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meet our incredible speakers!

DVM Track + Lab

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr. Saelinger is the founder and CEO of Cardiac Vet, Inc., a teleconsulting service for interpretation of cardiac 

diagnostic studies and a mobile echo service for veterinarians (cardiacvet.com). Her clinical interests include medical and surgical treatment of arrhythmias. She is one of two cardiologists in the United States who specialize

Dr. Saelinger is the founder and CEO of Cardiac Vet, Inc., a teleconsulting service for interpretation of cardiac 

diagnostic studies and a mobile echo service for veterinarians (cardiacvet.com). Her clinical interests include medical and surgical treatment of arrhythmias. She is one of two cardiologists in the United States who specialize in 

implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) surgery, programming and defibrillation. She also customizes pacemaker programming for individual canine patients. She has vast experience and a long-time special interest in the pathophysiology & treatment of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) of Boxers and English Bulldogs. You can 

reference her publications on this topic and others on the Cardiac Vet webpage under meet the team. Dr. Saelinger spoke at the AVMA conference in 2020 on cardiac emergencies and provides regular CE locally and nationwide. Her commitment to education is also reflected in the cardiology internship program she directed from 2012 - 2023, securing cardiology residencies for 93% of her interns (25 of 27). She continues to assist part time in this training program. 

Dr. Saelinger is a graduate of The Schreyer Honors College at the Pennsylvania State University. She obtained her 

veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. She then completed a one-year rotating internship 

at the University of Florida in Gainesville, followed by a cardiology internship and cardiology residency at Louisiana State University from 2008-2012. In 2012, she successfully completed the ACVIM exams and the Cardiology specialty boards to become a Diplomate (Board Certified Cardiologist) of the ACVIM in the specialty of Cardiology. To help Dr. Saelinger achieve her mission of providing world-class cardiac care to more pets, she created Cardiac Vet, Inc. Cardiac Vet employs a team of board-certified veterinary cardiologists and highly skilled, cardiologyfocused, veterinary technicians. We are currently able to perform mobile echocardiograms throughout the major metro areas of California. Dr. Saelinger also evaluates patients and meets with pet owners in person in San Francisco at SFAMC and in Los Angeles at VCA ASEC.

Cindy Vaca, DVM, DAVDC

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Dr. Cindy Vaca is a board-certified veterinary dentist and a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. She started her veterinary career in 2004 as a receptionist at ASEC and has loved the hospital ever since. She graduated Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 and immediately started her rotating inte

Dr. Cindy Vaca is a board-certified veterinary dentist and a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. She started her veterinary career in 2004 as a receptionist at ASEC and has loved the hospital ever since. She graduated Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 and immediately started her rotating internship at ASEC. She completed her residency in dentistry & oral surgery at Colorado State University in 2022 and is pleased to be back in Los Angeles. She loves addressing oromaxillofacial traumas and teaching all things dentistry to veterinarians, technicians, and students. 

Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO

Dr. Sheahan was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Irvine in 2003, earning degrees in Biology and Criminology. Her interest in comparative ophthalmology began after college while working as an ophthalmology nurse for four years. She went on to earn her veterinary degree from O

Dr. Sheahan was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Irvine in 2003, earning degrees in Biology and Criminology. Her interest in comparative ophthalmology began after college while working as an ophthalmology nurse for four years. She went on to earn her veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University in 2011. After veterinary school, Dr. Sheahan completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Ohio State University, followed by a three-year residency in comparative ophthalmology at Animal Eye Care. Her clinical interests include ophthalmic pharmacology, dry eye disorders, and retinal diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, running, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Jenn Hubbard, DVM, DACVS

Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Jennifer Sheahan, DVM, DACVO

Dr. Jenn Hubbard completed her veterinary education in her home state, becoming a DVM graduate from Oregon State University. She then continued her training in a rotating internship at WestVet Animal Emergency & Specialty Center in Garden City, Idaho. From there, we were lucky to have her join the VCA ASEC team for her one-year surgical i

Dr. Jenn Hubbard completed her veterinary education in her home state, becoming a DVM graduate from Oregon State University. She then continued her training in a rotating internship at WestVet Animal Emergency & Specialty Center in Garden City, Idaho. From there, we were lucky to have her join the VCA ASEC team for her one-year surgical internship and three-year surgical residencies. She has practiced in the West Los Angeles area since completing her residency and re-joined our team as a surgeon in 2023. Dr. Hubbard successfully completed all of the requirements to become a board-certified veterinary specialist and surgeon in 2024. She has a passion for all types of small animal surgery; including orthopedic, soft tissue, oncologic and neurologic procedures. When she's outside of the hospital walls, you can find her hiking, backpacking, canoodling her pets, and spending time with friends and family.  

Laurel Krause, DVM, DACVIM

Sara Crespo-Szabo, DVM, DACVIM

Sara Crespo-Szabo, DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Laurel Krause attended Iowa State University for undergraduate studies and Colorado State University for veterinary school. She completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles and then a residency in small animal internal medicine at Ohio State University. Although Laurel grew up in Iowa, she has lived in Los Ange

Dr. Laurel Krause attended Iowa State University for undergraduate studies and Colorado State University for veterinary school. She completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles and then a residency in small animal internal medicine at Ohio State University. Although Laurel grew up in Iowa, she has lived in Los Angeles for close to a decade and loves life as an Angeleno. Favorite hobbies are classical music, which includes attending LA Phil concerts and singing and playing classical music, foreign languages (German, French), and checking out local restaurants and museums. She also enjoys figure skating and rollerblading. Laurel is owned by three cats: Rasputin (pictured), Luigi, and Casper. Laurel's main professional interests include feline medicine, nephrology, urology, and infectious disease. She performs minimally invasive urologic procedures such as 

laser lithotripsy for lower urinary stones, ectopic ureter ablation, and urethral collagen injections.

Sara Crespo-Szabo, DVM, DACVIM

Sara Crespo-Szabo, DVM, DACVIM

Sara Crespo-Szabo, DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Crespo-Szabo received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University. After completing a small animal rotating internship at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center, she spent three years working as an emergency clinician in Northern California. She then went on to become a board-certified specialist in smal

Dr. Crespo-Szabo received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University. After completing a small animal rotating internship at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center, she spent three years working as an emergency clinician in Northern California. She then went on to become a board-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine, after completing a specialty internship and residency in Orlando, Florida. She has since returned to Southern California, where she grew up. Dr. Crespo-Szabo has extensive training in the broad field of small animal internal medicine, but is especially interested in endocrinology, nephrology and urology, and endoscopy. 

Todd Tams, DVM, DACVIM

Sara Crespo-Szabo, DVM, DACVIM

Todd Tams, DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Todd Tams received his DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 1977 and then entered into a mixed practice in Vermont from 1977-78. He then completed an internship at the West Los Angeles Animal Hospital in 1978-79, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Colorado State University from 1979-81. He was a staff internist at

Dr. Todd Tams received his DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 1977 and then entered into a mixed practice in Vermont from 1977-78. He then completed an internship at the West Los Angeles Animal Hospital in 1978-79, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Colorado State University from 1979-81. He was a staff internist at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston from 1981-84, and achieved board certification in internal medicine in 1982.  Dr. Tams has served as the Chief Medical Officer for Veterinary Centers of America, as well as a staff internist at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Tams was named as a Distinguished Alumnus of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.Dr. Tams has published two textbooks: Small Animal Endoscopy (Elsevier), second edition published November 1998; and a third edition was published in 2011. Handbook of Small Animal Gastroenterology (Elsevier), second edition published in 2003. Dr. Tams has presented numerous seminars in the U.S. and abroad on his special interest area of gastroenterology. 

Tech Track + Lab

Cassie Jackson, RVTg, VTS (ECC)

Ian Sroufe, DVM, Surgery Resident

Cassie Jackson, RVTg, VTS (ECC)

Cassie Jackson—known to most as CJ—has dedicated her entire career to veterinary medicine. She began working with animals at the age of 16 as a kennel technician, where she discovered her passion for the field. CJ earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Health Science from Cal Poly Pomona in 2011 and soon after became a licensed Registered

Cassie Jackson—known to most as CJ—has dedicated her entire career to veterinary medicine. She began working with animals at the age of 16 as a kennel technician, where she discovered her passion for the field. CJ earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Health Science from Cal Poly Pomona in 2011 and soon after became a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). After starting in general practice, CJ found her calling in emergency and specialty medicine in 2013 at VCA California Veterinary Specialists in Ontario. She has remained there ever since, thriving in the fast-paced environment and developing a particular interest in Emergency Critical Care and Surgery. CJ excels in managing complex cases and is deeply committed to advancing her expertise. In 2022, she earned her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care and is considering pursuing an additional specialty certification in the future.

Dillon Scott, AHT, DVM

Ian Sroufe, DVM, Surgery Resident

Cassie Jackson, RVTg, VTS (ECC)

Dillon completed his Animal Health Technology diploma at Olds College (Alberta, Canada) in 2013. He accrued significant clinical experience as a Registered Veterinary Technologist within small animal specialty and emergency medicine, developing a particular emphasis on anesthesia, surgery, and clinical education. Driven by a commitment to

Dillon completed his Animal Health Technology diploma at Olds College (Alberta, Canada) in 2013. He accrued significant clinical experience as a Registered Veterinary Technologist within small animal specialty and emergency medicine, developing a particular emphasis on anesthesia, surgery, and clinical education. Driven by a commitment to further professional development, he pursued his veterinary degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he completed a combined academic and private practice rotating internship through the University of Calgary, followed by a surgical specialty internship at VCA ASEC. Dillon is a lifelong learner and is presently advancing his training as a small animal surgery resident in Florida, with ongoing interests in surgical oncology, joint replacement, and minimally invasive procedures.

Ian Sroufe, DVM, Surgery Resident

Ian Sroufe, DVM, Surgery Resident

Katie Courtney, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Dr. Ian Sroufe is a second-year surgery resident at VCA ASEC. He graduated in 2022 from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine after earning his bachelor degree in animal dairy and veterinary science with a minor in biology from Utah State University. He is passionate about all things soft tissue and orthopedic surge

Dr. Ian Sroufe is a second-year surgery resident at VCA ASEC. He graduated in 2022 from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine after earning his bachelor degree in animal dairy and veterinary science with a minor in biology from Utah State University. He is passionate about all things soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Sroufe is a husband and father of 2- when he is not changing diapers, he is likely to be found waste deep in a river slinging a fly. 

Katie Courtney, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Katie Courtney, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Katie Courtney, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Hailing from southern Arizona, Katie went to Pima College where she got her AAS in veterinary technology. She then expanded her career and became a CVT there, and then received her RVT in California. She worked as an ICU tech for a 24-hr emergency hospital in Arizona and then made the move to CA and continued her experience in emergency a

Hailing from southern Arizona, Katie went to Pima College where she got her AAS in veterinary technology. She then expanded her career and became a CVT there, and then received her RVT in California. She worked as an ICU tech for a 24-hr emergency hospital in Arizona and then made the move to CA and continued her experience in emergency and intensive care at ASEC. During a brief relocation to Texas she joined the Veterinary Emergency Group and continued honing her ER skills. She made her way back to Cali and re-joined the ASEC team as a vital member and staff trainer caring for patients in urgent need. Katie has also successfully completed all of the rigorous requirements to obtain her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in emergency and critical care. Outside of vetmed things she enjoys baking, camping and pottery! She and her husband share their home with a terrier mix named Chunk, and an orange tabby named Walter.

Leah Contreras, CVT, RVT

Katie Courtney, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Leah Contreras, CVT, RVT

Leah currently works in Boston, MA as a full time emergency on call anesthesia technician at MSPCA-Angell. Her hometown is Santa Monica, CA and she's been in the field since graduating high school. Her first veterinary job was at SNP LA, and after a few years decided to make the jump to specialty medicine. She started at ASEC as a radiolo

Leah currently works in Boston, MA as a full time emergency on call anesthesia technician at MSPCA-Angell. Her hometown is Santa Monica, CA and she's been in the field since graduating high school. Her first veterinary job was at SNP LA, and after a few years decided to make the jump to specialty medicine. She started at ASEC as a radiology assistant and shortly after joined the surgical team. Monitoring anesthesia and helping out in critical care is where she began to thrive, as well as unlock her love of teaching. Excited to learn more, she expanded her horizons by joining the anesthesia department at Oregon State University, where she was responsible for teaching students during their small and large animal anesthesia rotation. Eventually, Leah made her way to Angell's anesthesia department, where she trained new staff, implemented training programs in anesthesia for different specialties, while running anesthetic cases for all species. Additionally, she has spoken at multiple conferences on different anesthesia topics and takes a special interest in research projects. As such, she’s recently opened up her own anesthesia training company to help practices learn foundational anesthesia and implement their own in house training programs. Her professional interests include critical case management, local/regional blocks, TIVA, and open chest cases. She has two pets; a squishy nub wagging Rottweiler named Drago, and a mischievous Siberian named Obi. 

Leader Track

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Andrea is a SoCal native. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BS in Animal Health Science in 2004. She became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager in 2011, received her California  Professional in Human Resources in 2017, and accomplished her Certification as a Senior Professional  in Human Resources in 2019. She became a Certifi

Andrea is a SoCal native. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BS in Animal Health Science in 2004. She became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager in 2011, received her California  Professional in Human Resources in 2017, and accomplished her Certification as a Senior Professional  in Human Resources in 2019. She became a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional in 2019 and  she is Fear Free Certified. In January 2016, Andrea received the SoCal VMA Paraprofessional of the  Year Award. She is the owner of FurPaws Consulting in CA where she works with veterinary practice owners and managers to develop their leadership teams as well as to expand and develop their  businesses. Andrea also stays busy with public speaking at a variety of veterinary events and national conferences,  doing what she loves - teaching, coaching, and training. She was awarded Practice Manager Speaker of  the Year by Viticus in 2024. She has also published in Veterinary Team Brief, IDEXX’s Practice Life,  Veterinary Practice News, and SD VMA. Her passion for veterinary medicine also keeps her busy with  SoCal VMA events and the SoCal Veterinary Manager’s Network she co-founded and is a board member.  She is a member of SoCal VMA, VHMA, and VetPartners and serves on the Board of Directors. She is  also an active board member at Platt College (Anaheim) and on the Golden State Humane Society Board. Andrea lives in Orange with her husband, Andrew, two cats, two dogs, and her horse. She loves  professional football and the Green Bay Packers have been her favorite team since she was four years  old. She is active and loves to hike, read, and horseback ride.  

Clara Pelton, BS, RVT, CVPM

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Clara is a Southern California native who has a lifelong affinity for helping animals. She started her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel assistant before attending Cal Poly Pomona and graduating with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, Clara continued her work in the veterinary industry focusing on emergency and critical c

Clara is a Southern California native who has a lifelong affinity for helping animals. She started her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel assistant before attending Cal Poly Pomona and graduating with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, Clara continued her work in the veterinary industry focusing on emergency and critical care while earning her Registered Veterinary Technician license. Clara was published in NAVTA magazine for an article called, “Fluid Therapy: A Technician’s Role”; catapulting her into education and mentorship within the industry. Clara has over 10 years of experience managing both general practice and specialty veterinary hospitals. She is an educator for students in veterinary assistant programs. Her vision is to: educate, train and mentor members of the veterinary community; from hospital team members and doctors, to rescue volunteers and pet parents. Clara currently resides in Ventura County with her husband, son, 3 cats and tripod dog. In her free time, Clara and her family enjoy traveling, food/wine, and baseball!

Fun Facts: My dog’s command to lay down is the word “Dinosaur” and I can do the cup song from Pitch Perfect. :)

Melissa Tompkins-Lewis, BS, CVPM, PHRca, CCFP

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Melissa Tompkins-Lewis, BS, CVPM, PHRca, CCFP

A little bit about me. I have over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field and whether you need team training or marketing assistance I am here to help your business. I am a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, I am credentialed in HR for California (PHRca), and I am also a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. I am very act

A little bit about me. I have over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field and whether you need team training or marketing assistance I am here to help your business. I am a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, I am credentialed in HR for California (PHRca), and I am also a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. I am very active within the veterinary profession and was the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association’s 2018 Paraprofessional of the year.  And I have served on the Board of Trustees for the SCVMA since 2020. In 2011 I co-founded the North Orange County Veterinary Hospital manager’s group. I help organize our monthly meetings and help provide quality education to our local managers. I love helping other managers and team members grow within the veterinary profession.

I have published multiple articles in DVM360.com, Veterinary Team Brief, and veterinary economics. I have been a speaker at multiple conferences and symposiums, including ASEC’s Annual Symposium, California Veterinary Specialists Management/Technician Spring forum & Symposium, and Fur Paws Consulting Training Symposium. I was a featured speaker on how to create a Cat Friendly Practice with Ceva Animal Health, at the 2016 AVSG Wet Lab as well as AAFP’s 2019 National Conference. I have presented at local, state and national conferences on a variety of topics as well.

Rosalyn Vargas, MSOL

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP

Melissa Tompkins-Lewis, BS, CVPM, PHRca, CCFP

With a Master's in Organizational Leadership, Rosalyn Vargas is a learning & development professional that specializes in onboarding, early-career management training and leadership development. Over the last 15 years, she has curated multiple learning programs and workshops for retail, technology and global outsourcing companies.  Rosaly

With a Master's in Organizational Leadership, Rosalyn Vargas is a learning & development professional that specializes in onboarding, early-career management training and leadership development. Over the last 15 years, she has curated multiple learning programs and workshops for retail, technology and global outsourcing companies.  Rosalyn is currently an adjunct professor at Loyola Marymount University's College of Business and a Senior Manager of People Operations at Hireframe where she incorporates AI to drive productivity in alignment with talent development.

RECOVER CPR Workshop

Melissa Hulgreen, MS, RVTg, VTS (ECC)

Melissa Hulgreen has been working in the veterinary field since 2006. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Animal Health Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2012 and shortly after became licensed. She has worked in emergency and critical care settings for over a decade and in that time, she earned h

Melissa Hulgreen has been working in the veterinary field since 2006. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Animal Health Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2012 and shortly after became licensed. She has worked in emergency and critical care settings for over a decade and in that time, she earned her VTS (ECC) and a Masters Degree in Biomedical Science. Melissa has always had a passion for teaching. She has taught courses for Cal Poly Pomona's Veterinary Technology Program, served on several tech school advisory boards and mentored many veterinary professionals on their path to licensure and VTS certification. Currently, Melissa is the Regional Technician Director for VCA's Pacific Southern California Group where she supports technicians and veterinary assistants in over 50 hospitals. She has been a RECOVER Certified instructor since 2019 and specifically enjoys empowering RVTs to take a more active role in leading CPR efforts. 

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