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Meet Our Team

OUR VETERINARIANS

Dr. Stephanie Checel received her Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1997, and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the School of Veterinary Medicine at University College

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Stephanie Checel
DVM, CVA

Dr. Nicole Schiff received her Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from UC Davis in 1997, and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis in 2002. She has worked at several veterinary hospitals in Los Angeles and here

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Nicole Schiff
DVM, CVA

Dr. Engie Hanna was born in Denver, Colorado but raised locally in Torrance, California. She earned her B.S in Marine Biology at UCLA and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. Shortly

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Engie Hanna
DVM, CVA, CCRT

OUR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Dr. Amy Kramer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Recreation from Whittier College in 1990. Following graduation, Dr. Kramer continued her education Cerritos College where she graduated with honors

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Amy Kramer
PT, DPT, CCRT – Therapy Director

Dr Erin Bukofsky sitting on the ground with a dog

Dr Erin Bukofsky received her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Skidmore College in 2007. She gained a variety of experience working with animals after her undergraduate program, including

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Erin Bukofsky
PT, DPT, CCRT

Dr. Kylie Nakamine received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Gonzaga University in 2015 and continued her education at Azusa Pacific University where she received a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2018.

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Kylie Nakamine
PT, DPT, CCRT

Dr Vlessyn Diaz with her dog

Dr. Vlessyn Diaz received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz in 2016. After graduating, Dr. Diaz worked as a physical therapist aide at a sport rehab outpatient clinic in Santa

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Vlessyn Diaz
PT, DPT, CCRT

OUR REHAB ASSISTANTS

David has been working with animals in the rehabilitation setting for almost 10 years. He worked with animals in general practice before venturing into the rehab world. He is a master at working with animals in the underwater

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David
Rehab Assistant

Andrea has always been a dog lover growing up with a cocker spaniel and a Saint Bernard. She has been working with dogs for over 4 years and is excited to be working now to improve their lives through rehabilitation. She

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Andrea
Rehab Assistant

Kimberly Minami

Kim’s career with animals began as a teen volunteering at various animals shelters throughout LA. From pet hotel caregiver to pet bather to pet trainer, she is excited to share her skills as a member of the BARC team.

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Kimberly
Rehab Assistant

Growing up Deaundre was an exotic animal enthusiast and decided to go into veterinary medicine. He worked in general practice before venturing into rehabilitation. Outside of work, Deaundre enjoys studying horticulture,

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Deaundre
Rehab Assistant

Jessica has been working at BARC since November. She has experiences working with animals in different settings for about 4 years and plans to do more to become a Veterinarian one day. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys

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Jessica
Rehab Assistant

Deja has always been interested in animal healthcare and ecology, and knew from a young age that she wanted to advocate for animal well-being. After many years of volunteering in general practice, Deja discovered animal rehab

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Deja
Rehab Assistant

OUR SUPPORT STAFF

Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both office management and customer service and client relations. For the past 27 years Michelle has owned, operated and managed all accounting and office staff in her

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Michelle McCarter
Office Manager

Carolyn brings many years experience in marketing for animal rehabilitation to her position at BARC. She was previously in the catering business in all aspects including event planning, managing, staffing and sales. She is

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Carolyn LaRocca
Marketing Director

Jamie has been an animal lover since before she could remember so working in the veterinary field seemed only fitting. Prior to joining BARC, she worked with animals and insects at the Natural History Museum, as well as

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Jamie Nalvarte
Practice Manager

Jasmine has been an animal lover since she was a little girl.  She’s never had pets, so it’s always been a dream of hers to work in this field. Alongside 10 years of customer service experience, Jasmine has been working in

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Jasmine
Reception

Lynn was born and raised in Southern California and has been working in the veterinary field for many years, starting in general practice, then emergency and now rehabilitation.  In her spare time, Lynn enjoys going to Disneyland.

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Lynn
Reception