Our Team
Meet our Veterinary Team!
Get to know our team!
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Village Vet Clinic! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets! We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Dr. Julie Deter
Medical Director / Veterinarian
Dr. Julie Deter joined the VVC team in 2009 after earning her DVM from University of California, Davis. Prior to attending veterinary school, she graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Biology while working as a research SCUBA diver and lab assistant for the college. She then worked for two years as a veterinary assistant in small animal and emergency clinics in the Santa Barbara area before graduate school. During veterinary school Dr. Deter was involved with the Orphan Kitten Project and fostered neonatal kittens.
Dr. Deter enjoys practicing general medicine with special interests in soft tissue surgery and ultrasound. She has received additional training from the Sound Academy of Veterinary Imaging in abdominal ultrasound as well as basic echocardiography. She treats cats, dogs, pocket pets, and most exotic species.
In her free time Dr. Deter enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking with her husband, Erich, and spending time with their four cats (Bane, Imelda, Alfie, and Klaus) and their senior pit bull Charlee.
Dr. Katherine Bennett
Veterinarian
Dr. Katherine Bennett is originally from western Washington State. She grew up in a family of teachers, and originally attended college with an acting scholarship and intentions to teach abroad. While in college, she was strongly drawn to Veterinary Medicine, particularly small animal practice and preventive care. She has previously worked for 8 years in a small animal practice in Wenatchee, Washington. She was especially interested in teaching science and methods of preventive medicine to the community. She also aided in her clinic’s efforts in working with the local animal shelter to provide quality medicine to any animal in need. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and new baby. As soon as he is old enough, she is hoping to experience many family hiking and camping trips along California’s beautiful central coast and beyond. One of her favorite activities is reading by the campfire. She has 4 cats, “Wyatt”, “Alice”, “Doobie”, and “Gus Gus”, who seem to be enjoying the new tiny human addition to the household.
Dr. Sarah Edwards
Veterinarian
Dr. Sarah Edwards brings 30 years of experience in small animal practice to Village Vet Clinic. A proud graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Edwards earned her veterinary degree after completing her bachelor’s in zoology and wildlife biology at Cal Poly Pomona. Originally from Southern California, she has always been passionate about animal care, a passion nurtured by her supportive parents. During her undergraduate years, Dr. Edwards gained invaluable experience working as a veterinary technician in both day practices and emergency settings. This hands-on experience solidified her commitment to veterinary medicine. After earning her DVM, Dr. Edwards practiced emergency medicine in Virginia before moving to the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley. There, she balanced her professional life with raising her three children. Outside the clinic, Dr. Edwards is an outdoor enthusiast. When she’s not caring for her patients, you can find her enjoying trail rides with her horses. She shares her home with a delightful menagerie, including two dogs, three cats, and two horses. Dr. Edwards looks forward to meeting you and all of your animal family members, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to ensure their health and happiness.
Dr. Riley Brown-Herman
Veterinarian
Dr. Riley Brown-Herman earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Royal Veterinary College. She has several years of experience in veterinary medicine, with a strong foundation in mixed animal practice and special interests in pet poultry and soft tissue surgery and is pursuing certification in Canine Rehabilitation.
Dr. Brown-Herman’s passion for veterinary medicine began early in life, inspired by her love for animals and the ability to administer care treatments for her childhood cat with kidney disease. Her first year in practice at a feline-only hospital, strengthened her commitment to pets and pet parents, and reinforced her decision to become a veterinarian.
In her free time, Dr. Brown-Herman enjoys spending time at the beach and hiking with her husband and their two beloved dogs, Selah and Zuko.
Dr. Raffael Lichdi
Veterinarian
Dr. Raffael Lichdi feels right at home on the Central Coast, where he loves caring for both pets and farm animals and getting to know the families who trust him with their animals’ health. Originally from Schwaigern, Germany, Dr. Lichdi has been married to his wife, Anya, since 1999, and together they have raised three children: Jakob, Noah, and Klara. Their family also includes George, an African Spurred Tortoise, Midge the Yorkie, and Casci the Maltipoo, so there is never a dull moment at home! When he’s away from the clinic, Dr. Lichdi enjoys spending time with his family, riding adventure motorcycles, deep-sea fishing, and browsing Facebook Marketplace for things he definitely doesn’t need. He never turns down a slice of apple pie and believes some of the best meals come from a great taco truck. Dr. Lichdi looks forward to spending many more years serving the Central Coast community, helping both small and large animals stay healthy while maintaining his connection to Germany through annual visits.
MANAGEMENT
Kaylee
Meet Kaylee Davis, who joined the Village Vet team in August 2023. A Lompoc native, Kaylee earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and brings five years of hands-on experience from her time at Santa Barbara Humane. She is passionate about animal care and loves being part of the close-knit Village Vet team, as well as getting to meet and care for a wide variety of pets each day. Outside of the clinic, Kaylee enjoys relaxing at the beach, reading, and exploring local hiking trails. She shares her home with her three dogs—Willow, Olive, and Quinn—and her two cats, Hagen and Remi, who keep life fun and full.
Registered Veterinary Technicians
Chelsea
Registered Veterinary Technician
Chelsea is a familiar face on our technician team – she’s been here since 2010. She became a Registered Veterinary Technician after completing the Penn Foster program, and though she is now a local, Chelsea is originally from North Dakota. She appreciates the variety of animals that we treat here at VVC and particularly enjoys nutrition and other aspects of integrative medicine. In her free time Chelsea loves reading, watching movies, home projects, and relaxing with her 2 cats: a sassy orange girl, Ygritte, and a very special little boy named Oscar.
Luis
Registered Veterinary Technician
Luis joined VVC in 2014 with over thirteen years of experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly Pomona and earned his Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2008. Although he was born in Santa Barbara, Luis grew up in Zacatecas, Mexico, and is now raising his three sons with his wife here in Lompoc. Luis’s specialty is anesthesia and dental procedures. In his free time, he can be found working on his cars and house, horseback riding, and going out with his family. Luis also has 11 lovebirds and 1 crested gecko and says he would love to have a falcon or hawk to train in the future.
Jeff
Registered Veterinary Technician
Jeff joined the VVC family in 2011 and is currently a Registered Veterinary Technician. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from UCSB and likes to spend time at the beach with his rescued pit bull Bram. Jeff is also a talented landscape photographer and volunteers at the local rescue Shadow’s Fund in his free time.
Ashley B.
Registered Veterinary Technician
Ashley joined Village Veterinary Clinic in 2022 as an assistant and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2025. Originally from Santa Maria, she now lives with her two sons and her nephew, along with her pit bull mix, Sphynx cat, three other cats, and a bearded dragon. Her favorite part of working at VVC is the family-like environment. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, painting, and running. She plans to return to school to earn a bachelor’s degree and hopes to foster or adopt more children in the future. Her favorite dessert is chocolate and caramel!
Jessica
Jessica is a Santa Maria local who completed the Veterinary Technology Program at Allan Hancock College. She brings her experience in general practice as well as cardiology and surgery specialties to our team, and says she enjoys the kind and professional atmosphere at Village Vet. Outside of work, Jessica loves playing Legend of Zelda games, watching horror movies, and spending time with her two cats, Ringo Winston and Harmony Audacity. She hopes to travel more in the future and loves a good slice of chocolate cheesecake.
Veterinary Assistants
Michelle
Vet Assistant
Michelle has been with VVC since 2009 as a veterinary assistant. She grew up in Lompoc and previously worked as a substitute teacher. She is our resident expert in gardening and DIY-ing, and frequently feeds the staff with her excellent cooking. She loves hiking and all things Disney, as well as her dog Samba, and is a second mom to Dr. Ganter’s black lab mix Murphy.
Amanda
Vet Assistant
Amanda joined us in 2022 after attending Allan Hancock for her associate degree in Biology and completing the Registered Veterinary Technician program. She plans to take her license exam this year and likes to learn from the wide variety of pets seen at VVC. Amanda is a Lompoc local and enjoys hiking, reading, taking dance classes, and spending time with her family, including her young daughter. She loves all animals and has been vegan for five years and counting. She has a kitty, Rowan, and a 10-year-old cockatiel named Pepper.
Shyanne
Shyanne has been with us since 2018 as a veterinary assistant. She completed the Allan Hancock Registered Veterinary Technician program in 2020 and is hoping to take her license exam soon, as well as get her certification in Fear Free handling. Shyanne loves to travel and be active outdoors and her favorite part of working at VVC is continuing to learn new skills and growing her relationship with our patients. She lives in Lompoc with her husband and rescue pets: a spicy kitty named Sully and the sweetest pit bull mix named Rowan.
Sarah
Veterinary Assistant
Sarah is a veterinary assistant and she joined us in 2021. She has prior experience in boarding and grooming management and grew up in West Virginia and Alaska. She has completed the Allan Hancock Registered Veterinary Technician program and hopes to take the license exam and transition into a medical role in the future. In her spare time Sarah loves watching movies, doing projects around the house, and hanging out with her 6 cats: Gladys, Gypsy, Joy, Jin, Jade, and Federico Arturo. She swears by Oreos dipped in orange juice and says don’t knock it til you try it!
Karla
Veterinary Assistant
Karla joined us as a veterinary assistant in November 2024 with her wealth of experience and passion for animal care. She is a Lompoc native with an AA in Liberal Arts from Allan Hancock College and completed the Veterinary Technology Program there. She comes to us with over six years of experience in emergency medicine and two years in shelter medicine. Karla loves VVC for the kind and welcoming team environment and is excited to continue her professional journey by obtaining a Registered Veterinary Technician license. She shares life with her fiancé, young son, and two Chihuahuas, Sophie and Kobe, and loves cooking/baking, weightlifting, and spending time outdoors with her family. Fun fact: Karla was born on National Dog Day, so she says veterinary medicine has always been her destiny!
Holly
Ashey S.
Vet Assistant
Ashley joined us in 2024 after getting her certificate in veterinary assisting from Allan Hancock College and working at other local clinics. She loves to travel, has 2 sons, and enjoys spending time with her family locally, visiting family in Los Angeles, and helping her partner run his business. She also loves ice cream and has a terrier mix named Mia.
Xiomara
Taylor
Alondra
Outside of work, Alondra enjoys spending her free time relaxing, hanging out with friends and family, and exploring new foods. She shares her home with her energetic two-year-old Doberman, Kenyatta, who keeps her on her toes. Alondra also has a special place in her heart for her former pet Boer goat, Papaya.
Client Service Representatives
Crystal
Customer Service Representative
Crystal came to VVC in 2011 with previous experience in clinics and the Humane Society. She grew up in Santa Ynez and San Diego and has been in the veterinary industry for 23 years – previously as an assistant and now in client services. In her free time Crystal loves travelling to anywhere with a beach and enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and a good root beer freeze. At home she has Shya, an American Staffordshire terrier, and Chief, an American pit bull terrier.
Deanna
Lead Customer Service Representative
Deanna joined VVC in 2015 after getting her certification as a medical assistant and working as a veterinary receptionist for a decade. She is a Lompoc local with two kids and hopes to travel to Europe and Hawaii in the future. Deanna loves refurbishing furniture, hiking, strength training, and watching movies. She has 3 dogs at home: Euro the Staffordshire terrier, Mia the chihuahua mix, and Cosmo the Shih Tzu.
Emma
Rosey
Client Service Representative
Rosey joined us in 2022 as a client services representative after working in the industry locally for almost 20 years. At VVC she loves learning new things, meeting new people and pets, and her co-workers. She enjoys walking in the mission, watching documentaries, and spending time with friends and family, including her daughter who is her “mini-me.” She has a kitty named Winter, 2 Silkie chickens named Pinecone and Cotton, and a rabbit named Pedro. Rosey hopes to win the lottery in the future so she can build a petting zoo with wombats and capybaras!
Connie
Connie joined our reception desk in 2022. She grew up in Lompoc, obtained an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, and has been back in the area for many years working at local vet clinics. Connie loves having the opportunity to help people get on the right track with their new pets and keep all their furry family members healthy and happy. In her spare time, she enjoys good TV, travelling, and bonding with her new rescue Maya, a one year old Rhodesian Ridgeback/Mastiff Mix. Connie’s favorite dessert is white cake with a good chocolate buttercream!
Sydney
Meet Sydney Garver, a dedicated member of the Village Vet team since September 2023. Sydney has been working since she was 16, but found her true passion in animal care in 2019 while at Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego. She continued to grow her experience at Santa Barbara Humane from 2021 to 2023 before joining Village Vet. Sydney loves getting to know each patient and takes pride in being a calm, friendly presence—especially when treats are involved—to help make every visit a more positive experience for pets. She grew up primarily in Ohio but spent her summers on the Central Coast, eventually making it her full-time home after high school. When she’s not at work, Sydney enjoys reading, visiting Disneyland, going to concerts and musicals, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a proud cat mom to Puakai, a very spoiled mama’s boy, and Binx, a shy feral rescue girl.
Butters
Clinic Cat
Butters joined the VVC family in 2014 after being caught as a stray in Cebada Canyon. He quickly won our hearts with his loving personality and instead of being rehomed he became our Mental Health Supervisor. He can usually be found lounging in towels fresh out of the dryer or stealing Cheez-its from his coworkers. He loves a good deep tissue massage, but he does not like personal space or dieting. Nothing fixes a bad day faster than a hug from Butters!
Mariesa
Vet Assistant / CSR
Mariesa joined our team in 2022 as a CSR and vet assistant. She is a Lompoc local who is passionate about the veterinary field and completed the Allan Hancock veterinary program this year. She hopes to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in the future. Mariesa appreciates the fast-paced and professional environment here at VVC and has 3 pets: Cooper the cat and Juno and Abby who are terrier mixes. In her time off she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, music, and film photography. She hopes to travel to Puerto Rico soon to visit her family and take more art courses at Allan Hancock.
Mauri
Meet Mauri, one of the friendly faces you’ll see here at Village Vet! Mauri joined our team in May 2026 and brings over 10 years of hands-on animal experience to the clinic. Throughout the years, she’s worked in boarding facilities, grooming salons, veterinary offices, and even dog training facilities — basically, if animals are involved, Mauri feels right at home!
Born and raised in the Five Cities area and Nipomo, Mauri is a proud SLO County native who is now raising her energetic 5½-year-old daughter here as well. When they’re not spending time together at the zoo or the beach, you can usually find them wandering Target in search of a sweet treat adventure.
Mauri is currently attending Allan Hancock College, where she’s working toward her AA in Science and Math, with hopes of continuing her education to earn a BS in Biology in the future.
At home, Mauri has a full little animal family of her own! She shares her home with a 13-year-old Pomchi rescue she adopted from the SPCA in Bakersfield 9 years ago, a turtle, and a 9-year-old gray tabby cat.
Fun facts: her favorite dessert is tiramisu, and if there’s a Chili’s nearby, she’s probably ordering her favorite meal there!