Oak Creek Small Animal Clinic

Receptionists

Our goal is to create and maintain excellent customer service and a friendly atmosphere. We are here to assist you with making appointments, purchasing food, treats, dental care items, heartworm/flea&tick preventative, joint supplements, re-filling prescriptions, and answering questions and concerns you have about your pet. If we cannot answer them we will ask a technician or doctor who can get back to you.

 

Suzanne Finley-Sandoval

Suzanne works at the front desk as one of the “darling” receptionists.  Originally from California, she graduated from Verdugo Hills High School and attended L.A. Valley College.  Her previous work experience prior to coming to the clinic was in the human medical field.  Suzanne has been at the clinic now for seven years.

Favorite pastimes include sleeping, hanging out with her family, three dogs and jousting with her daughter.  Her sense of humor and good nature keep the staff and clients laughing and upbeat.  She feels extremely fortunate to work with everyone at the clinic and describes them as crazy, down to earth people who are like family to her.  Suzanne’s favorite part of the job is seeing all of the precious animals, or as she calls them “Children of the Lord.” 

 

 

Lauren Robinson

Lauren, aka, Mrs. Robinson, is a retired Middle School Principal from Connecticut.  After spending 31 years in Regional School District #15 in Southbury, CT, she and her husband left the east coast for the wild, wild west; a dream they both worked hard for and were lucky enough to realize at a young age. 

Although the transition was tough at first, Lauren adjusted well because of the friends she found at Oak Creek Small Animal Clinic.  Having an elderly dog demanded that one of her first missions was to find a vet to replace the “excellent” treatment she experienced in CT.  When an acquaintance recommended Oak Creek Small Animal Clinic, she was thrilled!  Compassionate and knowledgeable was the only way to describe her experiences with Dr. Remmler and Dr. Kinney and she knew she didn’t have to worry.

A few years later, Lauren was hired as a receptionist and became one of the three “darlings” in the front.  She always thought it would be fun to work in a veterinarian’s office and made that a goal for her fun retirement job. 

Originally she wanted to become a veterinarian, but her love for children won over and she attended Southern Connecticut State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health.  Later she got her Master’s Degree in Physical Education and a Sixth Year Certificate in Administration and Supervision.  Her hobbies include riding her Harley, swimming, mountain biking, playing with her two rescued dogs and traveling with her husband.  She feels very fortunate to work in such a great clinic!

 

Office Manager 

 

Laura Wokasch

Laura is Office Manager at OCSAC and “Head Darling.” She has been working at the clinic for sixteen years.  Beginning as a technician, Laura’s love of the job and hard work ethic led her to the role she is in now.  Originally from Montana, she moved to the area in high school and graduated from Mingus Union H.S. 

Her responsibilities at the clinic include scheduling, inventory, ordering and making sure clients are treated fairly and with respect.  Laura’s organizational skills keep the front office running smoothly and efficiently.  Without her efforts the practice would certainly not be as outstanding as it is.

Laura loves to spend time working out and being with her family.  She attends all of her kid’s and husband’s sporting events which include wrestling, swimming, volleyball and softball.  Her passion is animals and the clients and feels very fortunate to work in Sedona.

 

 

Technicians and Assistants

Our job is to provide the best care and comfort possible for your beloved pets. Our duties include drawing blood, setting IV catheters, assisting in surgery, monitoring anesthesia, perform dental cleanings, taking radiographs, giving injection, and giving TLC to our surgical and hospitalized patients.

 

Michelle Alagna, Certified Veterinary Technician &

Lead Technician

Michelle is the clinic’s Lead Technician and does all the scheduling, assists in major surgeries and specializes in dental work.  She studied at Yavapai College and Penn Foster College, achieving her Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.  Michelle has been at OCSAC for twelve years and is a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Originally from San Diego, CA. Michelle moved to this area in 1992.  She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her husband and daughter.  Her experience, warmth and caring attitude allow her to perform her favorite mission which is to make the animals comfortable with her nursing skills.  Michelle continues her professional development by taking classes and improving upon her already excellent abilities.  There are very few clinics in the country that are as fortunate as we are to have someone like Michelle on board!

 

 

Heather Rorke, Certified Veterinary Technician

Heather is a certified Veterinary Technician and has been working at the clinic for one year.  She grew up in Connecticut and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Science with a minor in Microbiology from the University of Arizona.  Certified since 1996, she has been working in the veterinary field since 1992.  Her previous experiences include working in zoos with many wild and exotic animals.

Her proudest achievement, however, is the fact that she is a new mother to a beautiful baby girl.  Heather’s hobbies are animals and her 36 animals keep her extremely busy.  Some of the creatures you can find at her home are raccoons, dogs, cats, desert tortoises, and horses.

Heather’s favorite part of her job is getting to work with cats and exotics.  Her interest lies in the experiences that are challenging and different.  On the side she fields calls from her husband asking for help with their daughter – she loves that!

 

 

Diana Rene Therriault

Diana is one of the clinic’s Veterinary Assistants and has been in the field for 3 ½ years.  A graduate of Red Rock High School and native of Sedona, Diana’s love of animals made it a natural for her to work OCSAC.  She left us briefly and worked in a clinic in New York City for about a year, but city life wasn’t for her and she missed the beautiful red rocks and friends here and returned to us.

Her hobbies include running, hiking, playing tennis and spending time with her dog and boyfriend.  Diana is often seen running through the clinic from room to room to get the job done, hence her nickname “Princess Wind.”  She is currently working toward getting her certification as a Veterinary Technician and studying hard in the process.  Diana loves the animals, especially the puppies, and we love her!

 

 

Jim French

Our newest member of the veterinary staff, Jim brings a wealth of experience to our clinic.  Having spent 6 plus years working with small animals and exotics, his background has greatly enhanced our staff.  He shares a common mission with all of the support staff in that he truly enjoys helping animals and their owners when they are in need.  Anyone who meets him instantly perceives his caring and compassionate approach, understanding that he is trustworthy and there to help in any way possible.

Jim’s main hobbies are traveling and music.  He has been all over the world and his “school of life” experiences enhance his abilities to get along well with everyone!  He also enjoys woodworking, playing the guitar and piano, backpacking and rock climbing.  A true renaissance man, he is motivated and enthusiastic about learning new things.  Currently he is studying for his test to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. 

 

 

 

Tammy Railey

Tammy graduated from Osceola H.S. in Kissimmee, FL.  She previously worked in the human medical field at a local eye care clinic, but the love of animals brought her to our clinic a little over a year ago.  While she had no experience in the field, she has worked hard to learn all it takes to be a terrific Veterinary Assistant under the guidance of our Head Technician, Michelle. 

Her hobbies are photography and bowling which she doesn’t get a lot of time for because her other full time job is mother and grandmother (although she looks way too young) to three daughters and one grand-daughter.  Tammy’s sensitive nature allows her to care for the animals in a compassionate and comforting way, which coincidentally is the favorite part of her job.  She loves how each day at the clinic is different.  Tammy also brightens our days with funny stories and donuts, when necessary, which keeps us all in cheery moods!

 

 

Sinuae Gonzalez

Sinue grew up in Mexico City where he attended school and lived with his family.  He has been working at the clinic for five years.  He serves the clinic as a “Jack of all Trades” doing whatever is necessary to provide a safe, clean and welcoming environment.  Whenever we need something done, all we need to do is call on Sinue.  He not only cleans and stocks shelves, but assists in holding animals, supporting the technicians and keeps a watchful eye on the clinic.

Hobbies include listening to music and sports and he can often be found playing “Rock Band.”  An avid soccer player, Sinue can be seen on the soccer field Sundays with friends in a pick-up soccer games.  Always smiling and positive, Sinue can be counted upon to be there when you need him.