Dr. Christine McFadden
Veterinarian, Practice Owner
Dr. McFadden has lived in, and served our community since 1982. She opened Valley Animal Hospital in 1985 and in 1999 she built our current, state-of-the-art hospital to offer the best medicine and surgery possible for our patients. She cares for dogs, cats, birds and all small “pocket pets”. She has cared for the Applegate Zoo animals for over 20 years and has cared for the local service dogs since the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office Canine Programs inception in 1987. In addition, Dr. McFadden was a Board Certified Avian Specialist (AABP-Avian) for 10 years and continues to take a special interest in parrots and other birds.

Dr. McFadden is involved in a local college scholarship program through the non-profit charity, The MSSM Friendship Scholarship Foundation (wwww.mssmfoundatin.org) in memory of and to honor her four children, Melanie, Stanley, Stuart and Michelle. In addition, she serves the community through the Downtown Rotary Club, participates in multiple education & career day events and is a supporter of the University of California, Merced.

Dr. McFadden is married to Gerald Corman and together they have twin daughters, a Siamese cat, a large Irish Wolfound and, at Valley Animal Hospital, her 25 year old Blue & Gold Macaw “Forbes”.

Dr. Jon Klingborg - Veterinarian
“Dr. K” has been a small animal veterinarian for over 15 years. His patient and caring approach to your pet’s health means that you get your questions answered and your pet gets to feel better! In addition to general practice, Dr. K also performs orthopedic surgery and provides behavior counseling for owners whose pets are ‘misbehaving.’ Dr. Klingborg was President of the California Veterinary Medical Association in 2004 -2005, and his contributions to the profession were recognized in 2006 when he received the title of “Distinguished Practitioner” from the National Academies of Practice.

Angelina Brouillette, DVM - Veterinarian
Angelina Brouillette, also known as Dr. B, graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. She worked for several years in the bay area prior to moving to the Merced area with her family. Dr. B’s particular interests in veterinary medicine are oncology, soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. Dr. B lives with her husband, Ari and son, Wyatt. Her four-legged children include her cats, Bailey and Woody and her new puppy Charlotte. Dr. B enjoys hiking, camping and cooking when she isn’t working.

Wendy Alvares - Hospital Administrator
As the Hospital Administrator, Wendy manages of all areas of the hospital to ensure a safe, comfortable and productive work environment for employees and a supportive, nurturing environment for patients and their owners. Wendy has been with VAH since 2000 and looks forward to coming to work every day. Wendy has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources, a Master of Business Administration Degree and is PHR Certified. Wendy, her husband Joe and their daughter Jackie share their home with 2 dogs, 1 cat and 2 birds.

Elizabeth DaRocha-Carvalho
RVT – Registered Veterinary Technician,
Nursing Supervisor
Elizabeth has been with VAH since 1999. In March 2009, she passed her RVT Exam! Elizabeth assists the doctors in surgery, cares for pets in pre and post surgery and monitors hospitalized pets. What Elizabeth enjoys most about her job is helping injured or ill pets and being able to send them home happy and healthy. Elizabeth and her husband Robert share their home with Chihuahuas, Dobermans and fat cats.

Jillian Mesa - Pharmacy
As the VAH Pharmacy Coordinator, Jillian is responsible for keeping the back office running smoothly. She fills medications, enters fees, presents estimates and works closely with the local zoo, animal services and rescue groups. Jillian has been dispensing love at Valley Animal Hospital since 2006. She really enjoys her job, but her favorite part is getting to visit with all the dogs, cats and "other little critters" that come in to the clinic. When she's not at work, Jillian likes to spend her free time with her family, friends and her own personal pets - especially her "CoCo Roo". Jillian is a proud member of the VAH team and looks forward to helping clients care for their pets.

Kellynn Brenton – Veterinary Nurse
Kellynn was hired as an Exam Room Assistant in 2004. Since then, Kellynn has become a valuable member of the VAH team. Kellynn supports the doctors in the exam rooms and during surgery. In addition, Kellynn also assists Kim the K9 Tutor with Puppy Kindergarten classes.

Tim Farmer – Veterinary Nurse
Tim assists the doctors in surgery, performs dentals, processes in-house lab work and cares for pets in pre and post surgery. Tim has been a valuable member of the VAH team for over 9 years. We also depend on Tim to fix just about everything in the clinic!

Amy Halencak– Veterinary Nurse
Amy recently joined VAH in 2009 as a Veterinary Nurse. She assists the doctors in exam rooms and helps wherever she is needed. Amy has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She looks forward to coming to work everyday to see all the happy tail wagging pets! Her favorite part of her job is helping sick pets get better and getting to see the smiling faces of the owners when they take their pet home. On her days off she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Brandon and her Golden Retriever, Lula Lynn, at her house in the hills of Mariposa.

Amber Hogan -Veterinary Nurse

Elyse Murphy -Veterinary Nurse

Becky Arias – Reception Supervisor
Becky was referred to VAH by a staff member and joined our team as a receptionist shortly after. Becky is one of VAH’s bilingual employees available to assist Spanish-speaking clients. Becky has 3 cats – Buttons, Uno and Number 2. Becky loves to go to Disneyland (about every 2 months!), concerts, and Oakland A’s games. She also likes spending time with her boyfriend Larry and her family.

Araceli Manzo – Receptionist
Araceli was recruited by a VAH staff member because of her exceptional client service skills and outstanding attitude. As a receptionist she is one of the first smiling faces to greet clients as they walk in the door. Araceli is one of VAH’s bilingual employees available to assist Spanish-speaking clients. Araceli is the proud parent of identical twin boys, whom she loves and adores. The twins keep Araceli very busy, so she doesn’t have any pets of her own. But, if she had to choose a favorite, it would be Chihuahuas.

Julianna Mendoza -Receptionist

Stephanie Ramirez – Receptionist
Jillian has been a receptionist and dispensing love at VAH since 2006. Jillian really enjoys her job, but her favorite part is getting to visit with all the cats, dogs and “other little critters” that come in to the clinic. In her free time Jillian likes to spend time with family, friends and her own personal pets – especially her “CoCo Roo”. Jillian is proud to be a member of the VAH team, helping clients care for their pets.

Jennifer Murray - Boarding Supervisor

Mallory Andersen -Boarding Attendant

Melissa Gumm – Boarding Attendant

Margie Rios - Boarding Attendant

Kookie Hiser - Groomer
Kookie has been grooming dogs and cats since 1979. She has been with Designer Dogs and Valley Animal Hospital since 1997. Kookie is an excellent groomer who is so talented she has clients who bring their pets from as far away as San Francisco to have her groom them! Kookie and her husband Don share their home with a very-well-groomed border collie named Paris.