Meet Our Veterinary Team

Marc Laudonio DVM

Medical Director

Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Marc D. Laudonio worked at Sea World of Orlando where he was involved with animal education, care, conservation, and the rescue of sick and injured marine animals prior to becoming a veterinarian. Also while living in Orlando, FL, he volunteered at the Audubon Society working with injured raptors, fostering an interest continued to this day.

Dr. Laudonio attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, earning his DVM in 1998. His senior clinical year was spent at the University of Minnesota, where he learned how much he would rather live in a warmer climate! After spending some time working in and around New York City, where he learned both small-town and fast-paced city medicine, Dr. Laudonio moved to Tucson with his wife, Vita.

Dr. Laudonio has practiced in Tucson since year 2000, and has furthered his knowledge of general medicine, advanced dentistry, critical care, exotics care, and emergency medicine, and is passionate about all types of surgery including soft tissue and advanced orthopedics. He is a member of several veterinary organizations, including: American Veterinary Association (AVMA), Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AZVMA), Southern Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

When not caring for various animal species, he enjoys many hobbies and interests, some of which include automotive restoration and fabrication, aviation, gardening, hiking, mountain biking and the great outdoors. He spends most of his leisure time enjoying being with ‘a la famiglia,’ meaning ‘with the family.’

Erika Lin-Hendel, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Erika Lin-Hendel, VMD, PhD (pronouns: They|Them|Theirs and She|Her|Hers) graduated from University of Pennsylvania’s Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program in 2016 with a focus on mixed animal practice and completed their PhD in neurodevelopmental biology. Dr. Lin-Hendel spent nearly five years consulting in the swine industry before returning to companion animal medicine to create space for their advocacy work in mental health and social justice.

They are passionate about mental health advocacy in the veterinary profession and educational equity and workplace accessibility for neurodiverse veterinary professionals. They are honored to serve as a board member of several organizations, including Not One More Vet, Inc, and the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association. They are active in PrideVMC’s DEI working group and are a co-author of the Gender Identity Bill of Rights for the Veterinary Profession. Within their clinical work, their interests include animal behavior, utilizing relief work as a method of positive veterinary cultural exchange, and holistic clinical management for senior patients.

Michelle Coverdill DVM

Medical Director

Dr. Michelle Coverdill joined Acacia Animal Hospital in July 2016. She was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree and DVM from the University of Florida. Prior to veterinary school she worked as a technician for almost 10 years. After graduating veterinary school in 2014 she practiced at a busy 3 hospital small animal practice in Gainesville, Florida for 2 years. Dr. Coverdill has a particular interest in internal medicine, urgent care, exotics, surgery and integrative medicine including rehabilitation.

When she’s not working, Dr. Coverdill enjoys spending time with her husband and their ‘kids’, which include three dogs, a cat, a tortoise, and about 20 snakes! In her free time she loves reading, baking, running, photography, hiking, and traveling.

Nicole

CSR

My name is Nicole Henrich. I just recently graduated from college and joined the Acacia Team. I love working with animals and enjoy caring for them. I have worked with a variety of animals and hope to possibly work with exotics again in the future. I am very excited to see where this adventure takes me!

Madi

CSR

Howdy! My name is Madison, but I prefer Madi. I was born in Mexico and before you wonder, Spanish is my first language. I immigrated to the U.S. with my mom and brother at a very young age looking for my perfect dream to chase. During my high school years, I developed a passion of rescuing broken, exotic pets from bad situations and gave them a better life. This led me to attending Carrington College only one week after graduating high school to become a Veterinary Assistant. Later on I started working with a fast paced-clinic and off-site spay and neuter for almost three years and I am now a proud member of the Acacia team! When I’m not working, I like cuddling with my two cats and having long imaginary conversations with my snake, Mr. Bubz, and I enjoy traveling to attend EDM festivals and dancing my soul away!

Vanessa Olsen DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline)

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Olsen is a native Tucsonan, graduating from Rincon High School, and then with Honors from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Health Science. She went on to graduate in 1987 from Colorado State University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and began practicing small animal medicine and surgery in Green Valley and Tucson, as well as serving as a control veterinarian for American Endurance Ride Conference-sanctioned horse rides in Arizona and New Mexico.

In 1995, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, certified in Canine and Feline Practice. Her professional interests include internal medicine, feline medicine, neurology, allergy/dermatology, and the newer ideas of the fear-free practice.

She and her husband Ron are owned by two half-Bengal cats, Canelo and Chispa; she does miss her Arabian gelding Zimara Nito, together nearly thirty years. She and Ron enjoy world travel, scuba diving, cycling, hiking, reading, and fine food and wine. And she loves to tell stories in the exam room, many of which start as, “I remember when…”

Dr. Olsen is delighted to re-join the Acacia family on a part-time basis and is eager to meet you and your furry family members.

Tiffany Tolbert DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Tiffany Tolbert joined Acacia in July of 2020. She grew up in the Los Angeles area where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and her DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. Throughout veterinary school she made sure to gain ample experience by working with large animals, small animals, exotics, and everything in between. After graduation she decided upon Acacia as the best practice to further her career in small animal and exotics medicine. When Dr. Tolbert is not in the clinic, she is working on finishing her Master’s degree in Public Health, going hiking, trying out new recipes, and traveling. Dr. Tolbert has a wide variety of medical interests which include exotics care, wildlife rehabilitation, and emergency/urgent care.

Madison McEldowney, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Madison McEldowney joined Acacia in June of 2022. She was born and raised in Tucson and earned her Bachelor’sdegree in Biologic Sciences at Northern Arizona University. She then earned her DVM from Washington State University in Pullman, WA. Her time at veterinary school fostered her love for small animal medicine and cultivated special interests in veterinary neurology, cardiology, and ophthalmology. When not in the hospital, Dr. McEldowney enjoys spending her time with family and friends, including her cat, Gatsby, and basset hound, Winston. She likes to stay active by playing soccer, going to the gym, playing pickleball, roller skating, and more. She also enjoys creative pursuits, including painting, crocheting, and embroidering.

Brendan

Hospital Manager

Brendan left the corporate world to begin working with animals as a career back in 1998. After being employed as an adoptions counselor and trainer of volunteers at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for about three years, he moved into the veterinary field where he could be more directly involved in medicine and surgical practice. Having been a senior technician in a large emergency and exotics veterinary hospital for many years, he then eagerly joined Dr. Laudonio in his dream to begin a brand new practice. Accepting the challenge of managing a new start-up and taking it into the future, Brendan has been here since the very start in 2010.

Brendan is a member of VECCS (Veterinary and Emergency Critical Care Society), of AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), and he continues to work with local animal rescue/welfare groups. In the past he served as co-organizer of the Veterinary Food Drive for the Tucson Community Food Bank, on the organizing committee for the Tucson Canine Classic, and on the Board of Directors at the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter. Currently, he is an organizer with SPEAK and Earthlings Experience, both local animal rights organizations. He shares a happy home with his wife and 2 rescued dogs.

Amanda, CVT

Technician Supervisor(Veterinary Technicians)

Amanda joined the Acacia family in July of 2018. She is a Tucson native and Pima Medical Institute graduate. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2015 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in January of 2018. Amanda is very passionate about her field and her love for animals continues to grow more and more every day. Amanda’s love and interest of animals extends into her very own family which includes 7 dogs, 8 cats and many exotics including an adorable pig named Penny.

Ruby

Veterinary Technicians

Ruby is a graduate of the Pima Community College Veterinary Technician program, joining Acacia in mid-2014. She is always working to expand her knowledge on all things furry, scaly, and in-between. In her spare time she enjoys eating, reading, camping and binge-watching Netflix. She loves her adopted cat, Marla.

Jo

Veterinary Technicians

Jo is an Arizona native and moved to Tucson in 2009. She completed schooling as a veterinary technician from Pima Community College in 2012, but has been involved in the animal field for nearly 20 years. She has been actively involved with equine rescue since 2009. Jo has a particular passion for equines, exotics, and avians. She has an avid interest in animal behavior.

When she’s not at Acacia, she spends her time looking after her 6 dogs, 6 cats, 2 horses, 3 conures, 2 reptiles, assorted rabbits, and poultry (among other species) that she calls her family.

Janette

Veterinary Technicians

Hi there! My name is Ginny and this human is my momma Janette! She always talks about how she wanted to work with animals since she was young. Out of high school she went to Pima Community College and graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program where she found me! When I got to my new home I had 2 sisters named Autumn and Noel, who mom calls ‘kitty cats.’ Recently I got a new brother named Tonic, who we call ‘Wild Man.’

Mom joined Acacia Animal Hospital in 2017 and always comes home smelling so interesting. She tells me that she works with exotics and birds but I definitely smell dogs. In mom’s free time we sometimes go hiking or visit people but mostly we play in the yard or cuddle on the couch (she tells me I’m the best cuddler). I hope your furry or non-furry baby loves her as much as I do, I know she’ll love them!

Allie

Veterinary Technicians

Allie is a California native who began her journey at Acacia in February 2020, after working in a small animal and exotics practice for 2 years in Virginia. Allie’s favorite part of her job is getting to snuggle with all the pitbulls and dachshunds, two of her favorite breeds. She also has a great deal of interest in our exotic patients. She has 2 pitbulls at home, Chance and Callie, and an axolotl. She is currently in school studying to become a licensed Veterinary Technician, and has a heavy interest in exotics, dentistry, and dermatology.

Elisabeth

Veterinary Technicians

Elisabeth moved from Washington and started working at Acacia in Fall of 2020. She has been working as a technician for 4 years and has always loved being around animals. She loves hiking, photography, and her two Chihuahuas – Don Julio and Winston.

Emily

Administrative Assistants

Emily joined the Acacia family in 2017 after being a client for years. Most of her time outside of work is taken up by her son and four cats. When she’s not busy with them she enjoys road trips and cheering for UofA sports.

Rebecca

Customer Service Representatives Supervisor

Rebecca began her journey as a customer service representative in 2015 working at a small animal clinic and wanted more knowledge and experience working with avians, reptiles and other exotics! She is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and has an interest in forensics and animal cruelty investigation. She loves reading, listening to true crime podcasts, traveling, and snuggling with her four pets- her Rottweiler Gus, her dachshund Kori, and her two cats, Maddie and Emma.

Misty

Customer Service Representatives Supervisor

Misty has always been passionate about helping animals. She has been in Tucson for about 19 years and currently attends the University of Arizona where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis on Wildlife Conservation and Management. Her free time is spent with her husband, 4 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats, snake, and hammy. She also enjoys travelling, volunteering at the Desert Museum for Raptor Free Flight and helping rehabilitate wildlife. In the future, she hopes to either become a bat biologist or help with conservation efforts through a zoo. She thinks all animals are fascinating but absolutely adores bats and raptors, and of course loves cats and dogs.

Alexandra

Veterinary Assistants

I started working with animals when I was 15 and haven’t stopped since! I grew up in Houston, Texas and came to Tucson to continue my degree in Animal Science. I hope to get into disease control and the study of genetics when I finish my degree. When I’m not at work I spend most of my time with my dog, cat, and hamster. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and road trips in my spare time.