Meet Our Caring La Crescenta Veterinarian Team
Our experienced team here at Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital truly cares about our patient's health. We have been serving the La Crescenta community and the surrounding areas since 1958. Please read our brief profiles below to gain a better idea of who we are, and to get a feel for our passions as well as our high-level of veterinary expertise.
"As a long time client over a period of many years, I am always confident
that my little pet friends will always receive the best of care. The CC
team as a whole has seen me through the tough times with my pets and the
easier times. Always caring.
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Veterinarians
Dr. James Speas - Medical Director![]() Dr. James Speas (J.D.) was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. Coming from a family of longtime ranchers and having been exposed to the challenges and satisfaction of practicing medicine, a career as a veterinarian was a logical choice for him. Dr. Speas graduated from Colorado State University in 1984. His first veterinary experience was in a mixed large and small animal practice in Salida, Colorado. He then practiced in several small animal and mixed practices in Wyoming and Colorado. In 1995, Dr. Speas and his family relocated to Southern California and he took over Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital. Dr. Speas has a variety of interests in veterinary medicine. He has a special interest in surgery and enjoys the challenges of internal medicine cases. Additionally, he enjoys seeing the unique and exotic cases, such as pocket pets and reptiles. Dr. Speas is very proud of the quality of service his team provides and is constantly looking to enhance the quality of life of pets and pet owners. |
Dr. Monika Wehbe - Veterinarian![]() Dr. Monika Wehbe grew up in the La Crescenta Valley and, at a young age, her love for veterinary medicine was evident. She has always been known for her compassion for animals and her dedication to their well-being. She worked as a veterinary technician while attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. After she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, Monika left Southern California for veterinary school. Monika received her Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis, where her emphasis included dogs, cats, and horses. She is especially interested in preventive medicine, ultrasound, and radiology. Monika began working at Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital in 2008. She is excited to be working in her home town where the caring atmosphere, excellent staff, and amazing clients and patients have provided an unforgettable experience. She currently lives in Pasadena with her husband and three young children. Their four-legged family includes a cat and dog who were both adopted through UC Davis adoption programs. When away from the hospital, Monika enjoys spending time with her children and playing soccer. |
Dr. William Widdop - Veterinarian
In May of 2017, Dr. Widdop moved to Glendale to join his wife and kids who have been living here since 2010. Bill is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and enjoys Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry and Dermatology cases. He completed a small animal internship at Louisiana State University and has practiced with companion animals throughout his veterinary career. Active in organized Veterinary Medicine, he is the recipient of the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association’s Young Veterinarian of the Year Award and the Shelby County Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award. Outside of Veterinary Medicine, he enjoys marathon running, having run over 20 marathons, including five Boston Marathons. He also enjoys painting, house projects and life in Southern California with his wife, their two children, a rescue dog, and a cat. |
Dr. Fiona Dodson - Veterinarian
Dr. Dodson shares her home with a Collie Mix and a sport horse. Her free time is spent hiking with her dog, riding her horse and running. As a pet owner, she understands wanting the best possible care for our furry family members and it is her goal to provide care for every patient to the absolute best of her ability. |
Dr. Laura Beyer, DVM - Veterinarian
Dr. Beyer is a graduate of UC Davis and her goal with every patient is "If they are sick, make them well. If they are well, keep them well. If they are in pain, make them comfortable. When all else fails, I will do no harm." Her own fur-family includes a beagle named Maggie and a cat named Scribbles. |
Dr. Hygan Baghoyan - Veterinarian
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Veterinary Technicians
Jackie Stryker - Registered Veterinary technician
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ELISABETH BINKLEY - Registered Veterinary Technician
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Jennifer Strong-Pardus - Registered Veterinary technician
The next step in her journey was to study the Registered Veterinary Technician Program at Pierce College. She started at CCPH as a kennel attendant and is now a Registered Veterinary Technician. She finds inspiration daily through helping our patients and her philosophy is to “Lead by example if you want others to follow.” |
Sequoia Olive - Registered Veterinary Technician
Sequoia is an RVT graduate from Stanbridge University in Irvine. She was licensed in 2018, and is working towards her DVM. She has one cute little poodle named Princess , who is just as eccentric as her. She loves to sing and dance with her peers when life permits. Her favorite color is purple and her favorite food is tacos. In her downtime she is either dog grooming or playing her Nintendo switch. |
Veterinary Assistants
Qaisia Boone - Veterinary Assistant
Her family consists of her parents, three siblings, close friends and her precious dog, Ella. The philosophy that she strives to live by is that everything she does, she does it with everything she has, otherwise it’s not worth it. |
Seza Atamian - Veterinary Assistant
Her fur-family includes two lovely English Pointers, Willow and Copper and two horses, Rosie and Paddy. Her mantra is to always look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel and what is meant to be will be. |
Stephanie Haendle - Veterinary Assistant
Stephanie lives with her husband, her two cats, Bechamel and Casper and her German Shephard/Husky mix, Excalibur. Her fur-family includes two lovely English Pointers, Willow and Copper and two horses, Rosie and Paddy. Her mantra is to always look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel and what is meant to be will be. |
Brittany Galvan- Veterinary Assistant
She enjoys watching pets on their journey to happier, healthier lives. Her family includes one wonderful husband and two little stinker cats, Fred and George. |
Melissa Briley - Veterinary Assistant
Her family includes her parents and her chi-weenies Duke, DJ and Smokey. One of Melissa’s favorite quotes is by Jorge Luis Borges. “So, plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." |
Yerania Pelaez Cordova - Veterinary AssistantYerania has always been an avid animal lover. Since as long as she can remember, she has always wanted to work with animals. She started volunteering and interning at animal shelters and pet hospitals. Her first year of college further fueled her interest in the veterinary world. She graduated from UC Riverside in 2019 with a degree in Biology. Her mind is set on veterinary school and becoming a veterinarian. Outside of work and school she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and cuddling with her two chihuahuas, Mochi and Honey. |
Olivia Gomez - Veterinary AssistantOlivia joined the vet field because of her love for animals. She believes all creatures are beautiful in their own way. Olivia finds helping animals in distress to be the most rewarding. Her goal with every patient is to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible and give them as much love as she can. Her family consists of two dogs, Frankie and Abby, senior cat Alice and a red-eared slider turtle named Wilson. Olivia’s mindset everyday is to be nice and have fun. At the end of the day we’re all just humans trying our best. |
Stephanie Santana - Veterinary AssistantStephanie has loved animals from an early age. When she was a child, she remembers rescuing animals with her Dad. They would help animals that were injured or needed homes. As a result, at one point they owned 9 dogs, 3 chickens and a turtle. From that early age she knew she wanted to help animals in any way possible. Her goal as a Veterinary Assistant is to make every owner and animal feel as comfortable as possible. She treats every pet as if they were her own. Her fur family currently consists of a Maltipoo named Boba. |
Cindy Donis - Veterinary AssistantCindy has always had a sincere love and compassion for animals. Her goal is to help every patient at Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital feel that they are safe and loved. Her own fur family includes two Yorkies and one Great Dane. |
Alex Gonzales - Veterinary AssistantFrom a very early age, Alex knew he wanted to work with animals. Hi first dog, Ryder, died too soon from kidney failure. Since then Alex has committed himself to animal welfare and helping owners keep their beloved pets healthy for as long as possible. Alex appreciates the strength and importance of the human-animal bond. He is dedicated to helping every patient have as many happy and healthy days as possible. |
Christina Cisneros - Veterinary AssistantWorking with animals is a dream come true for Christina. She grew up with many pets and started her career as a volunteer at an animal hospital. She graduated from the Platt College for Veterinary Technicians. Her mission is to treat every patient as her own and to provide top quality care. Her fur-family includes four rescue dogs, Marley, Marcy, Twix and Pecas. |
Client Service Team
Carla Viana
When not working or being a very involved mother, she helps the Monarch Butterfly population by raising caterpillars at home. |
Mary MeasuresMary joined our team in 2009 after 25 years in the Film and Animation Industry. A graduate of the Art Center College of Design with a BFA in Illustration, Mary worked in traditional animation on hundreds of commercials, short films, and feature animation releases. As a hand-drawn animation transitioned to computer-generated animation, Mary’s career transitioned from drawing animals to helping animals and their families. Mary is always ready to cheerfully help clients on the phone, at the counter, and in the exam rooms. She has been a lifelong owner of a menagerie of animals and was involved in Pitbull and Rabbit rescue. Her credo has always been to follow your dreams. Please Adopt, not shop for your next best friend. When not working at CCPH she enjoys spending time with her ponies, horse, mule, cats, dogs, and bunny. |
Amy Garcia
She is very thankful for her own furry babies, two feisty chihuahuas, as they complete her family. Amy truly believes the best therapist has fur and four legs. |
Tara Umfress![]() Tara grew up with many pets. During high school she shadowed a veterinary clinic and was hooked. She graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science from CSU Chico. Tara has worked as a Kitten Caregiver, Bearded Dragon Caregiver and enjoys giving back to needy animals. Her own fur family includes 3 cats and a dog. |
Ana CuevasBio to come. |
Valeria Cardenas![]() Bio to come. |
Management
Evan Geer - front office manager
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Jessica Speas - Hospital Administrator![]() Jessica Speas has literally grown up at Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital (her dad is Dr. Speas). Growing up, she worked in many different areas of the pet hospital and she quickly understood the importance of the human-animal bond. Jessica never thought about a career as a veterinarian but knew that she could do more as an administrator. In 2002, Jessica became the hospital administrator and oversees the daily operations of the pet hospital. In February 2010, she was awarded the designation of Certified Veterinary Practice Manager with the Veterinary Hospital Management Association. In 2012, Jessica was awarded the designation of Professional in Human Resources and received a California specialty designation in 2013. Outside of the pet hospital, Jessica is a sports fan and enjoys spending time near the beach. Jessica's dog June Bug can often be seen at the pet hospital - she spends most days in her office. |
Megan HArmon - Front Office Supervisor
She has three dogs of her own, a Pit Bull mix, a Chihuahua and a Maltese. As well as two red-eared slider turtles. |
Have questions for our veterinarian team? Please don't hesitate to give us a call at (818) 248-3963!