Dr. Megan Nowell
Veterinarian
Dr. Nowell earned her DVM degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2014 and BSc degree in biology from California State University, Long Beach. Outside of work, she currently serves the veterinary community as a representative to the CVMA's House of Delegates and on the SCVMA's Board of Trustees. Her professional interests include all things feline, dermatology, behavior, and her dream is to treat a Hippogriff. She currently shares her home with six rescues -- Ryan, her fiance, George, the dog, Pandacat, Avery, Penny, and Little Swirr (4 cats!). But her house is not only for the land dwelling. She also has a fish tank for Steph Curry, the snail, and ghost shrimp (but no fish).
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Dr. Josie-Dee Uyan
Veterinarian
Dr. Josie Uyan joined Banfield this year after graduating from St. George's University of Georgia. Veterinary medicine is her passion and she grew up knowing she wanted to work in a field that assists and saves dog and cat lives, all thanks to her childhood dog, Jake. Jake lived to see the ripe age of 21 and followed her from elementary school until veterinary school! He taught her that all creatures need the same love and healthcare as humans. Dr. Uyan has volunteered and worked at animal hospitals across the United States and the world including Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, South Africa and the Caribbeans. She would love to meet you and your family, so come pay us a visit!
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Dr. Virgilio Tolentino
Veterinarian
Dr. Virgilio Tolentino graduated in 1985 with a DVM degree from College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines. He moved to the U.S. and was able to get a RVT license. He worked with County of Los Angeles, Department of Animal Care and Control and City of Los Angeles, Department of Animal Services as a RVT and while working with City of L.A., he continued his studies to get a veterinary license in 2003. Dr. Tolentino worked briefly as a city veterinarian before going to private practice. Because of his experience in working in animal shelters and private practice, he strongly believes in the importance of population control, preventive care and responsible ownership of pets.
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Wendy Leal
Shift Lead
Wendy's love for animals began at an early age. She would often bring sick animals home and nurse them back to health. She began working with animals at 14 years old and has continued to do so ever since. She has been with Banfield for about 6 years and still finds her job to be exciting with challenges that help her grow. When not at Banfield, Wendy loves spending time with her 2 babies and dog, Mimis. Even though she wears scrubs most days during her work schedule, she really enjoys fashion. She also enjoys wearing make up and making sure that everyone around her is smiling and laughing. Wendy is excited to get to share new memories at this location.
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Mirna Guidel, RVT
Veterinary Technician
As a child, Mirna watched her mom nurse a bird back to health and it lived in their bathtub for a while until it had the strength to fly again. Ever since then, she would bring home all the strays she found. Then in high school, she got her first dog, Buddy, who is still part of her family. She jokes that she didn't train Buddy, he trained her...to be a compassionate, patient, and loving human. Mirna's family has grown since joining Banfield! She looks forward to meeting you and your extended family to help provide them with the love and care they deserve.
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Miya Marquis
Veterinary Assistant
Miya recently joined the Banfield family. She has been in the veterinary field for almost 2 years and spends her free time volunteering at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro. She has 3 adorable pets including Calypso (a 2-year-old German Shepherd/Lab mix), Rocky (an 11-year-old Chihuahua), and Blu (a 3-year-old bearded dragon). Miya will be continuing her studies in marine biology from El Camino College this year.
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Claire Pineda
Veterinary Assistant
Claire loves being able to help pets in need and in doing so, being able to spread awareness and inform others on the importance of animal welfare. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Found Animals Foundation in Culver City and enjoys the opportunity to assist doctors in mobile clinics. She strongly believes in giving back to the community and helping a cause in which she is extremely passionate. Although Claire is new to Banfield, she has previously worked in private practices with doctors who have been in the veterinary field for over 13 years. It has increased her knowledge and skills. Claire is currently attending Cal State Long Beach studying biological sciences in the hopes to one day be a nurse practitioner.
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Carol Heck
Veterinary Assistant/Client Service Coordinator
Animals have always been such a large part of Carol's world. She grew up in her family's equestrian business and continues to stay active in that to this day. However, for years, she worked in the human health industry. From specializing in insurance billing and consultation, managing small private practices to spending years in the clinical research industry. This past year, she was fortunate enough to join the Banfield team and is so proud to say she's come full circle and back to only working in the four legged furry side. Carol couldn't be happier!
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Katelyn Lindley
Veterinary Assistant/Client Service Coordinator
As a child, Katelyn was never allowed to have a pet. She would always run up to any dog and squeeze them until she had to leave. At this point in time, she told her parents that she wanted to become a veterinarian. After constant begging, her parents one day surprised her with a dog, Ginger, as a Christmas gift. Needless to say, Ginger never left her sight. As she grew up, Katelyn's love for animals and aspirations to become a veterinarian stuck with her. It was not until recently that she changed her career path to become a registered nurse and go back to school to become a physician's assistant. Her love and passion for saving lives, whether it's animals or humans, will always be a part of her. Katelyn is grateful that at Banfield, she is able to start with helping those without a voice.
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Julie Tyrell
Client Service Coordinator
Julie is fairly new to Banfield but not so new to the animal world. She has been a groomer for over 10 years and believes animals are life! When she first started her career path, she set out to save "one wet nose at a time". As the years have passed, she feels as though she is fulfilling her dream. Banfield has helped expand her knowledge of animals and their health needs. Her favorite breed is a chow chow, and her family has bred and owned them for well over 20 years. So have no fear, your chow person is here! Julie is blessed to be part of 2 hospital teams, here in Long beach and in Tustin District. If you ever have any grooming questions along with your visit, please do not hesitate to ask her!
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