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.
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
Veterinary Assistant
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!
Cortney
Practice Manager
Cortney is the Practice Manager at La Cañada Pet Clinic and joined the team in July 2026. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2009, after making the leap from retail management into a field she had loved since childhood. While she originally planned to become a veterinary technician, Cortney discovered that her true passion is working with and advocating for pet people — both the clients who love their animals and the team members who care for them.
Cortney is especially interested in staff wellbeing and preventing compassion fatigue and burnout. Her goal is to make everyone’s lives a little easier so the team can do what they do best and shine for clients and their pets. At home, she has two cats: Hazel, a female orange kitty with an endless appetite for food, love, and attention, and Alfie, a shy but super sweet grey tabby. Outside of work, Cortney enjoys sewing, drawing, listening to music, cooking Indian food, and hiking with her family. Originally from Rhode Island, she will always be a New Englander at heart.
Maribel
Lead Registered Veterinary Technician
Maribel is the Lead Registered Veterinary Technician at La Cañada Pet Clinic. A La Crescenta local, she attended Pasadena City College and later graduated from Los Angeles Pierce College. She brings strong hands-on experience to the team, including volunteer work with SNP LA, a high-volume spay and neuter clinic.
Maribel has always loved animals and enjoys being part of a field where she can help pets and their families. At home, Maribel has three cats and a dog- Splice, Cinder, Ash and Ember. Outside of work, she loves staying active outdoors through camping and hiking.
Barbara
Office Manager
Barbara is the Lead Client Service Representative and Office Manager at La Cañada Pet Clinic. She has worked in veterinary medicine for 21 years, including six years as part of the LCPC team. A lifelong animal lover, Barbara once dreamed of becoming a zookeeper, and she has built a career around helping pets and the people who love them.
One of Barbara’s favorite parts of her job is the friendships she has formed with coworkers and clients, especially when patients are happy to see the team and soak up attention from the staff. At home, Barbara has two cat brothers, Thomas and Feeny, who have been with her since they were eight weeks old, as well as a Chihuahua named Edie. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and taking walks with her dog. A fun fact about Barbara: she has seven grandchildren!
Esther
Client Service Representative
Esther is a Receptionist who has been working in veterinary medicine for four years and has been part of the La Cañada Pet Clinic team for one year. Her love of animals brought her into the field, and one of her favorite parts of the job is seeing all the different pets who come through the clinic and working alongside her coworkers.
At home, Esther has four adopted guinea pigs: Blossom, Jojo, Snow White, and Fuzzy. They know exactly when it’s time for their morning veggies and will happily “wheek” at her until breakfast is served — a sound that always brings her joy. Outside of work, Esther enjoys puzzles and building Lego sets.
Beth
Client Service Representative
Beth is a Client Service Representative who joined the La Cañada Pet Clinic team in February 2026. Her lifelong love of animals started early, including a childhood habit of bringing home strays — much to her mom’s frustration! As part of the front desk team, Beth enjoys working alongside her coworkers and helping create a welcoming experience for clients and their pets.
At home, Beth has an orange tabby cat named Garfield, affectionately known as her “hungry monkey,” who is always ready for his next meal. She also shares her home with Diane, her husband’s tiny terrier mix with a big personality. Outside of work, Beth enjoys journaling, crafting, going to shows and museums, and visiting coffee shops. A fun fact about Beth: when she gets interested in something new, she loves diving all the way in.
Jenna
Client Service Representative
Jenna is a Receptionist who has been working in veterinary medicine since 2020 and joined the La Cañada Pet Clinic team in 2021. You can find her at the front desk on Fridays and Saturdays, where she helps welcome clients and their pets with kindness and care.
Jenna is known around the clinic for brightening everyone’s day and bringing a warm, friendly presence to the team.
Malia
Registered Veterinary Technician
Malia is a Registered Veterinary Technician who has been working in veterinary medicine for four years and has been part of the La Cañada Pet Clinic team since April 2024. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in biology, they knew they wanted to pursue a career centered around animals. They began working as a kennel technician in an animal hospital and quickly discovered how much they enjoyed caring for animals in a clinical setting.
One of Malia’s favorite parts of their job is caring for hospitalized patients, and they also have a special interest in reptiles and exotic animals.
At home, Malia has a cat named Marshmallow, whom they adopted from the clinic. Outside of work, they enjoy painting, knitting, crocheting, going to concerts, and spending time at the waterpark. A fun fact about Malia: their favorite video game series is The Legend of Zelda.
Marni
Registered Veterinary Technician
Marni, RVT, is a Registered Veterinary Technician with more than 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She brings extensive skill and knowledge to the La Cañada Pet Clinic team, with a special focus on dentistry. For Marni, veterinary medicine is both science and advocacy: every patient is someone’s best friend, and she is passionate about helping pets get the care they need so they can go home to the people who love them.
Dentistry is Marni’s favorite part of veterinary medicine, and she believes strongly in the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing. She was fortunate to spend 10 years working alongside Dr. Charles Strange, whose approach to dental care emphasized kindness, understanding, and preserving teeth whenever possible. Outside of work, Marni is active with the American Legion and enjoys volunteering in support of veterans, current military personnel, and their families. At home, she has a French Mastiff named Donut and three cats: Peeps, Skylar Gray, and Snow. A fun fact about Marni: she has a memorable sense of humor — either you get it or you don’t!
Jess
Veterinary Assistant
Jess is a Veterinary Assistant who has been working in veterinary medicine, and with the La Cañada Pet Clinic team, for three and a half years. Her lifelong passion for animals and medicine led her to the field, where she especially enjoys helping older and anxious patients feel safe, build trust, and receive the best care possible. Jess has a special interest in geriatric care and exotic animals, and she is currently in school pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology.
At home, Jess has Anchovy, a spunky 10-year-old deaf Chihuahua who loves belly rubs, dog puzzles, and food; Kumo, a Jack Russell mix who brings plenty of personality and energy to the house; and Speedy, an 85-year-old desert tortoise who has been part of her family since the 1960s. Outside of work, Jess enjoys listening to music, studying veterinary medicine topics, gaming, and traveling.
Sam
Veterinary Assistant
Sam is a Veterinary Assistant who has worked in veterinary medicine for five years and has been part of the La Cañada Pet Clinic team since October 2024. Growing up with pets, Sam developed her love of animals from her dad, who taught her the importance of the bond between people and their pets. She is passionate about being a voice for patients who cannot speak for themselves and has a special interest in oncology.
At home, Sam has four pets: Peaches, a Golden Retriever; Cowboy Buck, a Doberman; and two cats, Binx and Hermione. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with Peaches and Cowboy Buck, including walks, hikes, and swimming. She also loves listening to music, coloring to relax, and watching movies.
Joseph
Veterinary Assistant
Joseph is a Veterinary Assistant who has been working in veterinary medicine, and with the La Cañada Pet Clinic team, for seven years. He loves the bond between people and their pets, and how caring for an animal’s health can also support the wellbeing of the people who love them.
One of Joseph’s favorite parts of the job is working together with coworkers and clients toward the shared goal of providing the best possible care for pets. He is still exploring his special interests in veterinary medicine, with curiosity about behavior, cardiology, and neurology.
Outside of work, Joseph enjoys board games, reading, and bowling. A fun fact about Joseph: his favorite dipping sauce is honey mustard.
Katie
Veterinary Assistant
Katie is a Veterinary Assistant who began her veterinary medicine journey at La Cañada Pet Clinic three years ago. With a lifelong love of both science and animals, Katie was especially inspired by caring for her dog Pepper, who was paralyzed as a puppy and went through multiple surgeries before learning to walk again. Katie loves being there for pets and their families, and one of her favorite parts of the job is seeing patients return for recheck exams and watching their progress over time. She has a special interest in neurologic diseases, disorders, and animal behavior.
At home, Katie has two dogs: Lily, a playful Beagle/Husky mix, and Pepper, a sweet senior Chihuahua mix. She also has Cosmo, a food-motivated cat she fell in love with after he was brought to LCPC as a stray kitten. Outside of work, Katie dances with and founded New Classics Ballet Theatre, teaches ballet on weekends, and enjoys hiking in Big Bear and going to the beach. A fun fact about Katie: she has been skydiving and highly recommends it!
Noemi
Veterinary Assistant
Noemi is a Veterinary Assistant who has worked in veterinary medicine for about two years and has been part of the La Cañada Pet Clinic team for one year. Her deep love for animals and strong sense of justice led her to the field, where she enjoys helping people better understand their animal companions and advocating for pets who cannot speak for themselves.
One of Noemi’s favorite parts of the job is building bonds with regular patients and getting to know all of their little quirks. She especially enjoys working with small animals, particularly cats. At home, Noemi has two rescued cats: Obi, a gray and white kitty, and Peppermint Butler, a tuxedo cat, both found as kittens. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, trying new restaurants, watching movies — especially horror — going on day trips, baking, and trying new recipes. A fun fact about Noemi: she has taken a solo trip outside of the country.
Mel
Veterinary Assistant
Mel is a Kennel Attendant and Veterinary Assistant who has been working in veterinary medicine for one year and has been part of the La Cañada Pet Clinic team for seven months. Her interest in animal behavior, science, and animal welfare led her to veterinary medicine, where she enjoys learning about the unique ways animals think, communicate, and interact with the world.
One of Mel’s favorite parts of the job is watching patients progress through a successful health journey. She hopes to specialize in animal behavior or nutrition in the future. At home, Mel has three dogs: Nala, a working-line German Shepherd, and two small mixed breeds, Mickey and Louis.
Moises
Veterinary Assistant
Moises is a Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Attendant who joined the La Cañada Pet Clinic team in April. He has felt drawn to veterinary medicine since his early teenage years and enjoys being able to help animals while watching their health improve over time. Moises has a strong interest in the science behind veterinary medicine and enjoys the challenge of working with multiple species.
At home, Moises has three cats: Blackie, Django, and Cheez-It. Outside of work, he enjoys playing music, playing video games, watching movies, and going out to experience new things. A fun fact about Moises: he attends Cal Poly Pomona, where he is studying Animal Science on a pre-veterinary track.
Christina
Kennel Attendant
Christina is a Kennel Attendant at La Cañada Pet Clinic. She joined the team in December 2025, and this is her first job in the veterinary medicine field. Christina has loved animals her whole life and knew from a very young age that she wanted to work with them. She feels that contributing to animals’ wellbeing is part of her purpose, and she enjoys learning more about veterinary medicine every day.
One of Christina’s favorite parts of her job is helping with technician appointments and handling animals during her shifts. She hopes to become a veterinary specialist in ophthalmology one day and is especially interested in how eyes work and how veterinary technology can improve animals’ lives. At home, Christina has a 10-year-old grey Korat cat named Kyro, who loves to lounge with her and keeps her motivated with his funny personality. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends, playing volleyball, and staying active at the gym. A fun fact about Christina: she has had more than 10 different types of animals as pets!
May
Clinic Cat
May is LCPC’s resident clinic cat, providing emotional support and professional antagonism to the team. She has been with us for three years as of August 2026, and we celebrate “May Day” as the day she came into our lives. May joined LCPC when Maribel stole her after an opening for Office Cat became available. She was plucked from her home and dumped directly into Dr. Lara’s lap, where she clearly belonged.
May’s favorite parts of the job include sitting in Dr. Lara’s lap, stealing delivery boxes to build her own castle, and refusing to move out of the way when pets come through the clinic. She has a special interest in ear infection cases and will roll around enthusiastically when there is yeast.
May is the best cat there is: her fur may be calico, but she acts more like a Ragdoll — except when it comes to restraint, at which point she screams.
For her own safety, May remains within the confines of LCPC, where she keeps busy stealing hair ties, masks, and Dr. Vanderford’s keyboard. She swats at people, screams very loudly for attention and meals, and has very few self-preservation skills. May has food allergies and must stay on Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein food, or her face breaks out. Please do not ask to see her weight chart — she was hefty for a minute until LCPC put her on a strict diet!
