Our Staff

• Dr. Mike Ontiveros

  
  

  Dr. Mike Ontiveros joined our professional staff in 1997.  Dr. Ontiveros grew up in La Habra Heights, California and attended veterinary school at Washington State University.  After veterinary school Mike was selected for a rigorous internship program at a large speciality hospital in Santa Cruz , California.  Dr. Ontiveros has a special interest in surgery and lives in San Clemente with his wife Shannon, step-daughter Chelsea, step-son Devon, their baby girl Gabriella, and their house full of pets!!  In 2001 Dr. Ontiveros became an owner of Estrella Veterinary Hospital. What we love about Dr. Mike:  His ability to make you and your pet feel that you are the most important thing in the world!! You'd be hard-pressed to find a more caring or skilled Veterinarian in all of Southern California!!

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• Ryan Bloeser

  
  

  Dr. Bloeser graduated from The Royal School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh in June of 2000. He spent the following year conducting an internship in equine medicine and surgery in Palo Alto, Ca. His interests in small animal medicine prevailed however, and in October of 2001, he accepted an associate position in Golden Colorado where he practiced for four years. Dr. Ryan's love for his family and life near the ocean prompted his return home to sunny Southern California in November of 2005. His special interests include internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. He now lives in Dana Point with his wife Tamara, his Pug "Ernie", and his French Bulldog "Tuba."  In his spare time Ryan enjoys riding his motorcycle, climbing, camping, and wrestling matches with Ernie the Pug! What we love about Dr. Ryan:  No one will go the extra mile for you like Dr. Ryan. He creates the environment to make us all want to give 2000%!

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• Wendi Browne

  
  

  Wendi was born and raised in Ohio and graduated from Ohio University with her Bachelors of Science degree.  She then attended Western University where she graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2007.  Wendi then completed a successful one year internship at Advanced Veterinary Care Center.  She joined the Estrella family in August and we are so happy to have her!  In her spare time she enjoys working out, biking and any outdoor activity.  She also likes to hang out with her three cats Sam, Maggie, and Allie. What we love about Dr. Wendi:  Our resident Champion of the "under-dog". No one can match her care & compassion.

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• Amy Antimone

  
  

  Drawing blood, placing catheters and assisting in surgery are all part of Amy's day.  From running the lab to helping with an ultrasound , no two days are ever the same. Amy grew up in Boston, Ma., moved to California in 2002 and has been with our hospital ever since!  Amy lives in San Clemente with her boyfriend Marcus and their 2 cats. What we love about Amy: Hands down she is the Queen of multi-tasking!

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• Melissa Neale

  
  

  Melissa is a life long resident of California, having been born and raised in Dana Point.  She has worked in veterinary medicine for 11 years and has worked at Estrella since 2005.  Melissa also works as a legal secretary.  When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband Rob, her son Mason, and tending to their 2 dogs, 5 turtles, 1 tortoise, a flying squirrel, and a salt water fish tank.  Melissa and her husband Rob just welcomed a new baby boy Myles! What we love about Melissa: Her quick wit and positive attitude.  If you're picking teams...she'd be your first pick! TEAM PLAYER!

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• Tamara Bloeser

  
  

  Tamara has worked part time at Estrella since 2006.  She is currently a full time student to become a nurse.  When Tamara is not working she enjoys spending time with her cat, 2 dogs,  and her husband, Dr. Ryan.  Tamara is on the right in the photo. What we love about Tamara: Her calm and steady approach.  Tranquil Tamara keeps us all SANE!

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• Amanda Norwood

  
  

  Amanda, aka Mandy, came to Estrella in October of 2007 after 3 years of working in emergency veterinary medicine.  She is currently a full time student at Vanguard University and lives in San Clemente.  In her spare time she enjoys long walks on the beach with her Chihuahua Bruce. What we love about Mandy: Her innate skill with our animals...it begs the question...is she really an animal in human form?  She is the resident "Animal Whisperer"!  And...so funny and cute too!!

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• Margit Kalmus

  
  

  Margit was born and raised in Estonia where she worked as a full time veterinarian for 8 months until she moved to the United States in 2006.  She worked at an animal hospital in Florida for 3 years until she moved to San Clemente in the summer of 2008, when she joined the Estrella family.  Margit loves California and would love to stay here for good.  She enjoys her job as a technician, as she has a true passion for animals.  Margit loves baking and cooking, long walks on the beach, movies and jazz concerts.  Margit currently lives in San Clemente with her boyfriend. What we love about Margit: She exudes our motto, Love & Skill working in balance.

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• Tabatha Chino

  
  

  Tabatha joined the Estrella family in the summer of 2008.  She has worked as a veterinary technician off and on for several years.  Tabatha currnetly lives in Oceanside with her 2 cats.  When she's not working Tabatha enjoys fishing, hiking, and riding her motorcycle. What we love about Tabatha: Her dedication to our Hospital. No matter what the circumstances, Tabs keeps pushing through!

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• Cheryl Turner

  
  

  Cheryl is one of the "anchors" at our hospital.  She has been our receptionist for over 20 years. If you have been a long term client at our hospital Cheryl probably knows you by name! Her warm smile and comforting voice will make you and your pet feel right at home.  What we love about Cheryl: Cheryl exemplifies the word commitment. We all have alot to learn from her steadfastness and dedication.

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• Amanda Bass

  
  

  Amanda came to the Estrella family in Nov. of 2006.  Everyone knows her as the "smiley blonde."  She is a life long resident of San Clemente and is attending school to get a early childhood development degree.  When she is not helping clients and talking to the animals, Amanda enjoys snowboarding, wake boarding, and going to the desert with her boyfriend Taylor and their Golden Retriever "Jackson" and their Husky "Aspen." What we love about Amanda: How did they pack this much sunshine into one person?  We love her contagious smile.  Just look at that picture!!

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• Alison Huie

  
  

  Alison graudated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in Physchology.  Her love for animals brought her to our hospital in May of 2007 and she says she has finally found her dream job.  Alison and her husband live in San Clemente with their two cats and two love birds.  When she is not working she enjoys making jewelry and spending time with her husband Norm. What we love about Alison: She is our "Go-To" girl when it needs to get done!  Did we mention her quick wit? Oh yeah...she'll make you laugh when you least expect it!

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• Mandalyn Tiedeman

  
  

  Mandy Tiedeman has been a resident of Southern California her whole life.  As an animal enthusiast her favorite thing to do is spend time with her horse Bandit. Mandy joins Estrella with a background in animal care and her dream is to one day be an Equine Specialist.  When not at the stables with Bandit or enjoying play time with her lab Honey you can find her at Estrella making sure everyone here has everything they need.  What we love about Mandy:  Her "whatever it takes" attitude!

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