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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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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Victoria Chavez
Veterinary Assistant
Victoria is currently in school working on becoming a registered veterinary technician; she is spending her externship with the wonderful team at Banfield perfecting her skills. She has always had a soft spot for animals growing up, but it wasn't until she adopted a kitten of her very own freshman year of college when her love turned into her passion. She is now the proud owner of two cats, two dogs, a hamster, a crested gecko, and plenty of fish! She can't wait to start her career as a veterinary technician so she can help pets live long, healthy, and happy lives - including her own!
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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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Samantha Deras
Client Service Coordinator
Growing up, Samantha always knew she had a love for all animals. From her parents surprising her with her first hamster named Fuzzy-Wuzzy, to the first family dog, Taz, and finally, as she got older, when her first kitten, Luna, was brought into the home. At a previous job, Samantha grew very close to a regular customer's golden retriever, Eeyore, who she adored. She just knew she had to be working with pets!! Working with animals is a dream come true for Samantha; being a part of the team here at Banfield is more than a job, it's a passion!
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