Veterinarian at Ark Pet hospital CA
Dr. Lori Hageman
Just six years after receiving her education from the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine - DVM and gaining some valuable veterinarian experience, Dr. Hageman decided to pursue her dream of opening up her own veterinary hospital. It was in 1999 that she opened up the doors of The Ark Pet Hospital, Inc. This year marks her 15th anniversary that she's been practicing veterinary medicine in East Contra Costa County.
An active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), Dr. Hageman likes to keep herself busy in and out of the animal hospital. She's also the President of the Contra Costa Veterinary Medical Association (CCVMA). One of her many passions is teaching and giving back to her community, so she has served on the Small Animal Advisory Board for the Teaching Hospital at the UCD Veterinary School and is on the Board of Trustees for the Oakland Zoo.
Dr. Hageman has a special interest in surgical cases and has taught at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in the Student Surgery department. She remains especially intrigued by the care of reptiles and pocket pets. Dr. Hageman, her husband John, and their children Mallory and Lucas live locally and share their home with 1 dog, 2 cats and 2 tortoises. When she's not at the hospital, Dr. Hageman is at the race track. She's been driving cars on the big tracks for 12 years and has raced at Laguna Seca, Infineon Raceway, Sebring International Raceway and other nationally recognized tracks.
Clik here to read Dr. Hageman's profile in the California Veterinarian.
Dr. Valerie Merrill
Dr. Merrill has been a veterinarian since she earned her Doctorate at the University of California Veterinary School at Davis in 1990. Her specialties include pediatrics, preventative healthcare and maintaining high quality oflife for our patients. She has been a lifelong resident of the Bay Area andfirst joined the Ark team in 2001. In 2005, we happily welcomed her back as an Associate Veterinarian. She has settled down with her family that includes 3 cats, 1 rat and 1 big puppy here in East County. If her free time, she enjoys working on her "new" very old house, playing with her mastiff Cooper, hiking, horseback riding and searching for that perfect antique to adorn her home.
Alora Martinez
Alora has enjoyed working in the veterinary industry since 1998 and received her Registered Veterinary Technician license in 1999. Alora is the Office Manager and has been on staff since 2005. She brings to the Ark over six years of experience in veterinary emergency and critical care. She has two children, two dogs and two cats. In Alora's time away from work, she and Cleo enjoy ATV riding, horseback riding, boating, and hosting BBQ's for family and friends.
Jennifer Roberts
Jennifer graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in November 2006. She is our Lead Technician and Inventory Supervisor. Jennifer joined the ARK Team in August 2006 and received her Registered Veterinary Technician license in March 2007. Her non-human family includes two dogs, a cat, several snakes and some geckos. She and her husband Doug have been happily married since October 2010.
Francesca Bologna
Francesca joined our team in July of 2009 and graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at Western Veterinary Career College November 2009. She is a great technician and we look forward to her taking thestate board exam to complete her goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. Francesca and her boyfriend, Zach, have two Huskies that they love to take to local recreational parks for some serious playtime.
Denise Craven
Denise joined our team in November 2008 and is our resident "Cat Whisperer." Graduating from the Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College November 2009, she is undecided on pursuing the state board exam. Denise is a wonderfully skilled technician and provides maintenance and troubleshooting of our hospital equipment. She has two cats and enjoys walking the Golden Gate Bridge in to San Francisco.
