Dr. Bigelow
Dr. Bigelow, the medical director of CVC, has been a veterinarian for over 30 years. His undergraduate work was completed at UC Davis. He went to veterinary school at Ross University. Dr. Bigelow worked in Cleveland, Ohio for five years in a small animal practice and also worked one day a week at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Since moving back to California in 1996 to be closer to family, Dr. Bigelow has worked at Center Veterinary Clinic and became the owner in 1999. He has a special interest in dentistry.. He owns one dog, two cats and one bird, Iga Flyga. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fantasy football, taking the dogs to dog beach and hanging out with his four children. Dr. Bigelow’s favorite thing about being a veterinarian is watching pets grow up and be a special member of the family!
Dr. Clore
A native of Kentucky, Dr. Emily Clore completed her undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University majoring in Human & Organizational Development. Then after a quarter-life crisis brought on by an unfulfilling career in corporate sales in Boston, she returned to her childhood dream and set her sights on vet school. Dr. Clore graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.
At Center Vet Clinic she specializes in preventive medicine for dogs and cats where she puts particular emphasis on pet owner education and empowerment to help you make informed decisions for your pet’s health care. She enjoys working with you to create careful, customized diagnostic and treatment plans for your furry family member. When Dr. Clore is not in the clinic, you can find her playing with her dogs Iggy & Herbie or chasing a golf ball around with her wife.
Dr. Bellmund
Dr. Bellmund graduated from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 in New York. Her undergraduate degree is in Animal Science from Cornell University. Dr. Bellmund is originally from a suburb of New York City and moved to San Diego in 2017. She has special interests in surgery and treatment of chronic diseases including Diabetes and Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease). Dr. Bellmund loves living in San Diego with her two rescue dogs! In her free time, she enjoys running and snowboarding. Dr. Bellmund has been with the CVC for over 3 years!
Dr. Spellmeyer
After receiving her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Candace Spellmeyer spent time working various unfulfilling jobs before discovering her passion for animal care while traveling in South America. She attended Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in her home state of Virginia and moved to San Diego to join her significant other while he works toward his PhD. And of course, she brought her 17-year old diabetic tuxedo cat, Domino. Her special interests in veterinary medicine include ophthalmology, cardiology, and surgery. While she settles into San Diego, Dr. Spellmeyer hopes to take up some of her favorite old hobbies- making wheel-thrown pottery and caring for her aquarium of freshwater shrimp.
Dr. Smallcomb
Dr. Smallcomb was born in Minnesota and raised in South Dakota. She moved out to San Diego for college and attended San Diego State University where she received both her bachelors and masters degrees in Marine Biology. She has had her hands in about every aspect of marine biology including: research related to gray whales, working on a whale watching boat, dolphin training with the navy, as well as rescue and rehabilitation for marine mammals with Sea Worlds Rescue team. After working with marine mammals for many years she decided she wanted to expand her reach and help even more animals. She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and found her love for surgery and creating lifelong connections with pets and their owners. When she is not at work you can find Dr. Smallcomb, her husband and island rescue pup at a local brewery or paddle boarding on the bay.
Natalie Acuna
RVT
Natalie has been a Registered Veterinary Technician at Center Vet Clinic for over 15 years. After graduation from UC Davis, she attended the Veterinary Technician program and did a student internship at CVC. We loved her and Natalie has been with us ever since. Natalie has a special interest in surgery and dentistry . She loves music, movies and traveling whenever she can. We are so grateful to have such a knowledgeable, detail oriented, patient and kind RVT that has helped Center Vet in so many ways!
Julie Hanson
RVT
We are so lucky that Julie has been a part of the Center Vet team for over 25 years. Over the years she has helped countless pets and clients. Besides the adorable puppies and kittens, Julie loves seeing the relationships between the pets and parents and believes in that strong human/animal bond. Julie has 2 children and 2 dogs. When not at work, Julie loves playing pickleball, hiking, riding motorcycles and doing anything outdoors and adventurous.
Gail Bigelow
Hospital Manager
Gail has been a part of Center Vet Clinic since 2001 when she first started paying the bills from home while still raising 4 children. Before that, Gail was a teacher for 9 years in the inner city of Cleveland before moving back to California where she was born and raised. For the last 15 years, she has been on site managing the business. Her favorite part of her job is helping the staff develop, grow and learn and getting to know and help so many wonderful clients and pets. When not at work, Gail spends time running, boating, biking and roller skating at the beach and hanging out with her dog and 2 cats. Her absolute favorite thing to do is be around her family playing games or having adventures.
Stephanie Warfield
Vet Assistant
Stephanie has been a smiling, welcoming part of Center Vet Clinic for over 8 years. Stephanie has a Rottweiler and a Pug at home but loves and greets all pets with so much love. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is forming bonds with animals and clients. Besides planning a wedding, Stephanie loves hanging out with her nieces, going to the beach and is always up for any adventure.
Jhazmin Carnes
Client Service Representative
If you’ve spent any time at Center Vet Clinic, I’m sure you have been helped by Jhazmin who is always cheerful and very good at solving complicated things! Jhazmin started working at Center Veterinary Clinic in 2016 and immersed herself in veterinary medicine. She has a huge knowledge base and is a very talented communicator. She has 3 cats, enjoys playing video games, reading and her favorite quote is, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Gina Akermann
RVT
Gina has been an RVT for over 15 years. She has a special interest in surgery and dentistry and loves how veterinary medicine is constantly evolving to provide even better care for our pets. Besides her 2 sons, Gina shares her home with 1 dog, 3 cats, a Bearded Dragon, guinea pig and chinchilla. In her spare time, Gina enjoys relaxing and hanging out with her family. We love having Gina’s dedication to excellent care here at CVC!
Steven
Manager
Steven has been in the veterinary medicine field for over 8 years as a Registered Technician and now is the assistant manager at Center Vet Clinic. Steven owns Jolene, an adorable Yorki-Pom, and his senior kitty, Buster. When not attending college classes and working, Steven enjoys riding his Peloton, hiking ,and trying new restaurants. Steven especially loves client education and is a very kind, competent problem solver and leader.
Michelle Singson
Groomer
Michelle, Expert Groomer, has been working at Center Veterinary Clinic since 2018 but has over 14 years of grooming experience. You can find Michelle’s house filled with many dogs, cats and her adorable, happy son! Michelle has such a calm and soothing presence with the pets and each time they come out looking fabulous. Michelle takes great pride in her work and does a top notch job each and every visit. Having Michelle as part of our Center Veterinary Clinic Team has allowed us to offer awesome grooming to all of our fur babies. We know you will enjoy her sweet, kind demeanor as much as we do!
Arianna Salemi
Client Service Representative; Urgent Care Coordinator
Ari is a graduate from the Art Institute of Chicago and helped to design our new logo! She relocated to San Diego and when her puppy, Simba, got Parvo she had a wonderful experience at a veterinary hospital, Ari decided she would like to work at a vet hospital. She is a quick learner and so helpful and kind to everyone she meets. She runs the Urgent Care Mondays-Fridays. She loves taking her now healthy Golden Retriever, Simba, to Dog Beach, practicing yoga, going to the gym and hanging out with friends. Ari loves learning new things and we love having her at CVC!
Esme Celestino
Vet Assistant
Esme has been in the veterinary medical field since 2017 graduating from Pima College with a degree as a Veterinary Assistant. Esme shares her home with her adorable daughter, 2 dogs and 2 cats. In her time off, Esme loves going to the beach and taking long walks. Her favorite part of working at Center Vet Clinic is helping all of the animals and meeting the new kittens and puppies! Esme is a great addition to the CVC Staff.
Marco Mendoza
Urgent Care Vet Assistant
Marco works part time at Center Vet Clinic exclusively in the Urgent Care Department.
Marco has a strong background in emergency medicine and advanced imaging. Marco has two children and many pets. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful family. Marco is patient, kind and very calm with pets which makes them feel safe and secure. CVC is very fortunate to have Marco’s expertise in caring for our patients.
Keith Hobbs
Vet Assistant
Keith started off serving our country as a Marine, worked as chef and has now been working in veterinary medicine since 2018. He is currently studying to take his national boards to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Keith has 2 dogs and likes to spend his time playing Disc Golf, watching movies and exploring local wineries. Keith always has a smile and friendly word for everyone he encounters and we appreciate that positive energy at CVC.
Charlotte Flam
RVT
Charlotte has been in the veterinary medical field for over 10 years and has been a registered veterinary technician since 2021 at CVC. Charlotte is a huge cat advocate. She loves helping all pets feel better. Charlotte is an excellent listener and a very compassionate person to animals and humans alike. When not at work, you can find Charlotte playing video games, eating her husband’s amazing cooking and chilling with her two kitties. Clients, animals and staff all love having Charlotte being a part of the CVC team.
Shana
RVT
Shana has been in the veterinary field since 2007. She loves being able to help pets and humans and having the satisfaction of knowing that she makes a difference. Shana has a special interest in dentistry and Urgent Care. Shana is an avid video gamer and disc golf player and shares her home with her husband, dog name Lightning and 2 cats. Center Vet Clinic is grateful to have someone with so much experience on our team.
Michelle Rodriguez
Client Service Representative
Michelle is the smiling face that greets you and your pets as you walk in the door. She is a native San Diegan with an adorable Pit Bull named King. Michelle enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her nephews. We are so lucky that Michelle decided to try veterinary medicine and her love for the animals and helping others shines through. She is enjoying meeting different patients and building relationships with clients.
Sydney Johnson
Vet Assistant
Sydney started her career in veterinary medicine in 2020 and is working towards her goal of being a registered veterinary technician. Sydney lives with two dogs and likes to hang out with her friends and family, practice guitar and paint. Sydney is grateful that she gets to interact with animals on a daily basis. Sydney always comes to work with a bright smile, positive attitude and has a kind word for every pet and person she comes in contact with.
Vincent Trekas
Vet Assistant
Vince has a degree in Biology from Cal State San Marcos. While Vincent applies to veterinary school, he enjoys fishing and hiking. He has dogs, cats and fish and likes seeing pets get better under his care. We are very lucky to have his kind and calm demeanor helping the pets in the clinic and being part of the CVC team.
Diego
Senior Cat
Diego is our senior male clinic cat. He came to live with us after he ingested a foam puzzle piece and needed abdominal surgery. Dr. Bigelow also tried to take him home, but he ate a foam dart during that short stay and needed another surgery. That is when we decided it was safer and better to keep Diego here with us. He enjoys lounging about all day in between the office and treatment area. We enjoy his spunky attitude!
