Our Staff

Shana Litwaitis has been a receptionist at Carlsbad Animal Hospital since 2009. She loves animals and enjoys working with the friendly staff. Shana spends her free time doing gymnastics and riding horses. She also enjoys doing puzzles and reading mysteries. Her animal companions include a Siberian Husky, a cat, and a thoroughbred horse.

A registered veterinary technician at Carlsbad Animal Hospital since 2005, Nicole Petrovich has more than nine years experience in the animal care field. A New York native, Nicole attended Bucknell University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Classics in 2002. Nicole loves working with animals and is proud to be part of the caring staff at the hospital.

When she's not at work, Nicole can be found hanging out with her dogs Zoey and Biscuit. Nicole and Zoey compete in USDAA, NADAC and CPE agility trials; Biscuit is still in training. In addition to her animal-related interests, Nicole exercises her creative side by creating custom cakes for Sunnyside Custom Cakes.

Registered veterinary technician Suzi Gushansky has cared for pets at Carlsbad Animal Hospital since 2009. She loves working at the hospital because of the friendly staff and caring, knowledgeable veterinarians. Her animal companions include two dogs, Jasmine and Beagle. Suzi is a full-time mom to two wonderful children and she enjoys evening beach time with the family. She also is an avid hiker/runner and she loves to exercise with her dogs. Suzi also enjoys baking and writing children's stories in her free time.

A Carlsbad native, veterinary technician Lori Freiburger joined the Carlsbad Animal Hospital staff in 1988. At home, Lori enjoys the company of a number of cats and a beagle.

Veterinary technician Victor Araiza has worked in the animal care field for more than 30 years and joined the Carlsbad Animal Hospital staff in 2005. Victor holds a Doctorate in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine from Mexico and specializes in radiology. Victor enjoys working with the caring staff and likes learning new things about animal care each day. In his spare time, he enjoys boxing, dancing and mechanics. Victor's animal companions include two Chihuahuas, Pancho and Chispa.

Tasha Antoine is both a veterinary technician and receptionist at Carlsbad Animal Hospital. She joined the staff in 2008 but has worked in the animal care field since 1997. Working with pets has been a life-long passion of Tasha's and she is proud of the outstanding medical care and compassion offered at the hospital. Tasha shares her home with four dogs, Grace, Houdini, Calisto and Flynn, all Australian Shepherds, and Cleopatra, a cat. She also cares for three horses in Oregon named Ezzy, Indy and Magic, as well as two dogs, Jackie and Cheyenne. In her spare time, Tasha and her dogs regularly train and compete for AKC, CPE and USDAA events. She breeds Australian Shepherds and is a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America as well as numerous local animal groups. Her hobbies also include going on hikes with her dogs, learning how to make baked dog treats and website design.

Veterinary technician Michelle Ledet has helped care for pets at Carlsbad Animal Hospital since May 2008. She is currently enrolled in a program to become a registered technician. Michelle loves working with the talented, compassionate and knowledgeable staff and finds each day at work to be exciting. She has a large family of furry and feathered companions, including cats Flower, Madison, Squirt and Kinksy and a Conure named Roxy. Michelle is also a member of the Humane Society of America and the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association. When she's not at work, studying or hanging out with her pets, she enjoys reading, cooking, camping and fishing.

Dayna Espinosa joined the Carlsbad Animal Hospital team as a veterinary technician in 2009. She is proud to be part of the friendly, compassionate staff and loves working with animals. In her spare time, Dayna belly dances and performs at fairs, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. She also makes her own belly dancing costumes. At home, she enjoys the companionship of her cat, who she says is the "the cutest kitty in the entire world."

Veterinary technician Imen Rorholm has helped care for pets at Carlsbad Animal Hospital since 2008. She enjoys working in a progressive veterinary practice and likes making a difference in the lives pets and their people.

Imen's family includes two dogs, four cats and a cockatiel of unknown origin that literally flew into her life. She is extremely interested and involved in animal and human nutrition and is Royal Canin-certified in nutrition. She is currently studying health through nutrition at a private college.

With two babies and a 10-year-old at home, Imen has very little free time, but she is a volunteer foster mom for the Rescue House, a local cat rescue organization. She also enjoys going for walks in the park with her children and her dogs.