Clinical Care Staff

Melissa Bjorland, LVT, is a graduate of the PIMA Medical Institute Veterinary Technician Program.  Prior to joining ACCES in 2011, Melissa had spent more than eight years working at regional veterinary day practices where she had the opportunity to work with cats, dogs, pocket pets and exotics. As one of our surgical technicians, Melissa enjoys learning new technologies and would like to specialize in anesthesiology. 

Dana De La Torre joined ACCES in 2008 as a veterinary assistant. Prior to joining ACCES, Dana spent the previous nine years working for the Animal Dermatology clinic. Dana is an active dog show enthusiast who spends her spare time showing her Border Terrier in conformation.

Melissa Hoemann, LVT, VTS(ECC), is a graduate of Pierce College and is a licensed veterinary technician with a specialty certification in emergency and critical care medicine. Prior to joining ACCES in 2010, Melissa spent nine years working at several area emergency and referral clinics as well as co-directing a cat rescue group for seven years. Melissa's strong interest in supportive, long-term care led her to launch an in-home pet nursing service to assist pet owners with home care. 

Jennifer Johnson, LVT, as been a part of the ACCES team since she moved to the Seattle area in 2009. Prior to joining ACCES, Jennifer worked as a licensed veterinary technician for two veterinary practices in New York. Jennifer eared her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Western Washington University and an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Laguardia Community College in New York.

Theresa Kincaid, LVT, joined ACCES in 2007 after having spent the five previous years in the field working at local day practices. Theresa earned her degree from the Veterinary Technician School at Pierce College in Tacoma, Washington in 2007 and subsequently completed an internship at the University of Washington animal research lab in 2008. Currently, Theresa oversees the veterinary assistant and technician interns at ACCES Renton and often conducts talk through the ACCES Continuing Education program.

Kathleen Klennert, LVT, began her work in veterinary medicine in 1999 and went on to graduate from the Pierce College Veterinary Technology Program in 2004. Since graduation she has worked in private veterinary practices in the Seattle area, starting as a kennel assistant and working her way up. Kathleen joined ACCES in 2012 as a member of our internal medicine specialty team providing assistance to ACCES’ board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Brianna Backlund. Outside of work Kathleen is currently showing her English Cocker Spaniel in conformation at American Kennel Club shows.

Adrienne Lopez, LVT, graduated with an Associate in Occupational Science from PIMA Medical Institute and earned her veterinary technician license in 2012. Prior to joining ACCES in 2012, Adrienne worked in retail while she pursued schooling to secure her dream job in the veterinary field.

Marina May, LVT, graduated from the Pierce College Veterinary Technology Program in 2010 and earned her Associate of Arts degree from Green River Community College in 2008. Prior to joining ACCES in 2010, Marina worked at a veterinary day practice in Maple Valley. In her field, Marina’s interests extend to exotic emergency medicine and she hopes to assist with wildlife rehabilitation in the future.

Linda Ness, LVT, VTS(ECC), has worked with ACCES since 2003. During her tenure at ACCES, Linda earned her specialty certification in emergency and critical care and has taken on additional responsibilities as the ACCES Hospital Safety Coordinator and Senior Technician.  Linda had previously worked as a licensed massage therapist before switching her career to the veterinary industry in 2000. Her special interests in her field include critical care, anesthesia and exotics.

Julie Posch, LVT, VTS(ECC), graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Business Management from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Science, Zoology from Western Washington University and a certification as a Licensed Animal Massage Practitioner from Northwest School of Animal Massage. Julie also completed her specialty certification in emergency and critical care. Prior to joining ACCES in 2006, Julie spent more than nine years working in the veterinary field where she pursued her special interests in emergency critical care and anesthesia.

Tracey Schmidt, LVT VTS(SAIM), has worked in the veterinary field since 1995 and became a licensed technician in 2001. In 2008, she was in the first group of technicians to test for, and pass, boards as a veterinary technician specialist in internal medicine. Prior to joining ACCES in 2004, Tracey volunteered at Woodland Park Zoo as a veterinary technician.

Sarah Thiele, LVT, graduated with an Associates Degree from Highline Community College in 2007 along with a two-year degree in Veterinary Studies from PIMA Medical Institute in 2011. Prior to joining ACCES in 2011, Sarah spent nearly three years working at a small animal/exotics day practice initially as a veterinary assistant and then as a technician. While in school, Sarah completed an externship at ACCES. Sarah has always been passionate about helping animals and people and had always wanted to work in the field of veterinary medicine. 

Deanna Vandeberg joined ACCES in 2012 as a veterinary assistant and is currently a member of our ACCES surgical team. Deanna is currently pursuing her degree at Highline Community College. Passionate about animal care, she often fosters stray kittens that are too young for adoption or are having issues nursing.

Cassandra Warren, LVT, graduated with an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from the PIMA Medical Institute. Prior to joining ACCES in 2012, Cassandra worked in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in and around Seattle working at both permanent and relief veterinary jobs for nearly six years.

Claire Whitmer, LVT, graduated from the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Joliet Junior College in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to joining ACCES in 2012, Claire had spent the previous five years working in the veterinary field and volunteering with PACT and PAWS in Chicago spaying/vaccinating low income/feral cats.