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.

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
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.

Cyndi Kahl -Veterinary Nurse
Cyndi is responsible for keeping your pet’s teeth healthy and white. She performs all the dental work at VAH. She has completed several veterinary dental courses and has over 13 years of experience in the veterinary field. Cyndi has several pets of her own and has always had an affection for poodles. Cyndi thoroughly enjoys working at VAH and feels fortunate to have a job she truly looks forward to every day.

Elyse Murphy -Veterinary Nurse
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Becky Arias – Receptionist
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.

Melissa Gumm – Receptionist

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.

Andrea Raggio – 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.

Tracy Brown – Boarding Attendant
Tracy has been a boarding attendant with VAH since 2003. Tracy takes excellent care of VAH’s boarding pets, always ensuring each one receives lots of love and individual attention. Tracy is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at CSU, Stanislaus. Tracy enjoys spending free time with her daughter, Shelby and their 3 cats, Chase, Apple and Violet.

Teresa Flores – Boarding Attendant
Teresa has been a member of VAH's boarding team since 2007. Teresa makes sure each pet boarding with VAH gets lots of extra love and care. Teresa is a great team member and is often called upon to assist in other areas of the clinic. Teresa also handles all the ordering/stocking of our Hill's Science Diet products. Teresa is currently working toward a degree in nursing. When not at VAH, Teresa enjoys spending time with her family, friends, her psycho cat Panda and her parakeet Shorty.

Stephen Garrett – Boarding Attendant
As a Boarding Attendant, Stephen is one of the people responsible for the excellent care and attention VAH boarding pets receive. Stephen is very good with animals, and has even befriended the clinic bird, Forbes (for those of you who know Forbes, this is no small task). Steven has a rat terrier named Shadow and a water dragon named Manny. Steven was an Animal Science major at Merced College, and after working with animals every day feels he could never have another non-animal-related job. Steven’s ultimate goal is to work at a large zoo.

Casandra Maravilla – Boarding Attendant
Cassandra has been a Boarding Attendant at Valley Animal Hospital since mid-2009. She currently attends Merced College, with plans to transfer to Fresno State. Cassandra loves working with animals and her dream is to become a Veterinarian. But until then, she is happy working toward becoming an RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician). Cassandra has 4 dogs, Chico, Rex, Momo & Bella. When not at work or school, Cassandra loves to spend time with her family (which includes her dogs) and her boyfriend Raymond. Cassandra says she has loved animals all her life and always wants to be involved with helping them. When asked about her job at VAH Cassandra stated, "I couldn't ask for a better job than this!"

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.