{"id":187,"date":"2024-03-29T11:03:46","date_gmt":"2024-03-29T18:03:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.santacruzpet.com\/?page_id=187"},"modified":"2026-03-27T15:12:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T22:12:44","slug":"meet-our-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/meet-our-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meet Our Team<\/h1>\n
The Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic is renowned for its exceptional team of caring, dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to provide the highest level of medical care and compassion for their patients. The clinic\u2019s talented staff is comprised of seasoned veterinarians with extensive experience and specialized expertise, as well as a team of highly-trained veterinary technicians, assistants, and support personnel. Each member of this remarkable team is deeply committed to the well-being of the animals they serve, treating every patient with the utmost gentleness, patience, and individualized attention. From the moment a pet and their owner step through the doors, they are greeted with warm smiles, empathetic listening, and a genuine desire to understand the animal\u2019s unique needs and concerns. <\/div>\n

\n View Our History<\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\"Dr<\/p>\n

Dr. Neal<\/h2>\n
\n

Dr. Neal is a native of Arizona. She graduated from UA in 1996 with a B.S. in Vet Science and a B.S. in Biology and then went to Colorado State University to receive her DVM degree in 2000. Her experience is in equine medicine, general practice, and in shelter medicine. A recipient of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce\u2019s 40 under 40 Award, Dr. Neal has also been recognized for her service to many other veterinary organizations during her career, such as the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Dr. Neal left the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in 2012, after seven years of service, and purchased Santa Cruz Vet Clinic in 2013.<\/p>\n

In 2014, Dr. Neal formed a 501(c)(3) (tax-exempt) non-profit organization, named Asavet Charities, in order to offer subsidized care to owners in need and in underserved areas of the Southwest, including several Native American Nations. A recent donation by the Bonnie Kay Trust Fund allowed Asavet Charities to purchase a mobile clinic in the summer of 2016, which is now actively performing clinics across the Southwest. Asavet\u2019s emphasis is on spay\/neuter and wellness and providing access to care to those who otherwise find veterinary support inaccessible for economic or geographic reasons.<\/p>\n

Dr. Neal continues to travel to international locations with her highly trained team to provide volunteer spay and neuter services. The Asavet\/Santa Cruz team continues to travel throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America performing MASH-style surgical clinics for local communities. Dr. Neal also actively supports the development of the new veterinary school at the University of Arizona and will be involved in offering clinical training for veterinary students in the final stages of their training.<\/p>\n

Dr. Neal and her husband, Charles, have a son and daughter and share their home with various rescue cats, many outdoor and indoor fish, and their trained diabetic-alert dog, Erik.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Meet the Staff<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • \n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Yumi<\/h3>\n
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    Born in Tokyo, Yumi has traveled farthest to find her passion. Yumi transitioned to the Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic in 2016 from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and continues her mission of championing animals and giving them the utmost help and care possible. Although she is a dog person, she currently has 4 cats, 2 kids, and one husband. In her spare time, she likes to cook and bake new things.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Maria<\/h3>\n
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    Maria graduated from the University of Arizona in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Veterinary Science. She has worked in veterinary clinics on and off since 2006, most recently at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona where she worked as a Shelter Technician and later Front Office Lead at the Spay and Neuter Clinic. Maria’s last position was with the University of Arizona College of Medicine at South Campus Family Medicine Residency as a Program Coordinator. After working with the residency program for 4 years she realized that she greatly missed working in the veterinary world and joined Santa Cruz Vet Clinic in November 2016. She has a passion for working with the community to stop pet over-population and enjoys working with Dr. Karter’s nonprofit Asavet Charities. When Maria isn’t working, she is spending her free time with her husband Andy and 2 fur-babies Kain and Hope, yorkies that she adopted from rescues.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Miranda<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Hey everyone! My name is Miranda. I\u2019m originally from Chicago, but I just relocated here to Tucson to start fresh. Back home I grew up owning cats, snakes, and dogs. Now, my fianc\u00e9 and I have three dogs and a bearded dragon. I have always been passionate about animal welfare and giving back to the community, so I am so happy to be part of the Santa Cruz team!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Michaela<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Hi, my name is Mickey, I have always loved animals and enjoy taking care of them. I have two dogs, Lilo and Chompperz who I love very much.\u00a0\u00a0I graduated from Pima Medical Institute as a Veterinary Assistant and I am proud to be working at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Mary<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
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    Alexandra<\/h3>\n
    \n

    My name is Alexandra. My passions are music, history, and animals. My husband and I have five cats and one dog. I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ, and am excited to be serving this wonderful community.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Amy<\/h3>\n
    \n

    I have been working client services in the Veterinary field for 16 years. I love helping people and their animals. I have one doggie named Sunshine. In my free time I love to bike ride, hike, and travel with my son, Brennen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Judy<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Judy Shepard moved to Tucson in 1999. Born and raised in South Florida she soon found she loved living the desert lifestyle. She shares her home with husband Roger and her mother Alma. She knew early on she had a strong connection with animals and has had 17 years overall veterinary experience. Most recently spending 8-1\/2 years of that at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, working and learning alongside Dr. Neal. Caring for elderly and special needs animals are her life’s passion. Her home is always occupied with a blind dog or two and several others. Many of whom were once deemed unadoptable. The family also includes a few handicapped small birds, turtles and tortoises. She brings with her that special caring for the hospitalized patients that she gives 24\/7, not only here at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, but in her own home.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Kim<\/h3>\n
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    I am the Supervisor at Santa Cruz as of November of 2021. My dream is to help animals and I spent the last 12 years at Humane Society of Southern Arizona moving up from Shelter Tech to Animal Services Supervisor. While it was a difficult decision, I decided to move my career to Santa Cruz due to Dr. Neal and her mission to serve the families and pets in our community. I spend my free time with my husband Tony, my two human children Bernice & Louise, and my fur children Ziggy, Chai, Dublin, and Uttini.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Luisa<\/h3>\n
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    Hello, my name is Luisa. I graduated from Pima Medical Institute as a Veterinary Assistant; my goal is to go back to school and become a Tech. I love working with animals and have a son and 2 beautiful dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Rose<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Rose’s love of animals is evident in every aspect of her life. She started her first technician position 30 years ago and received her certification two years later. She has served on the board of Animals Crusaders for 18 years. AC provides a no cost spay, neuter program, vaccinations and pet food to residents of the Tohono O’odam Nation. Recreation activities include dressage and endurance riding. She shares her home with husband Steve and a menagerie of rescues including two horses, five dogs and two cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Sabrina<\/h3>\n
    \n

    I am currently going to school at the University of Arizona with a major in Veterinary Science and a minor in Africana Studies (AFAS). Ever since I was little I told everyone that I wanted to help animals out and I was determining to do so. By starting volunteering at Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic in May 2016 I have gain experience to pursue a life career in animal care. When I\u2019m not working I am at home with my \u201cchildren,\u201d my 4 dogs Charlie McLovin, Gordo, Bella and Ziggy and my cat Zoey.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    History<\/h2>\n
    \n

    Tucson Pet Clinic<\/strong> – Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic opened its doors in the Del Monte Center on 12th Avenue in 1981 by Dr. Roco Mele. Dr. Mele is still in practice on the East Side of Town and his practice now focuses on advanced dental care for pets. <\/span>Dr. Dan Riley took over the practice in December 1986 and practiced successfully until 2013, he then announced intentions to retire and sold to Dr. Neal as of January 1, 2013.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

    Dr. Neal hopes to continue the tradition of affordable vet care and offering affordable surgical options. <\/span>Her passion is in affordable spay\/neuter and basic wellness services to all animals and keeping Santa Cruz Vet Clinic as the best place to continue this tradition!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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    Meet Our Team The Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic is renowned for its exceptional team of caring, dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to provide the highest level of medical care and compassion for their patients. The clinic\u2019s talented staff is comprised of seasoned veterinarians with extensive experience and specialized expertise, as well as a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-187","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/187","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/187\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}