College
University of California at Davis, B.S. Biology, Cum Laude

Veterinary School
University of California at Davis, 1990

Memberships
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. She loves cooking and gardening as well as hanging out with her family. She has a doberman named Jax and two Shih Tzu named Dottie and Daisy.

College

University of Delaware, B.A. Biology

Veterinary School

University of Missouri 2015

Memberships

American Veterinary Medical Association

American Association of Feline Practitioners

Personal Information

Dr. Davison was born in Leicester, England and moved to the US when she was in 7th grade. She then lived on the East Coast before moving to the Midwest for veterinary school. She later followed her husband out to California.

Since graduation, Dr. Davison has been working as a small animal veterinarian in the Bay Area. She is Fear Free level 1 certified and has a special interest in feline medicine.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son, husband, 2 cats (Tessa and Cleo), and 2 guinea pigs (Merry and Pippin). Her hobbies include reading, baking, hiking, and whale watching.

College
University of Missouri Columbia, B.S. General Biology

Veterinary School
University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, 2006

Memberships
American Veterinary Medical Association
California Veterinary Medical Association

Personal Information:
Dr Bellers has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 7 years old and has worked for that goal ever since. After graduating veterinary school in Missouri, where she is from, Dr. Bellers moved to California. She has been enjoying all northern California has to offer while in general practice at several clinics in the Bay Area since 2006. Dr. Bellers joined Los Gatos Dog & Cat Hospital in December of 2016, which she feels is a perfect fit. Advocating for pet’s health and preventative care has always been a passion for her. She especially enjoys the relationship building with clients and watching their bond and understanding of their pets grow. She loves all animals, but is particularly fond of kitties.

Dr. Bellers is married with three kids and plenty of pets to keep her very busy. When she does have free time, she likes to run, do yoga, go to the beach, go on hikes, and visit the nearby zoos and aquariums.

College
University of California at Santa Barbara; B.S., Biopsychology

Veterinary School
University of California at Davis,1997

Internship
Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, 1998

Memberships
American Veterinary Medical Association
California Veterinary Medical Association

Personal information
Carla has been a Santa Clara County resident since 1979 when she moved here with her parents. She went to Gunderson High School, returning here after college to live and practice.

Carla is primarily an emergency veterinarian for multiple Bay Area ER practices, but she works with the Los Gatos Dog and Cat Hospital team when coverage is needed.

She lives with her boyfriend, Dan, and her dog, Tyson, and enjoys painting, cooking, gardening, making hot sauce, writing veterinary articles, yoga and Vinyasa, running, and riding her horse, Synergy.

College:
University of California, Davis, B.S. Animal Biology

Veterinary School:
Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, 2019

Memberships:
American Veterinary Medical Association

California Veterinary Medical Association

Personal:
Dr. Shweta Shaikher wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of California-Davis, she attended Oregon State University for veterinary school. Dr. Shaikher and her family have always lived in the South Bay Area, so she was thrilled to return and join the team at Los Gatos Dog & Cat Hospital. At work, she enjoys educating pet owners and fostering the precious human-animal bond among her clients. Outside of work, Dr. Shaikher loves to travel and try new restaurants. She also loves to spend time with her sweet Pomeranian named Rufus, a patient she nursed back to health during a rotation at the Oregon Humane Society in veterinary school.

Dr. Katharine Giddings earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Edinburgh. She is Fear Free certified and brings a wealth of experience in caring for a wide range of animals—from household pets to farm animals and horses. Her diverse background spans farm calls and feline medicine to spending a month living and working on a sheep farm during lambing season in the English countryside.

Originally from Los Gatos, Dr. Giddings is thrilled to be back serving the community where she grew up. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking local trails, exploring new Bay Area restaurants, playing pickleball, reading, and embroidery. At home, she’s kept busy by two cats and a flock of chickens.

Michael has worked in the veterinary field since 2020. He has experience in both specialty and general practice. Michael became a registered veterinary technician in 2023 after graduating from Carrington College. Michael aspires to one day go into zoology, cardiology and or specializes in diagnostic imaging.

In his free time Michael loves making music. He also likes to ride on his motorcycle through the local mountains, or you can find him doing indoor bouldering. He is also a bit of a movie buff who loves collecting films. Whether it's a classic or a new release.

Education/Certification:
University of California, Davis, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science 2017

Foothill College, Associate Degree of Science in Veterinary Technology 2021

RVT- since 2021

Nanami has lived in Bay Area since 2000. She has worked with small animals (mainly dogs and cats) since 2015. Nanami when not working enjoys going to concerts, trying new food, going on adventures with her boyfriend and playing and hanging out with her two labs. She has owned labs since she was 11 so we consider her to be an experienced lab owner!

Education
Foothill College, A.S., Animal Health Technology, 1993
Honors graduate of SFSPCA Dog Trainers Academy

Certification
RVT – Board of Veterinary Medicine
CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer)
CTC (Cerification in Training & Counseling)

Member
North American Veterinary Technician Association www.avma.org/navta
Association of Pet Dog Trainers www.apdt.com
Veterinary Technician Dental Society
International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management

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.

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 and their cats.

Stephanie graduated and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2016. She has worked in emergency medicine but found her career more rewarding in a general practice. Stephanie devotes her skills in surgical procedures and providing exceptional care to all her patients.

Stephanie at heart is comfort driven and spends most of her time with her eight cats and two dogs. Her heart is full of love and fur for "Jake", "Capone", "Lobster", "Mac", "Milo", "Mayhem", "Smeagol", "Jupiter", "Willow" and "Lucky".

Education:
San Jose State University, Wildlife Biology
Washington State University, Wildlife Biology

Certification:
National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association, 1989

Member:
National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association www.nwrawildlife.org
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley-lifetime membership www.wcsv.org
RVT Committee with Cal Vet Medical Association 2015-2017

Experience:
Tom got his “foot in the door” of the veterinary field by volunteering for Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 1979. He then worked for two 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 three 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 two stepdaughters, Missy and Adena, and a beautiful granddaughter, Shaylynn. They have two spunky little dogs, a Chihuahua named Skooter and a pint sized Pomeranian named Nahlah. As well as three cats: Jazz, Junior, and Angel

Hailing from Moscow Russia, Anna Yanushkevich has been filling theaters and performing at events large and small for the better part of a decade.

She has professionally trained in the circus arts, aerial dance, and other movement disciplines like contemporary dance and ballet.

Additionally, Anna is in school for premed and works as a registered veterinary technician with a focus in surgery and anesthesia. She is also a certified surgical technologist working in the human medical field.

A Campbell native, Jaymi graduated from San Diego State University where she met her husband, Rob. They have one son, Kyle, and 1 cocker spaniel , Hudson. All of them make her laugh everyday. High on her list of favorite things to do are: spending time with family, working-out, hiking and reading. Jaymi was a client of LGDCH for 15 years before she joined the team in 2010.

Tori has been with LGDC since 2021 but has been in the veterinary field since 2013. She has experience in emergency, specialty and alternative medicine. Tori loves building connections with clients, thanks to her degree in business communication.

Tori has 2 fur babies that rule her house a chihuahua named Madison Bumgarner, a Ragdoll mix named Hunter Pence. When Tori’s not working, you can find her nose deep getting lost on a book adventure. Or at a local bay area sporting event with her daughter and husband.

Melanie has been a smiling face at our front desk since 2016. She is a San Jose native with a love of all animals. She herself as many cats, a gecko named "Heimdall" and a sweet black Labrador named Ace. In her down time Melanie enjoys being creative and embracing her talent for art. She also loves to read and spend time with her family and friends. Any opportunity for a good road trip Melanie is in the driver seat ready to go.

Becca joined the LGDC family in 2014. She has been in the veterinary field since 2005. Becca has experience in both human and animal medicine. While working for LGDC Becca obtained her CNA (certified nursing assistant) and her VRCE (veterinary reception certificate of excellence). Becca is also Fear Free certified.

She is a true animal lover and currently shares her home with her three Chihuahuas, her adorable twin boys and husband. When Becca is not working you can find her living her best lake life or reading her favorite psychological thriller.

Hi! My name is Tori (#2) & I've been working in the vet field for the past 3 years & have the biggest heart and passion for animals. When I'm not working, you'll find me baking up smiles, crafting memories, seeking new adventures and snuggling up on the couch with my sweetest Bahamian Potcake, Brodie. I'm a homebody at heart with a sprinkle of wanderlust. See you soon!

This is Alyssa Rocha, who’s animal obsession began with helping her father bottle feed the calves at their ranch at the young age of 4 years old and matured into helping her sister at her goat farm. After high school, she fell in love with the medical side of animal care. When she isn’t obsessing over the veterinary field, she is hiking with her 3 dogs: Yondu, Symmone & Savanna (2 Dobermans and 1 Australian Cattle dog), cuddling with her Siamese cat: Lilith, listening to her favorite true crime/horror podcasts and camping with her partner/friends.

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.

Dani has been working with Los Gatos Dog & Cat Hospital since 2022. She is in progress to get her CVMA certification. She has ambitions and determination to make her childhood dream come true and become a RVT and or a Zookeeper to work with her favorite animal the Red Panda.

When Dani is not at work you can find her in the kitchen baking up something wonderful. Dani loves to paint and get her creative mind flowing. She enjoys dancing and exploring different music festivals. Yet at the end of the day, you can always find her with the love of her life the problematic kitty named "Crouton".

Lily has been volunteering in training classes here since 2015 when she was 14 years old. She then became an official member of the LGDC team at 16. She loves all breeds but has a special place in her heart for Dachshunds and German Shepherds.

Lily is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Lily teaches all classes and is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator! She is also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Lily has a special interest in canine mental stimulation.

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”: Emma, the total Heinz 57 mix and Lando, the Anatolian mix.

In her free time, Raeann loves to go on hikes, go to the movies, draw, and read. Plus, being a total geek, she loves to go to comic and sci-fi conventions as often as possible.

She and her husband are also long time San Jose Sharks fans.

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 in the field ever since. She has a special love for Cocker Spaniels.

Vanessa lives with her son, Akili and her furry kids include Javen the Chihuahua, as well as Ivy and Gilbert the cats, and plenty of fishies!

Hello! My name’s Kate, & I’m delighted to look after your dog! I only started at LGDCH in Jan. 2023, but I have a couple years of experience working at dog daycares, both as a handler with the dogs & as front desk serving clients, first in Sunnyvale, CA then in Washington. I love connecting with the dogs I care for, & making sure their owners are happy! I have a German Shepherd, Dahlia, & a Corgi, Jimmy, at home, & I love just sitting around watching shows with them & my husband. Originally from SJ/ Campbell, I love the West Coast & can’t imagine being anywhere else!

Hi! My name is Mika and I love love LOVE all animals of all sorts. I spent the past 3 years working with animals of all sorts but more closely with dogs. I’ve volunteered at animal shelters, helped with training classes and worked at a puppy school prior to working here at LGDCH. When I am not at work, you can catch me either taking early morning Cyclebar class, running outside, hiking with my Jindo mix Boba or at home playing video games.

Owen joined the daycare team in 2016. He is native to Northern California, Palo Alto to be exact. He shares his home with his two dogs; Franklin, a 4 year old Pit Bull, and Steve, a 7 year old Labrador.