Dr. Tracy Wood
Owner and Medical Director
A 1994 WSU veterinary graduate, Dr. Wood started her career as a mixed animal (cat, dog, horses, cattle) vet in north Idaho.

Her broad range of experience in both large and small animal medicine has giver her a definite edge and well roundedness in her diagnostic and surgical skills. She has been called by her piers a "lifer" and "the Sally Fields" of veterinary medicine because of her natural likeability and a true love for what she does. Dr. Wood purchased the Animal Hospital of Renton from Dr. Steve Swaim in November 2000, and has steadily progressed the medical protocols of AHCC into what is now the most up to date, modern, common sense approach to veterinary medicine available. In her off time she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, cooking, and reading.

Dr. BenDetta Dickerson
I am sorry to inform you that Dr. Dickerson is no longer with this practice. She has chosen to pursue other career & life opportunities in another part of the state in an area that she preferred not to disclose to her clients or general public. Her new career choice significantly differs from the capacity in which she worked here at Animal HealthCare Center. She left AHCC in good standing and with a clear vision for her future.

For all of those clients that typically see Dr. Dickerson, I would recommend to you as an alternative, our medical director Dr. Wood, (which most of you are already familiar with) Associate Veterinarian Dr. Tina Giesbers or any of our other highly qualified veterinary staff.

On behalf of myself and the entire AHCC staff I want to personally take this opportunity to thank each of you for your loyalty over the years and into the future. We want to continue to earn your trust in the care we provide for your pets.

Dr. Tina Giesbers
Has been with AHCC since October of 2006.

She completed her undergraduate work at Oregon state university where she majored in microbiology, from there she attended and graduated from WSU veterinary school in 1981. Dr. Giesbers has worked in Vancouver WA and around the greater Seattle area for many years before joining the team at AHCC. When she is not at work she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Kevin Collins
General Manager
Has been with the team since November 15th 2000.

He was instrumental in the creation of AHCC from the former Animal Hospital of Renton. He was the chief organizer, planner and coordinator that ultimately resulted in the construction of the new facility. Kevin manages all aspects of the inner workings of AHCC. In his spare time he enjoys wood working and carpentry, weight lifting, reading books on philosophy and quantum mechanics as well as spending time with his wife and kids.

Cher Smith
Assistant Manager/Client Services Manager
Cher has been with AHCC since Jan. 2003.

She has several exotic breed cast and one Italian greyhound. Cher has been working in the veterinary field since 1989 and has an interest in rare breed cats such as the Russian Peterbald and the Cornish Rex. She is a certified whitewater guide and a world traveler. She enjoys movies and making stained glass. Cher is also an active member of Bats Conservation International and PETA. She lives here in Renton with her sister 6 cats and 1 dog.

Julie Conroy
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Julie has been with AHR/AHCC longer than any other personÉ.. since 1990 wow!

Julie has one cat and one dog. She is an avid cyclist and very active in many other sports. Julie started working in a veterinary ER in 1987 and then made the switch to daytime practice in 1990.

Stacy Kakuschke
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Joined the team October 2006 she received her associate degree in Veterinary Technology from pierce college in 2000.

Stacy enjoys watching her favorite football team the Oakland Raiders. In her spare time she likes watching the Disney channel and spending time with her pets Kramer, Bocephus, JD, Oscar, and Smokie.

Brandon Fry
Technician
Has been with AHCC since April 2004 he attended and graduated from Pima Medical Institute earlier that same year.

Brandon has one cat Banner, a dog Izzy and a herd of Rats. Brandon breeds, raises and shows rats. When he was in high school he raised and showed sheep and lambs in FFA. One day he hopes to have a farm of his own so he can support his love for animals big and small.

Melinda Wicks
Technician
Melinda has been with AHCC the second longest, since Aug. 1995.

In addition to her regular duties, Melinda takes care of all the details that help AHCC run better behind the scenes. She makes all the go home materials and post surgery bandanna's for clients and their pets. Melinda's favorite dog breed is Husky, she loves old cars particularly the Mustang. She enjoys creating original sculpture pieces with her partner Steve when she is not at work.

Melanie Boyd
Technician
Started with AHCC June 2005.

Melanie has been in the veterinary field for several years and loves what she does. She enjoys plants, 4 leaf clovers, unicorns, music and making jewelry. When she's not at work Melanie loves spending quality time with her husband and son. She has many pets that she cares for, three dogs, two cats, one cockatiel, fish and a turkey.

Dawn Hinger
Technician
Joined the team in March 2006 after she graduated from Pima Medical Institute.

Dawn has a dog Milo, a 3 pound Yorkshire Terrier and two new kittens. She loves to snow ski, spend time with her kids, and read true crime stories.

Kristina O'Neil
Vet Assistant/ Client Services
Joined us Dec. 2006, she will be attending the Veterinary Tech. school in 2008.

Kristina loves working with various types of pets and clients. She enjoys working in all areas of the hospital particularly in surgery and has one German Shepherd and one cat.

Hobbie Bobbit
AHCC Guard Cat
Bobbit is a Tortoise shell Manx cat with character traits that rival the cartoon cat Garfield.

She has been with us since May 2005 when our practice manager found her wandering the streets of Seattle late at night. Clearly a stray as she was malnourished and full of fleas. We took her in, cleaned her up, spayed and vaccinated her and she's been here ever since. Bobbit enjoys redecorating her already posh environment; she loves jazz music, typing on any available computer, head butting, and pleasure reading. For exercise Bobbit loves to play with other pets here in the facility, particularly puppies.