Craig

Hospital Administrator

Born and raised in New Mexico, Craig started working in the local veterinary hospital when he was 13 and after getting to work on a Mountain Lion from the Navajo Nation Zoo, he was hooked!  He moved to Denver in 1999 where he attended Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology and graduated in March of 2001.  This allowed him to work for a large Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Denver for the next 16 years, starting off as a CVT in the ER for 7 then and working up in management for the remainder of his tenure.  As part of his management training, Craig graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a double Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing.

By 2018 Craig and his wife were looking to make a change which came in the form of recruitment by OVRA.  The Willamette Valley is a refreshing change to the crowed hustle and bustle of the Denver Metro area for both he and his wife.  And from their point of view the weather is fantastic in that he doesn’t have to shovel nearly as much snow in the winter!  

When not at OVRA, you can find Craig and his wife Katie spending time with their dogs or exploring.  Whether riding their motorcycle through the scenic byways, walking the beautiful beaches on the coast, or discovering new restaurants and breweries, they are fully embracing all that Oregon has to offer!

Gina

Office Manager

Gina has been with the office for over 20 years and is an important member of our OVRA family. She provides love and support for all of the animals that come to us, day after day. When she has time off, she’s usually wrangling her 9 month old terrorist…. we mean Labrador puppy, who keeps her hands full. To unwind Gina likes to garden, play with her granddaughter, and be with her family.

Mark

Clinical Manager

Mark grew up here in Eugene, Oregon, and is currently enrolled at LCC to pursue business management. Pet Parent to cat Sephora, this homebody loves spending time snuggled up watching Netflix, or exploring the globe while traveling. Be sure to say hello to Mark when you see him around the halls!

Jenny

Inventory Manager

Jenny comes to us from across the pond, being born and raised in Great Britain. After moving to the US in 1990, she began exploring a career in animal care. She joined OVRA back in 2004, working overnights in the ICU- which was an incredible hands-on education. Passionate about canine education, Jenny owns 3 highly trained dogs that have excelled in their specialties. Her eldest is Force, the Dutch Sheppard, who was the first of his breed to earn the Elite Champion title for NACSW. Next up is Vodka, the daughter of force. She is particularly great at truffle hunting, which has made for some delicious meals at Jenny’s home. Lastly is Fury, the son of Vodka. He is a talented master of scent detection and is very friendly. When Jenny has free time, she often fills her days with truffle hunting, crafting with leather, or tending to her orchid and cacti collection.

Chelsea

Certified Veterinary Technician – Surgery Lead

Chelsea has had a passion for animals since she was a kid. She grew up in Newcastle, CA where she practiced riding, training, and handling nearly any kind of animal you could think of.  She attended Yuba college for her associates degree in veterinary tech. Chelsea currently owns 5 horses, 2 dogs named Night Ryder and P.T. Kruzer, and a cat named CHP who was hit by the California Highway Patrol Officer (hence his name). When she is not helping animals here at the office, Chelsea can be found competing in 3-day events, hanging with her kid, or riding one of her horses.

Courtney L.

Certified Veterinary Technician – Surgery Lead

Courtney has always had a passion for animals and attended Madison college in Wisconsin for school. She found herself living here in Eugene because it was her husband’s hometown. Courtney has been working with OVRA for several years, and her current pets include Bane, a mastiff-pit bull mix who is one of the sweetest dogs ever, and Rocket, the “super mutt” who is silly and happy all of the time. She also has a cat named Goose, who only acknowledges her husband’s existence. When she has time off, Courtney enjoys cooking, working on puzzles, and bingeing good TV.

Emily E.

Certified Veterinary Technician – Patient Care Lead

Emily was originally from Oregon and moved away to Florida for a few years. Before moving back in 2018, she had worked at a specialty veterinary practice in Florida, and also attended St Petersburg college for her veterinary tech degree. Emily loves animals deeply and has a menagerie of her own pets at home. The “fur family” includes Waffles the rottweiler, Maple Syrup the springer spaniel, Maya the springer spaniel, Coconut, Kiwi, and Boysenberry – all  Manx cats. A fun fact is that none of Emily’s pets have tails!

Emily O.

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery Lead

Emily grew up in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and became interested in veterinary medicine after the devastating loss of her dog. Although her career began working at the front desk as a receptionist, Emily yearned to help pet parents on a deeper level. After saying goodbye to her beloved dog was a less than ideal experience, she wanted to be able to give clients the support that they deserve in challenging times. Emily currently has 4 dogs at home and fills her free time socializing with friends, painting, hiking, taking pictures, and hanging with her furry friends.

Emily R.

Client Service Representative Lead

Originally from Galveston, Texas, and raised on the coast of Oregon- Emily is a lifelong pet lover who seems to have been born knowing all there is to know about animals and their health. Emily’s love for animals runs as deep as the sea, and she has never met a dog she didn’t like.  At home, she has an “accidental Goldendoodle” that taught herself how to play frisbee. She also lives alongside two saltwater aquariums and two birds. In her free time, Emily enjoys painting and even teaches a ‘paint & sip’ class! She also likes to game and do minor agility with her dog.

Summer

Certified Veterinary Technician Lead – Internal Medicine Lead

Summer grew up on the coast of Oregon, and after finishing school, began to work at a small animal vet practice in Tillamook. After high school, Summer attended Bel-Rea institute to obtain a degree as a CVT and then moved to the valley to pursue a career at OVRA. Summer shares her home with a 7-year-old chihuahua mix named Lily that they rescued as a stray with a broken hip. Lily inspires her to take care of each pet as her own. Whenever there is time off from work, you will likely find Summer camping with her 6-year-old son and husband, going on runs, or staying home cuddled under blankets and watching movies with the family.

Amanda C

Certified Veterinary Technician – Patient Care

Growing up in Eugene, Amanda wanted a career working with animals from the time she was a small child. She attended the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program and after working in general practice decided to move up to specialty medicine.

Amanda’s pet family includes Bucky—a Frenchie who had a birth defect repaired here at OVRA—as well as a Boxer named Hank who likes to eat things he shouldn’t. When she’s not at work, Amanda enjoys riding motorcycles, camping, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Becky M

Certified Veterinary Technician – Client Liaison / Dermatology

After immigrating to Oregon in 1988, Becky attended Portland Community College to pursue their veterinary tech program. After graduating in 1992, she taught at PCC before moving to the Eugene/Springfield area. Her animal companions are quite the duo, and include a cat and an Amazonian parrot. In Becky’s spare time she enjoys VR games, writing, hiking, and living in servitude to her cat.

Christi

Certified Veterinary Technician – Physical Medicine

Christi is a native of Oregon, growing up in Eugene. While working in an emergency vet clinic, she studied hard to acquire her license at the same time, back in 2002. Christi has a menagerie of animals at home, including a very silly Lab/Hound mix named Jasper, a Maltese/Husky mix that thinks it’s in the circus, and two kitties that were foster fails. Quite the collection! When Christi isn’t at work, you may find her hiking in the high cascades or on a road trip with her family.

Dory

Certified Veterinary Technician – Patient Care

Dory is originally from San Diego, and attended Pima Medical Institute in Chula Vista, CA. She has always had a love of science and animals, and when a friend began working in the veterinary field it made her realize that it might be the place for her, too! Dory has two cats: Vex’ahlia, a Japanese bobtail who enjoys all things bouncy, and Black Bart, a domestic medium hair who seems determined to literally smother his mom with love while she sleeps. In her free time, Dory likes to hike, read, crochet, and play role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.

Heather

Certified Veterinary Technician – Patient Care

Born in California to a military family, Heather spent her formative years in Boise, ID. It was after volunteering to rescue and rehabilitate birds at the International Bird Rescue Center that she found her passion and enrolled in vet tech school. She earned her degree from Carrington College and landed here at OVRA after working in general practice for several years. Heather shares her home with many pets, including Bruce the whippet, Gretchen the greyhound, a green iguana known as Little Man, and a bearded dragon named Treecko. When she’s not working, Heather enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, taking Disney vacations, camping, and watching movies.

Karen

Certified Veterinary Technician – Internal Medicine

Karen grew up in Minnesota, and has always enjoyed being around animals from a young age. Her love of animals dates back to visiting her grandparents’ dairy farm as a child.  Being exposed to animals from a young age inspired her to pursue a career in animal care. After moving to Hawaii to work at the local humane society, she started school to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. She moved to Oregon in 2015 and joined OVRA in 2019. Karen is currently enjoying life with her three pets: Finn – the Yorkie mix she adopted while living in Hawaii, Fiona – the Maltese mix she brought along from Washington when she moved to Oregon; and Phoebe – a Calico cat that she adopted while living here. She enjoys doing crafts like knitting or making cold processed soap at home and exploring the Oregon coast with her dogs when they are not busy sniffing around Eugene!

Katherine

Certified Veterinary Technician – Surgery

Born and raised in Southern California, Katherine now calls Oregon her home. She grew up loving animals of all kinds, including the quieter house pets like dogs and cats. After attending UC Davis for her bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology and Mt. San Antonio College for a degree in Veterinary Technology, she joined the talented team at OVRA. Katherine can’t imagine wanting to do anything but take care of animals, and in her free time she enjoys hiking and wine tasting with friends, and fixing up her old home.

Lauren

Certified Veterinary Technician – Internal Medicine

Lauren’s journey into veterinary medicine began in West Eugene, where she grew up with a deep-seated passion for animal care. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Oregon State University, Lauren honed her skills as a surgery assistant for four years, a role that solidified her aspiration to delve deeper into veterinary medicine. Eager to expand her expertise, she returned to school, earning her certification as a Veterinary Technician from Portland Community College. Today, as a CVT specializing in Internal Medicine, Lauren combines her extensive education and hands-on experience to provide care to her patients. When not at the clinic, she enjoys the company of her two cats: Sadie, a 13-year-old Domestic Long-Haired cat known for her expert mouse-hunting skills, and Rhysand, a 6-year-old Domestic Short-Haired cat with a name inspired by her favorite book series.

Rachel

Certified Veterinary Technician – Surgery

Rachel grew up in Connecticut, and it wasn’t until she moved to Boston for a few years that she realized the West Coast was calling her name. She has loved animals all her life and knew that she would be working in animal care from a young age. Rachel lives at home with cats Penelope and Nigel. Penelope is a special needs kitten who came to her last hospital as a failure to thrive kitten – however, she has proven all of her doctors wrong, and has blossomed into a healthy cat! Nigel is obsessed with avocados and will stop at nothing to get them. When she isn’t working with animals at OVRA or snuggling her kitties, Rachel loves to challenge herself by running half marathons in national parks.

Rebecca

Certified Veterinary Technician – Patient Care

Rebecca hails from California and graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies. After going back to school to obtain her RVT license, she moved to Oregon to be closer to family. She has always had a deep love of animals, and her previous experience includes an internship at a wildlife rescue. Rebecca has a cat named Oliver, whom she found as a kitten. And although he got his name from the movie “Oliver and Company”, he is in fact not an orange tabby. When she’s not at work she likes to bake, do yoga, and watch movies.

Alexandra (Alli)

Client Service Representative 

Alli hails from Southern California, where she was born and raised before relocating to Oregon in 2021 to further her education. Growing up with a mother who worked in veterinary medicine, Alli was naturally drawn to the field. Alli’s career began at a general veterinary practice, later transitioning to emergency care. After studying in California and briefly attending Lane and the University of Oregon, she pursued a Certified Medical Assistant degree online. An avid animal lover, Alli is the proud owner of a diverse menagerie, including three dogs (Onyx, Tiny, and Rebel), two cats (Mel and Rue), two horses (Daxx and Ray), and a collection of fish. Her free time is usually spent at the barn with her horses, exploring the great outdoors with her dogs, or engaging in camping adventures where she can enjoy her passion for animals and nature.

Ciara

Client Service Representative 

Born in Salem, Oregon, Ciara’s childhood moved her from Salem to Eugene to Corvallis and finally to Springfield, where she now lives. From a young age, Ciara developed a profound love for animals, a passion that was nurtured by always having at least two pets in her home (but often, several more!). Her journey in animal care began at the tender age of six when she rescued a kitten, an experience that underscored her natural inclination towards animal welfare. Today, Ciara is a beloved member of our team and a friendly face as a Client Service Representative. She is grateful to bring her lifelong passion for animals to her career. She is the proud pet parent to Guinevere and Lilliwyn, two cats from the same litter adopted in 2020. Outside of work, Ciara indulges in her love for fantasy novels, baking, video games, tabletop games, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Kacar

Client Service Representative 

Kacar is a dedicated member of the team at Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates, bringing a lifelong passion for animals and nature to their role. Having lived on both the east and west coasts, Kacar has a rich background and a versatile approach to animal care. At home, they share their love for animals with two dogs: Leo, a lively and attention-seeking German Shepherd, and Shasta, a Belgian/German Shepherd mix who is affectionate yet anxious around new people and vehicles. In their free time, Kacar enjoys writing stories, engaging in photography and filming, creating music, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors through hiking and camping.

Kayla

Client Service Representative
 
Kayla is an Oregon native and has had a lifelong love of animals. Growing up, her animal friends included horses, cows, chickens, goats, turkeys, and cats. Today, her menagerie consists of four dogs (German Shepherds Charlotte, Romeo, Ruby, and pit bull Milly), two cats (Sophie and Binx), and two leopard geckos (Sparky and Mushu). When she’s not at work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and their children and grandchildren. They enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, family trips, and staying at home for a family movie night.

April

Veterinary Assistant – Client Liaison

After originally growing up in sunny Florida, she decided to move cross-country to Los Angeles, where she worked in animal control for LA County. After a few years of enjoying the west coast, she migrated north to Oregon. April says that she instantly connected with OVRA as soon as she saw the website. An animal lover since she could walk, April grew up around a house FULL of small dogs and currently owns two pets– Gracie May and Mary Jane. Gracie May is the adventurous doggo, and loves sticking her head out of the moon roof while driving, while Mary Jane is April’s senior cat. At the age of 14, Mary Jane will gladly steal your seat the moment you stand up. When she isn’t working, you’ll either find April training her pets, gardening, or cooking.

Brenda

Veterinary Assistant – Patient Care

Before joining the team at OVRA, Brenda spent 6 years working at animal shelters. Her love of animals runs deep, and she treats each patient as if they were her own. Brenda has a full life outside of work, playing with her grandkids, and taking time to explore Oregon. She also has pets JD (short for jimmy dean) the 2.5-year-old mini pig, Sidney the 30-year-old umbrella cockatoo, and Jager, the 6-year-old pup who she calls her soul dog.

Dillon

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Dillon is an Oregon native and was brought up on a farm, surrounded by animals. He moved to the city for school and attended the Academy of Arts and Academics magnet for high school. While still attending school, Dillon joined dog behavioral training classes for 7 hours a day, solidifying his love of working with animals.

He has a feline BFF named Margot who he describes as a “sassy Tabby with a killer Russian accent.” When he isn’t working, you may find Dillon enjoying a game of chess, cooking for family, and hanging with his Rescue Australian Sheperd named Hiro.

Emily D.

Veterinary Assistant – Dermatology

Originally from Kingman, AZ, Emily has loved animals her whole life. She holds an associate degree in veterinary technology from Penn Foster and is currently working towards certification in veterinary assisting from Ashworth College. Emily’s at-home “zoo” includes two English bulldogs named Crowley and Lilith, Rambo the dachshund, a ferret named Abaddon and Drax the bearded dragon—all of whom are very spoiled. When she’s not working or tending to her pets, Emily enjoys hiking, video games, painting, and nature photography.

Enna

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Enna serves as a Veterinary Assistant in the Surgery department at Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates. Growing up in vibrant Mexico City, Enna discovered her passion for animal care while volunteering at Wildlife Safari, where she observed the skilled veterinarians at OVRA perform surgery on a cheetah. This experience ignited her desire to join the team. Enna studied at Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Mexico, where she honed her skills in veterinary science. In her free time, Enna enjoys bouldering and hiking, activities that complement her energetic and adventurous spirit.

Halsey

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Halsey grew up in Montana and North Dakota before making the move to Oregon. She was inspired to seek a career in veterinary medicine at a young age after seeing the wonderful veterinary care her childhood dog received during an illness. Halsey has two dogs named Rosie and Luka. Rosie has very few teeth left, but that doesn’t stop her from routinely emptying her toy basket to play with each one. Luka is firmly attached to the idea that she should be the only dog in the world to receive attention, and might actually be a cat in disguise. When she’s not at work Halsey enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her partner and dogs, and hitting the dance floor.

Hannah

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Hannah grew up in Arizona and recently moved to Oregon. Hannah has always loved animals and as a child wanted to be a zookeeper! She loves getting to work with animals every day and when she isn’t working hard at the office, she’s pursuing her degree in zoology at OSU. Her hobbies include drawing, take care of plants, and snuggling with her cats! 

Ivy

Veterinary Assistant – Patient Care

Ivy was born and raised in San Jose, California. Prior to her birth, her parents lived in Portland for several years and always spoke fondly of Oregon, and Ivy fell in love with the state as well after a few visits! When Ivy realized that working with animals was her passion, she wasted no time in moving towards her goal, and is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program at Dallas Community College. Her home menagerie includes pets Ahi Tuna, Pomme Frites, Cannoli, and Andouille. Ivy enjoys commuting by bike when the weather is nice, barre, and weightlifting. In her down time, you might find her watching a movie or enjoying the mindful coziness of Animal Crossing or Unpacking on her Gameboy Switch.

Katie

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery 

Katie grew up in Oregon and fell in love with animals at an early age. After adopting her cat Chloe, she has dedicated her life to caring for pets and helping people care for their fur-ever pets. She also has a passion for travel, outdoor activities, and cooking.

Kaytlynn

Veterinary Assistant – Ophthalmology

Kaytlynn grew up in Tampa, FL, and moved to Eugene in 2014. She was drawn to the area because she loved its incredible scenery. She has always had a passion for animals and would bring in stray cats as a child. As it turns out, they were just outdoor cats who’s owners would come knocking after a few hours. Kaytlynn currently has one dog named Sativa and two cats called Fruity Pebbles and Gelato. When she’s not adventuring outdoors, Kaytlynn enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and adventuring.

Lennon

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Lennon is a native of Oregon, having grown up in Eugene. She is currently attending LCC and then plans to transfer to OSU for a degree in zoology. Lennon has always been obsessed with big cats and has wanted to work with animals from a young age. Although not a BIG cat, she does have a feline friend at home named Asher, A snake named Chanel, and two chinchillas- Tina and Felix. The chinchillas also just had babies, that she named Nerf and Gun. When she’s not spending time with her animal companions, Lennon loves indulging in some good reality tv and playing video games!

Mackenzie

Veterinary Assistant

Mackenzie is a dedicated team member at Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates. Raised in Eugene, her passion for nature and wildlife naturally led her towards a career in animal care. Enthralled by the specialties offered at OVRA, Mackenzie joined the team to further explore her interests and contribute to their mission. Currently, she is pursuing her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster College. Her journey into the veterinary field began at age 13, when she received her first puppy and discovered a lifelong love for animals. Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys hiking, working out, and spending time with her 9-year-old Labrador, Alice, who loves to greet visitors with her favorite squeaky toy. Mackenzie also explores local cuisine, new movies, and enjoys leisurely trips to the lake.

Nikki

Veterinary Assistant – Dermatology

Nikki, born and raised in Eugene, joined OVRA after working at other clinics. She prefers the specialties provided here and enjoys the ability to further help animals. Our loveable and enthusiastic veterinary assistant originally wanted to be a veterinarian but changed gears when she realized how much she loves being hands-on with clients. She has 4 cats at home and is married with 2 children. In her free time, Nikki loves hip hop and jazz dancing as well as cooking for her family.

Raquel

Veterinary Assistant – Dermatology

Bio coming soon

Sabrina

Veterinary Assistant

Sabrina originally hails from Lincoln, California. She moved to Oregon to attend OSU and graduated in 2022 with a BS in Animal Science, focusing on equines. She spent time working as a microbiologist for the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and came to OVRA to advance her skills in animal care and the life sciences. Sabrina has one dog, a heeler/lab mix named Buddy (aka Tibby or Tibs), who is ball-obsessed and under the permanent impression that he’s a puppy. In her free time, Sabrina likes to fish, paddle board, work in her garden, and play catch with Buddy. 

Shelby

Veterinary Assistant – Internal Medicine

Passionate about animals from a young age, Shelby got her start in Springfield, Oregon. When it came time for college, she got her equine management and animal technology degrees while attending Linn Benton Community College. Her professional career in animal care began with large animals and horses, which was a major passion for Shelby. After seeing small animal vet care firsthand, she became fascinated with the work, and hasn’t looked back. Shelby has quite a few furry friends, including 4 horses, 4 dogs and 2 cats. Her dogs are ages 4, 3, 2, and 1, which makes for a very lively home life. When she wants to relax, Shelby loves heading to the beach, hiking, and hanging with her horses.

Shyann

Veterinary Assistant

Shyann Rowley is an integral part of the team at Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates, where she combines her passion for animal care with her dedication to learning. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Shyann is currently pursuing her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology at Penn Foster, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her career in veterinary care.

Shyann’s love for animals extends into her personal life, where she enjoys the lively company of her pet, Atlas. Known for his attitude and independent spirit, Atlas is a sweet companion who occasionally shuns cuddles. Outside of her professional and academic endeavors, Shyann is an avid reader and finds joy in macramé and hiking, activities that reflect her appreciation for creativity and the outdoors. Her proactive approach to both her work and leisure activities makes her a valued member of the Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates.

Tara

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery/Physical Medicine

Tara grew up in Minneapolis and volunteered at a humane society as a teenager. She also worked at doggy daycare before moving to Oregon, and after working with animals at the local Humane Society, she wanted to get more experience with shelter medicine. Tara has been right at home here at OVRA, and she enjoys helping pet parents become more educated and supported. Tara’s animal family includes Goliath, the cat, and Bernard, the bearded dragon who she loves very much.