
Meet the Team

Wilbur
Dogtor of Veterinary Medicine
Dogtor Wilbur has been living and breathing rehab since he was just a pup. He spent months of his puppyhood with a splinted leg, then worked his way through physical rehabilitation to regain the strength and flexibility he had lost. These days, he strictly manages the CROC team, ensuring the high level of medical care our patients deserve. He frequently sacrifices his time and dignity to personally test all equipment, exercises, and treatments to make sure they meet his expectations for patient experience. His favorite part of rehab is meeting new patients that need a little confidence boost and helping them take on new challenges. In his free time, Dogtor Wilbur enjoys whipping human legs with his incessant tail wags, visiting the pet stores to get free cookies, and sunbathing.

Lauryn Harker, RVT, CCRP
Practice Owner & Rehab Practitioner
After years of experience in management, emergency medicine, and small animal care in pet hospitals throughout Orange County, Lauryn has found her niche in Canine Rehabilitation. A graduate of the University Of Tennessee School Of Veterinary Medicine Canine Rehabilitation Program, Lauryn has received her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner's License (CCRP) and is a member of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians. Lauryn has a special place in her heart for older pets and enjoys giving impromptu massages to many of Canine Rehabilitation of Orange County's elderly patients. When Lauryn is not at Canine Rehabilitation of Orange County, she is an instructor at Orange County Veterinary Assistant School in Garden Grove. In her spare time, she likes to "rehabilitate" her mid-century ranch home with her husband, daughter, and her bully mix, Wilbur.

Giuliana Troutman, RVT, CCRP
Rehab Practitioner & Veterinary Technician
Giuliana graduated from Medaille University with a degree in Veterinary Technology and went on to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam in 2019. She then continued to specialize her Veterinary Medical education by enrolling in University of Tennessee School Of Veterinary Medicine Canine Rehabilitation Program and earned her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner's License (CCRP) in 2022. Giuliana is a bold one with a sense of adventure. Having only visited California twice, she uprooted her east coast living and moved to Orange County to come join the CROC team. She is excited to experience Southern California winters and explore the various sushi options OC has to offer. She shares her home with her cats, Zeke and Zolla and in her spare time enjoys photography and nature.

Tiffany Downing, RVT
Practice Manager & Veterinary Technician
Tiffany has been working in Veterinary Medicine since 2011, graduated from Heritage College's Veterinary Technician Program in 2016, and earned her Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2017. Her experience ranges from general practice to emergency medicine, as well as neonate and exotic medicine on top of her experience working at CROC since 2016. Tiffany has a soft spot for XL and Molosser breeds and is currently "mom" to her big white supermutt, Kratos, along with a menagerie of snakes and a tarantula. She is a strong believer in keeping pups fit and active to extend their quality and length of life. Her favorite part of Rehab is getting to see her favorite patients improve each week as they recover from their injuries/surgeries and developing relationships with patients that lasts for years.

Allyson Hakes, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Allyson graduated from Orange County Veterinary Assistant School’s Veterinary Technician program and earned her California Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2019. She has been a proud member of our team since 2017, back before CROC upgraded to our current facility from our itty bitty Newport Beach location. Allyson has extensive experience in Veterinary Neurology and periodically leaves CROC to pursue her other professional passion as a MRI technician at a local imaging center for humans! Even so, she always returns to CROC because she feels that “it is the best place to work EVER!”. Her favorite part of Rehab is helping pets to reduce their pain in a compassionate environment. She shares her home with her kitties, Doom and Junebug, and her Bearded Dragon, Calypso.

Arianna Gonzalez, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Arianna graduated from Stanbridge University's Veterinary Technology Program and earned her California Veterinary Technician License in 2016. Every day, she aims to help heal her patients by taking the time to give them the TLC they need and deserve. In her down time, she enjoys finding new coffee and dessert spots or just relaxing at home with a good book. She has a special fondness for Bully Breeds thanks to her furry best friend, an English Bulldog named Tyson. She is excited to continue expanding on her years of Veterinary Medical knowledge by joining the CROC team and becoming a part of our patients' Physical Rehabilitation journey.

Alexandra Rivera, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Alex has been in the veterinary field since 2017, working in both general practice and emergency medicine. She graduated from Orange County Veterinary Assistant School in 2020 and passed her national exam to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in August of 2023. Her favorite part of Rehab is spending one on one time with the patients, helping them gradually get better, and being with them every step of the way. When she's not at CROC, Alex loves hiking and camping in the great outdoors as well as painting at home. She shares her home with her dog, Rocky, her cat Yzma, and Speedy the turtle.

Ambur Contreras, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Ambur graduated in 2015 from Pima Medical Institute in Arizona with an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. She then moved to SoCal and earned her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2016. Her dynamic career in Veterinary Medicine saw her working in Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, and Neurology. Her favorite thing about working at CROC is being able to work individually with each patient and helping to tailor their therapy to best suit their healing and recovery. Outside of CROC, Ambur can be found crafting, especially painting! She shares her home with her three cats, Buttercup, Moshi, and Astra, as well as her little senior Chihuahua, Baby.

Amy Yoshizaki
Veterinary Assistant
Amy completed her schooling at Orange County Veterinary Assistant School and is currently preparing for her national and state exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Amy is also an in-home care giver for seniors and has a special place in her heart for our senior pets. In her spare time, Amy likes to cook (she makes amazing pasta!), color and crochet. Amy shares her home with Zoey the cockapoo.
_edited.jpg)
Nikki
Patient Care Coordinator
Nikki has been in the veterinary field since 2011 and feels very lucky and blessed to have landed here with us at CROC. She knows that times can be tough when our furry friends aren't at their best so her number one goal is to facilitate quality care for our four-legged clients and top-notch communication and support for our two-legged clients. While Nikki is currently owned by a feline furbaby, she is a huge dog-lover and soaks in every second of one on one time with our patients.

Jennifer Clark-Castano
Patient Care Coordinator
Coming Soon!

Heidi Tschauner, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Heidi Tschauner graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, then continued her education in small animal medicine, surgery, and ultrasonography. After more than 30 years of practice, Dr. Heidi has shifted her focus to rehabilitative medicine to improve recovery and quality of life for animals experiencing mobility issues. She is currently pursuing her Certification in Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapy through North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Heidi is a member of the American, California, and Southern California Veterinary Medical Associations as well as the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians. She has three feline fur kids, Bodhi-ming, Kelpi, and Sharky. Outside of rehab, Dr. Heidi can be found surfing, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
.jpg)
Meredith Bronner, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Dr. Meredith Bronner graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and earned her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture from Chi Institute. When she’s not at CROC, Dr. Bronner is a partial owner of a thriving veterinary clinic in Huntington Beach so she thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to slow down and truly bond with our patients, extra snuggles and kisses included with all services! Waiting for her at home are her dogs Cholula & Foxy, as well as her two amputee kitties, Mr. Noodles & Sharona. In her free time, Dr. Bronner is an outdoor enthusiast and can be found trail running, paddleboarding, and camping.

Lauren Brower, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
A Laguna Beach native, Dr. Laura Brower graduated from Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, then went on to become certified in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2008. She enjoys treating patients with an integrative approach, utilizing the best conventional medicine with alternative treatments to allow for a more holistic plan for your pet. When she's not at CROC, Dr. Brower loves riding horses and emploring the outdoors with her family and two dogs, Aggie & Fig.

Tara Haddad, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Tara Haddad graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She completed an Oncology Residency at University of Illinois. Her passion for special needs animals led her to open the first Daycare/Boarding Facility specialized for special needs pets in Orange County. Owning 7 special needs pets at the same time, Dr. Haddad has also been a loyal client to CROC as well as a valued team member. She now shares her home with a young Labrador, Flint, who does not have special needs.... YET!
