Team AMC!

Our Animal Medical Center of Surprise team is a group of caring, compassionate and educated individuals. We have come together to provide you with the highest quality of medical care for your four legged family members. We look forward to serving you!

Dr. Mel Paquin

I have been practicing veterinary medicine since 1998. My undergraduate work was done at UW- Wisconsin Stevens Point graduating with a Biology major and a chemistry and microbiology minor. I received my D.V.M degree from UW- Wisconsin Madison. I have been living in Arizona for over 18 years now and consider this my home...

Dr. Neil Sweeney

I grew up here in Phoenix from the age of three. After high school, I joined the Navy for six years. I was stationed in South Carolina for two years and served onboard a submarine based out of Pearl Harbor for the remaining four. After that, I came back to Arizona to obtain my bachelors degree at University of Arizona in Tucson, where I met my wife. During school, I was also working full time at an emergency and specialty practice there. I then accepted an offer to attend Midwestern University - College of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale where I graduated in 2019.

Dr. Jetta Schirmer

I am an Arkansas native, born and raised. I attended the University of Arkansas and earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with minors in math and biology. After undergrad, I spent some time working on my master’s degree and teaching chemistry at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock before attending Midwestern University where I completed my doctorate in veterinary medicine. I chose to move to Arizona because my husband is in the Air Force and Luke AFB was so close to the veterinary school. I absolutely love living here and hope we never have to leave! At home, I run a full house with 3 dogs, a cat, and 2 human children.

Dr. Liam Allen

I was born and raised on Long Island, New York and then moved to Park City, Utah when I was in high school. I earned my bachelor’s in veterinary technology and master’s in health sciences with a focus on animal parasitology at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. I graduated with my doctorate in veterinary medicine from Midwestern University in 2019. My areas of interest include soft tissue surgery, preventative medicine, and infectious disease. I live with my wife Katie and our two Scottish Terriers, Daphne and Dibbs. In our free time we enjoy camping, golfing, and gardening.

Dr. James LeVasseur

Dr. James LeVasseur
Veterinarian

I grew up on a farm in central Wisconsin where I was exposed to many animals at a young age that sparked interest in veterinary medicine. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN). I attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison where I earned my doctorate in veterinary medicine. After graduating veterinary school in 2010, I moved to the great state of Arizona. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors, golfing, and skiing. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!

Dr. Carmen Perez

I am one of the rare born and raised Phoenicians. I only left Arizona to attend veterinary school at Louisiana State University. Geaux Tigers! I graduated in 2009 and returned to the Valley. I started my career in emergency medicine and have enjoyed helping pets and owners in those critical situations. My special interests include surgery, cardiology and of course anything emergency. I also love client education and if you let me, I’ll talk your ear off. When I’m not at the clinic I enjoy hiking, baking, and crafting. My crazy crew includes 3 kids, 3 dogs, 1 cat and a fish. Oh, and a husband.

Karen Schlachter

Hello! My name is Karen and I’m privileged to be able to work alongside DR. Paquin at the Animal Medical Center of Surprise! We look forward to serving Surprise and the surrounding cities with the best possible Veterinary care.
I enjoy being out on the lake during the warm summer months, and cuddled up on a couch reading a good book in the winter months with our 5 cats!

Dana Smith

Dana worked 13 years for Northrop Grumman before moving to Costa Rica where she worked for a wildlife refuge. At the refuge, she spent 2 years rescuing and rehabilitating howler monkeys and other wildlife. When she got back to the states, she worked for the AZ Humane Society where she rescued her amazing dog Riley.

Megan Ellett

Hi there, I’m Megan. I am originally from sunny Orange County California but have lived in Arizona for 10 years now! I may not have as much experience with animals as some of my coworkers, but I am loving getting to know this new world. A couple years ago, I became a first time cat owner, and even got to see 5 kittens born in my house. It has been very fun watching them all grow up. Besides loving my job here at the Animal Medical Center of Surprise, I am working towards receiving my BSN degree. When I am not working or studying, you can find me at the softball field or in the pool getting some sun.

Carrie Carver

Hello, my name is Carrie and I recently started working for the Animal Medical center Of Surprise in March of this year. I have been in the field however for the past 18yrs in both rescue and full service medicine. I share my life with my husband Danny and our 2 sons Ryan and Jason. We also have 2 four legged fur babies named “Star “ a 10yr old Queensland Heeler and “ Comet “ a 5yr old Lab Pit mix. In my spare time I love working out and spending time with my church family and friends.

Emma Mace

Hi my name is Emma. I was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. My father was in the military so I’ve moved around a lot. I’ve lived in South Dakota, Florida, Alaska, Illinois, Texas and now Arizona I also have lived in about 20 different houses. I started my Veterinary Assistant program in January 2018 and graduated in September of 2018. I work in the hospital as a pet nurse as well as a CSC. What I love most about my job is that I learn something new every day. Some of my favorite things are watching The Office, hiking, traveling and going to the gym. I can’t wait to meet you and your fur babies! (:

Ashley Gilbert

Hello, My name is Ashley and I am thrilled to working with such a wonderful team. I grew up just outside of Boston, where my love for all animals started. I started working with horses first, at the age of 6, then working in a veterinary hospital when I was 15 years old, as a receptionist/assistant. After high school, I moved to Denver Colorado where I pursued my education at Bel-Rea Veterinary Technical Institute and started working shortly thereafter. Starting my family about 10 years ago, I took a break to raise my family, and a few years ago, decided it was time to start working again. I made way to Arizona 7 years ago, and love to go hiking, swimming and exploring in my free time. We have a daughter (10), and a newborn son (2 ½ months), plus 4 puppies, (Josh, Brady, Honey and Lily), 2 kitties (Simba and Lucky) and a hampster named Oreo. My family and I love to rescue those in need, and all of our are rescues.

Jericho Mascarenas

Hello my name is Jericho and I have been a Veterinary Technician going on 15 years! I love my job and enjoy taking care of your fur babies. I have a dog and couple of cats myself!

Emely Rodriguez

Hello! My name is Emely Rodriguez. I am originally from Los Angeles, California and moved out to Arizona during Christmas of 2005. I have acquired my associates degree in Veterinary Technology back in 2015 from Pima Medical Institute. I have always had a passion for animals and love meeting new furry friends. I have 6.5 dogs of my own; Rose (Golden Retriever), Nala (Mini Poodle), Kiara (Mini Poodle), Bruno (Mini Poodle), Kinito (Mini Poodle), Tiny (Chihuahua) and my step daughter Molly (Pitbull Dalmation mix). I love giving all my babies the love and affection they need and taking them to dog parks to play. My hobbies included hiking, traveling and seeing new places, and going to the gym.

Garnet Gladwish

I am originally from Florida, but moved to Arizona in 2016. I live with my husband and our 6 fur children – 2 dogs (Nova & Apollo), 3 cats (Meow meow, Sylvester, & Rex), and our turtle. I’ve been working in the veterinary field since 2016 – starting in kennel then moved on to Reception and Technician positions. I am currently enrolled in the Bachelors of Science program at ASU. In my free time I enjoy going weekend cookouts, going to the movies, and taking my dog Nova on various outdoor adventures.

Alfie

I’m a 7 year old domestic short haired white cat, with highlights of brown, excited to spend my days relaxing, exploring and getting lots of love from my fellow co workers and visitors! Come and say Hello to me!