Dr. Courtney Anders, veterinarian, practice ownerI was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and I received my undergraduate degree from Towson University in Towson, MD with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. I then obtained my DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA.
Immediately following graduation, I moved to Portland, OR, which I believe is one of the greatest cities in the world for its love of animals, people, art, and the environment. Before opening Pearl Animal Hospital, I worked as a veterinarian at Raleigh Hills Animal Hospital, where I developed a special interest in preventative medicine, client education, and veterinary dentistry.
My natural compassion and respect for animals is why I chose to become a veterinarian. Pearl Animal Hospital exists so that we may practice and promote excellence in veterinary medicine and so that we may serve those who are committed to the very best health care for their companion animals.
I currently live in SW Portland with my wonderful husband Nate and our two affectionate and mischievous miniature dachshunds Sophie and Stella.
Amber, client care coordinator and veterinary assistantI was born in Germany and grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I met my husband when he was in the army in 2002. After his tour to Iraq, we moved to Washington when he was offered a position with the Vancouver Fire Department. I have two dogs. Dixie is a beagle who has a nose for a brain and loves to chase squirrels and rabbits. We also have a stray rescue that was hit by a car and immediately found a home in my heart. She is spotted like an Australian shepard and always greets me at the door with a happy butt. Outside of work, I enjoy photography and the outdoors. I love the beach and sunshine. I’m also a movie buff and enjoy lounging in my pajamas! I’ve always had a love for animals and decided that this is my calling. I have over three years of experience with helping animals, and I love my job at Pearl Animal Hospital where I assist with medical care, treatments and procedures. The most rewarding part of my job is helping those without a voice - our patients. I’m very passionate about my job and this hospital, and my coworkers and our doctors are at the top of their field. I’m proud of the important service we offer to our clients and to their pets.
Cheryl, client care coordinatorI was born in Bellingham, Washington and moved to Portland in 2001. When I first arrived, I worked as a floral designer. I worked for five years in the human medical field as a patient coordinator. I have always wanted to work more closely with animals, so I am excited to join the team at Pearl Animal Hospital. My love and compassion for animals was obvious at an early age, and I was always eager to take on the responsibilities of the family pets. I love working in such a pet friendly area. I am active in the Portland pet scene, spending time at local events, dog parks, and volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society. I am a passionate advocate for pets and strive to promote client education and compassion as much as possible. I have two rescue dogs, Sam (a boxer / lab mix) and Kayce (a shepherd mix). They are both so full of life, love and curiosity. I couldn't imagine my life without them.
Kelsea, veterinary assistantI was born in Portland and raised throughout the Portland suburbs. Since Kindergarten I have had a love for animals and animal sciences. I am currently a senior at MLC High School in downtown Portland and am aspiring towards a long future in Animal Care. Behind the scenes at the Pearl Animal Hospital, I am the helping hand in veterinary tasks and in keeping our clinic sanitary and sparkling. I plan on using the time I have with the Pearl Animal Hospital crew to gain more experience and knowledge in the field I love. Next year, I plan on attending the University of Oregon and then Unity College in Maine to major in Wildlife Care and Education. In the mean time, I live above the Pearl Animal Hospital in a condo with my family and my Yellow Labrador, Vika.
Leah, veterinary assistantMy passion for animal care began as a small child. I was born and raised in a unique suburb of Portland where neighbors owned goats, sheep, cows, horses and llamas. I grew up caring for my own family's many creatures including two horses, Beau and Ginger, three dogs, two cats, rabbits, small rodents, birds, reptiles, fish, and a hedgehog. After high school and a couple years of exploring Europe and Washington, I have returned to my favorite city. I am now a pre-veterinary student at Portland State University and aspire to attend vet school in Europe. I hope one day to participate in stray animal rescue and rehabilitation in under-developed countries. Whenever I get the chance, I love to travel abroad and study foreign languages. In my free time I enjoy hiking, running, and playing soccer with my Australian Shepherds, Eli and Roxy.
Matt, veterinary technicianI was born in Portland, Oregon, and have always had a passion for animals. I started the companion animal experience working from the ground up as a Kennel Assistant at an animal boarding facility. After 3 years of kennel work, I then moved into the medical side of the animal world as a Veterinary Assistant and did that for 1.5 years before becoming a Technician. I have been a Technician for the last 4.5 years and have enjoyed it immensely. Before becoming a part of Pearl Animal Hospital, I worked as a Technician for two day practices (Mt. View Veterinary Hospital and VCA 12 Mile Animal Clinic) and SE Portland Animal Hospital (a 24 hr animal emergency facility). My passion is to promote client education and preventative medicine. My wife Valerie and I currently live in Gresham with our two rambunctious Blue Heelers Nitro and Z.
Max, veterinary assistantMy two furry feline companions, Bob and Jerry, have been an immense inspiration to me throughout my life, and my love of animals of all shapes and sizes started with them. They have become the first stepping stone on a path that will hopefully lead to a long career in veterinary medicine. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and am attending MLC, a K-12 school, in downtown Portland. After high school, I plan on majoring in pre-veterinary sciences at Western Oregon University. My job at the hospital is to ensure that everything is shiny and clean and to lend a helping hand to whomever may need it. I treat every animal I encounter with the same love and compassion I would give to my own two cats because each animal that walks through the door becomes a part of our family.
Melissa, certified veterinary technicianI grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and I received my Bachelor of Science in marine biology from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. Soon after graduating I went back to school for veterinary technology, and I interned as a veterinary technician in the Lincoln Park Zoo and John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. In 2006, I passed the veterinary technician national boards and became a certified veterinary technician. I moved to Portland because of my love for the outdoors and the city’s love for its pets. I also spend part of my time working as a conservation educator at the Oregon Zoo. With my obvious love for all things animal I believe that every animal, large or small, is extremely important and deserves the best care we can give them. I currently live with my precious Australian Shepherd Bodie in the Pearl District, where we enjoy playing Frisbee and visiting the beach whenever we can.
Sarah, certified veterinary technicianI was born and raised in Southern California, and I received the Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Cal Poly, Pomona. I moved to Seattle in 2004, and I moved again to Portland in 2008. I have over 10 years of veterinary experience, including work in emergency and surgical practices. I entered the veterinary field as a receptionist, and for the past 8 years I have been a technician. In June of 2008 I passed the veterinary technician national boards to become a certified veterinary technician. I feel I have a natural compassion and understanding for animals, and I possess an immense appreciation of the human-animal bond. I love every minute of working with people and their four-legged family members, and I treat all pets as if they were my own. I currently reside in NW Portland with my partner Christal and all our critters: Loki, an Australian Shepherd; Abigail, a Border Collie; Schooner, a Sphynx, and Cleopatra; a Domestic Shorthair kitty-cat.
