Megan recently moved to Mesa, Arizona after living in South Florida her whole life. She moved to AZ to be closer to her brother and his 2 fur kids, Piper and Franklin. She also has her own dog, Mindy, a senior Chihuahua Terrier. Mindy is her first dog and Megan helped rescue her from an unsafe home environment with the help of the rescue organization she volunteered for at the time. She gained much of her animal experience volunteering at a large dog breed rescue that saved mother dogs and their puppies. Megan hopes to grow with Best Friends Animal Hospital and hopefully become one of their technicians to better serve the community and their furry children.
When not working, Megan enjoys driving around Arizona and getting to know the state. She loves checking out quirky coffee shops, visiting new metaphysical stores (hello Sedona!), and learning more about astrology. She wishes to one day adopt a black cat from a shelter and name him or her Salem as she enjoys spooky season year-round.
Julia is a veterinary technician with 10 years of experience and a strong passion for surgery and dental care. She enjoys being hands-on in patient care and is dedicated to ensuring each pet is comfortable and well cared for throughout their visit. She takes pride in supporting both her patients and their owners through every step of their care. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, caring for her three cats, and riding motorcycles with her husband.
Born and raised in Arizona, Carlee has always felt most at home outdoors – playing soccer, camping, hiking, and paddle boarding under the desert sun. That love for nature naturally grew into a passion for caring for animals.
After graduating from Illinois College in 2020, Carlee began a career as a veterinary technician and has been dedicated to helping animals live healthier, happier lives ever since. Carlee has a special place in her heart for animals in need and finds the most fulfillment in making a difference for those who can’t speak for themselves. Carlee is excited to bring that care and compassion to the team at Best Friends Animal Hospital, where she looks forward to building connections with both patients and their owners.
At home, Carlee and her husband are kept on their toes by their two rescue dogs, Molly and Ariel, who constantly remind Carlee why she chose this path. Their playful personalities and second-chance stories continue to inspire Carlee’s compassion and commitment every day.
Jared has been working in the veterinary field for over four years and brings a genuine passion for animal care to her role as a receptionist. She is dedicated to supporting both pets and their families, and finds fulfillment in being part of a team that strengthens the human-animal bond every day.
Outside of the clinic, Jared enjoys spending time outdoors, as well as reading books and relaxing with her son and family. She shares her home with her rescue cat, M&M, and her dog, Bella. She has a special love for Goldendoodles, admiring their playful, loving personalities—which she feels reflect her own approach to life.
Jared is also a twin, a fun fact she loves to share, and she continues to grow her passion for the veterinary world through both her work and personal experiences.
Jules was born on the West Coast but raised in the Valley, Jules knew from a young age that she wanted to help those without a voice. That passion has led her to dedicate over 11 years to working as a veterinary technician. When she’s not caring for animals at the clinic, Jules loves spending time with her own pets. Whether she’s cuddled up with Beanie, her senior tabby cat, or competing in agility with her two Border Collies, Opie and Happy, animals have always been at the center of her life.
Caroline was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. She always loved animals as a child, helping any stray she found. She has worked in the veterinary field since 2009. She is a new face at Best Friends and is excited to provide excellent care. Her favorite part of working at Best Friends is developing relationships with clients, and being able to witness healing in the animals. Caroline and her husband share a home with their daughter Everly, born in 2019. They have a Great Dane named Champagne, a Cavalier named Miles, a Daniff named Frida, a cat named Kiko, and a sulcata named Dinosaur, all of which are rescues. They have welcomed dozens of foster dogs into their home as well. When not working, Caroline loves to be in the pool with her family or volunteering with her rescue Big Hearts for Big Breeds.
Bio Coming Soon!
Bio Coming Soon!
Gabby is the dedicated Practice Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in veterinary medicine since 2009. With a background in both emergency and general practice, she has also successfully owned her own business for three years and played a key role in opening multiple independently owned veterinary clinics for doctors. Passionate about best practices and patient care, Gabby ensures that every pet receives the highest level of attention and compassion.
At home, she shares her life with five dogs, two cats, and a few exotic pets. When she’s not at work, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors.
Emilia grew up in Portland, OR. Being raised in the PNW nurtured her love for the outdoors, crafts, music, literature, food, and of course animals. She has always had a fondness and respect for animals that comes from her father. She would watch him feed the stray cats and crows in the neighborhood growing up. One of her earliest memories is of him teaching her how to gently pet a dog. Her experiences from childhood have nurtured her interest in protecting the human and animal bond. She moved to Arizona at the end of 2018 and met her now husband Enrique. Together they share two cats (Nico and Tuny Fish) and two dogs (Folsom and Teddy Bear). Emilia has been working in vet med for over 5 years and is currently an Applied Biological Sciences (Pre-Vet) major at ASU.
I was raised in Buckeye where my love for working with animals began with baby goats and chickens! I now live in the east valley with my soon-to-be husband, our pup Jessie, and our new kitten Winnie. I graduated from the Mesa Community College CVA program in the spring of 2023 and am looking forward to furthering my career in veterinary care. In my free time I can be found hiking with Jessie, playing games with friends, or shopping with my sister.
Rebecca was born and raised in Chandler AZ. She started her passion for caring for animals when she was a child and would foster baby ducklings. She then got involved with dog rescues and helped take care of them. She graduated from vet assisting school in 2021 and is planning on continuing her education in the vet field. In her Rebecca’s free time, she loves to ride her two horses, River and Daizey. She also has a 10-year-old dog named Luna that was rescued as a puppy.
Dr. Ulcena is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to pets and their families. Her love for animals began early—she participated in veterinary programs throughout middle and high school, setting the foundation for her career in general veterinary medicine.
When she’s not caring for your furry family members, Dr. Ulcena enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring the great outdoors through nature walks and visits to national parks.
Dr. Leigh Shaw is a 2022 graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her bachelor’s degree in veterinary science with a minor in microbiology at the University of Arizona. Dr. Shaw was also an active research fellow throughout veterinary school and has since co-authored multiple papers on calf health management.
Dr. Shaw has experience working with dogs, cats, cattle, and small ruminants and offers veterinary services for any of these species that can come into the clinic at this time. She is actively involved with the AVMA and AzVMA and has certificates for laser therapy services and Fear Free Shelter work. Dr Shaw is also an active fellow of the Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice, an organization that recognizes veterinarians who exceed the continuing education requirements set by the licensing board.Â
She spends her free time with her husband and their dog, two cats, and a desert tortoise. She also volunteers as a coach and judge for local and state FFA competitions for the veterinary science and parliamentary procedure competitions.
Dr. Pandov is a 2019 graduate of Midwestern University. She is a married mother of three humans and two dogs. She loves all things outdoors; hiking, camping, shooting guns and bows and gardening. To top it off she also plays the violin!
Dr. Irene Brady is a proud Arizona transplant and the owner of Best Friends Animal Hospital, where she has been caring for pets and their families in the community since 1997. A 1994 graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she also holds a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
She is an active member of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice, staying connected to the latest advancements in veterinary medicine while maintaining a strong commitment to personalized, compassionate care.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Brady enjoys a full and lively home life with her blended family of five children. Her love of animals extends far beyond the clinic—her household includes two dogs, multiple sulcata tortoises, and a small flock of chickens, reflecting her lifelong passion for all creatures, big and small.
When she is not at the hospital, Dr. Brady enjoys traveling, with Costa Rica being a favorite destination, where she finds inspiration in nature, wildlife, and adventure.
