Meet the Team

In Flagstaff, Lilliana’s talents flourished as she transitioned from receptionist to lead receptionist, vet technician, and eventually, practice manager. It was here that she discovered her knack for leadership and her genuine joy in working alongside both pets and their owners. Her tenure in a feline-only clinic in Chicago further solidified her expertise and passion for providing top-notch care. However, her heart never strayed far from her hometown, and the onset of the pandemic provided her with the opportunity to return to Pasadena.

Now, as the Practice/Hospital Manager at Petsadena Animal Hospital, Lilliana brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her favorite aspect of her work lies in understanding the unique personalities and needs of each animal, ensuring their visits are stress-free and positive experiences. Beyond the hospital walls, Lilliana finds solace in the company of her tight-knit family and her cherished fur companions, Damon, Atlas, Argo, and Atzi.

In her free time, Lilliana indulges her love for the outdoors, embarking on camping trips, hikes, and walks with her dogs. Her passion for travel has taken her across the globe, but she holds a special affinity for exploring the natural wonders of the United States. With her adventurous spirit and compassionate nature, Lilliana Mercado stands as a beacon of inspiration in the veterinary community, enriching the lives of both pets and their owners alike with her dedication, expertise, and unwavering love for animals.

What drew Darlene to this profession was her innate desire to advocate for animals. The deep connection she shares with them is evident in her favorite aspect of the job: witnessing the profound bond between pets and their owners. For Darlene, there’s nothing quite as heartwarming as seeing the love and compassion exchanged between them.

Her journey into the world of animal care truly began in 2004 when she started volunteering at a local animal shelter. It was there that she realized her passion for understanding animal behavior and the ways in which they communicate. This realization solidified her belief that she was indeed in the right profession, as she found immense fulfillment in observing and connecting with animals on a deeper level.

Outside of work, Darlene’s home is a lively sanctuary filled with a diverse array of pets, including her beloved old lady cat, Bean, a Pink Toe tarantula, a bearded dragon, and six zebra finches. When she’s not caring for her furry and scaly companions, Darlene indulges in her diverse interests, ranging from her love for horror movies, Noir, and true crime to her dedication to Pilates and Barre workouts. She also enjoys exploring her passion for beer and attending car shows, rounding out her multifaceted personality and enriching her life beyond the walls of the animal hospital.

Aj began his career in the veterinary field in 2010, driven by a deep passion for animal care, particularly animal dentistry. His commitment to improving the dental health of pets has made him an invaluable asset to the veterinary community. Aj is double-boarded, allowing him to practice in both Nevada and California, which highlights his extensive knowledge and versatility in the field.

Outside of his professional life, Aj cherishes spending time with his wife and two sons. He enjoys watching his boys grow up and actively supports their interests in hockey and baseball. Aj’s dedication to his family mirrors his commitment to his work, where he continues to make a significant impact on the lives of animals and their owners at Petsadena Animal Hospital.

Paulina’s journey in the veterinary industry began with her first job as a bather at a local grooming shop, where she discovered her love for working with animals. This passion led her to become a daycare attendant and bather in Pasadena, further solidifying her desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She attended Carrington College to deepen her understanding of animals medically, despite initial nervousness, and found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. Paulina enjoys the fulfillment of her career and looks forward to going to work every day.

She knew she was in the right profession when she started to genuinely enjoy waking up every morning to help animals in need and provide guidance to their owners. This sense of purpose reaffirmed her commitment to veterinary medicine.

Outside of work, Paulina shares her home with her mom, dad, and older brother, along with her beloved dog, Cookie, who is always by her side. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, watching horror movies and law and crime shows, and spending quality time with her boyfriend and his dog, Lucy.

Alton’s journey in the veterinary industry began during his high school years when he started volunteering at an animal hospital located just two blocks away. His dedication led to a full-time position by his junior year in 2009. He is particularly passionate about diagnostics, including ultrasound, radiology, and hematology, and enjoys interpreting their results.

He realized he was in the right profession when he experienced the satisfaction of both clients and patients after providing education and treatment. This fulfillment reaffirmed his passion for veterinary medicine and inspired him to continue making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners.

Sabrina’s passion for veterinary medicine was sparked by a personal experience involving her family’s Doberman puppies. When one of the puppies fell ill with parvo, Sabrina and her father provided vital home care, ultimately saving the puppy’s life. This event inspired Sabrina to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, driven by the desire to help animals and ensure their well-being.

Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and her own pets—Bubba, Olive, and Biggie. She loves outdoor activities like walking and camping, and she also enjoys visiting museums, attending concerts, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Sabrina finds fulfillment in her work by ensuring pets receive top-notch care and supporting their health and happiness.

Kevin’s journey in the veterinary industry began during his high school years when he volunteered at a local animal hospital. This experience deepened his love for animals and solidified his desire to work in the field. He finds immense fulfillment in knowing that his actions contribute to the happiness and well-being of the animals under his care.

He realized he was in the right profession when he assisted in an exploratory surgery, and the dog returned weeks later, visibly happy to see the veterinary team. This heartwarming experience reaffirmed his passion for helping animals and providing them with the care they need.

Outside of work, Kevin is known for his kind-hearted nature and dedication to helping animals in need. He often rescues stray animals he encounters on the streets, providing them with food and shelter and working to find them loving homes. Kevin’s commitment to animal welfare extends beyond the walls of Petsadena Animal Hospital, reflecting his genuine love and compassion for all creatures.

Miya’s journey in the veterinary field began in 2018 when she worked in the wildlife department at the SPCA in Monterey County. Her diverse experience includes caring for a wide range of animals, from raptors to baby birds. Over the years, she transitioned from working with wild animals such as coyotes and bobcats to focusing on domestic pets, specifically dogs and cats, which she finds incredibly rewarding.

Outside of her professional life, Miya enjoys spending quality time with her beloved dog, Peaches. Rescued in 2018, Peaches is an integral part of Miya’s life and shares her love for hikes, playing fetch, and watching action movies. Additionally, Miya has a passion for fiber arts and often spends her downtime crocheting and knitting.

Miya’s dedication to animal welfare and her compassionate approach make her a valued member of the Petsadena Animal Hospital team.

From an early age, Arianna was drawn to animals, initially aspiring to become a veterinarian. Her passion for horses, discovered at the age of eight, led her to work as a horse trainer before moving to the U.S. Upon arrival, she found her calling in the veterinary industry, pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant. Arianna finds immense joy in helping animals feel better and improving their quality of life, which, in turn, enriches her soul. A defining moment in her career came during her first emergency—a chaotic yet fulfilling experience that solidified her commitment to this profession. Six years later, she still approaches each day with the same enthusiasm, eager to learn and grow.

Outside of work, Arianna enjoys a fulfilling life in Los Angeles with her husband, their son, their dog Dory, and their recently welcomed daughter. The family loves spending time outdoors, whether at their son’s football tournaments or enjoying beach days with friends. Arianna and her husband also share a passion for cooking, experimenting with new homemade pizza flavors every Saturday. She hopes to instill in her children a deep love for animals and the pursuit of their dreams, just as she has. Arianna remains dedicated to lifelong learning in her field, with aspirations of one day returning to her first love—horses.

Before joining the veterinary industry, Esteban worked as a dog trainer, honing his skills in animal behavior and training techniques. This background provided a solid foundation for his current role, where he finds immense satisfaction in helping pets while educating their owners about proper pet care and needs.

Esteban’s favorite aspect of his job is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their owners. He values the unique position he holds, which allows him to bridge the gap between animal health and owner education, fostering stronger human-animal bonds.

A resident of the local community, Esteban is passionate about contributing to the well-being of pets in the area. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable asset to the Petsadena Animal Hospital team.

Her journey into the veterinary industry began on an administrative level, where she honed her skills behind the scenes as a client care specialist. Casey was initially attracted to the structured work environment and the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the veterinary field. Over time, she has grown to love the interactive and rewarding relationships she builds with both patients and clients.

Casey knew she had found her calling when she witnessed the transformation of puppies and kittens into healthy, happy adult cats and dogs. These moments make her job incredibly fulfilling and affirm her passion for her profession every day.

Outside of her professional life, Casey is an avid movie enthusiast with a passion for film history, always eager to learn more about the subject in her spare time. She enjoys solving puzzles and is a frequent visitor to Disneyland, which she fondly considers her home away from home. When she’s not at Disney or immersed in a good film, Casey can be found hanging out with friends, traveling, hiking, or exploring new food spots in her neighborhood.

Angy’s favorite aspect of working with animals is witnessing the heartfelt interactions between clients and their pets, who are often treated as cherished family members. This daily joy reaffirmed her career choice, making her look forward to each new and unique day at work.

Outside of her professional life, Angy enjoys a vibrant family life with her husband, their daughter, and a little boy on the way. Their household is completed by a cocker spaniel named Maisie and a tabby cat named Nala. Angy loves to read, travel, and seek new adventures with her family, embracing every opportunity to create lasting memories. Her commitment to both her family and her work makes her a cherished member of the Petsadena Animal Hospital team.

Amanda realized she was in the right profession when she found herself eagerly looking forward to work each morning, excited to contribute to the well-being of the pets under her care. Her commitment to her role is evident in her compassionate and attentive approach to patient care.

Outside of her fulfilling work at the animal hospital, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She is an avid explorer of new restaurants and a passionate concert-goer. However, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her beloved corgi, Bonnie.

Kristine has always had a deep love for animals. When the opportunity to work in the veterinary industry arose, she embraced it wholeheartedly, knowing it was the perfect fit for her passions. Her favorite aspect of the job is forming connections with the animals she cares for, even if their time together is brief. These bonds make her work incredibly meaningful.

Kristine knew she had found her calling when she realized how rewarding each day in the veterinary field could be. She feels immensely grateful to be able to do something she truly cares about, making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners.

Outside of work, Kristine enjoys spending time with her own pets, exploring the outdoors, and continuing to learn about animal care and veterinary practices. Her dedication to her profession and her love for animals shine through in everything she does at Petsadena Animal Hospital.