top of page

Our Qualifications

In addition to our talented team of Registered Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and Patient Care Coordinators, the following CROC team members have completed additional formal education and certification pertaining to Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation.

Lauryn Harker

CCAT, CCRP, CAPM

Lauryn helps a senior shih tzu with his target exercises

Bio

Alongside Dr. Tara Haddad and Dr. Rebecca Ringwald, Lauryn opened her Veterinary Rehab practice in 2014, Vet's House Veterinary Rehabilitation, after a local specialty hospital closed their Physical Rehabilitation department. Her goal as a Veterinary Professional has always been to help keep pets with their families for as long as possible while maintaining good quality of life. Loss of mobility being an extremely common reason for euthanasia, she knew that there was a need for Physical Rehabilitation and she jumped at the opportunity to provide the medical therapies Orange County's pets needed. Since 2014, Lauryn has been dedicated to sharing the power of Rehab with as many people as possible, owners and Veterinary professionals alike. In 2017, the practice was renamed Canine Rehabilitation of Orange County when Lauryn became the sole owner of the practice. Her talent for healing incited ever growing demand for her work and in 2020, CROC moved to it's current 4,000sqft facility to accommodate the thousands of patients in need. Since 2014, Lauryn has given countless families extra years with their best friends and at the end of that day, that is the entire reason that CROC exists.

Education & Associations

North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist - 2024


University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner - 2014
Certification in Companion Animal Pain Management - 2013


Professional Veterinary Assistant School

California Registered Veterinary Technician - 2008


Membership & Associations

American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians
California Veterinary Medical Association
Southern California Veterinary Medical Association
California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association

Heidi Tschauner

DVM, CCAT

Lauryn helps a senior shih tzu with his target exercises

Bio

After more than 30 years as a Small Animal Veterinarian, Heidi shifted her focus to Rehabilitative medicine to improve recovery and quality of life for animals experiencing mobility issues. Her vast experience and knowledge is an invaluable asset to the practice, ensuring that CROC's patients get the very best medicine with perfectly curated Treatment Plans. As the primary Veterinarian at CROC, Heidi is an invaluable member of the team and she has only continued to demonstrate her dedication to our patients. In 2023, Heidi completed the CCAT program and with that formal education in Physical Rehabilitation therapy, she has become Orange County's best Rehab Veterinarian!

Education & Associations

North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist - 2023


Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - 1991


Membership & Associations

American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians

American Veterinary Medical Association

Southern California Veterinary Medical Association

California Veterinary Medical Association

Giuliana Troutman

RVT, CCRP

Lauryn helps a senior shih tzu with his target exercises

Bio

Giuliana brought a new dynamic to the team when she moved to Orange County from the east coast, giving us an even more well-rounded approach for our patients. Her drive and passion for Veterinary Medicine showed right away as she completed her education to become a Licensed Technician, then almost immediately went on to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. CROC is lucky to have her on the team and though her certification in Rehab is fairly new, she demonstrates her talent daily and continues to impress!

Education & Associations

University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner - 2022


Medaille University

Veterinary Technology - 2019


Membership & Associations
California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association

Miwa Kanbe

DVM, CVA

Lauryn helps a senior shih tzu with his target exercises

Bio

With a strong belief in combining holistic medicine with traditional Western practices, Miwa focuses on providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of her patients. She values building strong relationships with her clients, ensuring they feel supported and cared for every step of the way during their treatment journey. Fluent in Japanese, Miwa offers personalized communication in both English and Japanese, ensuring all clients feel comfortable and fully informed. Outside of work, she enjoys recharging with trips to Disneyland, traveling, and spending time with her sweet greyhound mix, Goma, helping her bring renewed energy and compassion to every patient she cares for.

Education & Associations

Oklahoma State University

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - 2003


Chi University

Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist - 2017

Katie Fischbach

DVM, CCAT, CVA

Lauryn helps a senior shih tzu with his target exercises

Bio

Growing up in Northern Indiana with dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, and guinea pigs initiated Katie's lifelong respect and admiration for the Human-Animal bond. After graduating from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, she returned to California and began working in general practice with a focus on reducing patient stress and fear to maximize their benefit from her care. In 2023, Katie transitioned to hospice care and helping families peacefully say goodbye to their furry friend in the comfort of their own home. In addition to her work in this vital aspect of Veterinary Medicine, she also became CROC's primary acupuncture veterinarian. Our patients have come to love her for the positive energy and pain relief that she offers them! Her favorite part of working at CROC is helping our patients return to the activities they love.

Education & Associations

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor in Biology - 2016


Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - 2020


Low Stress Handling University

Silver Certification - 2022


Canine Rehabilitation Institute

Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist - 2024

North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist - 2025


Membership & Associations

American Veterinary Medical Association

Lauren Brower

DVM, CCAT, CVA

Lauryn helps a senior shih tzu with his target exercises

Bio

Dr. Lauren Brower is a born and raised native of Laguna Beach. After studying at University of San Diego, she made the move across the country to Columbus, Ohio where she attended Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. While attending veterinary school she was initiated into the veterinary honors society, Phi Zeta and was awarded the Senior Pfizer Award for Small Animal Clinical Proficiency. After graduation she anxiously returned to sunny southern California to start her career. She continued to broaden her education with acupuncture training and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2008. Her integrative approach, incorporating the best conventional medicine with alternative treatments allows for a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Brower loves riding horses and exploring the outdoors with her family and two dogs, Aggie and Fig. She loves being part of the small community of Laguna Beach.

Education & Associations

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine


North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist


Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist - 2008

Have questions for the team?

bottom of page