Dr. Rachel Jones
Practice Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Jones graduated from Tuskegee University in 1999. She started in an internship then worked in private practice for several years before opening Marina Veterinary Center in 2004. Prior to Veterinary school, she spent 12 years working as a licensed Veterinary Technician in emergency medicine and critical care. She has completed externships in neurology at N.Carolina State, Michigan State and the University of Pennsylvania.
Her true passion is in alternative therapies, which include, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, bach flower
remedies, cryosurgery, cold laser treatments and energy work. Neurology, dermatology , feline medicine & orthopedic surgery are also areas of great interest to her. She is committed to being on the cutting edge of both the holistic and traditional treatment regimes and constantly keeps abreast of all current therapies.
Dr. Jones is married & has two children one horse, two cats and too many dogs. She is a member of the American Veterinary Association, American Animal Hospital Association, California Veterinary Medical Association, Southern California Veterinary Medical Association & the International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society.
Dr. Karen Halligan
Veterinarian
Renowned veterinarian, author, and celebrity spokesperson Karen "Doc" Halligan has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career while establishing herself as a national authority on animals. She has appeared on Regis and Kelly, the Today Show, the Mike and Juliet Show, iVillage Live, Fox and Friends, Animal Rescue 911, Dog Tales, Dogs 101 and Cats 101 and is a judge on Animal Planet's hit reality show "Groomer Has It".
A native of San Diego, Calif., she double-majored in theater and zoology while performing in animal shows at the San Diego Zoo. In 1989, after graduating from the University of California, Davis, Doc became acutely aware of the tremendous pet overpopulation problem and the need to better educate the public about animal health issues. Seeking to give a voice to animals and help pet parents everywhere, she moved to Los Angeles in 1993 and began to passionately lobby on animal- welfare issues. Doc Halligan is currently the Director of Veterinary Services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles (spcaLA), where she oversees the health and well being of all the shelter animals and routinely performs surgical procedures and other medical treatments.
Dr. Christina Britto
Veterinarian
Dr. Christina Britto graduated from Ross University in 2006. She completed her final year of training at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. She completed her internship at Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Since then Dr. Britto has done relief work in Denver, Colorado and currently works full time at Brentwood Pet Clinic. She has a strong interest in surgery, emergency medicine and pediatics. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, scrapbooking and snowboarding. Dr. Britto recently wrote an article for Dog's Life Magazine on Senior Dog Health, click here to read it.
Martha Mash
Practice Manager
Martha has worked with Dr Jones since November, 2005. She started off learning how to work the reception desk and has gone on to learn how to perform a number or technical skills while learning the intricacies of running and helping to manage a veterinary hospital. She has completed courses in management through the American Animal Hospital Association.
In February 2007, she traveled to Colorado state to attend the CVMA conference for practice management so she can continue to push Marina Veterinary Center towards the highest in quality and efficiency possible. She enjoys ineracting with clients and their animals, while learning more about veterinary medicine each and every day. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, Joseph, Jasmine & Jeremy.
Lorena Pena
Veterinary Technician
Lorena was born in the city of Los Angeles. Throughout her childhood she looked after her own pets and took in orphaned and stray animals, nursing them back to health and placing them in homes. She personally has two Shih Tzus that she loves very much. Her passion and compassion for animals has lead her to Marina Veterianry Center. While working at MVG, she is getting hands on experience and soaking up all the
knowledge she can. Lorena is currently pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. Her ultimate goal in life is to work as a DVM in Baja, California. She spends much of her time there and knows first hand the desperation of these dogs and cats rummaging through the streets, doing everything they can to survive. Lorena intends to decrease the numbers of the strays, orphaned and abandoned animals through owner education and offering quality veterinary medicine.
Jennifer Dillon
Veterinary Technician
Jennifer recently started working in the veterinary field in January, 2008. She is a Westchester native, attending St. Anastasia Elementary School and St. Bernard High School as a child. She spent time as an aquatics director at the YWCA where she also worked as the swim team coach. She is also a long time animal care volunteer at
the Marine Mammal Center in San Pedro, working with California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals as well as the occasional Fur Seal.
Her family pets include "Wilma" a one-eyed 16 year old Pug and "Pumpkin" a big orange snuggly cat. She is also a full time student at Pierce College where she is in the Veterinary Technology Program working to become a licensed Veterinary Technician. She currently resides in Westchester with her husband.
Sally Diaz
Receptionist
Sally has been working in the veterinary field for over 15 years. She has been with us at Marina Veterinary Center since 2008. Her passion is to help people and and their animals and provide both with a sense of calm when facing a difficult health crisis. She loves her cat and and cooking for her family. When she is not busy helping out at the hospital she spends time with her family and her wonderful son and daughter.
Junelle Brown
Receptionist
Junelle has been working in the veterinary field as a receptionist since 1997 and has been at Marina Veterinary Center since 2008. She was originally born in Hawaii and has made Los Angeles her home since the age of eight Currently she is pursuing her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse at the University of Long Beach. She hopes to one day work with and care for children at the Children's Hospital. Junelle is married with three children, 2 dogs and a bird. In her spare time she likes to work on cars and enjoys the outdoors.
Veronica Gascon
Veterinary Assistant
Veronica is currently a student at Venice High School where she is enrolled in the Biligual Business & Finance Academy. She is also a member of the girls softball team. Veronica assists with animal care and restraint, administration of medications, preparing prescirptions and the maintainance of exam and treatment rooms.
Junior Campos
Veterinary Assistant
Junior is currently a student at Venice High School where he is a member of the Baseball team. Junior came as a summer High School intern and has quickly picked up the skills of a veterinary assistant. Junior assists with animal care and restraint, administration of medications, preparing prescirptions and the maintainance of exam and treatment rooms.
Julie Ball
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Bio coming soon...
MARINA VETERINARY CENTER
