Our Veterinary Professionals

	Dr. Elizabeth J. Colleran: Dr. Elizabeth Colleran is a 1990 graduate Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine; 1996 Masters of Science in Animals and Public Policy, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2011, she was the President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Specialty in Feline Practice. As the spokesperson for the AAFP initiative Cat Friendly Practice, she speaks at major conferences around the country.
	Dr. Michelle Lawson: Dr. Lawson’s love of cats started in her native Chicago area community with her childhood kitties Smokey, Jojo and Tom Tom. They were her companions whether simply sitting in the sun or assisting with any adventure. Fondness for these dear friends, along with dogs and horses, fueled her interest in veterinary medicine after her first career as a chemist. Once she graduated from Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Lawson continued her education and completed acupuncture certification through Colorado State University. She put all her studies to good use by practicing in Portland Oregon for 15 years prior to joining Chico Hospital for Cats. Outside the clinic, you can find her bicycling, motorcycling or relaxing with her current furry companions Bunny and Otter.
	Dr. Elisa Kleiman: Dr. Elisa (Lisa) Kleiman is a native of Texas and knew from the age of 10 that she would be a veterinarian. She grew up surrounded by hound dogs and lots of cats. She graduated from A&M Universtiy in 1982. She enjoys hiking, reading, gardening & with all the fresh vegetables from the local farmers markets, she is even thinking of learning to cook! She & her husband have 2 daughters, 2 dogs and a cat. She is a member of AVMA, CVMA, NVVMA, TVMA
	Sandy Doolittle – Office Manager: Sandy has over 25 years experience working in veterinary hospitals as well as 23 years worth of experiences working with injured and orphaned wildlife. She is a Director and Information Officer for the North Valley Animal Disaster Group. Besides her love of animals, her passions include volunteer work, traveling, dancing, reading and taking classes. She has 2 dogs, Stella Coco and Diego, a rescue from Mexico as well as 3 cats, Sauvage, Tomasio & Skelator.
	Jan Yaroslav – Registered Veterinary Technician, VTS (Dentistry): Jan began her career in veterinary medicine by volunteering at a Bay Area humane society while in high school. In 1978, she received an Associate in Science degree in Animal Health Technology from Foothill College in Los Altos Hills and became a Registered Veterinary Technician. She spent the next 13 years working for Companion Animal Hospital, a large specialty facility in Belmont, California. Before beginning her tenure at Mangrove Veterinary Hospital in 1991, she was employed by Stanford University. Jan has received advanced training in veterinary dentistry and received her Vet Tech Specialist Board Certification in 2008. Jan was awarded the CVMA RVT of the Year in private practice in 2010. Jan also enjoys teaching Veterinarians and Technicians about Dentistry through local and regional lectures and wet labs. Jan joined the staff at Chico Hospital for Cats in January 2010. Her hobbies include breeding and showing Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Miniature Horses, and traveling.
	*April Davis – RVT:* April has been in the veterinary field since 1986 when she started volunteering at a hospital in Oroville. After receiving a B.S. in Evolution and Ecology from UC Davis, she went on to graduate the veterinary technician program at Yuba College.. April worked at Marysville Veterinary Hospital for 13 years where she spent a lot of time rescuing & fostering orphaned puppies and kittens. She joined CHC in April of 2013. She enjoys baking, ballroom dance, reading and spending time with her 5 dogs and 3 cats.
	Bernadine Pritchett – Veterinary Assistant: Bernadine comes to us after successfully completing the ROP course in Veterinary Careers. After 25 years in the landscaping field, she decided to pursue her life long interest in caring for animals. Her husband and 2 sons are very supportive of her plans to continue her education and become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
	Lisa Stemerick – Veterinary Assistant: Lisa came to us with 19 years experience with large and small animals and a love of cats. She and her husband currently have 7 furry felines they share their home with. Most weekends you will find her on the back of her husband’s motorcycle exploring the North State.
	Jose – Veterinary Assistant: Jose has many years of experience with animals through the Butte Humane Society, Companions Animal Hospital and working at Acacia Veterinary Hospital. He enjoys spending his spare time with his son and his English Bulldog. He also enjoys going to the gym and bodybuilding.
	Katie Shippen – Veterinary Assistant: Katie was born and raised in Chico. She is happy to be back after living in Southern California where she attended Cal Poly Pomona as an animal science major. She worked in retail for ten years before she decided to return to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Katie is a student at Yuba College where she plans to enroll in the RVT program next fall. When not studying or working, Katie can be found exploring Bidwell Park with her dog, Kieds, or volunteering at the Butte Humane Society.