Management

Our capable administration works to keep ACCES running smoothly. Our managers work together to provide ongoing training for our staff so that we can provide the best care possible for you and your pet. Our team also works together to keep our facility in top-notch condition.

Roy Brock (Hospital Manager/Finance Director) is originally from Pleasant View, Tennessee, located just outside of Nashville. He moved to Seattle in October, 2000. He was a corporate location manager of a major home-repair and remodeling company before joining our team. He has 2 golden retriever brothers, Niko and Bubba.  Roy recently received his MBA from Regis University in Denver, CO.

Nya Stilwell (Human Resource Director) is our human resources manager. Nya was previously the administrator at a large veterinary specialty practice in southern California and also worked as a zookeeper for wolves and large cats. She has one super cute Border Terrier named Louise (Wheezy).

 

Administrative Support

Doug Garland (IT Technician) has 30 years of experience in the computer industry. When he's not working on computers, Doug enjoys the outdoors with his Golden Retreiver Misty.

Christina Ryan (Marketing Coordinator/Blood Bank) has a BA in Communications and another in Anthropology from Pacific Lutheran University. She has previous experience working as a receptionist in a veterinary day practice. Christina has four cats named Moses, Oliver, Juliet and Sheba. Her special interests are in Hematology & wound management, and she someday hopes to receive her veterinary technician license.

Shin Zhang (Administrative Assistant) has over eight years of experience in office/Human Resource administration and is interested in developing more in the field of Human Resources. She loves animals and respects the veterinary industry.

 

Client Services

Our client service staff are the first people you will meet when you come to ACCES. Their goal is make your experience as smooth as possible, to make sure you are well taken care of, and that all your questions are answered. They will help you with paperwork and make sure that you and your pet receive the best care.

Erin Gallagher (Client Service Staff-Renton) has a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington. While working on her degree, Erin worked providing customer service for 4 years in the sales & restaurant industry. She joined the ACCES team because she is interested in pursuing a career as as licensed veterinary technician, and will get a lot of experience in veterinary medicine at ACCES. Erin has a very active lifestyle and enjoys outdoor sports such as running, as well as baking and cooking. At home she has two pets: a dog named Lily and a cat named Jade.

Dana De La Torre (Client Service Staff-Seattle) has over twelve years of veterinary reception experience, most of which was at Animal Dermatology Clinic in Southern California.  Her special medical interest lies in wound management because her dog, Henry, has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which causes his skin to tear easily.  She also has a cat named Miyah who fortunately doesn’t have a rare disease, and a chocolate Pomeranian named Jack.

Peter Donovan (Client Service Staff-Seattle) has a BA in Cinema-television from the University of Southern California. He previously worked as a filmmaker and musician in Los Angeles and Portland ME. He just moved to Seattle to return to school and pursue an education in veterinary medicine. He is excited to learn as much as possible from the great staff at ACCES! He has a six-month-old Australiaian Shepherd mix named Billie Jean who likes AC/DC and watching Mel Gibson movies.

Kailey Higgins (Referral Coordinator-Seattle) has 4 years of hostess and reception experience. She loves working with thepublic, and this is her firstveterinary job. She has a six month old Pit Bull named Maebe.

Dawndy Merritt (Client Service Staff-Seattle) worked as a lead receptionist at a localclinic before joining our team. She has a wide variety of pets including cats, dogs, birds, bunnies and an iguana. She also volunteers on a critter team at the Seattle Animal Shelter. She is interested in learning as much as she can in the veterinary field.

Kendra Oliver (Client Service Staff-Renton) has a degree in Anthropology from the University of Washington. Prior to joining the ACCES team, Kendra served in the Peace Corps as a HIV/AIDS educator in the Kingdom of Swaziland. She owns two orange cats who formerly worked as barn cats.

Joelle Craft (Client Service Staff-Seattle) recently received a degree in psychology from Argosy University. Joelle has worked as an After School Club Coordinator for the past 5 years at her son's school. She enjoys working for ACCES because of the people and the animals. She loves playing with her friend's dogs, but at home she only owns one cat named Eliana.

Christy Thomson (Client Service Staff-Renton) worked as the Animal Behavior Lead at the PAWS Animal Shelter, as a Behavior Assistant at Old Dog Haven and as the Foster Coordinator for the Seattle Humane Society in Bellevue. She has one female dog named Lilu and a cat named Bob.

Alexis Warner (Client Service Staff-Renton & Seattle) has a BA in Sociology from California Lutheran University. She is new the the veterinary industry but loves animals and has a lot of experience with administrative support. Alexis first learned about ACCES when her childhood dog was a patient here, and she has been wanting to be a part of the team ever since. She is very interested in learning more about animal medicine. At home Alexis has Oscar a pitt/boxer mix, a blue heeler named Bailey and Emmy the mini schnauzer.

 

Technicians & Veterinary Assistants

Our licensed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants work with the doctors to provide compassionate care for your pets. Their goal is to assist the doctor as needed and to provide the nursing care needed to get your pet better if they need to be admitted to our intensive care unit. Our staff is highly trained and includes two of the very few emergency and critical care certified technicians in the state.

Cheryl Adler (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) has been a UW student research Assistant while working on finishing her degree in microbiology. She has also worked as an animal phlebotomist. Prior to joining the ACCES team Cheryl worked at two different local veterinary hospitals. Her interests include visual differentials, IMHA, Immunology, and especially autoimmunity. At home Cheryl has one female longhair calico named Juliet. She is also a foster parent in the Seattle Animal Shelter cat program.

Lindsay Bridgewater (Client Liaison-Seattle) worked at an emergency clinic in Michigan before joining our team. She has 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 horse.

Sandra Burrill (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) recently received her BFA in Fine Art. Her veterinary experience includes 2 years as an animal care attendant at Woodhaven Veterinary Hospital in Edmonds. She has also been working as a veterinary assistant for Emerald City Emergency Clinic. Sandra has owned pets her entire life and done a lot of pet sitting, as well as volunteered to work with large exotic cats. At home she has 4 cats of her own. She is very interested in all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Nina Cahail (LVT-Seattle) is a recent graduate of the Pierce College Veterinary Technician program.  Prior to her internship and hire at ACCES, Nina worked for 2 years as a kennel assistant at Woodhaven Veterinary Clinic in Edmonds.  Now she serves as the technician for our radiologist, Dr. Bill Gross. Nina's special interests lie in marine mammal & wildlife medicine & rehabilitation.  She has a dog named Damarco and two cats named Lucy & Mr. Meow.

Michelle Duritza (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) has a B.A. in Psychology from Canisius College, with dual minors in Animal Behavior and Zoo Biology. She has also gone to school for animal husbandry and behavior. For one year Michelle worked as a lead in the kennels at the Seattle Humane Society, as well as interned in the Buffalo Zoo. She has an avid interest in all aspects of animal medicine and loves to use her knowledge and skill to help where needed. At home, Michelle owns a pug named Reggie.

Andrea Clewley (LVT-Seattle) has a B.S. in Biology and Zoology from the University of Washington. She worked as a seasonal marine animal rehabilitator at Alaska Sea life Center and a seasonal wildlife rehabilitator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. She is especially interested in zoonotic diseases. Andrea recently adopted a very sweet black lab from the Humane Society, and named him Bowser.

Allison Dietz (LVT/Blood Bank Manager-Seattle) managed and worked as a veterinary assistant in a Banfield pet hospital before joining our staff. She also helped start and manage a veterinary blood bank prior to joining the ACCES team and beginning a blood bank here. She is very interested in blood banking and in transfusion medicine.  Allison is currently attending the University of Washington to receive her microbiology degree. She has one cat named Arthur and two budgies.

Mandy Flatin (LVT-Seattle) has a B.S. in Veterinary Technology. She worked in North Dakota for three years as a technician before moving to the Seattle area, where she loves to go fly fishing. Mandy has a lab-cross named Jackson and a cat named Melman.

Amber Frey (LVT-Seattle) graduated from Pierce College. She has one year previous experience working at a day practice. Amber has 2 iguanas, 2 Italian greyounds, 3 cats and 1 bird.

Kristin Funston (LVT-Seattle) received an education from UC Davis, where she got her degree in Physiology. After becoming a licensed veterinary technician, Kristin worked for over 10 years in various emergency veterinary hospitals. She spent the past two years in a veterinary specialty practice in California. At home Kristin has a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Biskit and an orange domestic shorthair tabby named Billy Bob. At work she really enjoys the trauma and critical care aspect of veterinary medicine.

Teresa Gadman (LVT-Renton) received her Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology at the Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California. She has previously worked in an emergency hospital in California, as well as spent some time at a private veterinary neurology practice before moving to Washington. For the past few years she has worked as a technician at another emergency animal hospital. Her special interests are in emergency medicine and neurology. At home Teresa is proud to be a mother of one and a wife. She also has three dogs and 3 cats as part of her family.

Katie Gray (Veterinary Assistant-Renton & Seattle) grew up on a farm, so she has a lot of experience working with all kinds of animals. Professionally, Katie has formerly worked at Dove Lewis Veterinary Hospital in Oregon, as well as area shelters and large animal practices. Katie loves learning about anything having to do with veterinary medicine, especially surgery. Her soft spots are for strays, wildlife, and geriatric patients.

Tana Greatorex (LVT-Seattle) has been in the veterinary field since 2000 and graduated from Veterinary Technician School in 2003. Her special interests are in surgery and physical therapy. She currently serves as the surgicial technician for our surgeon, Dr. Tamara Walker. Tana has two cats, Isis and Choco.

Melissa Hoemann (LVT-Seattle) enjoys working with trauma and critical care in veterinary medicine. For the past 8 years she has worked in area emergency clinics, both as a full-time employee and a relief technician. Emmy and Tristan are her Huskies at home. She also has 3 cats named Foo Foo, Fancy, and Raymond.

Lynn Jansheski (LVT-Seattle) has six years of experience in the veterinary field prior to joining ACCES, which included two years of general practice, two years of specialty surgery and two years of specialty emergency. She has a Bachelors in Visual Arts fromthe University of Florida and a Bachelors of Applied Sceinces in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. Her special interests are in wound care. Lynn has a Siamese mix named Anna and two Hound mixes named Dean and Cordy.

Jennifer Johnson (LVT-Renton) is a former New York City resident, where she worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician for two different animal hospitals. She received her AAS in Veterinary Technology from La Guardia Community College in New York. JJ has one very sweet pitbull named Alabama.

Theresa Kincaid (LVT-Renton) comes to us after working three years in a veterinary day practice. She also volunteers at the Woodland Park Zoo. Theresa has 3 cats-two of which are blood donors.

Carmen King, (LVT, VTS (ECC)-Seattle) graduated from the Pierce College veterinary technology program in 2002. She is the daughter of a veterinarian, started cleaning kennels at age 14, and has been working in veterinary medicine ever since. She has a Doberman named Calla, and a cat named Abby.

Jessica LaChapelle (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) has three years of experience in small animal veterinary clinics. She has a special interest in emergency and internal medicine and is interested in pursuing a veterinary medical career. She has a five year old pit bull named Sasha and a cat named Tyrone.

Josh Martin (Client Liaison-Seattle) has over six years of experience in veterinary day practices as a receptionist, kennel and veterinary assistant.  His other relevant experience was as a volunteer at Sarvey Wildlife Center and as a dogsledder.   His special interests are in veterinary medicine, biochemistry and genetics. Josh owns two cats-Possum & Panda-who are part of the ACCES blood donor program.

Marina May (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) really loves pets. She is a graduate of the Pierce College School of Veterinary Technology and for the past two years has been working as a veterinary assistant for a day practice in Maple Valley. She surrounds herself with animals at home. Her pets include: A Bichon named Angel, a Toy Poodle named Bear, a Lab named Tarah, and Eclectus parrot named Buddy, plus a rabbit, guinea pig, chickens and a talking catfish. In the future Marina plans to work with exotic emergency medicine and do wildlife rehabilitation.

Meredith Monroe (Veterinary Assistant-Renton) has an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology from San Leandro, California. Of her 7 years total veterinary experience, she spent three of those working in a veterinary emergency hospital in California. Most recently she has served as the assistant to Dr. Alan Schreiner, our internist. She has a special interest in Endoscopy and chemotherapy patients. Meredith shares her home with a Scottish Fold named Roxy and a Persian mix named Elvis.

Heather Montgomery (LVT-Seattle) has a BS in Biology and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington. She has previous experience working at the UW Primate Center and at day practices. Now she works as the technician for our internist, Dr. Deena Sadek. Heather owns 3 cats: Snooty Butler, Sarah, and Pretty Princess.

Linda Ness (LVT-Seattle) spent several years as a licensed massage therapist before switching to the animal industry. She had several years experience at another emergency facility before joining our team. She enjoys the adrenaline rush of helping animals during a true crisis. She has one dog, 4 cats and 2 birds, and her special interests lie in anesthesia and exotics.

Rob Oatman (LVT-Renton) is a licensed veterinary technician that hails from upstate New York. He has previous experience working in another local animal urgent care facility for the past 7 years. Rob enjoys things to do with the outdoors such as camping, hiking, riding motorcycles and skiing. He shares his home with a cairn terrier named Leonard and a domestic shorthair cat named Joker.

Brynn Petersen (LVT-Seattle) came to us with 8 previous years of experience in emergency medicine. She has a cat with one eye, a cat with no eyes and a cat that is just plain lazy. Her special interests are in cytology analysis, exploratory surgeries and wounds.

Julie Posch (LVT, VTS (ECC)) (Lead Training Technician-Seattle) has two bachelor’s degrees, one in zoology and the other in business. She has many years of experience in animal emergency. Her special interests are emergency critical care and anesthesia. She has one spotted dog named Kyra and one horse named Kip and another named Tim. Julie also has an array of farm animals.

Matt Reyes (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) has future plans to get a Dogue De Bordeaux. His special interests are in internal medicine, critical care and animal behavior. Matt is pursuing his career in veterinary medicine.

Tracey Schmidt (LVT, VTS (SAIM)-Renton) started working in the veterinary field in 1995. She has a BS degree in zoology from University of Washington and received her technician's license in 2001. Tracey has worked for the Woodland Park Zoo as a volunteer.  She has one dog and three cats. She enjoys working in a place where technicians are trusted by the doctors and allowed to work as part of the team.

Riki Strough (LVT-Seattle) had many years of prior veterinary experience in California before moving to Seattle and joining our team as the inventory coordinator and assistant to the surgeon. She has 2 dogs and is especially interested in emergency medicine and orthopedics.

Jaime Symbol (LVT-Renton) has been part of the ACCES team almost since its opening in 2003.  Prior to joining the ACCES team, Jaime worked for 4 years at a general day practice.  Currently, she has a pitbull named Shug who serves as a blood donor at the ACCES Blood Bank, as well as 2 cats named Lucy Lou and Leggs.

Robyn Tweedley (Veterinary Assistant-Seattle) has a lot of experience working in veterinary clinics. Prior to joining the ACCES team she worked in hospitals in Oregon, Hawaii and Washington. Robyn has two feral cats at home that she rescued, as well as an Irish Setter named ProDeuce. Her special interests lie in veterinary anesthesia.

Yvonne Victor (Surgical Assistant-Seattle) has owned and cared for many, many animals over the years.  She has taken care of everything from dogs to other, smaller, loveable critters.  She has a special interest in animal husbandry and geriatrics.  In addition to her meticulous cleaning and eye for detail, she enjoys being a part of the surgical team at ACCES.  Yvonne has two loveable miniature Schnauzers named Reggie and Gordy that love to come to work with mom every day.

Jon Wieringa (LVT)(Lead Training Technician-Renton) comes to ACCES with a lot of experience in the veterinary field as both a technician and in a managerial role. He is also an EMT for the King County Sheriff's Department. John spends his off time working as a Search and Rescue K-9 handler and a search manager for the King County Sheriff Search & Rescue. At home he has a Australian Cattle Dog named Loki, A Border Collie named Teva, and two cats named Max and Abby.

Diane Yamamoto (LVT) started her veterinary career in Colorado. She has worked in specialty, surgery, and emergency clinics before joining our team. She has one cat, Mxyzlpzlk. Her special interests in veterinary medicine include radiology, nutrition, and mean cats.

 

 

Kennel Support Staff

Albert Campos (Kennel Staff-Seattle) has over three years of customer service experience and two years working as a lab technician with the Department of Agriculture. He has one black cat named CiB (cat in black).

Anna Kim (Kennel Staff-Seattle) has previous experience working with animals at the PAWS Senior Wildlife Care program. Her special veterinary medical interest lies with wildlife rehabilitation and pathology.

 

 

Hospital Cats: ACCES also happily employs two hospital cats. They live in the break room and donate blood on an emergency basis. The Seattle cat duo is Klunker (pictured on the "For Pet Owners" page) and the newest addition to the pair is Panther. Their main interests include keeping the chairs warm for the staff, scrounging for dropped bits of food, and pretending to not want your affection.

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