Our Veterinarians

Dr. Kurt Dawid was raised in Chicago, IL. Following college, he worked as a paramedic on overnight shifts in an ambulance on the southwest side of Chicago, where he developed a passion for emergency medicine and honed his ability to perform under pressure while multitasking. Describing himself as somewhat of a wanderlust, he decided to attend veterinary school far from home. In 2017, he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. After graduation, he completed a year-long rotating clinical internship at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

His career began as an overnight emergency veterinarian in Vancouver, Washington, where he further developed his emergency medical skills and discovered a newfound interest in exotic species. During this period, he volunteered at the Newport Aquarium in Oregon, gaining valuable experience with aquatic species, particularly his favorite animal, sharks. It was during this time that he met his wife, Tana. Both sharing a passion for exotic animals, they made the bold decision to relocate to Fairbanks, Alaska, to assist in establishing exotic animal care at a local hospital. After completing this project, they returned to Vancouver, Washington, where Dr. Dawid joined Vancouver Veterinary Hospital as an associate doctor. Over the years, he advanced to become Medical Director/Lead Doctor.

Outside of work, Dr. Dawid enjoys going on Harley rides and adventures with Tana, reading cozy mystery books by the fire, and cherishing downtime at home with Tana and their geriatric tuxedo cat, Boots. His ultimate goal is to establish his own veterinary hospital one day.

Dr. Roy Velardi graduated from the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. Prior to that, he earned his B.S. and M.S. in Genetics, also from UC Davis. In 1988, he completed an internship in equine medicine and subsequently practiced equine medicine and surgery until 1994, when he moved to the Pacific Northwest to join a mixed animal practice. As demographics and caseloads evolved, his focus shifted more towards small animal medicine and surgery. In 2003, he purchased Vancouver Veterinary Hospital and owned the practice until it was acquired by Wellhaven Pet Health in 2019. Outside of work, he stays busy managing his home property with his wife Mary, caring for her horses, his goats, their dogs, cats, hens, and occasionally dealing with marauding raccoons.

Traci recently joined Vancouver Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary assistant, bringing with her nearly 30 years of experience in the veterinary industry. Before that, she worked in the equine industry and holds a B.A. Degree in Equestrian Science and Communications. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, cooking, and outdoor activities. Traci has adopted two dogs, a cat, and a Conure.

Viviana moved to the PNW from California and began wokring in the veterinary field in 2017. Viviana originally had plans to become a Veterinarian but discovered her passion for the hands-on technical aspect that defines veterinary assisting and being there to comfort patients during times of stress. She enjoys creating a fear free environment for pets and educating clients on preventative health care so their pets can lead long and healthy lives. Viviana is a proud dog mom of a sweet and spunky miniature schnauzer named Daisy. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, music, reading, movies and spending quality time with the people she loves.

Emily was born and raised on a large farm here in the Pacific Northwest, with horses, cows and goats, and has been an animal lover her entire life. She started working at 15 years old at a small veterinary practice, and has been in the field since. She has 3 Cane Corsos and 2 Sphynxes that she loves dearly. In her free time she will be in the gym training as a bikini athlete or enjoying quality time with her family.

Born in Vancouver, Washington, Andy has harbored a lifelong passion for veterinary care. Outside of her professional pursuits, Andy enjoys spending time reading, crafting, and cherishing moments with her family, which includes her husband, four children, four dogs, and five cats.

A photo was taken of Rachel as a toddler cuddled up with a mastiff. It’s fair to say from the moment she came into this world, her heart has belonged to animals. Rachel is currently in school studying veterinary medicine. Her goal is to own her own clinic as a licensed veterinarian. She enjoys working out, studying, and playing with her puppy, Dakota, and her cat, Rio.

Tatum Olander was born and raised in Sacramento, CA, and since then has pursued her passion for animals in various locations. Growing up with a mother involved in numerous rescues, Tatum developed a keen interest in exotic and livestock rescues—ranging from snakes and parrots to goats, horses, and sugar gliders! After attending Cal Poly Humboldt, she moved to Jackson, WY, where she worked on guest ranches, caring for horses and training colts for ranch work. Her final summer in Jackson was dedicated to breaking into the veterinary field, where she strives to learn and grow in new ways. In her free time, Tatum enjoys hiking and adventuring with her two little dogs, Marlo and Bento, gardening, baking, and reading.

Amanda was born in Mountain View, CA and moved to the PNW shortly after. She grew up with ferrets, great pyranees, labs, and beagles and has had a lifelong passion for animals her whole life. She graduated from the University of Oregon and moved to Vancouver with her husband. She also works as a web designer and outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys reading, cinema, video games, and working out.

Madeline grew up with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, horses, cows, pigs and chickens. Her grandparents bred and showed AKC labradors retreivers, as well as trained labs for hunting trails. She developed a lot of love and compassion for animals and their care. She is currently in the Carrington college program for Veterinary assisting. She has 4 dogs, 3 of which are geriatric, and two cats. Her goal is to one day go to Spain and help out with the rescue Galgodelsol and dive deeper into rescue-centered veterinary medicine.

Cameron was raised in South Dakota in a military family and moved to Washington in 2020. He began working with dogs in daycare facilities and discovered he had an overwhelming passion towards working with animals. He is enrolled in school and hoping to become a certified Veterinary Technician by the end of 2025. Working with animals has brought peace and happiness to his life and his intentions are to continue in this field with the goal of interacting and helping as many animals as he can.

Jessica has been in the veterinary field for 16 years working as both a technician and surgical assistant and a lead receptionist. Both positions helped Jessica develop her gentle touch, which is perfect for both our clients and our patients. Jessica shares her home with her son Brayden, 3 cats (Julius, Ravi, Jade) and her dog Sola. When she’s not working, she loves photography, cooking, art and hiking when able.