Liz started at the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos doing an internship through the Regional Occupation Program for both veterinary assistant Part 1 and 2, and veterinary receptionist at Grossmont Community College courses. In July 2003, the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos hired Liz as a veterinary receptionist part time. In 2004 Liz became full time, working as a veterinary receptionist and veterinary tech assistant, a "techceptionist,” and has been with us ever since. Liz has completed the California Veterinary
Assistant Program in 2020 and is CVA certified.

Liz has a great understanding of balancing the care of your pet and explaining procedures. Liz has a big family with three teen daughters and a bearded dragon, and a leopard tortoise. She enjoys doing all the outdoor adventures that San Diego has with her three tornados, that she adores.

Alonso, a native San Diegan, has been a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos since April 2023. With a passion for animal care and a commitment to providing the highest quality veterinary medicine, Alonso has been working in general practice and emergency clinics since 2019. Graduating from PIMA Institute this year, Alonso is eager to continue his professional growth and pursue his dream of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). His goal is to not only provide exceptional care for animals but also to contribute to advancements in the veterinary field. When he’s not caring for patients, Alonso enjoys spending time with his beloved pets—a chihuahua, a pug, and a leopard gecko. His dedication to animals extends beyond his professional life, and he’s always looking for ways to give back to the community and support animal welfare causes.

Megan joined the PHP team in December 2016. Before starting her career as a Veterinary Technician, Megan received a Bachelor’s degree from UCSD, where she competed on the Equestrian Team and taught horseback riding lessons. She then went on to Mesa College and graduated in May 2013 with an Associate’s degree in Animal Health Technology. She has been a Registered Veterinary Technician since June of 2013.

In her spare time, Megan loves to ride horses, read, hike, and travel, although almost all of her attention goes to her 4 cats and her horse.

Danna Leyva joins the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos as a dedicated Veterinary Assistant. Originally from Mexicali, Danna has made San Diego her home from an early age. A recent graduate of the PIMA Medical Institute's Veterinary Technician program in September 2024, Danna brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for animal care to our team.

Danna is not only a professional in veterinary medicine but also an avid pet owner. Her household is a delightful menagerie, including two cats, a chameleon, a ball python, a leopard gecko, and a chiweenie. This diverse pet family reflects her love and commitment to all creatures, great and small.

When she's not at the clinic, Danna enjoys indulging in Studio A-24 films and cherishing the comforts of home. Her love for cinema and her homebody nature make her a well-rounded and relatable member of our team.

Alexis started at PHPQ in 2021. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Pima Medical Institute in 2021 and became a registered veterinary technician in January of 2022.

Alexis was born and raised in San Diego. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her pets: a dog, bearded dragon, and two crested geckos.

Meet Yvonne Walker, our friendly and talented receptionist at the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos. Originally from southwest Florida, Yvonne moved to San Diego in 2007. She has two daughters and two cats, and has been working in the veterinary field for seven years, joining our team in August. Yvonne not only excels as our receptionist and Customer Service Rep, but also manages all our social media content. She dreams of one day educating the public about pet health, safety, and fun facts.

Meet Pablo Preciado, our dedicated Veterinary Assistant at the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos. Originally from Brawley, California, Pablo moved to San Diego in 2022 and joined our team in April 2024. Planning to attend Veterinary School, Pablo is passionate about animal care. Outside of work, he enjoys crocheting, playing video games, and reading. He shares his home with his beloved cat, Penny.

You’ll find him always up for a friendly chat and ready to lend a helping hand with a warm smile!

Jessica Lopez, originally from Poway, California, has been a dedicated animal caregiver since 2016. Her journey began with horses and livestock, nurturing a deep connection with these magnificent creatures.

In November 2024, Jessica joined the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos as a Veterinary Assistant, bringing her passion and expertise to our team. Her dream is to one day move to Tennessee, where she can return to working with horses and livestock, fulfilling her lifelong passion.

Jessica is also a loving pet owner, sharing her home with a 14-year-old Labrador Retriever, a hamster, and a Pleco fish.

Hershey is a passionate and experienced Veterinary Assistant who joined our team in November 2024. Growing up with a diverse range of animals, including reptiles and exotics, instilled in her a deep love for all creatures. This passion led her to pursue a Veterinary Assistant degree from PIMA in 2010. Now, Hershey is thrilled to be working with exotic animals at the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos. When she's not at the clinic, she's likely spending quality time with her beloved pets: Elvira and Dahlia (cats) and Lizzy Wiggles (her one-eyed Yorkie mix). Hershey's hobbies include hiking, running, and indulging in the world of video games.

Meet Katelyn!  Originally hailing from Arizona, Katelyn has called San Diego home since high school. She pursued her passion for animal care by earning her RVT certification from San Diego Mesa College.

Katelyn shares her life with Frankie, her 5-year-old sulcata tortoise, who never fails to keep her on her toes (or should we say, in the slow lane!). In her free time, you'll often find Katelyn exploring the San Diego Zoo, hiking scenic trails, hitting the gym, or hunting for unique treasures at thrift shops.

Her ultimate dream? To bring her love for wildlife to the San Diego Safari Park, where she hopes to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the park's incredible mission.