Dr. Tammy Cleveland - Veterinarian, owner
Dr. Cleveland grew up in Western Washington. She earned her undergraduate degree at Central Washington University and then graduated from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing in Vancouver ever since. She purchased Columbia Veterinary Center in 1993 and has built a team of 30 who work together to provide excellent medical, surgical and dental services delivered with compassion and understanding. Dr. Cleveland has a passion for people and animals and has a deep respect of the bond between the two. Dr. Cleveland is a member of the AVMA, WSVMA, PVMA and the SWVMA.
Out of the clinic, Dr. Cleveland volunteers on a regular basis at Share House, providing exams and vaccines for the pets belonging to the families using Share House services. She enjoys her own dog, Brin, who is usually at work with her, and her cat, Makita Ilean, the three legged wonder. She also enjoys her family and friends, photography, hiking and motorcycle riding. She especially loves to travel and has had the opportunity to explore Mexico, Australia and the Caribbean. In 2007, she participated in a photograph safari in Kenya... the trip of a lifetime... so far!
Dr. Liz Grauer - Veterinarian
Starting year at CVC: 2018
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Pets: Fergie my Ragdoll cat won’t hold still when she’s being pet. My Boxer Gunner loves my neighbors’ kids, especially when they walk with him. Vinnie is my Maltese mix. He bosses Gunner around like he’s twice his size.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A flamingo so I could play in the water all day long and fly whenever I want to.
Dr. Linda Davis - Veterinarian
Starting year at CVC: 2021
Hometown: No single hometown to speak of since I was an Air Force brat then an Air Force wife so have lived all over the world. My parents moved us to Anchorage, AK in 1983, I met and married my husband there, and my dad retired there in 1988 so this would be the closest place I would call my hometown.
Pets: My furred/haired family consists of: 9 dogs - Riley, Delilah, Stan, Goose, Diesel, Pip, Bits, Sheba and Haley; 2 cats - Milo and Stitch; 4 goats - Carol, Daryl, Jake and Penny; 1 mini Donkey - Jenny; 6 Horses - Ashley, Paris, Flair, Dolly, Quill, and Crystal
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would chose to be the animal that I admire the most the wolf. Wolves mate for life and live as a family unit where the old and sick are protected and the pups raised by the entire pack.
Vet Med: I like to joke and say that I got into vet med so that I could afford all my animals but honestly it's because I cannot think of a better career than one that helps people keep their beloved pets with them as long as possible.
Interesting fact: People think that I am many different nationalities - Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Native American, and Eskimo when I am actually half Japanese and half Irish.
Hobbies: I have had a love of photography since high school and enjoy taking pictures everywhere I go. Reading is the hobby I engage in the most. Whenever possible I love to go camping with my family especially out at the Oregon Dunes to ride our ATVs.
Dr. Garrett Downs - Veterinarian
Born and raised in Boone, Iowa and grew up 14 miles away from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine where I graduated in 2005. After graduating move to my forever home in the Pacific Northwest.
As a kid I always wanted to be a veterinarian and I started working in the profession at 17 years of age.
Pets: I have two English Pointers named Milly and Ōkii. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? If I could be any animal I would be a dog because I would get to stay at home, sleep and have somebody take care of me.
My interests outside of work include cooking, playing video games and lifting weights.
Dr. Maurine Fritch - Veterinarian
Starting year at CVC: 2019
Dr. Carmina Craciun - Veterinarian
I grew up in Vancouver, WA where I attended Columbia River High School. After high school, I left Vancouver and moved to the Caribbean where I attended St. George's University for veterinary school. For my last year of vet school, I attended Texas A&M for clinical year. I decided to return to my roots and hometown of Vancouver, WA because I couldn't wait to take care of the pets of the same community that took care of me.
Pets: I have a 7-year-old Russian Tortoise named Rick and a 2-year-old Pothound named Franklin.
If I could be any animal, I would choose to be an elephant. Their frontal lobes are much larger and denser than a human so they never forget. More importantly, they also spend almost two thirds of their day eating - What a life!
Although I grew up with practically no pets, I spent my summers in Romanian villages filled with livestock and other domestic animals. Spending time with them led me to want to become a veterinarian. Later, I encountered a newfound love of surgery while pursuing my dream, which made me realize my passion for this profession.
An interesting fact about me is that I grew up in a Romanian household and can speak Romanian, English, moderate Spanish, and am currently working on learning Russian.
Some of my favorite hobbies are weight lifting, playing League of Legends, probably anything that involves the outdoors, traveling, and cooking.
Dr. Jeremy Braun - Veterinarian
Starting year at CVC: 2024
I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2015 with a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. After completing my undergraduate education, I spent a couple of years working in human behavioral health before discovering my passion for veterinary medicine, which led me to receive my VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. I was attracted to veterinary medicine because of my deep appreciation for the human-animal bond and love that I can help people by caring for their animals. After graduation, I made the move to the Pacific Northwest with my wonderful wife and son, and have been working as a small animal veterinarian in the Vancouver area.
I share my home with a small zoo that consists of two dogs, Lilo and Nani, and two cats, Stitch and Cobra Bubbles. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and discovering new places. If I could be any animal, I would be a bear because that has been my nickname since childhood and I am very protective when it comes to the ones that I love.
Elise Hashimoto - Licensed Veterinary Technician
Starting year at CVC: 2018
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Pets: Sweetums is my kitty that does not like to walk up the stairs, so she cries at the bottom until we carry her up.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A cat, so I could nap all day, and be a carnivore. Or, I would be a wombat because they have square poops.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I always wanted to take care of animals.
Hobbies: Sewing, crocheting, and cooking.
Jehny Klein - Licensed Veterinary Assistant
Hometown: Kirkland, WA Pets: A 35-year-old box turtle named Sampson. If I could be any animal I would be an elephant because they are gentle giants that have an impressive memory and strength. Plus, I want to roll around in the mud and spray water from my trunk.
What brought you to Veterinary medicine: I always knew I wanted to work with animals. I went to school and followed my dreams. Interesting fact: I went to Woodstock 99'! What a wild ride that was! Hobby: I love doing things outdoors like hiking and camping with my family.
Chelle Howell - Licensed Veterinary Technician
Starting year at CVC: 2019
Hometown: San Ramon, California
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a cat because...cat
What brought you to vet med? Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician was my way of combining my childhood dreams of surrounding myself with animals and working in medicine. As an LVT I have the opportunity to utilize my current skills daily, while continuing to develop and learn new ones. Columbia Veterinary Centers standards of care are exactly what I want for my fur babies and being able to offer that high level of quality medicine to other pet parents keeps me excited to be a member of this team.
An Interesting fact about me: I have 10 billion pets and I have delivered horses, cats, and dogs.
Pets: 2 bengals, Kaiya and Bennett, 1 tuxedo cat, Jasper, 1 Savanah, Chicken, 2 Labradors Remy and Finn, 1 mix, Dash, 1 French Bulldog, Charleigh, 1 Shire Sage, 1 Drum Horse, Priya, 1 Drum Filly, Cass, and 3 kids Paige, Gracie. And Lucas :)
Hobbies: Horseback riding, Horse shows, Traveling, DIY projects.
Nicole Colgrove - Veterinary Technician
Starting year at CVC: 2018
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Pets: Clover a dog, Barton a cat, and some fish
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Fox, because I like thinking ahead and prepping for the long winters. They are clever and beautiful.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? looking for life experience and I've always loved medicine and animals and this is a dream come true!
Hobbies: Aside from being a mom, I love being active with my kids and racing dragon boats.
Hilary Hanks - Senior Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2017
Hometown: Port Orchard, WA
Pets: Griffey, a goofy yellow lab/golden retriever mix.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be an otter. Otters are industrious, yet they never forget to enjoy themselves. Plus they're just so stinking cute!
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I always wanted to be in some sort of science field, telling people I wanted to be a mad scientist when I grew up. I also had a love for animals as a kid, as I was surrounded by 7 Dalmatians and a cat that acted like it was one of the dogs. When the adult years rolled around, I wanted to do something truly fulfilling while making a difference in the lives of pets.
An interesting fact about you: I was a barista for 13 years before finding my calling in veterinary medicine. I'm also a WSU grad. Go Cougs!
Hobbies: Baking, craft breweries, gardening, singing and dancing badly, and spending time with my family at the ocean.
Amy O'tey - Senior Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2011
Pets: Mazie, Princeton, and Dutchess
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? If i could be any animal i would be a Panda. They love to lay around, eat all day, play in the snow and climb trees, and are friendly and adorable!
What brought you to veterinary medicine? Love of animals and helping them brought me to Veterinary medicine. Knew i could never have a day i didnt want to go to work if i was helping animals.
An interesting fact about you: I grew up my whole life on the Lewis River. In 1996 we had to live on the top story of our house for almost 2 weeks flooded in and the 3 chickens I managed to save from hypothermia lived in my room along with the cat and the dog!
Hobbies: SNOWBOARDING, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, making jewelry, recently started golfing!
Jenay McCants - Licensed Veterinary Assistant
Home town: Humboldt, California
What pets do you have? Yes, 4 chickens, 1 lab, 1 chameleon, 1 leopard gecko, 2 snakes and an assortment of tarantulas, millipedes and centipedes.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? If I could be any animal I would be an eagle or a whitetail deer, these animals have two completely different perspectives of the environment that they live in. I have always wondered what it would feel like to weightlessly glide through the sky but could you imagine jumping from meadows to forest and under the stars? We have such a beautiful world and I would like to see it from all perspectives!
What brought you to Veterinary Medicine? I found my way into Veterinary Medicine by finally supporting my own passions. Before joining Columbia Vet Center I was working as a solar installer and a real estate agent but I unfortunately still felt incomplete with my work.
An interesting fact about you: An interesting fact about me is, I make most of my food from scratch but my favorite food to bake right now is sourdough bagels!
Nicole Brown - Client Services Representative
Starting year at CVC: 2022
Hometown - Vancouver, WA
Pets: Kili is my 8-year-old golden retriever. He smiles when he is excited.
If you could be any animal what would it be and why? If I could be any animal, I would be an elephant. They are family oriented, gentle giants and strong when they need to be.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I have always had a passion to help animals and people. Ever since I was 7 years old, I dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Interesting fact about you - I have been to a lot of concerts! My favorites include KISS, Alice Copper, One Republic and Eddie Money. I have seen the rock band KISS three times and One Republic twice!
Hobbies: Reading, Painting, K-Pop and Playing Video Games
Selena Sapien-Fierro - Veterinary Assistant Hometown: Kirkland, WA Pets: A 35-year-old box turtle named Sampson. If I could be any animal I would be an elephant because they are gentle giants that have an impressive memory and strength. Plus, I want to roll around in the mud and spray water from my trunk. What brought you to Veterinary medicine: I always knew I wanted to work with animals. I went to school and followed my dreams. Interesting fact: I went to Woodstock 99'! What a wild ride that was! Hobby: I love doing things outdoors like hiking and camping with my family.
Nikki Behrens - Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2020
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, California
Pets: George is a refined gentleman who loves to play fetch. Isshin is my cat who is affectionately referred to as “the goblin”. He can open doors and loves to harass George.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I love the ocean and scuba diving so I’d probably be a whale shark. Then I could cruise around and see all the other sea life.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I worked in the veterinary field as a receptionist for many years. I really enjoyed it and love animals. It seemed natural to return to the veterinary world when it was time for a career change.
An interesting fact about you: A few years back, I sold my house, put everything in storage and moved my family to Mexico. We had an amazing adventure before returning to the states and settling down in Washington.
Hobbies: Playing video games, hiking, gardening, crafts, hanging out with my kiddos, traveling.
Skyler Knight - Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2018
Hometown: Woodland, Washington
Pets: Rusty-17, Fang-7, Winnie-3, Audrey-11 and Marty-4
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? An Otter! They're so cute and great swimmers
What brought you to veterinary medicine? An ad on Craigslist! I started as a kennel attendant and worked my way up to an Assistant
An interesting fact about you: I worked as a zipline guide! 70ft up in the air
Hobbies: Drawing, coloring, playing Animal Crossing, watching old movies.
Zoie Bessette - Client Services Representative
Starting year at CVC: 2021
Hometown: Grants Pass, OR
Pets: Drucilla and Yuji
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be an Octopus. I love how adaptable and colorful they are.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I wanted to do something I felt passionate about and didn’t just feel like a job I had to do to get by. Since I have never gotten bored of talking about cats, it seemed like a perfect fit.
An interesting fact about you: I worked at the Oregon Country Fair for many years, you may have seen me if you visited!
Hobbies: All types of fiber arts (especially felting and embroidery) gardening and reading fantasy books.
Karla Kysar - Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2024
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Pets: Cats, Dogs, chickens, rabbits
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A squirrel, so I could travel through the tree canopy of the forest.
An interesting fact about you: I lived in a yurt for a year through a Colorado winter.
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy kayaking, hiking, horses, gardening, woodworking, weaving, painting, and spending time with my pets.
Dawn Skelton - Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2020
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Pets: Kota, Benjamin, Morgue
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Newt, because I can thrive in a cave and there's no rent!
What brought you to veterinary medicine? Fostering kittens made me realize I love animals and want to help them.
Hobbies: Roller skating, retro video games, paper Mache.
Marie Leland - Client Services Manager
Starting year at CVC: 2020
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Pets: Sage, my 14 month old feline, with an adventurous attitude. I’ve always had a connection with my animals. They’re great companions, are loyal and get right into my soul.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A cat! They love snuggles, are very compassionate and have great views from high up.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I volunteered for CVC for a while, then made the decision not to return to the IT world. This job is far more rewarding!
An interesting fact about you: I’m the youngest of 7 children. Nana to 3 (soon to be 4) grandchildren. Spent 35 years in the IT field within the Insurance and Financial industries.
Hobbies: Gardening, and volunteering. I love to travel! I've visited Paris, France, Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, Cabo, Cancun, Isla Mujeres and a few states in the US. I can’t wait to go again!
Tania Santos - Client Services Representative
Starting year at CVC: 2020
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Pets: Max, loves everyone and gives the best kisses! Chapito is super fluffy and eats anything that falls onto the ground.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a wolf because I never like being alone. I love being surrounded by my family and friends.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? When I was younger, I dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. My teacher helped me with getting a job shadow at Columbia Veterinary Center. Then I agreed to move forward with an internship, after which I was offered a position as a receptionist. I enjoy where I work!
An interesting fact about you: I visit my family in Mexico every summer.
Hobbies: Going to the gym, walking my dogs, playing tabletop games.
Alina Honchazova - Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2023
Hometown: Kharkiv, Ukraine
Pets: I don’t have any pets here yet but in Ukraine I had 3 dogs and a little budgerigar.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I want to be a dolphin because they look very happy and cheerful. Also, they spent all their life in water and I like an undersea world because it’s very beautiful.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I think, like many other people, love of animals and the desire to help them. I always had animals at home so I know how difficult it is when they get sick and you didn’t know how to help them.
An interesting fact about you: I lived in Ukraine all my life and worked there as a junior veterinary doctor. Now, I started a new life here in the United States. I speak Ukrainian, Russian and English. Also, I know how to drive a stick shift 😁
Hobbies: cross-stitching, reading books, camping.
Tori Rosso - Kennel Attendant Hometown: I was born in Medford, Oregon Pets: I have a 7 year old German Shepherd named Zena! If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? If I were an animal, I would be a wolf. Wolves are highly intelligent and fiercely loyal creatures. They live in tight-knit packs, relying on teamwork and communication to thrive. What brought you to Veterinary Medicine? I have always had a passion for animals and wanted to make a difference in their lives. An interesting fact about you: I was adopted when I was 7 years old.
Hobby: A few of my hobbies are reading, being at the beach and spending time with my family and friends!
Jade Bahnsen - Veterinary Assistant
Home town: Vancouver, WA
What pets do you have? I have one orange and white feisty cat named Liam
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a tiger. They are so majestic and also my favorite animal!
What brought you into Veterinary Medicine? I have always had a strong bond with animals since I was very little and wanted a job I would feel passionate about every single day. Going into veterinary medicine always made sense to me.
An interesting fact about me: I collect keychains and my favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz
My hobbies include: sewing, screen printing/airbrushing clothes and photography.
Rose Islam - LVT Candidate
Hometown: Vancouver, WA since age 5!
What pets do you have? I have 5 tabby cats all in a variance of colors along with a Great Pyrenees, bearded dragon, two marsupials, and a very special rodent.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? Oh super easy answer, a cabybara. They're super cute, excellent swimmers, they can run up to 21 mph which is amazing because we only see them being lazy and chilling, I aspire for that lifestyle.
An interesting fact about you: I was born in Dhaka Bangladesh and lived there until I was 5 with my family when we weren’t traveling around the world.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing guitar, piano, and singing. You can also catch me trying to learn various crafts and reading. Oh also sleeping.
Kayla Wilson – Veterinary Assistant
Starting year at CVC: 2019
Hometown: Camas, Washington
Pets: Penny is my guinea pig who likes to cuddle everyone. Cookie is my youngest guinea pig who likes to do zoomies in the cage in the middle of the night. Rex is my spoiled rotten dog that meets us at the door with his ball in his mouth. Cheeto is my feral orange tabby that is sweet as pie. He loves cuddles but hates being picked up.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a koala because they like to eat and cuddle.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? I have always loved animals but wasn’t sure about being in the field until I got guinea pigs. They are very fragile animals, and it is hard to find an exotic vet to see them.
An interesting fact about you: I love to sing and taught myself how to play 5 different instruments.
Hobbies: Reading and crafting
Kaitlyn Osborn – Kennel Attendant
Starting year at CVC: 2019
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Pets: My dog Hel is a Blue Heeler/ Australian Shepherd mix and she’s really smart. My other dog Lucan is a Siberian Husky and he’s great at pest control. One of my cats, Mystic, is friendly at home but a lot to handle at the clinic. Faith is my other cat and she’s bonded to me for life.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A wolf because I love how majestic and devoted they are to their pack members. They are free spirits with a lot of beauty.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? My love for animals and my thirst for knowledge. I love seeing the bond between people and their pets.
An interesting fact about you: I served two years in the Navy on the Aircraft carrier CVN 69 “The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower”.
Hobbies: Fishing, shooting, hiking, playing video games.
Cole Behrens - Kennel Attendant
Hi, I'm Cole. I'm currently a third-year student in high school at Hela High School, which is a specialty school where we can choose pathways such as mechanical engineering, biotechnology, public health and more. This year, I’m starting my pathway in Nursing because I believe the skills I learn there will be most beneficial for my career path.
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, California.
What pets do you have?
I have three cats, but I mostly hang out with two of them because the third one belongs to my roommate and is rarely around. Pappa is the best, he’s annoying but also the fluffiest and sweetest boy ever. Isshin is a wonderful cat; he’s never really annoying, just a little freaky, but once he gets to know you, he’ll become the best cat ever.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Probably a sea turtle. I think it would be a lot of fun to swim around the ocean without having to worry about sharks or anything because I’m a turtle with a strong shell.
What brought you to Veterinary Medicine?
I’ve had a lot of pets in my life, and in turn, I’ve lost a lot of pets as well. I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals, but nothing felt right for a long time. For a while, I was certain that veterinary medicine wasn’t the field for me because I couldn’t handle seeing animals in pain. However, after losing my own pets, I realized that I want to help people give their pets the best lives possible, and the only way to do that effectively is through veterinary medicine.
An interesting fact about you:
One time, my sister hit me in the forehead with a metal baseball bat (that’s probably why my handwriting is so bad).
Hobbies: Watching anime and TV, reading manga, playing video games, hanging out with my cats, cooking, baking, and doing art.
Cody Gray - Practice Manager
Starting year at CVC: 2016
Hometown: Independence, Oregon
Pets: Zola, my dog, moans when she hugs you. Citra, my cat, always rolls over to get her belly rubbed and my chicken, Summer, jumps on my shoulder.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a Canadian goose because they get to see Earth from above and travel to cool places each year.
What brought you to veterinary medicine? A friend introduced me to animal medicine and with my business background and love of animals, it was a good fit.
An interesting fact about you: I lived in Germany for four years while serving in the Army as an M1A1 armor crewman and served in Desert Storm with the Big Red One.
Hobbies: Fishing, gardening, brewing beer.
