Meet Our Veterinary Team
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Elsa SwensonD.V.MVeterinarian
Dr. Elsa Swenson earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 following completion of her Bachelors in Science degree at the University of Minnesota in 2003. Upon vet school graduation, she came to Tucson for an internship in emergency and general medicine which included some exotic pet medicine. Her interests include surgery, preventative medicine, and pocket pet medicine (rabbits, guinea pigs, and other ‘small furries’), and disaster relief medicine. She is a member of the National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT) and ready to deploy for veterinary needs if a national disaster occurs. When she isn’t at the clinic, Dr. Swenson enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and daughter and spending time with her dog, Levi, four cats, and two chinchillas as well as playing on the local soccer rec leagues.
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Michael Sugimoto, D.V.M.Veterinarian
Dr. Michael Sugimoto, a Tucson native, received his degree from the Royal Veterinary College of London (RVC) in 2022. Before moving to London, he worked as a veterinary assistant in Emergency Medicine and Radiology services at an Emergency and Specialty clinic in Tucson all while completing his Bachelors in Science degree at the University of Arizona. His veterinary interests include Preventative Medicine, Radiology and Neurology. While not at the clinic, Dr. Sugimoto loves playing board games/videogames with his friends and his wife, watching/playing soccer as well as relaxing with his dog Thai and his cat Aki.
Leadership Team
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Sara Martinez, C.V.T.Practice Manager
I was born in San Diego, CA, and moved to Tucson when I was 11 years old. I am a 2001 graduate of the Pima Medical Institutes veterinary assistant program. I began working for Ajo Veterinary Clinic in 2001. In 2006 I earned my national and state certification as a Veterinary Technician. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of helping our clients keep the furry members of their families healthy. I have a weakness for older dogs and orange cats. When not reading or spending time with my family, I enjoy Tucson’s diverse music scene. More recently I have returned to school to study business to become a more successful practice manager.
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Andrea VillaLead Veterinary Technician
I was raised in Tucson, Az. My love for animals led me to the veterinary field. I attended Pima Medical Institute for their Veterinary Technician program. I graduated in 2016 with an associate degree in applied science. I enjoy working in general practice because it allows me to create a better relationship with clients and their pets. I also enjoy spending time with my daughter Isabella and my two awesome dogs Sophie and Panda.
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Sharon VillardFinance Manager/Front Desk Supervisor
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Sharon attended Pima Community College and has worked in accounting for over 20 years. She has been a member of the Ajo team since 2019 when she joined the clinic. Sharon is our front desk and financial manager, she handles all of the accounts and oversees our exceptional client service representatives. During Sharon’s time with Ajo she has fostered many relationships with longstanding and new clients alike. Outside of work Sharon enjoys learning to cook new foods, experimenting with new ethnic recipes. Sharon is passionate about her family and enjoys spending time with her son, daughter in law and most of all her grandson who keeps her on her toes!
Client Education Team
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Giselle OrdunoVeterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
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Natalia ZarzycznyVeterinary Assistant
I was born and raised in Tucson, Az. It has always been a passion of mine to work with animals. I attended Carrington College where I received a certificate for Veterinary Assistant in 2015. I started working for Ajo Veterinary Clinic in 2018. I am dedicated to making sure that pets and owners have a good experience when they come to our clinic. I have two dogs of my own and know how important it is to give our pets a positive experience in our office. I would treat your pets as though they were my own. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my children and pets.
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Sabrina RomeroVeterinary Assistant
I was born and raised in Tucson, Az. I graduated from Pima Medical Institute in 2010 with a Veterinary Assistance Certificate. I have been working in the veterinarian field ever since, and I love it. Working with animals is very rewarding. I have a soft spot for pit bulls; they have a way of stealing your heart. On my down time I love spending time with my two children Zoriah and Noah.
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Maria Siqueiros, B.S.Veterinary Technician
Maria was born and raised in Tucson. Graduated from Pima Community College in 2016 with a Veterinary Assistant Certificate. After getting her certificate she moved to Phoenix working as a veterinary technician full time while earning her B.S in Chemistry from Arizona State University. Maria has always had passion for caring for animals and would never be able to see herself doing anything else. When Maria is not working she enjoys watching anime, hiking, traveling, spending time with friends and playing with her chunky grey cat named Lucifer.
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Yanitza AlcarazCustomer Service Specialist/Veterinary Assistant
I was born and raised in Tucson, Az. I went to Pima Medical Institute for the Veterinary Assistant program. I graduated in March of 2021. Ajo Veterinary Clinic is where I did my internship and was soon hired after completing my schooling. My love for animals has always been there since I was a little girl. I always wanted to give my pets and other people's pet(s) a long, healthy, and beautiful life. I love doing general practice and surgery. The best part of my day is helping owners feel relieved knowing we care for their pet(s) and will do everything we can to help them. I currently have two cats at home, Joana and Cloe. They are the love of my life. In my spare time away from work I love spending time with my husband and friends.
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Corinne MonteleoneCustomer Service Specialist/Veterinary Assistant
Corinne graduated with a veterinary assistant certificate from the program provided by Carrington College in 2019. Her passion for animals has consistently driven her to strive towards practicing immaculate veterinary medicine and ensuring that clients and patients alike enjoy their experience while receiving care at the clinic. She has two cats of her own. A feisty orange tabby cat named Waffles and a chunky tuxedo cat named Charlie, who she admittedly spends most of her free time with. When she’s not with her cats or working Corinne enjoys crafting, travel, stand up comedy, and table top gaming.
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Cayla Ornelas, C.V.T.Veterinary Technician
I was born in Michigan and made my journey out to Tucson in November 2009 to marry the love of my life, Jose. I decided that I wanted to make a career change and attended Pima Community College, where I graduated in May 2018 from the Veterinary Technician program with an Associate of Applied Science. That same year, I sat for the State and National exams successfully passing and obtaining my CVT licensure in September. I have a particular interest in CPR, Clinical Pathology, and anything Cardiology within this field. In my spare time, I like teaching fellow technicians new information and techniques l've learned, playing video games, and making diamond art projects for friends and family. My 12 year old son, Dominic is the best thing in my life followed closely by my 2 cats, Princess and Prince as well as my 3 dogs, Conner, Pepper, and Yuna.