Meet the Staff

A Liberal Arts student at Chaffey College, Halley is studying to become a registered nurse. Her love for animals and previous volunteer experience at local shelters is what drew her into the animal field while attending school. Halley has been on the reception staff at Terra Vista Animal Hospital since July 2007.

While Halley is pursuing a degree in nursing, she likes to spend her free time camping, fishing, baking, hanging out with friend and family and going to the dog beach with her three Golden Retrievers, Dushka, Baron and Duke, who each love any type of water sports.

A recent graduate of UC Davis, Jennifer joined the staff as a full-time receptionist in the fall of 2011.  In college, she majored in Psychology, with minors in Animal Science and Communication while playing college soccer.  Born and raised in the Claremont area, Jennifer brings three years of animal care experience to Terra Vista Animal Hospital including two summer internships at marine mammal training and care facilities in Vancouver and Florida.  Jennifer enjoys sports of all kinds as well as the love of her life, her English Pointer "Max".   

Maggie is a full-time registered veterinary technician who has been with Terra Vista Animal Hospital since January 2006, and brings years of experience in the veterinary profession with her. Maggie is originally from New York, but was raised in nearby Whittier. During the early 1990’s, Maggie received her Associates Degree in animal science from Mt. San Antonio College where she was on the Dean’s List. She is also certified in dentistry from the American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

With her husband John, an RN and clinical supervisor, they have two children, Shane and Sarah. They also enjoy the company of their two dogs, Cookie and Spencer, and cat, Willow. When not working, she can be found playing tennis or golf, going deep sea fishing and spending time with friends and family. She is also a member of the SPCA and Wildlife Defenders organizations and speaks to school groups about careers in the animal health industry.

Staff technician Sara and her son Nathan have plenty of animals to take care of at home.  They spend their time with 4 dogs, Sinatra, Peep, Embee and Fifi, as well as Sally, a 2 year-old cat and their little bunny Foo Foo.  When not feeding and tending their pets, Sara is busy gardening and enjoys watching football and spending time with her extended family.   

Alvaro has been working as a veterinary technician at Terra Vista Animal Hospital since September 2007. He moved to the area from Las Vegas, Nevada where he gained most of his experience.

A native of Santiago, Chile, Alvaro is a fluent Spanish speaker and enjoys literature, soccer, snowboarding and drumming in many styles (double bass and jazz are two favorites). At home Alvaro takes care of Gypsy, a 3 year old female cat. His future plans are to continue his vet tech education, bartending and general self improvement.

Upland native Laura has been working in the animal related field for 10 years.  She keeps busy with her children, Cameron and Carina, as well as their pets, dog Maggie, and cats Moe and Lloyd.  In her spare time, Laura enjoys hiking, cooking and spending time at the beach.

Raised in Hesperia, CA, Christy has been a veterinary technician at Terra Vista Animal Hospital since 1999, however, her previous animal health related experience gives her a total of 11 years in the field. Christy attended Victor Valley Community College for 4 years before moving to the Rancho Cucamonga area.

 

Christy and her husband Joe have a son, Jacob, who was born January 31, 2009.  Together they enjoy hiking, water skiing, knee boarding, and snowboarding.  They share their home with their 2 cats, Samson, and Cali.  

Michelle Spiel has worked in veterinary medicine since 1993. She has 4 years specialized training in surgery and anesthesia.  

 

Michelle is the proud mother of 2 wonderful young boys.  When she's not working at Terra Vista Animal Hospital, she enjoys horseback riding, reading, taking her sons and beloved elderly Boxer Tigger, to the park.

 

 

Shawna is currently attending both Mt. San Antonio and Chaffey Colleges, working towards her degree in Animal Science and the opportunity to eventually attend veterinary school.  In her spare time, she volunteers at both the Rancho Cucamonga and Upland animal shelters.  She enjoys participating in local 5K charity runs as well as watching movies, doing homework and baking.  Shwna has one cat named Gus. 

Scott, the Pharmacy Technician at Terra Vista Animal Hospital, received his Associates degree in Theatre Arts from Chaffey College in 2001, and is currently attending Oregon State University online, working his way to a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development.  An Ontario native, he has volunteered for the Ontario Police Dept. for 5 years, and enjoys spending his free time outdoors camping, fishing and playing sports.