Our Staff at Sierra Animal Hospital
After spending 17 years as a Registered Veterinary Technician and later the Practice Manager for a small animal practice here in Placerville, Dr. Rapp returned to school to continue her career. After completing her undergraduate degree at UC Davis, she attended Western University of Health Sciences' College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a special interest in canine sports medicine, service animals, and the human-animal bond. She was an associate veterinarian for Dr. Johnson in 2017 and is now the very proud owner of Sierra Animal Hospital. She is deeply rooted in the community and enjoys teaching both through the ROP program and 4H. When disaster strikes, you will find her working as a member of the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps. Dr. Rapp looks forward to continuing the legacy of Sierra Animal Hospital.
Stacey Stephens, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Stacey Stephens brings more than 25 years of veterinary medicine experience to Sierra Animal Hospital. A native of northeast Ohio, Dr. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Youngstown State University and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. After practicing small animal and exotic medicine at clinics in Orange Park, Florida and in San Diego County, Stacey and her husband moved to the Placerville area in 2000. Dr. Stephens has been an Associate Veterinarian at Sierra Animal Hospital since 2002. In her spare time, Dr. Stephens enjoys dog agility training, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Kaley Ladner, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ladner grew up right here in Placerville. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biology and a double minor in nutrition and animal science from UC Davis. While attending UC Davis, Dr. Ladner was a resident of the Swine Teaching and Resource Center. She was also a member of the UC Davis Collegiate Livestock Judging Team and the Young Cattlemen's Association. After her undergraduate work, she attended Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine focusing on large and small animal medicine. Dr. Ladner has extensive experience with 4H and FFA serving as an active member and an advisor. Today she helps educate the youth of our county regarding animal health and husbandry. Dr. Ladner is looking forward to incorporating large and small animals into Sierra Animal Hospital to better serve our community. Dr. Ladner enjoys spending time with her large family, traveling, reading and crafting.
Carolyn Foster, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Foster graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2008 after completing her undergraduate at California State University, Sacramento. Her heart is in general practice where she enjoys seeing many diverse small animal and some exotic cases. Dr. Foster grew up on the California Coast and moved to the Placerville area in 1990. Her wide selection of pets at home includes her cat Bender, guinea pigs, Autumn and Gumball, and her dog Oakley. During her off time, Dr. Foster enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her daughter Abby. She is happy to be a part of the Sierra Animal Hospital team and looks forward to contributing her expertise as the hospital grows.
Abigail Dimock, DVM, DACVR
Radiology Consultant
Education:
- DVM degree: 2006, University of California, Davis
- Residency: 2008-2012, University of California, Davis
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology: 2011
Felisa (Flea)
Practice Manager
Felisa joined the veterinary field in 2014 as a client care specialist and kennel attendant in Placerville. She then worked her way up to veterinary assistant under the supervision of Dr. Terri Burley in the Cameron Park area, who pushed her to achieve the goal of becoming a practice manager. After Dr. Burley's retirement and several years of managing, Felisa decided to join the Sierra Animal Hospital Team. When not at work, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, tending to her garden, chickens and ducks or you can find her on the Sierra slopes snowboarding.
Helene, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Helene graduated from Consumnes River College in 1989 and received her Registered Veterinary Technicians License later that year. Helene is happily married with two amazing kids. When not working she likes to go camping and enjoys maintaining her garden. The recent adoption of her Pudel Pointer, Abby, keeps her busy. Helene previously worked for Sierra Animal Hospital from 1989 to 1995 and came back to join us in 2016.
Allyn, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Allyn grew up in the Bay Area with her dog, cat and horse. In 1996 she earned her RVT license while attending Foothill College. After working in small animal practices, she went to work with chickens at a biotech company. In 2003, she and her family moved to the Sacramento area, and she started working at the UC Davis Primate center. In 2010, Allyn decided to step back into small animal practice and joined the Sierra Animal Hospital team in 2023. She lives with her husband, daughter, 2 cats and a handful of chickens. Together, they enjoy biking, camping and skiing.
Karen, RVT, FFCP
Veterinary Technician
Karen was lucky enough to land her first job in veterinary medicine as a teenager. Following her passion in caring for pets, she has dedicated her professional career as an advocate for her patient’s comfort and health ever since! During college and after graduating from CRC, where she acquired her RVT licensing, she has worked in small animal practices and is also a certified Fear Free professional. As her older daughter is “grown and has flown”, Karen shares her home here in the foothills with her younger daughter and 3 cats, so there’s always fur and fun all around. She’s looking forward to meeting each of you and caring for your pets now that’s she is on the wonderful team here at Sierra Animal Hospital!
Kelly, CVA II
Veterinary Assistant
Kelly joined the vet med industry in 2001 as a Kennel Attendant and quickly moved her way up to Kennel Manager. She then opened her own doggy day care facility in the Bay area in 2003 and operated it until 2010. Since joining the Sierra Animal Hospital team, Kelly has grown exponentially in her studies and as a hands-on employee. In 2021 she completed her Certified Veterinary Assistants program and received her CVA. Earlier this year, 2023, she completed and received her CVAII Certification. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her partner Jason and their three dogs Bogie, Pepper and Sadie.
Natalie
Veterinary Assistant
Natalie was born and raised in El Dorado County. After getting married in 2015, she moved away to in live in Japan and Hawaii before recently moving back. An animal lover her whole life, she always dreamed of a career helping care for animals. She is currently halfway through her program to become an RVT. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat Minerva, and reading. Gardening and camping is also a passion of hers!
Lindsay
Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.
Jill, CVA II
Veterinary Assistant
Jill joined the vet med industry in 1999 and it is one of her biggest passions in life. She enjoys teaching her three children how to care for animals as they continue to grow. Besides animals, Jill's next passion is food. She is an amazing cook and loves sharing her dishes with friends and family. She is a hard worker and always puts 100% into everything she does which is why she provides the best care to our clients and patients.
Kira, CVA
Veterinary Assistant
BIO Coming Soon.
Ashley
Veterinary Assistant
Ashley grew up in the Placerville area and has been a skilled Veterinary Assistant for 10+ years. Animals have always been her passion. She is also a proud owner of a mobile grooming service, so be on the look out for her gray short school bus if your fur friends are in need of a wash or cut! In 2022 she joined the Sierra Animal Hospital team and has since been able to expand her grooming business hours while not at the hospital. Ashley shares her home with her cats Tom, Lloyd, and Harry; her dog Abby, and 2 rabbits.
Ava, CVA II
Veterinary Assistant
Ava is currently a student at Colorado State University and hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. She has already earned her level one and level two CVA, Certified Veterinary Assistant. She works both in the hospital and goes out on the large animal calls with Dr. Ladner & Helene, RVT when not at CSU. Which has inspired her to work with both large & small animals as she continues her veterinary experience and education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, & spending time with her many animals.
Erica
Client Care
Erica started her career in the veterinary field in 1997 after earning her bachelor of science degree in animal science at Oregon State University. She started out at the front desk in general practice and worked her way to veterinary assistant at an ophthalmology specialty practice. Having been out of the field for over 10 years raising her family, Erica has found her way back to the front desk and enjoys providing outstanding customer service to our clients. Erica and her family raise Boer goats on their small farm in Placerville. She enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and boxer dogs. Erica is new to the sport of agility and is enjoying the challenge with her youngest boxer Paisley.
Michelle
Client Care
Michelle was born and raised on a ranch in Livermore. She has 3 daughters who were actively raised in 4-H and FFA. In 2009, Michelle went to school to obtain a pharmacy tech license and has now recently joined the veterinary field. With her ranch and pharmacy experience she is able to provide excellent customer service to our clients. When not at work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies.
