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.
Dr. Don Schlange
I graduated from U.C. Davis in 1993 and immediately started working in Antioch. After 21 years I still can not imagine doing anything else. My passion has always been in general medicine but I have special interests in Diagnostic Ultrasonography, Dentistry, and surgery.
I live with my beautiful wife and two step daughters. Currently we have 5 cats (Oscar, Gary, Soot, Lex, and Lou), and 12 Geckos. Anybody interested in a baby crested gecko? 😉 My favorite hobbies are spending time with my family, mountain biking, camping, tennis, and taking care of all the geckos.
Francesca B, RVT
I’ve been part of the Ark family for 11 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 cats. I also have a big interest in pet photography, so you’ll typically find me behind the lens taking photos of our two huskies Blaze and Stella, and our German Shepherd Jax.
Alora M, RVT
I have been a Registered Veterinary Technician since 1999. I met my husband and his son in 2004 and we married in 2006. I originally came to The Ark Pet Hospital in 2005 but left shortly after my second son was born in 2013. I missed my Ark family and had the opportunity to return in 2020. I am excited to be working with Dr. Hageman again!
My husband and I raise our boys out in the country and we breed Nigerian Dwarf goats. We enjoy our chickens and peacocks talking to us every morning and evening. On the weekends, we are often glamping in the national forests. We are so happy to stay rooted in the Brentwood and Antioch area.
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.
Amanda T.
Hi, I’m Amanda! A career in the veterinary field has been a lifelong dream and I love being part of the Ark family. When I’m not helping your fur babies (or our scaly/shelled patients) you can find me planning my next Disney trip and cuddling my Husky/Golden Retriever sisters, Kaia and Nymeria, and my kitties, Luke and Leia.
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!
Shiyan L.
A mother of 1 little cute girl Asyiah Ledesma and wife to Jameson Ledesma. She’s an advocate for animals and she’s also very passionate about the well-being of animals. She’s passionate and loving towards stray animals, another individual pet as well as her own. She was fortunate to form a bond with her beloved “KEENO” (Golden Retriever of 12 Years) that was there from junior high to having a family. Unfortunately, he has passed on. Shiyan now owns another sweet golden retriever- Keelo and Richie (Jack Russell terrier) who’s full of attitude. In memory of her best friend ‘Keeno”, she now dedicates her life to the happiness of animals.