Michele Drake, DVM, CVA
Dr. Michele Drake had wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a little girl. She had Schnauzers while growing up and loved all animals. Dr.
Veterinarians
Kathy Boehme, DVM, CVCHM
Dr. Kathy Boehme received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Florida in 1989.
Keala Shotwell, DVM, CVA
Dr. Keala Shotwell received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from Colorado State University in 1997 before joining the Drake Center the following year. Her special interests are soft tissue surgery, dentistry and dermatology.
Heather Kovacevich, DVM
Dr. Heather Kovacevich (Kovac) received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Illinois in 2004.
Sarah Dilworth, DVM
Dr. Sarah Dilworth received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the University of California, Davis in 2012.
Taylor Applegate, DVM
Dr. Borsack-Applegate received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Melbourne in 2015. She worked at All Creatures on Hoddle, a general practice in Melbourne, Australia. She joined The Drake Center for Veterinary Care in February of 2016. Dr.
Katie Tiglio, DVM
Dr. Katie Tiglio received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Western University in 2014. In the following years, she completed a rotating small animal internship at San Diego’s Veterinary Specialty Hospital, and an additional specialty internship in ophthalmology. Dr.
Madison VanWorth, DVM
Dr. Madison VanWorth received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2020. Prior to joining The Drake Center team, Dr. VanWorth completed an internship at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego.
Kristi Leslie, DVM
Dr. Kristi Leslie received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Western University of Health Sciences in 2022. She joined the veterinary staff at the Drake Center for Veterinary Care in June of that same year.
Janice Lee, DVM
Dr. Janice Lee received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis in 2020.
Laura Dowd, DVM
Growing up in a Navy family, Dr. Dowd was fortunate enough to have her father, naval aviator, and mother navy nurse retire in San Diego.
Hospital Administrator
Administration
Our administration team offers staff support and ensures our employees have access to the resources they need to provide our clients and patients with the highest level of care and service possible. In addition to working behind the scenes to keep the practice running smoothly, they are the liaisons who help extend our bond with clients and their beloved pets far beyond the walls of our hospital.
Reception
Our reception team plays a vital role in every client experience at The Drake Center. Knowing that each client, patient and situation is unique, our staff is empowered to be flexible and attentive. They will make sure your needs are taken care of, whether that means getting phone time with a doctor or making an urgent appointment that must be squeezed into the schedule.
Registered Veterinary Technicians
Chances are, you’ve noticed many of the same faces here over the years. Our veterinary technicians’ combined years of experience in this practice number well over 50! A critical part of the health care team, our technicians have a strong passion for providing tender loving nursing care. They are well educated and continue to pursue ongoing education in all areas of veterinary medicine each year.
Veterinary Care Providers
Chances are, you’ve noticed many of the same faces here over the years. Our veterinary technicians’ combined years of experience in this practice number well over 50! A critical part of the health care team, our technicians have a strong passion for providing tender loving nursing care. They are well educated and continue to pursue ongoing education in all areas of veterinary medicine each year.
Kennel Attendants
This wonderful team of compassionate providers will ensure your pet’s ultimate comfort while in our care. Pet interaction is our kennel team's primary responsibility and attendants can often be found outside in the play yard tossing the ball with one of our boarding patients. The kennel team is also responsible for all bathing services at our hospital and does a fantastic job making every pet look and feel great.