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Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Acacia Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Our Veterinary Team
Dr. Anna Szivek
Associate Veterinarian
Bio Coming Soon!
Carolina
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Hayley Kowalski, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Hayley Kowalski was born and raised in the Midwest, where she discovered her passion for animals while working at a local therapeutic riding facility. In 2009, she moved to sunny Arizona and became a dedicated Wildcat (Beardown!). Dr. Kowalski completed the CAVIT veterinary assisting program in 2014, which kickstarted her veterinary career. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Science from the University of Arizona in 2018. During her undergraduate studies, Dr. Kowalski participated in IHSA horse shows, served as a preceptor for chemistry classes, and worked at a nonprofit animal ranch. After graduation, Dr. Kowalski worked as a veterinary assistant in various roles, gaining extensive experience with many different animal species. She returned to the University of Arizona to pursue her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), which she completed in 2024. During veterinary school, Dr. Kowalski was actively involved in the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) and served on the Emergency and Critical Care Club board. Dr. Kowalski is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with both clients and their pets, offering compassionate care. Her special interests include animal behavior and internal medicine. She is the proud owner of three rescued pets—two dogs, Holly and Luna, and a cat named Addy. In her free time, Dr. Kowalski enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors with her dogs, and horseback riding.
Erin Wilson, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Erin Wilson was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She feels that growing up there, her close connection to nature was her biggest catalyst for pursuing a degree that could help animals. Outside of her profession, Dr. Wilson enjoys spending time with her children and her furry/scaly pets and tending to her plants. She likes being outdoors, paddle boarding, camping, and hiking. She treasures travel and exploration of the culture and foods of different parts of the world.
Erin attained her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Sciences with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Arizona. While there, she fell in love with not only the spirit of the University but the blend of diversity and community in Tucson. She attended Washington State University as a WICHE student to work for her DVM. After graduation, Dr. Wilson returned to Tucson to practice small and exotic animal medicine.
During her tenure as a veterinarian, Dr. Wilson has taken on leadership roles as a chief of staff, a veterinary student, and a recent graduate mentor. She advocates practicing Fear Free veterinary medicine, and her interests within the field include (but are not limited to) soft tissue surgery, geriatric care, and integrative medicine. Dr. Wilson completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s acupuncture course in 2020 and is nearing completion of the College of Veterinary Integrative Therapies course in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine.
She is a member of the following organizations: Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, and International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
Dr. Wilson loves so many things about being a general practitioner. Still, the highlights are building long-term bonds with clients and patients, the varied cases presented, and the flexibility to continue growing as a clinician in all different capacities. She feels the most important thing that keeps her in the field are the deeply caring people she works with and those who entrust her with caring for their pets. She very much looks forward to meeting you and your pet and helping you to meet your pet’s health care needs at Acacia Animal Hospital.
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 that continues 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 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, the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AZVMA), the Southern Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), and the 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.
Sue
CSR
I’m Sue and I have enjoyed being in the veterinary field for over 35 years. I grew up in San Diego county and I’ve always known that my love for animals would lead me to a promising career. I enjoy supporting the veterinarians here, and my fellow co-workers. My belief is that ALL animals deserve the best of care that we can provide and I’m a firm supporter of animal rights. In my spare time I enjoy reading and traveling home to San Diego, and I love spending quality time with my two long-haired Chihuahuas, Madison and Calamari, and my Siamese cat, Marley. The beach periodically calls to my soul for a good cleansing and the fresh salty air is soothing for the heart.
Britany
CSR
Harrison
CSR
Katelynn
CSR
Katelynn is a hard-working mom of 5 who joined the Acacia team in September 2023. She has been in the veterinary field since 2018, studying at Pima Medical Institute, where she graduated with a certificate as a veterinary assistant and a degree as a veterinary technician. When she is not at work, she spends her time at the baseball or football field, camping with Boy Scouts, or hanging out with her family, three dogs, and two bearded dragons.
Daniela
Veterinary Technician/CSR
Hi, my name is Danni. I started my veterinary career in 2015 in general practice for four years, then continued in Emergency Medicine for three years. I missed the personal connections with clients and their pets, so I decided to get back into general practice and joined Acacia in late 2023. I enjoy hanging out with my husband, our three humans, and 2 fur babies in my spare time. Anytime it permits, my hobbies are drawing, music, and reading.
Belen, CVT
Veterinary Technician
Belen has felt a strong calling to help animals for as long as she can remember. As a child, she would always try to take in stray cats and dogs to bathe and feed, against her mother’s wishes. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be involved in animal care in one way or another. During her free time, Belen would volunteer at animal shelters and always felt like she wanted to do more. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology Sciences from Northern Arizona University, she decided to move to Tucson to apply to Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technology Program. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2018; and has taken on the roles of CSR, veterinary assistant, and now CVT since earning her certification in 2021. Her main focus and goal being to provide kind and low stress care to all animal companions! You can find her loving on and singing to her surgical patients during their recovery process. When outside of the hospital, Belen enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their 3 pups Jax, Ollie, and Mila.
Trinity
Veterinary Technicians
Emma
Veterinary Technicians
Hi, I’m Emma, a passionate veterinary technician who adores animals; working with them for four years and counting. With cats, dogs, lizards, and fish as my companions, my love for them is boundless. I care for these amazing creatures daily and am happy to help care for yours. Their trust – and yours – fuels my ambition to learn and help my doctors provide comprehensive care, from treating illnesses to performing surgeries. With unwavering dedication, I’m on an exciting journey to combine my experience as a veterinary technician with an advanced education. My ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact, offering animals the compassion and expertise they deserve.
Sarah, CVT
Veterinary Technicians
Sarah has felt a strong connection to animals and a desire to advocate for them from a very young age. While majoring in psychology in college, she found herself wanting to spend all of her time outside of classes volunteering at the Humane Society. She loved providing care and company to the animals there, but wanted to do more to help relieve them from pain and illness. She then enrolled in a veterinary technology program in Sacramento, CA. She graduated in 2008 and became a registered veterinary technician. She loves and respects all animals and aspects of veterinary care, but her special interests are in avian and integrative medicine. When she is not at work, her favorite things to do are spend time with her cat and 2 parrots or get outside to be in nature as much as possible.
Rachel
Veterinary Technicians
Rachel is a California girl who moved to Tucson to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Arizona. She started at Acacia in order to gain more experience and is pleased to be part of a team that provides excellent medical care to our patients. She has a cat named Meeko that keeps her company at home. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and snuggling all the different animals that are seen at Acacia.
Brooke, CVT
Veterinary Technicians
Brooke has been in the veterinary field since 2003 and a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) since 2011. We welcomed her to the Acacia team in January of 2023. She brings a wealth of information and a fresh outlook to the office and we are thankful to have her. When she isn’t working she spends most of her time taking care of her 7 dogs, 7 sulcata tortoises, 2 pygmy goats and 4 donkeys. In the free time after that she enjoys time with family and friends and occasionally travels.
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 2018. She is a Tucson native and a Pima Medical Institute graduate. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2014 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in January 2018. Amanda has a strong interest in emergency and internal medicine. Amanda’s love of and interest in animals extends into her very own family which includes 6 dogs, a handful of cats, and many exotics including two adorable pet pigs named Penny and Norton.
Ruby
Veterinary Technician
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
Lead Veterinary Technician
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 loves working with all types of animals, and has a special interest in animal behavior. When she’s not at Acacia she spends her time with her girlfriend, Mary. They keep busy looking after their family of dogs, cats, assorted livestock (horses, goats, pigs, poultry, and even an emu!) all while avoiding the hustle & bustle of people in the city on their small farm in southwest Tucson.
Janette
Veterinary Technician
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!
Elisabeth
Veterinary Technician
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 Assistant
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 Assistant
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.