Woody Walker, DVM
Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Walker was born and raised in the Foothills Community. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UCLA in 1974; his Masters of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Colorado State University in 1977; and his DVM degree from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. Immediately, upon graduation from Vet School, he began his professional career at La Cañada Pet Clinic. In 1988 he bought into the practice and is the current owner. Dr. Walker is a member of several professional organizations: the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), SCVMA Grievance and Ethics Committee; and the Sierra Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) serving as President in 2001.Dr. Walker enjoys ranching, riding, snow skiing, SCUBA diving, paddle boarding, and traveling with family and friends. His love for animal husbandry extends to his home life. He has raised backyard chickens for over 30 years, has a tortoise, two dogs, two cats and a trail horse Mick.
Maribel Hernandez
Head Registered Veterinarian Technician
Maribel is our newest Veterinary Technician. She is a local gal from La Crescenta. She went to Pasadena Community College and just recently graduated from Los Angeles Pierce College. She comes to LCPC with a lot of hands-on experience. She volunteered at SNP LA, which is a high- volume spay/ neuter clinic. In her off time, she’s very outdoorsy and busy with camping, hiking, and paint-balling. She’s run the LA Marathon once and hopes to run it again one day in the meantime she trains by participating in 5K, 10K and ½ marathons. Maribel has always loved animals. She owns 4 cats; Cinder, Splice Cyclopes and Ash from age’s kitten to young adult and an 8 year-old a pit bull named Hobbs. She also loves to dabble with hair color as you can see!
Danielle Pershing, DVM
Veterinarian
Growing up locally, Dr. Pershing received a bachelor of science in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior from the University of California Davis in 1997. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University on the Island of Grenada, West Indies in 2003. After spending several years practicing small animal medicine and surgery in the Hudson Valley of New York State, she decided to return to her roots in Southern California. She joined the staff at La Cañada Pet Clinic in January of 2008. Dr. Pershing enjoys running, Bikram Yoga, cooking/eating, and spending time with family, friends, and her own cats and dogs. Dr. Pershing is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).
Gerry Schultz, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Gerry Schultz received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1972 from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. After completing a one-year internship in radiology, Dr. Schultz moved to the Los Angeles area. Dr. Schultz practiced at Eagle Rock Emergency Pet Clinic and at Parkview Pet Clinic before joining La Cañada Pet Clinic in 2006. Her special interests include internal medicine and dermatology. Dr. Schultz is available for appointments only on Saturdays. A resident of Glendale for over 30 years, Dr. Schultz enjoys mystery novels, gardening, football, and community theater.
Caitlyn Lara, DVM
Dr. Lara grew up all around the San Fernando Valley. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Biology at Occidental College. During this time, she interned at La Canada Pet Clinic to learn the ropes on Veterinary Medicine. Soon after, she went to University of California, Davis where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She then returned to La Canada Pet Clinic after school, this time as an Associate Doctor on staff. In her spare time, she likes to cuddle up with her cat as she crochets, does a puzzle, or reads with a glass of wine. On the weekends she enjoys getting outside with her Pomeranian on hikes, exploring new places to eat, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Vanderford, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Vanderford grew up locally, attending FSHA high school, then went on to UCLA to receive her bachelor of science in Biology. During this time, she interned with Dr. Walker as a pre vet student to get hands on experience working with pets. She then earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. During vet school, she returned to LCPC to do her month long preceptorship, or general practice rotation for clinical experience. She has since returned a final time as an associate doctor. In VetMed she has special interest in all things surgery. In her spare time, she loves playing with her new puppy, Kuma, working out at the gym, reading, writing songs/poems, singing, and spending time with loved ones.
Amber Kartes
Technician
Amber is originally from Seattle but has lived in Los Angeles since 2005.She grew up with cats, dogs and horses. Aside from being a vet tech, she is also a volunteer for FixNation and manages feral cat colonies in her neighborhood. Her hobbies include oil painting, sculpting and producing music videos for underground rock bands. She is also an avid reader-her favorite genres are Russian literature, other classic literature, humorous novels and memoirs. She is also a huge NASCAR fan!
