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 21st year 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 past 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. Dr. Hageman, her husband John, and their children Mallory and Lucas live locally and share their home with 1 dog, 2 cats and 3 tortoises. When she’s not at the hospital, Dr. Hageman is at the racetrack or in her craft shop. 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. Dr. Hageman welcomes you to The Ark Pet Hospital and looks forward to helping care for your family.
Francesca B, RVT
I’ve been part of the Ark family for 14 years. When I lived in California, I was the Ark’s lead technician, but since moving to the pacific northwest in 2019, I have now stepped into the practice management role.
Whenever I’m not working, I’m typically out hiking, at a dog sporting event, or nose deep in a book while cuddling with our three cats. I also have a big interest in pet photography, so you’ll typically find me behind the lens taking photos of my happy pups!”
Shelby B.
I recently made the career switch to follow my dream from human medicine to veterinary medicine. Working with animals has been a lifelong goal. When I’m not at work I love to hang out with my horses, dogs and daughter. I love being outdoors and going on adventures. We spend our weekends camping, on the beach, at the ranch or at my daughters horse riding competitions. There’s never a dull moment when Shelby is around!
Michelle P.
Hi Everyone! My name is Michelle the newest member of the ARK family. I must say after a 20-year role in telecommunications switching over into the veterinary field was a dream come true! Since I was a child working with animals was my goal but life had other plans for me, I can finally say I truly feel I’m where I need to be.
When not working at the ARK I enjoy spending time with my kids and family or I’m at home happily baking away as cake decorating is also a hobby of mine. I also enjoy caring for my fur kids I am a cat mom of 6 and dog mom of 2 so they keep me on my toes along with my 2 human kiddos!
Suzy C, RVT
Growing up on the water in Discovery Bay, I would rescue baby ducks and care for them. My parents grew tired of me asking for more pets and told me “When you grow up and move out, you can have as many pets as you want” so I did. I now have a small zoo of chickens, tortoises, dogs, cats and a herd of humans too. I have been working in the veterinary field for over 20 years. I love working with exotics from rabbits to turtles. I am a volunteer at the Lindsay Wildlife and serve on their squirrel and bat rescue/rehabilitation teams. When I’m not working with animals you can find me drinking coffee, camping or singing poorly at concerts with my family.
Alba Hernandez
A compassionate Receptionist with a love for animals. I’m passionate about providing excellent customer service and dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for all clients and their pets. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my own furry baby “Max” who is going on 16 years and my family.
Tommysha H.
I have been in the veterinary field for over 20 years, with 8 of those years dedicated to emergency medicine. I am passionate about saving lives, keeping pets healthy, and advocating for animals of all kinds. I own three dogs, one cat, and a ball python, and in my free time, I work in emergency veterinary medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, swimming, drawing, and visiting museums, zoos, and aquariums, as I love expanding my knowledge of animals of all kinds.