Get to know our Staff
Associate Veterinarians
- Steve Jones, DVM
- Joan Emery, DVM
- Valissitie Heeren, DVM
- Sara Barnhart, DVM
- Maura Westerdahl, DVM
- Carina Nacewicz, DVM
Queen Anne Animal Hospital
Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 1962-66
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Oklahoma State University, 1962-64
Undergraduate work: University of Arkansas, 1959-62
Veterinary Interests: After graduation from veterinary school, I joined the U.S. Public Health Service; I was employed as an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control. My assigned duty station for two years was the Washington State Health Department. Upon leaving the Public Health Service in 1968 I entered private veterinary practice in Seattle. After spending three years working in two different practices in Seattle and Bellevue, Don Canfield, San Olson and I formed Seattle Veterinary Associates in 1971. My practice interest lies in small animal internal medicine and surgery.
Personal Interests: My interests outside of veterinary medicine include running, skiing, bicycling and spending time at our log cabin close to Mt. Rainier. My interest in running began in 1969 and included marathons which ultimately resulted in qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon in 1978. The biking connection appeared more recently and has led to yearly trips to Italy for bicycle touring which I intend to continue.
My wife Karen and I live in North Seattle overlooking Magnuson Park. Our daughter Kasey lives in West Seattle with her husband Chris and their dog, Beatrice.
Pets: We share our home with Mia, a Standard Poodle puppy, and Jordan, a toy poodle. We recently lost Emma, our 15-year-old toy poodle, to bladder cancer. As all of our pets are, she was a delight to have in our home.
Ravenna Animal Hospital
Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of California Davis
Veterinary Interests: I truly enjoy the cases I see in general practice setting. I particularly enjoy educating people about their pet's health care and preventative medicine. In the science of veterinary medicine, my interest is more towards internal medicine.
Personal Interests: My husband, Steve and I enjoy playing soccer, skiing, hiking and working on our house and garden. We like exploring the area and discovering unique towns and places to eat.
Pets: Mungojerrie, a bratty Siamese, Rumpleteazer, a shy Tabico and Chugwater Charlie Hill, 'Chug'
Green Lake Animal Hospital
Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University
Internships: Small animal medicine and surgery, Denver Veterinary Specialists, Denver, CO.
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Medical Biology, Beloit College, WI.
Veterinary Interests: Within the veterinary field I have a strong passion for surgery and emergency medicine
Personal Interests: Since moving from Denver and joining Seattle Veterinary Associates I am enjoying getting to know all of the wonderful restaurants and cultural opportunities available. My leisure time is spent with my dog, Indy, either gardening or exploring the hiking trails in the area. My volunteer activities include spaying and neutering feral cats with the Feral Cat Project and providing veterinary care at the Doney Clinic.
Pets: Indianna, 6 year old black lab mix, A.K.A.: 'Miss Princess Mouch'
Ravenna Animal Hospital
Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Internship: Michigan Veterinary Specialists, Southfield, Michigan
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts, History of Art, University of Michigan
Veterinary Interests: I have a strong interest in oncology and internal medicine, although working with people and animals is the main reason I am in this profession.
Personal Interests: love the outdoors and particularly enjoy camping, hiking and snowshoeing. I also like traveling, art and music.
Pets: Maya, a pup and Frida and Pablo, kitties
Queen Anne Animal Clinic
Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Dartmouth College
Veterinary Interests: Senior care, Zoonoses and Public Health
Personal Interests: Hiking, backpacking, cooking, softball and travel
Pets: Callah a female English Pointer adopted in 1996
Green Lake animal Hospital
Ravenna Animal Hospital
Queen Anne Animal Clinic
Postgraduate Degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Internship: Florida Veterinary Specialist, Tampa, Florida
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Veterinary Interests:
While internal medicine
and surgery are my key medical interests, the unique bond is what drove me
to pursue these avenues in veterinary medicine.
After graduation, I pursued additional training in emergency and
exotic pet medicine, which was then followed by employment at an emergency,
critical care and specialty hospital.
It is a pleasure to be able to incorporate these experiences into
caring for my patients over the expanse of their lifetime.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy many
highly-informal interests, the highlights of which include travel, music,
art, reading, hiking and camping, bicycling, snowboarding, board-games and
any excuse to socialize and laugh.
Pets:
Neesha is my remaining
lapwarmer and squirrel chaser, having recently lost my first love and my
first patient Pipin. I also
share my home with Morgan, a geratric mixed-breed who is the best-behaved
puppy I have known.