Meet the CROC Team

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.

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 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 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, and her menagerie of snakes. 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.

After 16 years in Veterinary Medicine and experience ranging from Oncology and Ophthalmology to Emergency and Internal Medicine, Ingrid has chosen CROC as the second act of her career. She graduated from Professional Veterinary Assistant School in 2010 and earned her California license as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2011. In addition to the one on one time with patients, her favorite part of working at CROC is being part of a well-versed and cohesive team that works together to support patients' recovery. When she is not here at CROC providing compassionate care to our patients, Ingrid can be found dabbling in art projects and caring for her own pets, 3 cats and a Chihuahua/Terrier mix named Tinee McNubbins.

Lorena is a graduate of Platt College with an Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology. She has been working in General Practice Veterinary Medicine for several years and earned her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2024. While she is new to Rehab, she is a talented and compassionate professional and plans to pursue certification as a Veterinary Rehab Practitioner through North Carolina's CCAT program. Her favorite part of Rehab is getting to contribute to the transformative recoveries from the most hopeless of cases healing to return to their favorite activities. When not at CROC, Lorena can be found playing both electric and acoustic guitar. She is owned by two senior Chihuahua's named Dodger (she's a huge fan!) and Chancho.

Kathleen was President of Cal Poly Pomona's Animal Health Science and Technology Association, a group dedicated to promoting the role of the veterinary technician in clinical practice, laboratory animal care, and management, until she graduated in 2024. Prior to joining the CROC Team, Kathleen spent the last 5 years working in OC's general practice hospitals. Her favorite part of working at CROC is getting to develop trusting and loving relationships with her patients so they can relax into her healing treatments and go home feeling much better. In her free time, Kathleen can be found reading voraciously or playing video games. She is owned by Sherman the bearded dragon, Winnie the Domestic Longhair kitty, and Luna the black Lab. If Kathleen could have one super power, she would wish to have a photographic memory to help her remember every medical textbook she's ever read.

Driven by a passion for continued growth and a desire to learn from leaders in the field, Melody relocated all the way from Australia to join the CROC Team and pursue advanced training and education. During her time in Australia, she spent several years working extensively with dogs facing mobility challenges like CCL injuries and hip dysplasia and she holds a certification in Canine Myotherapy as well as a diploma in Canine Rehabilitation, Wellbeing, and Recovery. Melody graduated from Platt College in May 2025 with an Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology and earned her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician October 2025. Her goal has long been to work in a state-of-the-art facility like CROC where she could contribute to a team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals. Melody has a special interest in working with large senior dogs and finds great fulfillment in supporting their mobility and quality of life. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys creating art, playing the drums, and taking road trips. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her boyfriend and their Australian Staghound/Golden Retriever mix, Archie.

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.

Talitha is new to Veterinary Medicine and has big goals to reach great heights here at CROC. She began as a student intern completing her required clinical hours but quickly proved herself and joined the team as a Veterinary Assistant. She is currently studying to become a Registered Veterinary Technician and upon earning her license, aims to become a Certified Veterinary Rehabilitation Practitioner. Her favorite part of working at CROC is knowing that she is a part of a specialized team of veterinary experts operating at the top of their field and she gets to help make big impacts for the pet families in our community. When she is not at school or CROC, she can also be found working at an OC Veterinary Hospital, performing Irish Dance, or crafting. She is owned by two cats as well as geckos, fish, and a desert tortoise named Chompers.

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' 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.

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.

A Laguna Beach native, Dr. Lauren 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 exploring the outdoors with her family and two dogs, Aggie & Fig.

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. To offer her patients even more support, she became certified in low stress handling and veterinary acupuncture. 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. As of 2025, she became CROC's 5th Certified Rehab Specialist when she completed the CCAT program! 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.

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!

Bio coming soon!