Meet the Team

Karen Klentos, D.V.M.

Dr. Klentos is the owner and medical director of Companion Veterinary Clinic.  She leads our team in providing quality care for all our patients with her kindness and compassion. In her spare time, she enjoys trail running, reading, and gardening. She and her husband, Paul, live in Cool with their dogs, cats, and retired endurance horses. 


Bachelor of Arts, California State University, Sacramento
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 

Lauren La Rue, D.V.M.

Dr. Lauren La Rue has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1986. Dr. La Rue teaches at UC Davis Veterinary School in Community Surgery; her focus is to teach veterinary students the tools needed to succeed in private practice.  She has vast surgical experience, as well as extensive knowledge in small animal and emergency medicine. Dr. La Rue regularly works Saturdays and consults with the team in complex surgical cases.


Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis

Lisa Paulson, Hospital Manager, R.V.T.

Lisa has been working in the veterinary field for over 20 years, after receiving her R.V.T. license in 1996. Lisa has worked in all aspects of veterinary practice and continues to do so as our Hospital Manager. She is always looking to expand her knowledge in all areas and has developed a special interest in continuing education as a result. 

Angela Ignoffo, Client Services Manager

 

Angela graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Animal Science with a specialization in companion and captive animals. She manages our client services department but also has a strong interest in the technical aspects of the veterinary field.


Bachelor of Science, University of California, Davis 

Ariel Burr, Client Service Representative

Ariel's passion for animals has led her to join us here at CVC as one of the first friendly faces you see as you walk in the door. She loves all animals, especially her two cats. She will be attending school this fall to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician.

Nikki Graveline, Lead R.V.T.

Nikki has been in the veterinary field for almost 15 years, working in all different areas of the job. Her passion started with her completion of the Regional Occupation Program in Veterinary Careers and led her to pursue her R.V.T. license, graduating from Carrington College. Nikki's knowledge and positive attitude make her a valuable member of the team.

Gabriela Dunn , R.V.T

Gabriela has been a part of the veterinary field for over 18 years, with experience ranging from companion animals to wildlife. She enjoys helping animals in all stages of their lives. Her experience and kind and gentle nature make her an invaluable member of the team.

Denise Nelson, R.V.T.

Denise has been working in the veterinary field as a registered technician for over 30 years, in both California and Oregon. She enjoys all aspects of the job, but especially loves the opportunity to help both animals and their owners. Denise currently works with our team part-time as she also directs the Veterinary Careers Regional Occupation Program in Placer County, pursuing her interest in teaching.

Jessica Morrell, Lead Veterinary Assistant

Jessica has been a valuable team member since she completed R.O.P. in Veterinary Careers here at CVC almost 10 years ago. Over that time, she has become greatly skilled in all technical aspects of her job and is always eager to learn. Her gentleness and compassion are especially evident in her client services skills as well.  

Emily Bolas, Veterinary Assistant

Emily, after completing R.O.P. Veterinary Careers, joined our team to pursue her love of veterinary medicine. She is working towards her goal of attending UC Davis Veterinary School. She loves the opportunity to help better the lives of animals. Her compassion and positive attitude have been a valuable addition to our team. 

Cierra Nelson, Veterinary Assistant

Cierra recently completed R.O.P. in Veterinary Careers here at CVC. Her eagerness to learn and continue to grow in the veterinary field led her to earn a position with us as she begins her college education. 

Virginia Lambert, Inventory Management

Virginia joined our team after allowing us to care for her pets for many years. While she loves animals of all shapes and sizes, she is partial to Siamese cats. Her love of animals is what brought her to join us here at CVC. Her kind voice and friendly face were often the first to greet you as you walk in our door but she has now taken on the task of inventory management to ensure we have everything your pet may need.

Michelle Jensen, Kennel Technician

Michelle, as our Kennel Manager, keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes throughout the hospital. She gives loving attention to all of our hospitalized patients, ensuring each is fed, walked, and cared for on a daily basis. Michelle also provides important support in our grooming department, assisting with restraint and baths.

Charlie

Romeow

Rory