Animal welfare organizations nationwide are celebrating National Vet Tech Appreciation Week this week! HSVC is no exception, as we have a team of talented vet techs assisting our Veterinarians in the Clinic daily. This special week allows us the space to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of our Clinic staff. Our vet techs are essential to ensuring the health and wellness of all animals, including our shelter population and the public's pets. We believe our staff should be showered with gratitude year-round, but we encourage all our supporters to please join us in celebrating these amazing professionals during this dedicated week!

Meet our team of fantastic vet techs!

Gaby Goldberg:

Gaby has lived in Ojai since she was ten and loves everything about it! She studied history in New York City at the New School for Social Research and received her certification from the Animal Behavior College to be a Veterinary Assistant. Gaby has worked in two of the veterinary clinics in the Ojai Valley and has been working part-time as a pet sitter over the past four years. She currently has one dog, which she rescued from the Humane Society of Ventura County, but she has also had many cats and dogs over her lifetime. She really knows what it takes to be a dedicated pet parent of a rescued family member!

Gaby is now our senior lead veterinary assistant and has been with the clinic for nearly three years. Her calm presence and kind demeanor make her wonderful at training new staff members and overseeing the flow of the clinic. Her dependability and communication skills make her a huge asset to our team!    

Aryanna Goodwin Vera:

Aryanna joined the Humane Society team in December of 2023. She has obtained her Veterinary Assistant certification through the Ventura College Veterinary Technology program and is working on finishing the program to obtain her certification for Veterinary Technician. Before finding her passion for working with animals, she was in the United States Navy as an Electrician's Mate for ten years. Aryanna is a quick learner and is always willing to lend a hand! Her bubbly personality and LOVE for all things furry (especially cats!) has her doting on our patients constantly.  

When Aryanna is not at the shelter, she is at home with her loving family and five cats. She dedicates her free time to studying, attending baseball games at Montalvo Little League, or camping with her family. 

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Greg Calderon:

Greg has over 12 years of experience as a dedicated Veterinary and Facilities Supervisor and Veterinary Technician in the animal shelter sector, specializing in feline care. His extensive knowledge of cat behavior and kitten socialization has made a significant impact on the lives of countless animals. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Greg’s passion for animals extends beyond his professional life; he shares his home with two rescued cats and two dogs, all adopted alongside his wife.

In addition to his hands-on experience, Greg holds various certifications in veterinary technology, facilities management, and animal behavior, ensuring he stays at the forefront of best practices in animal care. When he's not working with animals, Greg enjoys traveling, exploring new places and cultures. His commitment to animal welfare and his love for adventure define both his personal and professional journey. Greg was able to hit the ground running in our spay/neuter clinic and is incredibly helpful with our foster kitten program.

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Samantha Velasquez:

Sam is a recent graduate of the Ventura College RVT Program!  She started with HSVC as a summer intern in 2023 and the staff loved her so much, we hired her after her internship was completed!  Sam is a hard worker with incredible attention to detail and perfect handwriting. She was recently promoted to Lead Veterinary Assistant due to her dedication to the Humane Society and the animals we serve. 

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 Megan Best:

Megan is also a student of the VC College RVT program and our newest staff member.  Despite not having much experience in a clinical setting, Megan is picking things up quickly and showing enthusiasm, even when it's cleaning up messy cat carriers!  Her passion is with horses, and she'll be helping out our Equine department during downtime in the clinic. We're excited to have her on our team.

 

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Cristina Pena:

Cristina has three years of experience in the veterinary field and is passionate about exploring diverse veterinary environments. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Fresno State, she began her career in day practice but felt a calling to expand her horizons in shelter medicine. Currently in the process of obtaining her RVT license, Cristina has gained valuable hands-on experience and is eager to make a positive impact in animal welfare.

Born and raised in Carpinteria, she now lives on a ranch that is home to a variety of animals, further enriching her practical skills and knowledge. In her free time, Cristina enjoys horseback riding with her boyfriend and friends, combining her love for animals with outdoor adventure. Her commitment to veterinary medicine and her love for animals drives her as she continues her journey in this rewarding field.