
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.

Tiffany Downing, RVT
Veterinary Technician & Manager
Tiffany has been in the industry for over 10 years, graduated from Heritage College, 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 years at CROC. Tiffany has a soft spot for XL and Molosser breeds and is currently "mom" to her big white mutt, 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.

Allyson Hakes, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Coming Back Soon!

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.

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.

Samantha Van Fossen
Veterinary Assistant
Sam is currently attending Orange County Veterinary Assistant School where she is working towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. In her spare time she likes to hike, camp, pretty much any outdoorsy activity she can find time for. She loves pasta and wants to travel to Italy someday for some authentic noodles! Sam is a self-proclaimed cat person and adores her Domestic Shorthair, Chloe, but has a soft spot for our canine orthopedic cases that come into the clinic. Her favorite thing about being at CROC is seeing the rare and unique cases that come in and witnessing their recovery first hand.
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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.

Destiney Phillips
Veterinary Assistant
Destiny is a student of Orange County Veterinary Assistant School in Garden Grove and will become a Registered Veterinary Technician when she graduates and pass her boards. She is an avid reader and her favorite book series is the Beartown Series. Destiny owns two horses, ten goats, a pig, some chickens, three tortoises, an assortment of rabbits, three cats and six dogs. Her favorite part of rehab is getting to play a vital role in our patients' recoveries and helping to restore them to their best levels of function. When Destiny is not in the clinic or in school, you can find her playing her violin, guitar, or singing.

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.

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!
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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.

Katie Ellis, DVM, CCRP, CVMA
Veterinarian
Dr. Katie Ellis is a graduate of Western University of Health Sciences. She was inspired to join the field of rehabilitation after her own dog, Kaiah, had TPLO surgery. She pursued certification in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee as well as Medical Acupuncture through CuraCore. Her favorite part of being at CROC is forming close bonds with all of her patients and pet parents. In her spare time, she can be found spoiling her Golden Trio, Kaiah, Keegan, & Arthur, or at the barn with her beloved horse, Sorcerer.