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!”
Andi S.
Ever since I was little, I always knew that I had to spend my life working with animals. Outside of work I enjoy rescue work and hanging out with my kids. I love crafting and working on projects around the house. And yes, there is always a cat involved! I am the proud mom of three humans, three dogs, three chickens and a….few….cats.
Nikki P.
Hi! My name is Nikki and though I may be new to Ark, I’m not new to the field. I started out in High School in 2008 as a kennel assistant and have given my all to have the passion and drive I have for Veterinary Medicine over 13 years later! Taking care of your Fur Babies is my passion and I wouldn’t want to do anything else in life!
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending my time with the love of my life, Kevin, and our 2 dogs Koda Bear and Bentley. We love to go exploring and camping anywhere and everywhere we can go and love the outdoors. We also do many fishing trips all year round, and go to my families property in the mountains for fun to ride our dirt bikes and side by sides.
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, black labs 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!
Sara S.
Hello, my name is Sara and I have been with Ark since the summer of 2023 and I absolutely love my job. The staff and doctors are so sweet and very helpful. To work at a place where I get to be around animals is a huge blessing. I have been around animals throughout my life, they are such a comfort to me. Currently I am a Dog mom to 4 rescues, a Cat mom and a chicken mom. My Animal Family will continue to grow. I am a Mother to 3 Amazing Kids who are my world. In my spare time I enjoy Art and crafting as well as listening to music.
Mercedes P.
Hello everyone my name is Mercedes, a new member to the ark family and it’s been an amazing journey as a kennel tech I enjoy meeting all the adorable patients who walk in everyday. Working here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When I’m not at work I’m usually surrounded by my zoo of 7 cats and a dog at home. Some hobbies I indulge in is playing the piano or collecting hot wheels and even reading and writing poems.
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.
Sam M.
Hey there, I’m Sam! Animals have been a big part of my life since childhood, whether it was playing with furry dogs or handling scaly pythons. I’ve always had a passion for animals and dreamed of working in the field to help advocate for their welfare. Professionally, I find fulfillment in supporting not only our Veterinarians, but also our patients and clients, offering comfort and assistance whenever it’s needed. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, pets included :). You’ll usually find me with them either lounging around, kayaking in the Delta or hiking on a new adventure.