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Clinical Staff

Meet our Clinical Staff, the heart and soul of our Pet Health Clinic (PHC). Our clinical staff is comprised of skilled and compassionate professionals that play a vital role in delivering top-notch veterinary care. From front desk Receptionists to Animal Care Assistants, our clinical staff ensures the smooth operation of our clinic, making every visit a positive and stress-free experience for you and your pet. Discover the exceptional commitment and expertise of our clinical staff team, working tirelessly to support our veterinarians and RVTs and provide excellent care to our cherished animal patients. At Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine’s Pet Health Center, we’re proud to celebrate the unwavering dedication of our clinical staff and offer a gateway to an inspiring career in the field of veterinary support.

WesternU PHC staff member Jan Neill Sabado Bean on a bench with her dog

Jan Neill Sabado Bean Animal Care Assistant

I’ve been working for WesternU Pet Health Center since January 2023, but have worked in the animal care field for 4 years. I started volunteering at my former job (at an animal shelter) and gradually became Lead Animal Care Technician. I graduated in Milan, Italy as a Dietitian. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family.
Animal Care Assistant Mikhail Drilon holding a cat in the WesternU PHC with people and medical equipment in the background

Mikhail Drilon Animal Care Assistant

I was born in Stockton California but was raised and educated in the Philippines, due to my mother being a journalist and getting a posting in southeast Asia. Upon graduating high school I enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably for 14 years of active duty.

As a US Navy Hospital Corpsman I provided medical support for the Marines and deployed 4 times as the grunt’s version of a medic. While overseas I encountered many stray animals that stayed kind and affectionate to people despite the adverse conditions, some of which were rescued and brought back to the United States by service members. I also got to have some cool experiences with the working dogs of the Military police, who sometimes accompanied the Marines and I on deployments and training.

Those rewarding experiences with animals inspired me to switch to the veterinary field upon receiving my honorable discharge in February 2023. I am currently attending Mt. San Antonio College, studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Animal Care Assistant Melanie Edelman holding her orange tabby pet cat in the PHC with medical equipment and staff in the background.

Melanie Edelman Animal Care Assistant

I have been a veterinary assistant at PHC for the last two years. I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree from UC Riverside and plan to apply to Veterinary school soon. When I’m not working, I usually spend time with my cat, Phineas, or hanging out with my friends.
Clinical Front Desk Receptionist/Cashier Christa Hooker holding a dog with medical equipment in the background

Christa Hooker Clinical Front Desk Receptionist/Cashier

Animals have always been a huge part of my life and I have always had a great love for them. I started working as a veterinary receptionist in 2010 after being unhappy in the retail industry and since I changed over, I’ve never wanted to go anywhere else.

When I’m not at work I spend most of my free time taking care of my girls, watching movies, spending time with my husband and family and enjoying motherhood. I have 2 fur babies, Chewbacca and Leia, who are my world (aside from my husband and girls of course).

Michelle Huljev Clinical Front Desk Receptionist/Cashier

Animal Care Assistant Hilary Lee holding her pet dog in the PHC with medical equipment and staff in the background.

Hilary Lee Animal Care Assistant

I am currently a senior at Cal Poly Pomona as a Pre-veterinary student, and have had the pleasure to also work at the WesternU Pet Health Center. My passion for animals drives me to further my education and pursue veterinary school.

In my spare time, I love volunteering at different animal shelters and humane societies to gain hands-on experience with our furry friends. I have a little white Maltese dog named Dumpling, but golden retrievers and pit bulls hold a special place in my heart!

Destiny Cruces Clinical Front Desk Receptionist/Cashier

Animals, who have always brought me so much happiness, led me into the world of veterinary medicine. Working at WesternU has helped open my eyes to the importance of client education and becoming a voice for the voiceless.

In my spare time, I enjoy being ‘obsessed’ with my Belgian Malinois and Boxer/Rottweiler mix. I also enjoy playing games with my Husband and enjoying life.
Animal Care Assistant Devin Moore holding a cat in the PHC with medical equipment in the background

Devin Moore Animal Care Assistant

I have worked in the vet industry for quite a while, first volunteering as a vet tech at All Pets Medical and Surgical Center in high school from sophomore year to senior year. Even after I graduated, I worked there for an additional year before joining the WesternU CVM Pet Health Center team in June 2023. I am currently a senior at Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in Nutrition Science with an emphasis on animal nutrition. In terms of hobbies, I love to bake and one of my favorite things to bake during the holiday season is monkey bread. Everyone always asks me to make it every year.
Clinical Front Desk Receptionist/Cashier Kerri Taylor sitting with her pet dog on a bench outside the PHC

Kerri Taylor Clinical Front Desk Receptionist/Cashier

I’m from the UK and have a passion for animals that began in early childhood. I worked in the dog grooming industry for eight years before making the change to veterinary medicine. I aspire to become an RVT with a focus on animal rehabilitation.

I have a German shorthaired pointer named Noelle and three guinea pigs (Truffles, Nutmeg and Biscuit.) I enjoy spending my time in my garden, reading books and drinking tea.
Animal Care Assistant Grace Weber sitting with her two pet dogs on a bench outside the PHC

Grace Weber Animal Care Assistant

I have always had a love for animals and have worked in the animal industry since 2019. I am currently working towards my B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Animal Science at Cal Poly Pomona with hopes of going to Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine to become a veterinarian, specifically focusing on shelter medicine. I have worked in various positions such as lead volunteer, kennel attendant, animal transition coordinator, lead technician, and animal care assistant. My favorite animal to work with in the hospital are dogs, specifically German Shepherds. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy working with and handling horses. Also, in my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as being active outside playing my favorite sport, basketball.