Dr. Clifton Hashimoto, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Christina Palena, Associate Veterinarian

Cela, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Tech Practitioner

Cela graduated from Kent State University in 2015 with a degree in Veterinary Technology and became a licensed technician that same year. She started her career in the emergency and critical care department at a specialty hospital in Ohio before moving to Northern California in 2017. There she gained experience working with exotics, became proficient in dentistry, and sharpened her skills in surgery. She made her way to Portland, OR in 2020 and is now living and practicing in Vancouver, WA.

At work, she is happiest when performing dentals, dressing a wound, and educating her peers on low-stress cat handling. At home, she has a very happy three-legged dog named Darcy, two cats named Puffin and Lyra and three backyard chickens. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, on a nature walk, reading a good book (horror, sci fi and anything psychological), or planning her next international trip with her partner.

Cynthia, Practice Manager

Hi, I’m Cynthia and I am the Practice Manager at the Downtown Vancouver WellHaven. Coming to the doctor can be stressful to our pets and our families. My goal at WellHaven is to build a trusting relationship with each of our pet families. I hope to alleviate that stress by welcoming you into our Fear Free hospital with warmth and understanding. I first stepped into the field of vet care by answering a job ad in 1996. It read, “Do you love pets?” I said “Yes!” and the rest is history.

On my off time, I enjoy writing, listening to music and running. My Redbone -Treeing Walker Coonhound adopted me many years ago. He’s now 11 years old and is my bestest friend in the world. Thank you for getting to know me! Feel free to stop by our WellHaven to say hi. I look forward to getting to know all about your best friend!

Brandon, Lead Veterinary Assistant

​Brandon is the Lead Veterinary Assistant at our hospital. He’s been working in the veterinary field for 10 years and has a vast amount of experience behind him. He enjoys promoting good health in the lives of all of his pet patients. Brandon’s own pet family consists of Rosco his 13-year-old husky mix, Winnie aka Beans, who is a 3-year-old mini Aussie, and Finley a 6-year-old orange kitten.

If you were to ask Brandon’s pets about Brandon, they’d tell you, “Our dad, works hard for us so that we can have the best life. In his spare time, he enjoys time with our family and predicting the weather forecast. He’s the best!! “

Josie, Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Josie and I’m a Veterinary Assistant at the Downtown Vancouver WellHaven. I started working in the field in April 2021 but I’ve always been interested in the veterinary field since I was a kid. I love that I can help animals in need & provide good care. I have my wonderful and amazing companion named Toothless; she is 1 years old. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, watching movies & going out to explore.

Amber, Veterinary Assistant

Hi,

My name is Amber and my dog’s name is George. I have been in the vet field since 2020 originally getting my start back in the Bay Area as a receptionist and worked my way up while I was in Vet Assistant school. I have my Vet Assistant certificate and I love helping all types of animals. My favorites are small fluffy animals.

In my free time, you will see me with all my pets going on adventures like paddleboarding or going to the beach. You can also find me at the gym powerlifting.

Beth, Receptionist

Beth got her start back in 2015 after earning her certification as a veterinary assistant at PIMA Medical Institute. She started working at a small, 2 doctor practice for 2 years in Wheat Ridge, CO until her and her boyfriend decided to pack up and make the journey all the way out to the PNW!

Although she is a proud owner of exotic pets, after working through a variety of hospitals, Beth prefers working at a small animal practice with cats and dogs. Although she takes gratification in many aspects of her work and enjoys helping her furry patients, she’s ultimately decided to take a break from the technical side of things and now does reception full time!

Outside of work she enjoys spending time in nature, music festivals and traveling. 

At home she has 4 companions: 1 pitbull/boxer named Zaeda, an orange tabby named Hashbrown and 2 ferrets named Binx Button and Huey.