Our Staff at Sierra Animal Hospital

Candace Rapp, DVM

Candace Rapp, DVM

Veterinarian

After spending 17 years as a Registered Veterinary Technician and later the Practice Manager for a small animal practice here in Placerville, Dr. Rapp returned to school to continue her career. After completing her undergraduate degree at UC Davis, she attended Western University of Health Sciences' College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a special interest in canine sports medicine, service animals, and the human-animal bond. She was an associate veterinarian for Dr. Johnson in 2017 and is now the very proud owner of Sierra Animal Hospital. She is deeply rooted in the community and enjoys teaching both through the ROP program and 4H. When disaster strikes, you will find her working as a member of the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps. Dr. Rapp looks forward to continuing the legacy of Sierra Animal Hospital.

Stacey Stephens, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Stacey Stephens brings more than 25 years of veterinary medicine experience to Sierra Animal Hospital. A native of northeast Ohio, Dr. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Youngstown State University and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. After practicing small animal and exotic medicine at clinics in Orange Park, Florida and in San Diego County, Stacey and her husband moved to the Placerville area in 2000. Dr. Stephens has been an Associate Veterinarian at Sierra Animal Hospital since 2002. In her spare time, Dr. Stephens enjoys dog agility training, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Kaley Ladner, DVM

Veterinarian

​​​​​​​Dr. Ladner grew up right here in Placerville. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biology and a double minor in nutrition and animal science from UC Davis. While attending UC Davis, Dr. Ladner was a resident of the Swine Teaching and Resource Center. She was also a member of the UC Davis Collegiate Livestock Judging Team and the Young Cattlemen's Association. After her undergraduate work, she attended Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine focusing on large and small animal medicine. Dr. Ladner has extensive experience with 4H and FFA serving as an active member and an advisor. Today she helps educate the youth of our county regarding animal health and husbandry. Dr. Ladner is looking forward to incorporating large and small animals into Sierra Animal Hospital to better serve our community. Dr. Ladner enjoys spending time with her large family, traveling, reading and crafting.
Dr. Dimock

Abigail Dimock, DVM, DACVR

Radiology Consultant

Education:
  • DVM degree: 2006, University of California, Davis
  • Residency: 2008-2012, University of California, Davis
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology: 2011
­­­Prior to beginning a diagnostic imaging residency, Dr. Dimock completed a one year internship and one year of general practice in Bend, Oregon. After completion of the board certification exam and residency, Dr. Dimock remained at UC Davis as a part-time staff radiologist, primarily tasked with clinical duties and training of residents and senior students. Dr. Dimock also joined Veterinary Medical Imaging at that time. Dr. Dimock’s areas of special interest include advanced imaging (CT and MRI), abdominal ultrasound and equine imaging. Her interests outside of veterinary medicine include hiking with her dog, horseback riding, caring for her small goat herd and traveling.

Felisa (Flea)

Practice Manager

Felisa joined the veterinary field in 2014 as a client care specialist and kennel attendant in Placerville. She then worked her way up to veterinary assistant under the supervision of Dr. Terri Burley in the Cameron Park area, who pushed her to achieve the goal of becoming a practice manager. After Dr. Burley's retirement and several years of managing, Felisa decided to join the Sierra Animal Hospital Team. When not at work, she enjoys hiking with her dogs Ruger and Winifred, tending to her garden, chickens and ducks or you can find her on the Sierra slopes snowboarding.
Helene, RVT

Helene, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Helene graduated from Consumnes River College in 1989 and received her Registered Veterinary Technicians License later that year. Helene is happily married with two amazing kids. When not working she likes to go camping and enjoys maintaining her garden. The recent adoption of her Pudel Pointer, Abby, keeps her busy. Helene previously worked for Sierra Animal Hospital from 1989 to 1995 and came back to join us in 2016.

Helene, RVT

Allyn, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon
Kim

Kim, RVT

Veterinary Technician

Kim has recently moved to Placerville and joined the Sierra Animal Hospital team in May 2021. She gained her RVT license in 2014 from Carrington College and has worked in large and small animal practices as an RVT since. Her favorite part of the job is emergency medicine, surgery, and client education. In her free time, she likes to read, listen to podcasts, go backpacking and rock climb. She is also working on getting her Bachelor's degree in Biology.

Kelly Veterinary Assistant

Kelly, CVA

Veterinary Assistant

Kelly joined the vet med industry in 2001 as a Kennel Attendant and quickly moved her way up to Kennel Manager. She then opened her own doggy day care facility in the Bay area in 2003 and operated it until 2010. Since joining the Sierra Animal Hospital team, Kelly has grown exponentially in her studies and as a hands-on employee. In 2021 she completed her Certified Veterinary Assistants program and received her CVA. Earlier this year, 2023, she completed and received her CVAII Certification. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her partner Jason and their three dogs Bogie, Pepper and Sadie.

Natalie

Natalie

Veterinary Assistant

Natalie was born and raised in El Dorado County. After getting married in 2015, she moved away to in live in Japan and Hawaii before recently moving back. an animal lover her whole life, she always dreamed of a career helping care for animals. She is currently halfway through her program to become an RVT. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat Minerva, and reading. Gardening and camping is also a passion of hers!

lili

Lili, CVA
Veterinary Assistant

Lili moved from the Bay Area to Placerville in 2021 and has lived throughout Northern California her entire life. Not currently in school, she likes to take advantage of training sessions and learning everything available to her in the hospital. She is extremely interested in pursuing her RVT license in the near future. When not working, Lili loves to read, play with her family's dogs, and goes out on adventures with her daughter like camping and boating.

Jill

Veterinary Assistant

Jill joined the vet med industry in 1999 and it is one of her biggest passions in life. She enjoys teaching her three children how to care for animals as they continue to grow. Besides animals, Jill's next passion is food. She is an amazing cook and loves sharing her dishes with friends and family. She is a hard worker and always puts 100% into everything she does which is why she provides the best care to our clients and patients.

Julia

Veterinary Assistant

Julia started her career in the veterinary field in 2006. She is currently on schedule to take her Veterinarian Technician National Examination (VTNE) later in the year to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Julia has a passion for client communication which gives our clients and patients the upper hand when it comes to preventatives and at home care. When she is not at work you can always find her with her border collie, best friend, Fern that she does agility with.

Ashley

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon

Ava, CVA

Veterinary Assistant

Ava is currently a student in high school and is a part of the Central Sierra Regional Occupational Program, for Animal Health. She has just earned her level one CVA, Certified Veterinary Assistant, and is actively working for her second level CVA. Ava intends on continuing her education at a four-year university and hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. She works both in the hospital and goes out on the large animal calls with Dr. Ladner & Helene, RVT. Which has inspired her to work with both large & small animals as she continues her veterinary experience and education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, & spending time with her many animals.

Erica

Client Care

Erica started her career in the veterinary field in 1997 after earning her bachelor of science degree in animal science at Oregon State University. She started out at the front desk in general practice and worked her way to veterinary assistant at an ophthalmology specialty practice. Having been out of the field for over 10 years raising her family, Erica has found her way back to the front desk and enjoys providing outstanding customer service to our clients. Erica and her family raise Boer goats on their small farm in Placerville. She enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and boxer dogs. Erica is new to the sport of agility and is enjoying the challenge with her youngest boxer Paisley.

Michelle

Client Care

Michelle was born and raised on a ranch in Livermore. She has 3 daughters who were actively raised in 4-H and FFA. In 2009, Michelle went to school to obtain a pharmacy tech license and has now recently joined the veterinary field. With her ranch and pharmacy experience she is able to provide excellent customer service to our clients. When not at work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies.