Julie Shacoski
Small Animal Internal Medicine
Davis, CA
Dr. Julie Shacoski is a testament to taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities veterinary medicine has to offer. Since graduating from UF CVM IN 1993, she has spent a decade in large animal theriogenology, owned a small animal practice for 9 years, worked at three different veterinary schools, and is now an entrepreneur. She encourages everyone in the profession to take the time to re-evaluate one’s goals and interests yearly to ensure one’s career is fulfilling their passions.
Dr. Shacoski is currently in the process of building a feline-only practice with her husband in their hometown of Davis, California. She values strengthening the human-animal bond and emphasizes the importance of building a solid community while still in school. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her horses and listening to country and folk music.
Janna Shreffler-Perez
Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
Davies Animal Medical Hospital, Yuba City, CA
Natomas Veterinary Hospital, Sacramento, CA
Adjunct Instructor, Western University of Health Science, Pomona, CA
Dr. Janna Shreffler-Perez was raised in the Bay Area and moved to the Sacramento Valley after completing veterinary school. She earned her undergraduate degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated with honors from the Phi Zeta Honor Society at Western University of Health Sciences in 2013. Throughout her career in general practice, Dr. Perez has focused on meeting the unique needs of her patients while expanding care for the local community.
Dr. Perez is the owner of Davies Animal Medical Hospital in Yuba City, and Natomas Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento. Driven by her love of veterinary medicine and her commitment to enhancing access to care and emergency services, she has been particularly motivated by the increased significance of these efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Perez serves as an adjunct instructor and preceptor for fourth-year veterinary students at WesternU and has designed a mentorship for new graduates to hit the ground running.
A lifelong learner, she continually advances her expertise through advanced ultrasound training, pursuing a postgraduate certificate in emergency medicine, and now the CVMA Practitioner Don Low Fellowship at UC Davis in Emergency and Critical Care. She looks forward to utilizing this experience to provide the highest level of care to her community.
Gabriella Varcoe
Nutrition Support
Aqua Animal Care Center in Oceanside, California
Karen Whala
Anesthesia
Fresno, CA
Dr. Karen Whala completed both her undergraduate studies and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, graduating in 2006. Her diverse career has spanned mixed animal ambulatory care, small animal general practice, high-volume spay/neuter clinics, vaccine clinics, and public health. In 2018, she furthered her expertise by obtaining a Master of Public Health and becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. While working in public health, she began offering In-Home Euthanasia as a side-gig but Dr. Whala fell in love with the niche and took an entirely different route to co-found a nationwide in-home euthanasia company, CodaPet, where she serves as Chief Medical Officer. In this role, she has identified a significant need for understanding the effects of disease on anesthesia in the field. She is dedicated to learning all she can about anesthesia to help pets pass peacefully at home and aims to share this knowledge with colleagues across the United States who offer this valuable service to pet owners. In her spare time, Dr. Whala enjoys volunteering, traveling, hiking, mentoring, and staying informed about politics.
Kelsey Willis
Neurology/Neurosurgery
Oakdale Veterinary Group, Oakdale, CA
Born and raised in Turlock and McKinleyville, CA, Dr. Kelsey Willis grew up with a constant fascination with animals of all kinds. During the course of veterinary school at Ohio State University, she fell in love with the fast-paced and organized chaos that comes with Emergency Medicine and Surgery. After completing an Internship at Michigan State University, Dr. Willis moved back to California to provide emergency care to the underserved area of the Central Valley. With minimal options for referral nearby, this area has pushed her to know a little about everything, provide detailed workups, and perfect difficult surgical skills. Dr. Willis lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and our first human baby, due November 2024.