinary Medical Board, Dept of Veterinary Technicians, 1980 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 1993 to present - Los Gatos Dog and Cat Hospital 1989-1993 - Johnson Veterinary Hospital 1979-1989 - Arden Animal Hospital 1975-1980 - University of California, Davis Teaching Hospital MEMBER: Bay Team for Dog Agility www.bayteam.org CVMA PERSONAL INFORMATION: Mardee grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains riding horses and training dogs. Early interests were gymkana, 3-day eventing and motocross. Dogs have always been a huge part of her life. Training and caring for neighbor dogs lead to her first jobs. Today, she and her husband live in the San Jose foothills with their furry four-legged children. Her cats are Neelix, Spot and Orange - 8 year old litter mates. Her dogs are Ally (Australian Cattle Dog), Tater (Pomeranian), and Clark Kent (Pomeranian). All of her "children" are rescue animals or foster pets that ended up staying! Her hobbies are enjoying flea markets and taking care of her acre of orchards, roses and agility field. As well as going to agility trials, Ally and Tator have been to USDAA World Agility Championships for the last 3 years. Last year, Tator finished 5th at the Championship! Mardee also teaches advanced agility: www.westsideagility.com

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• Tom Taormina , Technician

  
  

  EDUCATION: San Jose State University, Wildlife Biology Washington State University, Wildlife Biology CERTIFICATION: National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association, 1989 PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Member National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association www.nwrawildlife.org Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley-lifetime membership  www.wcsv.org EXPERIENCE: Tom got his "foot in the door" of the veterinary field by volunteering for Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 1979. He then worked for 2 years at the Humane Society in the spay and neuter clinic. He worked at United Emergency Animal Clinic between 1982-1994, and Central Animal Hospital from 1992-1994. Tom began his career here at LGD&C in 1996, and he feels more at home here than anywhere he has ever worked. He spent 3 emotionally trying years working for Fawn Rescue and Rehabilitation in Santa Clara County. PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tom was born and raised in San Jose. He bought his first home this year in Felton. He loves to travel (Hawaii, New York and the Cook Islands are among his favorite places). He also loves scuba diving and hopes someday to live in a tropical place. Tom will forever be in pursuit of the perfect backhand in tennis. His favorite movie is Casablanca. Tom married the love of his life, Gena, in April 2007. He has 2 stepdaughters, Missy and Adena, and a beautiful granddaughter, Shaylynn. His rescued and adopted animal companions include Marvin the catahoula mix, Baby the cute grey kitty,  Mortimer the Russian tortoise, Bob and Gizmo (bearded dragons hatched here in the hospital), plus felines: Junior, Sweetie, Precious, Coalie, Shivers and Jazz. And don't forget Tucker and Roxy the dogs! (He doesn't actually have time to work!). Tom volunteered his time, his care giving skills, and his compassion for animals to the Esther Honey Foundation, www.estherhoney.org/ , in the Cook Islands from July to December 1999

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• Cheri Johnson , Technician

  
  

  Cheri began her veterinary nursing career here at LGD&C in 1996. She began as a volunteer, as she was considering a career change from her previous profession. A San Jose native, Cheri received her degree in English Literature from San Jose State University She and her husband, Clay, lived in London in 1992 and '93; they traveled through Europe before moving back to San Jose to settle down and have a family: Buddy Mason, the Golden Retriever, Haley, the black Labrador, Chloe, Romeo and Maggie the kitties, and a parakeet named Snow Guy. Cheri has spent time volunteering at places including The Marine Mammal Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sacred Heart Community Service, and for the Mercury News Gift of Reading program. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, skiing, "Mauiing", scuba diving, concert going, attending live theater, and reading. Her favorite place is Yosemite!

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• Shilo Nordenstrom , Technician

  
  

  PERSONAL INFORMATION: Shilo has been working as an animal nurse since 1993. She joined our hospital in the fall of 1999. She has attended many continuing education seminars and conferences. Her love of all animals extends especially to working with geriatric pets and feral cats. Shilo lives in the Los Gatos area with her wonderful husband, Eric and her amazing children, James & Dani. Their animal family includes 2 yellow labradors, Little and Tucker, and Carl the orange cat. All of these crazy critters have been rescued. Shilo is very close with her family; fortunately, they live in the area.  When not working, Shilo is either walking her dogs, reading a good book, or gardening and cooking with her little boy.

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• Jamie Wilmert , Tehnician

  
  

  PERSONAL INFORMATION:

  Jamie has been an animal nurse since 1995. She joined LGD&C in the fall of 1999. Jamie is a native of the San Jose / Los Gatos area and lives with her kitties: Pearle, Brett, Ellie, and Smokee. 
  GO SHARKS!

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• Jennifer Kapp , RVT

  
  

  Jennifer is a native San Franciscan, and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. She spent five years with TWA in New York, as an international flight attendant, and upon returning to the Bay Area got her Real Estate license and worked for a short time in commercial real estate. Jennifer is a sencond degree black belt in Tai Kwon Do, and taught the martial art for two years here in Los Gatos. She is married to Joe Kapp, and they have three children.
   
  Jennifer earned her Veterinary Technician license at Foothill College 1/07.

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• Jennifer Rios , Technician

  
  

  Jen moved to the US from the Philippines over 20 years ago and has lived in the South Bay ever since. She currently works in the high tech industry in Human Resources during the week and at LGD&C on weekends. Jen has been around dogs her entire life and is extremely passionate in supporting causes focusing on the environment and animal welfare.  Jen has volunteered at the Wildlife Center for Silicon Valley, the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, and has adopted Kiwi, a pig at the Farm Sanctuary. She currently has a Shih Tzu named Haley and plans to adopt her sister's Chow Chow, Chelsea. Jen is a vegetarian, a 3rd Degree Black Belt and has traveled to Europe, Asia and Mexico. Someday, she hopes to travel to Africa and the Galapagos Islands.

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• Megan Ashcraft , RVT

  
  

  Megan was born and raised in Chico, California. She relocated with her dog "Mazie" in 2003.  She received her RVT degree from the Belray Institute in 1999. As part of her internship, Megan worked at the Alameda East veterinary hospital in Denver, Colorado - which you can see on Animal Planet's "Emergency Vet"! She recently aquired a super cute Yorkie named Piccolo that she takes everywhere! She also has a Himalayan cat named Mother. In her free time, Megan enjoys going to movies, reading and snow skiing. She especially loves to play Frisbee and ball with her dogs.

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• Vanessa Carmody

  
  

  Vanessa was born & raised in San Jose and has studied biology and health. She has been around dogs her entire life and cannot imagine life without them. Vanessa was introduced to the veterinary field when she was 17 years old and has been mostly working as a veterinary technician ever since. She has a special love for Cocker Spaniels. Vanessa lives with her husband, Jon and their new baby boy, Akili. Their furry kids include Javen the Chihuahua, Tala the Miniature Pinscher, Ivy and Gilbert the cats, and Glen Anthony the Boa Constrictor.

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• Trevor Morimoto

  
  

  Trevor graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Animal Science. He aspires to become a veterianian and is currently applying to vet school.
  Trevors hobbies include weight lifting, soccer, swimming and playing with "the boys", two adorable pugs named Winston and Jackson. He absolutely loves pugs and has often been referred to as the "pug whisperer!" 

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• Natacha Angelini

  
  

  No Biographical Data Is Currently Available.

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• Sandra Sundberg , RVT

  
  

  Sandra grew up in Santa Clara. After many years in the high tech industry, she decided to study veterinary technology at Foothill College. While in school, she interned at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. Sandra started at Los Gatos Dog and Cat Hospital as an intern in December 2006. After graduating from Foothill in June 2007, she started working here full-time. Sandra passed her state board exam two months later and became a Registered Veterinary Technician. She lives in San Jose with her sister, her two dogs, Sylvia and Shelby, and two cats named Tandi and Andrew. Sandra enjoys walking her dogs, hiking and gardening.

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• Tricia Kucker

  
  

  No Biographical Data Available View

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• Klara Barbeau

  
  

  I was born in Prague, in the Czech Republic; moved to Germany when I was four years old & I have been living in the USA since 2001. I graduated from the Foothill College Veterinary Technology program. Previously, I worked for 1.5 ears at a non-kill shelter in the Bay area. I have two young old Labradors named Bentley and Astin.

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• Annie Barlesi

  
  

  Annie worked at UC Davis' ICU (advanced critical care and internal medicine) prior to joining the LGD&C team. She lives locally with her husband, Jason & "kids" Kylie and Guiness (dogs), and Conrad (cat). Annie enjoys hiking, camping, reading and walking her dogs -- especially on the beach.

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• Jenn Phillips

  
  Jenn has worked in the veterinary field for 12 years and as a technician for 10 years in local hospitals. She has worked here at the clinic for the last four years. Jenn graduated from University of Santa Cruz in 2002, and recently completed a degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting. She currently lives in Aptos and works in a private pediatric practice in Monterey. She will continue to work here Saturdays because she still has a passion for veterinary medicine and believes in the standard of medicine that is practiced here at Los Gatos Dog and Cat Hospital. Jenn is excited to soon be adopting one or more chinchillas!

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• Sandra Oliveira

  
  

  Sandra was born and raised in the Bay Area and has always loved & been around animals. She graduated from UCSC 2005 with a degree in Marine Biology. She still lives in Santa Cruz with her roommates plus three cats, Panda, Mojo & Maverick. Sandra spends a lot of her free time riding horses (including her favorite horse: Majic). Other interests include Scuba diving (especially Australia), going to the beach, reading, and hanging out with friends.  Go Giants!

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• Laine Gates , Reception + Administration

  
  

  PERSONAL INFORMATION: Laine has lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over thirty years with her husband and varying numbers of dogs and cats. A client of LGD&C since the early '80s, she started working as a part-time receptionist in 1994 and took on full time responsibilities in the summer of 1997. Laine enjoys long walks, time spent with friends, good food, and tending to all the outside tasks that living in the mountains requires. She likes road trips to uncrowded places - usually mountainous. She will always be found reading when not otherwise occupied.

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• Kim Zurcher , Reception

  
  

  California fuels Kim'z passionate curiosity with it's sense-luscious feast of rugged tide pools and knotted spelunking caves, good-book nooks and diverse city-scapes...

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• Paige Shand

  
  

  Born in Yakima and graduating from University of Washington, Paige worked for TWA & American Airlines for a total of 28 years. Her career-travels spanned the globe. Married in 1980, her family includes: a son and daughter, a loveable austrailian shephard mix, and two cats (though Paige admits "there's always room for more").   In addition to loving all dogs and cats, Paige is a sports lover "especially tennis and football. Go 49ers! Go Sharks!"

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• Julie Olasiman

  
  My name is Julie Olasiman. I currently reside in San Jose, CA, and all i can say
  is: change is good. I love the atmosphere of LGD&C! I have a beautiful son, R*J Marrero & a great boyfriend. My family completes me. I am currently continuing my education to become a Registered Nurse. I love helping people & animals. I feel i'm in a good place.
  
  Education:
      GHS 99-03  Gavillan College
      9/06 - 5/07 Certified Medical Assistant
                        "AA in Progress"

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• Rachel Hickey

  
  

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• Shey Harlacher

  
  

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• Cheryl Cummins

  
  

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• Eric Nordenstrom , Doggie Day Care

  
  

  While LGD&C has no Kennel facilities, we do provide top notch Doggie Day Care services!
   
  Born and raised in the small town of Mora, Minnesota, Eric grew up with German Shepherds {Tina, Peppi, Darby & Sassy}. Being a German Shepherd lover all of his life, Eric became a Labrador lover, too (when 8 month old yellow Lab Tucker joined his life)! He lives with his wife, Shilo (a nurse at the clinic) and their beautiful children, James & Dani. In addition to Tucker, the furry crew includes Little, also a yellow lab, and Carl the cat. And of course, "I just love all my day care doggies!"
   
  Go Vikings! Go Sharks! Go Twins!

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• Raeann Bevan

  
  Raeann was born and raised in the Bay Area. She's always had dogs in her life and a love of animals in general.
  
  She now lives in Hollister with her husband, Wayne, and their furry "kids": Collins, a cattle dog mix; Abby, a lab mix; Ferris, the grey tabby; and Chicken, the Senegal parrot.
  
  In her free time, Raeann loves to go to the movies, draw, and read. She and her husband also love the San Jose Sharks and go to as many games as they can.

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• Jessica Beltran

  
  I've lived in the same house in San Jose my whole life. I live with my momma and three brothers (one older, two younger): Gustavo, Angel & Roger. In June 2009, I graduated from Leland High School, and Central County Occupational Center as a Veterinary Assistant. I then enrolled in Foothill College and plan to take the Vet Tech Program in 2010. I have a miniature poodle, Snoopy, and a lot of parakeets. On my free time I love to listen to music (all types) from Mexican to Rock, play with my dog, and take long walks with my dog and/or my youngest brother.

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