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, CCAT, CCRP, RVT
Practice Owner & Rehab Practitioner
After years of experience in management, emergency medicine, and small animal care in pet hospitals throughout Orange County, Lauryn 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. In 2024, Lauryn earned her Certification as a Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist from the North Carolina State University, making her among the first in the nation to become double certified in Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation. Lauryn holds 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, CCRP, RVT
Rehab Practitioner & Veterinary Technician
Giuliana graduated from Medaille University with a degree in Veterinary Technology and went on to pass her national veterinary technician 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.
Donya Araghian, RVT
Lead Veterinary Technician
Before joining the CROC team, Donya spent many years working in General Practice hospitals in OC and earned her California RVT license in 2022. She is excited to be working in Rehab where the healing process is maximized and patients get more one on one attention and care. Donya loves all animals but especially loves tiny breeds and geriatric patients. When Donya is not at CROC, you can find her at the gym staying strong and fit to keep up with her patients' needs. Donya is owned by one kitten named Goly.
Lorena Cortez, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Kristi Armbruster, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Kristi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience in 2002 and Master’s degree in Biology in 2004 from University of California La Jolla. She then went on to earn her Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2009. She began her Veterinary Medical career as an avid volunteer at the Animal Humane New Mexico Clinic and her dedication to animal health helped her become a Lead Surgical Veterinary Technician at multiple local emergency and specialty hospitals. Her vast experience working alongside talented surgeons means she is super familiar with the orthopedic and soft tissue injuries we treat in Rehab! When Kristi is not at CROC, she is an active mom of two and an outdoor enthusiast, frequently hiking and gardening. She is owned by three cats, Gracie, Oscar, and Gigi, as well as a hamster named Slingshot.
Amy Yoshizaki
Veterinary Assistant & Animal Massage Therapist
Amy completed her Veterinary Assistant schooling at Orange County Veterinary Assistant School and as of April 2024, earned her Certification as a Small Animal Massage Therapist from the Ojai School of Canine Massage. 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.
Alyssa Guerrero
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Talitha Baumann
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
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.
Princess Reyes
Patient Care Coordinator
Princess' career working with animals began during COVID when she became an adoption coordinator for a local rescue group, ensuring that animals were adopted to the perfect families. She is currently in school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician and when she is not at CROC, she works in Emergency Veterinary Medicine where she works in Critical Care, Surgery, Cardiology, and Internal Medicine departments. Her favorite thing about working at CROC is the long term relationships built with the patients and their families. She loves to follow their treatment plan and witness their improvements. In her spare time, she likes to cross-stitch, paint by number, reading, and music. She is owned by her Chihuahua/Dachshund, Rosey, and her Poodle/Bully mix, Flurry.
Heidi Tschauner, DVM, CCAT
Veterinarian & Rehab Therapist
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 earned her Certification in Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapy through North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine December 2023. 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.
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.
Gabriella Hamilton, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Bio Coming Soon!
Katie Fischbach, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Bio Coming Soon!
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!