Meet Our Team

Evan Ware, DVM

Owner/Veterinarian

My name is Dr. Evan Ware, and I am a DVM and owner of Laveen Veterinary Center.

I started my career in 2008 in a busy 10 doctor practice in Tempe, Arizona. Despite the heavy pressure and high intensity, I was surrounded by a group of passionate, intelligent and progressive veterinarians that mentored me and enhanced my desire to combine compassionate client service with leading edge veterinary medicine. I opened my first veterinary hospital in 2014 with the vision of offering clients wellness, medical and surgical services for their companion animals tailored to their needs and comprehensive in all states of life and health status. Additionally, I wanted to provide a working environment of kindness, trust, accountability and ambition toward constant improvement.

The focuses within my career have evolved over my years of practice, but my underlying principles and values have never deviated-strive for excellence in the practice of medicine, provide compassionate care to my patients and clients and always create an environment of positivity and open communication.

Areas of special interest:

• Orthopedic disease and surgery
• General and advanced soft tissue surgery
• Curating a work culture that maximizes satisfaction, growth, accountability and trust

My friends, family and colleagues may tell you that I never stop moving. I am an exercise fanatic, lifelong student and avid outdoorsman.

Amber Naig, DVM

Medical Director

My name is Dr. Amber Naig, and I am an Iowa native who relocated to the desert following graduation from Iowa State University in 2007. Growing up on a farm, I knew from a young age that I loved animals, and cannot remember a time when I wanted to do anything but practice veterinary medicine.

I have a soft spot for squishy faces, especially my two favorite breeds: Pugs and Shih-Tzus. My interests include internal medicine, surgery, and ultrasonography.
I am excited to be part of the team at Laveen Veterinary Center where there is such a huge focus on providing the most compassionate and complete care for people and their pets. I understand what an important role pets play in people’s families and look forward to providing the care they need throughout their lives.

In my downtime, I enjoy traveling. I’ve visited 13 countries so far and counting! I also enjoy exploring the beauty Arizona has to offer, baking, and reading.

Cecilia McKenna, DVM

Veterinarian

I grew up in Westchester County, New York and enjoyed loving and caring for a variety of pets including a hamster, a rabbit, a Cockatiel, two Bulldogs, and three cats. While these animals never “asked” anything of me, each one depended on the care my family and I provided, and, whenever possible, I accompanied these family members to their vet appointments. It did not take long for my love of my pets to spark my interest in a career in veterinary medicine, so I sought out summer jobs at equestrian facilities, farms, and animal shelters.

Fast forward to college…I attended Penn State University (We are!) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Minor in Equine Science. Following college, I worked at a neighborhood animal hospital, which opened my eyes on what firsthand work with animals entails. I was captivated and soon after started to apply to veterinary schools. I chose Midwestern University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with honors in June of 2022.

One of the cool things about being a vet is that I get to meet people who care about animals as much as I do. Medicine is fascinating because it is always evolving and there is always something new to learn! And if you have sat in a vet clinic waiting room more than once, you understand that no two days can be the same.

Outside of work, I love to spend time hiking the Southwest, trying new foods with my fiancé at restaurants across the valley, and traveling both domestically and to overseas destinations.

I am excited and grateful to be a part of Laveen Veterinary Center, and I hope to meet you and your pet(s) soon!

Michelle Beck CVT CVPM

Practice Manager

Hi! I’m Michelle, and I’m the practice manager for Laveen Veterinary Center. My role in the practice is to provide support to and establish guidelines for our wonderful staff so that we may deliver the highest quality veterinary care to our furry friends.

I earned a Bachelor’s of Science from UCLA and first entered the field of veterinary medicine in 2010 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. After working for a number of years on the floor as a veterinary technician, I decided that it was time to use my knowledge and experience in a different way. Thus, I began my career in veterinary practice management! I earned my CVPM designation in April 2024.

My favorite part of my job is helping to create a clinic culture where our staff feels supported, truly cared for, and encouraged to be the best veterinary professionals that they can be. It is in this way that I feel like I can make a positive impact on the lives of the cats and dogs in our community.

In my free time, I love hanging out at home in the backyard with my husband and super cute fur- babies, reading, going to the movies, and travelling whenever and wherever I can.

Sarah L.

Operations Specialist

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am the Operations Specialist at Phoenix and Laveen Veterinary Centers. I assist the Practice Manager by overseeing the day to day events necessary to keep the clinic moving forward. The veterinary field had called my name in 2003, and I have loved my work every day since. I am an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional that stems from my long time belief in the importance of the patient’s emotional health along with physical health. With that information given, it should be no surprise that I enjoy animal behavior, specifically troubleshooting the all complex feline! Outside of business hours, you’ll find me enjoying music, traveling, crafting, reading, listening to podcasts, exploring random places, playing with my pets, and hanging with my husband…but not in the same weekend.

Alexis

Lead Veterinary Technician

Hello. My name is Alexis, and I am one of the lead veterinary technicians at Laveen Veterinary Center. I help in whatever capacity I am needed, whether it is checking in your pets, client education, or assisting in surgical and dental procedures. I have been working here since 2014. I have lived in beautiful sunny Arizona all my life. As a child, I loved watching and learning about animals in books and television shows. Animals have always fascinated and inspired wonder in me. I wanted to know everything I could about all types of animals. When I was younger, I would help injured birds or find homes for stray dogs. That was a common occurrence for me and something my parents thankfully supported and nourished my love of animals. I currently have cats and dogs.

I am currently an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, and I plan on becoming a veterinarian. When I am not working or going to school, I love to read, sing, and spend time with my family, friends, and furry babies. I also love to laugh and there are definitely no dull moments when working with animals and great people.

Working here at Laveen Veterinary Center has reinforced what I always wanted as a child…to help animals and people in any way that I can and to do something that I am passionate about.

Holly M.

Lead Veterinary Technician

Hello. I’m Holly, one of the lead technicians at Laveen Veterinary Center.
I am proud to be an Arizona native and have lived in Phoenix most of my life. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of the menagerie of animals we tended to right here in the city. It was never a dull moment gathering eggs from the henhouse in the mornings, being chased by our duck Elsie, feeding the pigs, cuddling with the bunnies that always found their way to us, and playing with our many dogs. As a youngster, I wanted to be a teacher but found my passion really invested in animals. I have been a veterinary technician since 2007 and have found I can still pursue my love of education through strengthening and building the human-animal bond with the wonderful clients and pet lovers I get to interact with. My interests within veterinary medicine include dentistry, client education, preventative medicine, and assisting in surgery (especially orthopedics). In my free time, you can find me tending to my plants, getting crafty, spending quality time with my dogs, and enjoying the outdoors.

Luci

Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Amy

Certified Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Celeste

Certified Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Stevie

Certified Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Tori

Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Leena

Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Jocelyn

CSR/Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Gabby

Veterinary Technician

My name is Gabby, and I have been a veterinary technician since 2018.I started working at Laveen Veterinary Center in 2021. I graduated from Mesa Community College’s veterinary technician program with an associate degree in animal science. A regular day at work includes checking in rooms, providing client education, and monitoring anesthetic patients. My main hobbies are finding new spooky movies, hanging out with my pets, and reading.

Stephanie

Veterinary Technician

My name is Stephanie, and I work at Laveen Veterinary Center as a veterinary technician. I graduated from Pima Medical Institute in 2019 and have been working with animals ever since. I am very passionate about providing the best quality healthcare for our furry loved ones. In my free time, I like to hang out with my family and friends. When I’m not with them, I like to listen to music or go shopping.

Jesse

Veterinary Technician

My name is Jesse and I have been working at Laveen Veterinary Center as a veterinary technician since 2022. My role here is to assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals by performing tasks like administering medication, conducting lab tests, and assisting with surgeries. I received my AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification through EVIT while I was in high school and I’m now pursuing my degree as a CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician) at PIMA Medical Institute. My goal as a veterinary technician is to educate clients and provide my patients with the quality care they deserve. Some of my favorite activities I do outside of work are riding horses along the mountain trail, cooking, and playing bass or guitar.

Christina

Veterinary Technician

My name is Christina, and I am a veterinary technician at Laveen Veterinary Center.

Since starting my career in 2020, I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of working in this rewarding field.

My responsibilities include surgery monitoring, blood collection, IV catheter placement, radiology, and other essential tasks. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is client education. I believe informed pet owners play a vital role in their pets’ health and well-being.

I firmly believe that no question is too small or unimportant, so please don’t hesitate to ask me anything! I am proud to be part of a clinic that values exceptional care for both our patients and their families.

Outside of work, I enjoy sport-bike riding and reading. Of course, taking care of my pets at home brings immense joy to my life. They are often referred to as “my kids”. Some would even say they are spoiled rotten, but I think that’s how it should be.

Graciela G.

Veterinary Technician

My name is Graciela. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and am a veterinary technician at Laveen Veterinary Center. My job is to primarily take care of sick and healthy fur babies, whether it is going over what vaccines your pet may need or setting an IV catheter.

I went to Carrington College and completed their 9-month program from which I graduated and received my veterinary assistant certificate. I grew up around animals, and working close to them has made my passion grow.

I have great compassion and a strong work ethic to keep our patients healthy and look forward to growing and learning more and more each day. When I’m not caring for your pets, I enjoy working out, playing sports, and gathering with my family.

Kayla

Client Service Representative

My name is Kayla, and I work at Laveen Veterinary Center as one of your Client Service Representatives. Animals have always been a big part of my life since I was a little girl. Growing up, my mother was a veterinary technician, so we have always had a big furry family under our roof. Animals have continually provided immeasurable pleasure to my life, whether it’s putting a big smile on my face, making me laugh, or simply having a special connection with them and knowing they feel the same way.

In my down time, I enjoy seeing movies, spending time with my fur babies at home, or catching up with friends and family. I feel very blessed to be working here with our wonderful veterinarians and a staff that share the same passionto contribute to their well-being as I do.

Danielle

Client Service Representative

Hi! My name is Danielle, and I am one of the Customer Service Representatives here at Laveen Veterinary Center. I received my AVA certification through West-MEC in 2020. Growing up, I was surrounded by a variety of animals; dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and an array of other farm animals. I have always been passionate about providing client education and compassion to their fur babies. In my free time, you’ll find me reading, cooking, spending time with my dogs, and horses, or gathering with my friends. I’m very grateful to be a part of Laveen Veterinary Center and can’t wait to meet you and your fur babies!