Dr. Christine McFadden
Veterinarian, Practice Owner

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 Business Administration, is PHR Certified and will complete her Master’s Degree in Fall 2007. Wendy and her husband Joe have been married for 17 years and have a daughter, Jackie. The Alvares family also includes 3 dogs - Bosco, Otto and Oscar, 1 cat - MirMir and 2 cockatiels - Captain and Tennille.

Elizabeth DaRocha-Carvalho
Veterinary Nurse
Everyone at VAH know's that Liz's motto is "Hugs also dispensed here". When she's not dispensing hugs, Liz is assisting the doctors in surgery.

Tim Farmer – Veterinary Nurse
Tim processes all of VAH’s in-house lab work, assists the doctors in surgery and cares for pets in pre and post surgery. We like to call Tim the “Animal Whisperer” because he is able to calm even the most terrified or fractious animal. We also depend on Tim to fix just about everything in the clinic.

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.

Hilary Ballard – Veterinary Nurse
Hilary has been with VAH since 2004. Hilary assists the doctors in the exam rooms and cares for pets in pre and post surgery. Hilary is currently attending Modesto Junior College, earning her Certificate in Veterinary Technology and plans to take the RVT exam in late 2007. Hilary adores her two cats, Luna and Mr. Furley.

Kellynn Brenton – Exam Room 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.

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 currently attends Merced College and also works as a cheerleading coach at LeGrand High School. Becky has 2 cats – Luna and Buttons, a parrot – Lorenzo and about 10 cockatiels. Becky loves to spend what little free time she has with her boyfriend, Larry, going to concerts, Oakland A’s games or just staying home watching “Family Guy”.

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.

Jillian Mesa – Receptionist
Jillian has been a receptionist with 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. In her free time Jillian likes to spend time with family, friends and her personal pets (3 dogs, 3 cats and a turtle). Jillian is happy to be a member of a great team, helping VAH clients care for their pets.

Marguerite Padilla – Receptionist
Marguerite has been a receptionist at VAH since 2005. She enjoys working the front desk because she’s able to visit with all the pets that come in. Marguerite always had lots of animals around while growing up and now has one dog of her own named Chewie. Marguerite adopted Chewie from the Animal Shelter. He’s very energetic and loves to chew on everything – hence his name! In her spare time, Marguerite loves to play softball, BBQ and hang out with family and friends.

Veronica Quiralte – Receptionist
In addition to reception duties, Veronica handles all boarding and grooming paperwork. Veronica has been with VAH since early 2006 and is one of our bilingual employees available to assist Spanish-speaking clients. Veronica’s favorite part of her job is interacting with VAH clients and pets. Veronica is currently in the RN program at Merced College and is awaiting a new arrival – an English Bulldog puppy!

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 Nursing at CSU, Stanislaus. Tracy enjoys spending all her free time with her daughter, Shelby.

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.

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.