Veterinarians

Michele Drake, DVM, CVA

Dr. Michele Drake had wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a little girl. She had Schnauzers while growing up and loved all animals. Dr.

Keala Shotwell, DVM, CVA

Dr. Keala Shotwell received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from Colorado State University in 1997 before joining the Drake Center the following year. Her special interests are soft tissue surgery, dentistry and dermatology.

Heather Kovacevich, DVM

Dr. Heather Kovacevich (Kovac) received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Illinois in 2004.

Sarah Dilworth, DVM

Dr. Sarah Dilworth received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the University of California, Davis in 2012.

Taylor Borsack, DVM

Dr. Borsack received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Melbourne in 2015. She worked at All Creatures on Hoddle, a general practice in Melbourne, Australia. She joined The Drake Center for Veterinary Care in February of 2016. Dr.

Katie Tiglio, DVM

Dr. Katie Tiglio received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Western University in 2014. In the following years, she completed a rotating small animal internship at San Diego’s Veterinary Specialty Hospital, and an additional specialty internship in ophthalmology. Dr.

Madison VanWorth, DVM

Dr. Madison VanWorth received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2020. Prior to joining The Drake Center team, Dr. VanWorth completed an internship at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego.

Kristi Leslie, DVM

Dr. Kristi Leslie received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Western University of Health Sciences in 2022. She joined the veterinary staff at the Drake Center for Veterinary Care in June of that same year.

Laura Dowd, DVM

Growing up in a Navy family Dr Dowd was fortunate enough to have her father, naval aviator, and mother navy nurse retire in San Diego.

Administration

Our administration team offers staff support and ensures our employees have access to the resources they need to provide our clients and patients with the highest level of care and service possible. In addition to working behind the scenes to keep the practice running smoothly, they are the liaisons who help extend our bond with clients and their beloved pets far beyond the walls of our hospital.

Nada

Media Relations Specialist; Marketing and Events Coordinator

Carlin

Services and Marketing Coordinator

Julia

Inventory Specialist

Moki

Administrative Assistant; Treat Consumption Specialist

Hospital Administrator

Chris

Hospital Administrator

Reception

Our reception team plays a vital role in every client experience at The Drake Center. Knowing that each client, patient and situation is unique, our staff is empowered to be flexible and attentive. They will make sure your needs are taken care of, whether that means getting phone time with a doctor or making an urgent appointment that must be squeezed into the schedule.

Arlene

Client Service Specialist Lead

Lindsay

Client Services Specialist

Liz

Client Service Specialist

Jenny

Client Service Specialist

Alyssa

Client Service Specialist

Aryanna

Client Service Specialist

Kelley

Client Service Specialist

Registered Veterinary Technicians

Chances are, you’ve noticed many of the same faces here over the years. Our veterinary technicians’ combined years of experience in this practice number well over 50! A critical part of the health care team, our technicians have a strong passion for providing tender loving nursing care. They are well educated and continue to pursue ongoing education in all areas of veterinary medicine each year.

Kim

Registered Veterinary Technician

Loree

Registered Veterinary Technician

Madi

Registered Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Care Providers

Chances are, you’ve noticed many of the same faces here over the years. Our veterinary technicians’ combined years of experience in this practice number well over 50! A critical part of the health care team, our technicians have a strong passion for providing tender loving nursing care. They are well educated and continue to pursue ongoing education in all areas of veterinary medicine each year.

Andrew

Veterinary Care Provider

Pia

Veterinary Care Provider

Bianka

Veterinary Care Provider

Taylor

Veterinary Care Provider

Angel

Veterinary Care Provider

Jean

Veterinary Care Provider

Taylor

Veterinary Care Provider

Kennel Attendants

This wonderful team of compassionate providers will ensure your pet’s ultimate comfort while in our care. Pet interaction is our kennel team's primary responsibility and attendants can often be found outside in the play yard tossing the ball with one of our boarding patients. The kennel team is also responsible for all bathing services at our hospital and does a fantastic job making every pet look and feel great.

Julia

Technician Assistant