Introducing Our Staff!

And, check out that great sign that now appears on our rooftop! Meet and please welcome the staff dedicated to ending pet overpopulation in our community. Some of them were able to tour the facility and seen here posing with a SpayDay USA sign. We're happy to have them on board!

Jayme Bennett: Veterinarian Technician
I am Jayme Bennett, Licensed Veterinary Technician since 1994, though I have worked in veterinary medicine since about 1990. Most of my experience is in Emergency and Critical care medicine, but I have worked in many types of practices as a full time "relief tech" in the last 2 years and off and on throughout my career as an LVT. I have worked in animal rescue for 15+ years, and founded Companion Animal Rescue in 2003 (a 501(c) (3) organization) where I serve as the Executive Director at this time.

Cyndi Michelena: Clinic Coordinator
My working background has largely been legal secretary in law firms around the country and a legal assistant in a Seattle biotechnology company. I am currently 'owned' by 5 Siberian Huskies, 3 feral cats, 3 rescued horses and 2 rabbits from a rabbit sanctuary. I first started helping Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue in 1999 as a Siberian Husky foster home; I became the Siberian Husky Rep for SPDR in December of 2000. I've been wanting to combine the knowledge I've gleaned from my working experience with a position that enables me to help the animals that need us. I'm very excited to now be able to bring my skills together with a passion that has grown within me for many years to help the animals who cannot help themselves!

Sandy Peterson: Veterinary Assistant
I will be a veterinary assistant at the clinic and I have been in the veterinary/animal care world for over 10 years . I have a warm snuggly spot in my heart for pit-mixes and ferrets and grumpy old kitties... having known and loved several in my lifetime.

Elizabeth Tolbert: Veterinary Assistant
I have lived in Tacoma for almost 15 years. I have had animals all my life. I currently have a 10 month old Shih Tzu and a 10 month old Chihuahua that I rescued. They joined my Rott mix and Lab mix that I adopted from the humane society 6 years ago. I enjoy helping my mother with her dachshunds that she and I rescue. I have worked as a veterinary assistant for over 3 years in the Tacoma area.

Dr. Keiko Young, DVM, Clinic Veterinarian
Dr. Young will be joining the team at Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic. Dr. Young is a graduate of Washington State University. She has practiced shelter medicine in various capacities including spay/neuter surgery at PAWS and on the Spay Station.