Our Staff

Nurses

Karen Bennett, rvt

Karen joined our little group in 1985.  Working and going to school at the same time, she earned her RVT (Registered Veterinary Technologist) degree from Cosumnes River College in 1989, graduating with honors.  Karen, now our hospital manager, is intensely dedicated to providing  compassionate care for our patients. 

Becky Wharton, rvt

Becky earned her RVT  degree from Cosumnes River College in 1983, and has been part of our staff at Placerville Vet since 1995.  When asked about her favorite part of the job, admits "it is getting to cuddle all the puppies and kittens!".  Becky never slows down.  She enjoys music, dancing, acting in local theater productions, and spending time with her family.

Assistants

Donna Mellor  

Donna has been a member of our staff since 1995.  She worked as a restaurant cook in Kernville before she and her husband moved to Placerville where they managed and operated the Chili Bar Store.  Donna enjoys camping, rafting, reading, and spending time with her pets. 

Yukiko Barnard

Before coming to Placerville, Yukiko was a school teacher in Yokohama, Japan.  She met he husband Tom while skydiving in Hawaii. Yes, skydiving – not your typical Hawaiian vacation.  It seems that skydiving is much less expensive in Hawaii than in Japan.  So, Yukiko married and moved to Placerville.  Most large breed dogs outweigh Yukiko, which can present a challenge, but this doesn’t slow her down a bit. Anybody who jumps out of airplanes for fun is unlikely to be daunted by a Doberman.

Alyssa Schmitt

Alyssa works for us part-time while studying to become a veterinarian, driving back and forth between Placerville and Sierra College in Rocklin. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding and surfing and recently participated in A Rural Area Veterinary Services spay and neuter program in Round Valley Indian Reservation.

Lori Sturgeon

Laurie is a long-time employee who recently took a few years off to be a full time Mom, and we are excited to have her back. Laurie enjoys backpacking with her family, assisted by Sampson and Bunny, their two pack-goats. No, I’ve never heard of pack goats either, but they carry camping equipment and happily follow wherever they’re led.