A Culture of Passion

Dr. Stacy Chartrand

Medical Director

Growing up in Montreal, Dr. Stacy Chartrand knew from an early age that she wanted to become a veterinarian as many young girls do. It was after many years of challenging work and perseverance that Dr. Chartrand navigated her way through the limited veterinary medicine options available in Canada, at the time, to attain her goal. Dr. Stacy reflects often on the gratitude she has for this career, loving the medicine she can practice in all facets and avenues of this world, and recognizes that this is not just a career but who she is at heart and who she has become through the years.
“This is not a job that you turn off and leave at the end of the day,” and for that reason, it is also important to Dr. Chartrand that we work together to ensure that pet healthcare providers take time and find importance in self-care. This is essential to be able to provide the continued best care for the pets and avoid career burnout.

Dr. Stacy recognizes the challenges cropping up and facing the next generation of veterinary teams. She intends to be a part of a cultural shift that continues to ensure mental health and balance are a focus as this will translate into successful veterinary experiences. Along with supporting the team, comes growth for the team, and Dr. Stacy hopes to open the door to this career to others, making the journey a little easier than her own. Her position as field medical director positions her to help in this regard and she is excited to be able to grow young minds.

To help her recharge, you can find Dr. Stacy heading to the coast or the mountains for a day trip with the family and her three dogs. Waiting for her at home are two hungry cats.

Dr. Sarah Beebe

Veterinarian

Born and raised in Snohomish, Dr. Sarah Beebe’s passion for animals started with her 4-H dogs and only grew from there. She received her Bachelor’s in Zoology from Washington State University’s Honors College in 2020, and attended WSU’s veterinary school immediately after. Her veterinary interests include preventative medicine and canine reproduction. She is thrilled to begin her veterinary career at Juanita Hills! In her free time, Dr. Beebe is planning to get back into the world of dog shows and obedience trials, and enjoys writing, drawing, and exploring the world with her Bernese Mountain Dog Ingrid.

Dr. Donna Mensching

Veterinarian

Dr Donna Mensching graduated from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. She practiced small animal medicine in general and emergency roles in New England for nearly a decade. A passion for environmental stewardship led to participation in Envirovet, a program to engage veterinarians in environmental issues, in 2004. That led to a Master’s degree in environmental toxicology at the University of Illinois studying the role of flame retardants in the development of feline hyperthyroidism and board-certification in veterinary toxicology with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Missing the hands-on practice of veterinary medicine, she returned to private practice after several years as a toxicology consultant. She most enjoys working up cases to best help her patients and connecting with clients who realize that she cares about their pets as if they were her own. She loves exploring, hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, tiring out her dogs Parker and Katie and adventure travel.

Dr. Lexi McGilvray

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Lexi McGilvray (Dr. Mac) grew up in the beautiful Seattle area. She moved to San Diego, California for college, graduating from the University of San Diego with a BA in Biological Anthropology. She returned to the Pacific Northwest to attend Washington State University for veterinary school, graduating from WSU College of Veterinary Medicine with honors in May 2015. After graduation, she was accepted by Seattle Veterinary Specialists for a one year, small animal rotating internship in emergency and specialty medicine. She has worked as a small animal general practitioner since the completion of her advanced training. Her interests include cardiology, dentistry, and internal medicine. When she’s not working with animals as a Cara team member, Dr. Mac enjoys traveling with her husband, snowboarding with friends, practicing hot yoga, cheering for the Seahawks, and exploring the PNW’s great outdoors with her Chihuahua mix, Leoberto.

Lori Illas

Hospital Director

Originally from Puerto Rico, Lori moved to Washington in 2012, bringing her vibrant energy and passion for animal care. As a skilled Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), she offers a unique bilingual perspective to our team, being fluent in both English and Spanish.

Lori’s journey in veterinary medicine started in 2014 and took her through the fast-paced world of emergency care until 2022. Her dedication to animal welfare led her to her current role as Hospital Director, where she continues to make a difference in the lives of pets.

When she’s not busy at the clinic, Lori cherishes moments with her 15-year-old Beagle, Savannah. In her downtime, Lori enjoys reading, discovering new food and coffee spots, and attending K-pop concerts.

Cortney

Lead Veterinary Assistant

Cortney is a dedicated veterinary assistant with four years of experience, passionately caring for animals and supporting their well-being. Growing up Texas, she moved to Washington in 2021, where she has embraced both her love for animals and the beautiful outdoors.

In addition to her work in veterinary care, Cortney is an avid baker and runs a small baking business. She delights in creating a variety of delicious treats, which she shares with her community and customers. Her baking passion reflects her creativity and attention to detail, qualities she also brings to her work with animals.

When she’s not assisting at the veterinary clinic or whipping up baked goods, Cortney enjoys hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes of Washington. Her commitment to animal care, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit and love for nature, showcases her vibrant personality and dedication to living life to the fullest.

Lochlynn

Veterinary Assistant

My name is Lochlynn my pronouns are she/her.
I started working at 15, but found my true calling in early 2020 when I started my career in veterinary medicine. My experience ranges from emergency medicine to general practice; with the goal to one day go into veterinary ophthalmology.

“When I is replaced by we, illness becomes wellness” -Malcom X

Dev

Veterinary Assistant

My name is Dev! My pronouns are They/Them. My whole life revolves around my animals, art, and finding my happiness. I graduated from The Art Institute of Seattle with my associate’s degree in graphic design, but I switched career paths in search of more fulfillment for my heart and of course that led me to more animals!