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Our Team

The Largest Team on the Palouse

Our dedicated and experienced team of vets, technicians, receptionists, and managers are always working towards one goal: meeting the needs of you and your beloved pet.

Our Doctors

Dr. Susila Bales is a 1997 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and joined the Animal Clinic the same year; becoming clinic owner in 2016. Susila enjoys diagnostics such as; endoscopy and ultrasound, as well as soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. She also performs tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), for ACL repair in dogs, and enjoys following her patients through a successful recovery.

Dr. Cassandra Garrison is a graduate of WSU College of Veterinary Medicine where she enjoyed small and large animal medicine. Originally from New Mexico, she and her husband have fallen in love with the Palouse and enjoy exploring all it has to offer. When not working, she helps train their two Llewellin Setters and Blue Heeler.

Dr. Hannah Van Nevel is originally from Southern California and attended veterinary school at the University of California Davis. She moved to the Palouse in 2022 to join her partner who is currently attending WSU. Dr. Van Nevel enjoys surgery and working with all types of animals, including goats, pigs, rabbits, reptiles, and birds.

Amber Christianson is originally from Wyoming and attended veterinary school at WSU. Following graduation, she moved to Oregon to practice in a mixed animal clinic for a few years, but found the Palouse area was too hard to give up and returned. When not working, she can be found running or spending time with her rescue dogs.

Emily Richardson is originally from western Washington and attended WSU for both her undergraduate and veterinary school degrees. With a passion for horses, she worked as an intern veterinarian at Idaho Equine Hospital, where she gained experience in many aspects of equine medicine and surgery. Dr. Richardson looks forward to caring for your four-legged friends, big and small, in the clinic or on the farm!

Dr. Meghan Mutch is a 2024 DVM graduate from Washington State
University. Originally from western Washington, she has lived on the
Palouse since 2012 when she came to WSU for her undergraduate degree.
Dr. Mutch has a passion for both large animal and small animal medicine, with a special interest in agricultural animals. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys cheering on the WSU Cougs with her husband and adventuring with her two rescue dogs.

Dr. Jessica Hanaumi is a graduate of the Washington State University
College of Veterinary Medicine where she developed a particular interest
in diagnostic imaging, especially ultrasonography. After living in eight different states, she has found the perfect place to call home in the Palouse. Outside of work, Dr. Hanaumi enjoys playing board games and caring for her dog, cat, horse, and two geckos.

Our Staff

John

Finance Manager

John holds an engineering degree and an MBA from Auburn University. He has lived on the Palouse for almost three-decades after departing the southeast. John has worked locally in management at NRS and the University of Idaho. He enjoys training his two German Shorthair Pointers and Chocolate Lab and raising livestock on the family farm.

Brice

Customer Service Manager

Originally from New Mexico, Brice has called the Palouse home for almost a decade now. With a Master's degree in Leadership and Management, Brice enjoys serving the communities of the Palouse and their pets. When not attending to customer care, he finds joy in spending time with family and training his two Llewellin Setters and Blue Heeler.

Tracy

Inventory Manager

Tracy grew up in Potlatch and moved to Lewiston after high school where she attended Lewis Clark State College. She earned her degree in bookkeeping in December 2004. Tracy joined the Animal Clinic team in January 2005.

Jared

Hospital Manager

Jared grew up in Northern Utah, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Weber State University. He joined the Animal Clinic in 2010 and has worked in the veterinary field in multiple positions, since 16 years old. He loves spending time with his family and enjoys outdoor activities.