Hospital Staff - Veterinary Support Staff

A veterinary assistant and cat groomer at Cherokee Animal Clinic since 1990, Patty Arensberg loves working with pets and considers Cherokee to be her home away from home. Her spare time belongs to her four grandchildren. Her animal companions include two dogs, Roxy, an English Bulldog, and Stewart, a mixed breed.

Veterinary assistant Janet Wotipka has helped care for pets at Cherokee Animal Clinic since 1997. She is glad to be part of a staff that truly cares about clients and their pets. Janet's hobbies include gardening and fishing. She spends her free time with her husband and two sons, as well as her pets. The family shares their home with two dogs, Josey and Mya, a cat named Nikki and a Cockatiel named Coco.

Part-time professional pet stylist Hillary Bixby has helped pets look their best at Cherokee Animal Clinic since 2007. She enjoys working with the clinic staff because of their dedication to each pet's health. Hillary spends her free time playing with her toddler son, Jace. She also enjoys reading, catching up on TV shows and going for hikes with her dogs, Dexter and Nemosh.

Chris Blum, while on staff since September of 2009, has been promoted to our full time staff as a Veterinary Assistant. He previously had been our Kennel Manager. Chris shares his home with a Great Dane named Zeppelin and a kitty named Zappa.

Michael Leyva is our current Kennel Manager. He is currently pursuing his pre-veterinary classes at a local college. When not in school or working, Michael shares his home with his Boxer, Maddie.