ABOUT US

At All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital & Surgery Center, our goal is train Veterinary Technicians to become highly skilled RVTs while continuously improving the quality of life of our patients and the well-being of our community. We pride ourselves in providing high quality, cost effective veterinary health care that exceeds our clients’ expectations. Our staff is devoted to providing the best medical, surgical, and emergency veterinary care available.

Founded in 2022 by Dr. Richard Johnson, All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital & Surgery Center will grow with a mission of providing the finest medical care available for your pet. All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital & Surgery Center combines a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital with medical and surgical expertise to optimize the treatment options for your pet. We believe that medical care does not end with a doctor’s visit, but also includes preventive health and hygiene. We are excited to provide this type of learning environment to our students. This teaching model is recognized for producing highly skilled and motivated Registered Veterinary Technicians.

We believe that our most valuable assets are the relationships we build with our clients, staff, students and the fostered trust of our patients. We welcome new patients and look forward to continuing to provide our existing clients with the quality veterinary care they have come to expect.

We strive to be San Diego’s first choice in veterinary care and look forward to the opportunity to serve your needs.

Our team is fully dedicated to the health and happiness of your pets!

Veterinarians

Richard Johnson, DVM

Chief Executive Officer/Veterinarian

Dr. Johnson has had a rich and full life deeply involved in Veterinary Medicine! Due to his passion to help others he created and founded All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital and Surgery Center and Vet Tech Nursing Academy.

Dr. Johnson’s vision is to become a preferred veterinary technician education source for the community who has the heart and soul for this profession. He is committed to improving the lives of all animals through personal experience cultivating in the program with compassion, integrity, and quality care.

His educational and working background include:

*Doctor of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis
*West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group: Internship
*Animal Medical Center, New York, New York: Surgical Residency
*University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Assistant Professor in Surgery
*Broadway Animal Hospital: Owner and Medical Director
*Animal Medical Center of East County: Founder and creator

He has been active in many professional organizations always with the desire to improve our profession with an emphasis on teaching and advancement of the veterinary technician community.
* American Association of Veterinary State Boards: committee member
*Veterinary Medical Board State of California: member
*Veterinary Medical Board, California Registered Veterinary Technician Committee
*California Veterinary Medical Association: California Registered Veterinary Technicians Outstanding Doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the Year 2011 Recipient
* Norden Teacher of the Year Award Recipient
*San Diego Mesa College Animal Health Technology Program: Adjunct professor-Advisory Committee
*National PetCare Centers: Founder and Director of Medical and Surgical Quality

He is involved in our profession locally and nationwide:
*Veterinary Study Groups, VSG, the largest privately owned groups of veterinary hospitals in the United States: Original member/founder
*Sand Diego Veterinary Medical Association (SDVMA): Past President

His current exciting projects include:
*All God’s Creatures Animal Hospital, a small animal practice teaching hospital, CEO and Hospital Director
*Vet Tech Nursing Academy, an education center for the development of the veterinary technician community: Founder and Senior Instructor
*IVHI: Institute for Veterinary Healthcare improvement, a non-profit organization for the development of service dogs for our PTS service members, law enforcement, and first responders: Creator/founder
Dr. Johnson has a passion for education especially in the field of Veterinary Technology. The Vet Tech Nursing Academy is the culmination of his efforts to improve and develop the Veterinary profession.

He lives in El Cajon with his wife, Nancy, and their three Boston Terriers

Selena Savides, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Selena Savides grew up on a cattle ranch in the rolling hills of Central California. On this small farm, Dr. Savides grew up loving the animals. From the age of 8 years old she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Selena completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University with a degree in Biology/Zoology and a minor in Chemistry. From there she moved to the middle of the midwest where she attended the University of Missouri at Columbia. She graduated with honors in 2010.

Dr. Savides’s passion in veterinary medicine is surgery, and she has become well versed in soft tissue surgery. Her other passion is traveling, and she combined her two loves in 2017 when she joined World Vets- which is a volunteer program providing international aid for animals in 3rd world countries. The campaigns provide free sterilization procedures (spay/neuter) for anyone who brings their animals to the clinics. She has visited over 30 different countries… for both work and fun!

In her spare time, she enjoys riding her bicycle and going for walks or hikes in the area. Her little pet family likes to go with… including her Senegal Parrot named Mtini and her recent adorable rescue dog Rafi.

Dr. Savides has joined All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital and Surgery Center in hopes of adding to the quality veterinary medicine practiced here as well as to broaden her own surgery skills.

Christopher George, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Christopher George was raised in Northern California. He was fortunate to be able to work with horses and cattle when he was young which led to an interest in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. George graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. He completed his internship in equine surgery at UC Davis the following year. Dr. George has been practicing large animal medicine, small animal general and emergency medicine for over 40 years. When Dr. George is caring for your pet, there is no question, you will feel his kindness and compassion that will create an enduring and trusting relationship.

Support Staff

Crystal Kieley, RVT

Program Director/Chief Operating Officer

Crystal has worked in general practice, emergency, and specialty medicine, specifically in surgery and internal medicine. She has a strong interest in anesthesiology and critical care. In 2021, she became a Program Director and an Instructor at Vet Tech Nursing Academy. Passionate about expanding her veterinary knowledge, Crystal is delighted to be part of a wonderful veterinary technician program and committed to helping those working in a veterinary hospital to further their knowledge and skills. She is married to her husband Marc and together they have three precious daughters along with two chihuahuas and a bearded dragon to complete their family.

Lisa Cabot, RVT

Front Desk Operations Manager

Hi, my name is Lisa! I was born on the east coast in Connecticut, lived in Michigan for a couple of years, headed west to San Diego and have lived here ever since I was 4 years old. I have always loved animals, so I furthered my education at SDSU and received a B.S in Biology in hopes of working at a zoo. Well, that didn’t pan out after I started working in a veterinary hospital. In 2001, I went to work for Drs. Johnson & Hampel and have been with them ever since. My husband and I share our home with two 4-legged children, both Bernese Mountain Dogs, one of which is still trying to grow up. In my spare time I enjoy traveling and attending and watching pretty much all sporting events, even a little curling in Canada. One of the most important things to me is client and patient care so I strive to provide the Best!

Kim Jones, RVT

Program Coordinator/Senior Instructor

I grew up here in San Diego and graduated from Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley. I discovered at a very young age my love for animals and was always bringing animals home. My parents never knew what to expect next but supported my ambition to pursue my passion of animals. This love eventually brought me to enroll at Mesa College where I received my Associate Science and Animal Health technology degrees. I have been a registered Veterinary Technician since 1985 and have been blessed to have worked with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Hampel for the past 38 years. I love all aspects of veterinary nursing but find myself particularly drawn to surgery and dentistry. I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge with others that is why I’m so excited to be a part of the Vet Tech Nursing Academy preparing the next generations of technicians.

I consider myself a country girl and have been fortunate enough along with my husband to raise our two sons in the wonderful community of Ramona. In my spare time you can find me getting my “equine therapy” with my horse Peanut riding the trails and participating in gymkhana and cowboy challenges. I also enjoy hanging out with our cat Trico who keeps us entertained with his antics.

I look forward to continuing serving our community as we start our new adventure.

Bethany Keeble, RVT

Clinical Operations Manager

Bethany has worked in general practice, emergency and specialty medicine. She has been practicing as an RVT for many years.

She has a passion for emergency & critical care medicine. She also enjoys working with neonates and on the other end of the spectrum geriatrics but loves them all. Excellent patient care is what she strives for daily. When she’s not working she dedicates a lot of her time working with a rescue group called The Frosted Faces Foundation. She also has an interest in animal physical rehabilitation. Bethany is married and has two beautiful little girls along with her two dogs, a cat and two chickens.

Damian DiLorenzo, RVT

Surgery Operations Manager

My name is Damian and I have been in the field since 2012, a Registered Veterinary Technician for most of that time.

Throughout my career, I have gained experience in several areas of the field, including surgery, emergency, urgent care, general practice, leadership, management, high volume spay/neuter, dedicated hospitalized patient care, and a special interest and expertise in dentistry.

I’ve always had passion for animals and medicine, I get to combine both of them everyday.

I was born in Argentina, but have been local to San Diego for over 20 years. Avid soccer fan and player, father of 3 amazing kids (2 girls, 1 boy) and married to a beautiful RVT who is the Medical Supervisor at the San Diego Humane Society.

Jamie

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hi, I’m Jamie! I was born and raised in a very small rural town in Central Oregon! It was there that I developed a love for wildlife and was fortunate to enjoy many outdoor activities, but my best memories were family camping trips and hitting the ski slopes with my dad. In 2000 I married and moved to San Diego to pursue a teaching degree at San Diego State University. I started working with Drs. Johnson & Hampel in 2003 and the rest is history. My hobbies include cooking, spending time at the beach and cheering on the Padres with my husband and my two boys! At home, I have a 3 year old Bulldog mix named Mack who has insured no other animal friends can come to live with me. My passions are service and client education and I promise to leave you feeling prepared and at-ease no matter what you need to come in for!

Francine

Registered Veterinary Technician- Surgery Lead

Hello, my name is Francine. I’ve been in the veterinary field for almost 15 years! Thanks to All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital I received my license as a registered veterinary technician through Vet Tech Nursing Academy. My special interests include anesthesia, surgery, dentistry and veterinary technician education.

My hobbies include hiking, camping, cooking, fostering pets, and spending time with my 2 year old son. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the AGC team and look forward to our journey together.

Jose

Registered Veterinary Technician

“Hi, I’m Jose! I am a new RVT here at All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital and Surgery Center. I am well rounded when it comes to the veterinary field as I perform all sorts of veterinary duties for your beloved pets such as blood draws, catheter placements, physical examinations, general anesthesia, monitoring, and so much more behind the scenes. In my free time I love to do very San Diegan activities such as going to Padres games, kayaking, fishing, taking my Australian Cattle Dog to Ocean Beach Dog beach, going for evening walks at Balboa Park, and enjoying the dining in different areas of San Diego such as Downtown, Old Town, and Coronado. I look forward to providing the best care to your pet!”

Victoria

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hi, I’m Victoria! I was born and raised right here in San Diego. I have always loved animals and knew I wanted to pursue a career in helping them. I have been in the veterinary field for 8 years. I graduated and received my CVA from PIMA Medical Institute. I recently graduated from the VASE program so that I can take the national test to obtain my RVT license. I love emergency medicine and dentistry. During my off-time I enjoy spending time with my husband, son, 3 dogs (Willow, Tucker & Dodger) and my horse Little Man. I love going to the beach, San Diego Zoo, Seaworld and spending time with family and friends.

Hali

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hi, I’m Hali! I’m a San Diego local and have been in the veterinary field since 2020. I’m so excited to join the team at All God’s Creatures Training and Surgery Center. Before this, I worked in dog training and behavior, leading structured on- and off-leash pack walks and helping pups put their best paw forward. I transitioned into the medical side of animal care to become more well-rounded, and working in ER medicine made me fall in love with the field. I have a Boxer/Lab mix named Kash and a tri-pod kitty named Trip, and I’m dedicated to making sure every animal feels safe, cared for, and surrounded by those pawsitive vibes they deserve

Lily

Lead Veterinary Assistant

Hello, I’m Lily Peinado, I have lived in San Diego for 15 years and love it here. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing and beautiful team at All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital! I went to school in Mexico (UAA) graduated with a bachelor’s and have been interested in furthering my education and knowledge in the animal field since then. I enjoy working with all types of animals, and really like working in all areas of animal medicine, having special interest in surgery and dentals. I love learning new things and my passion is to give the best out of me and caring of your pets. I share my life with my husband and my 3 children, we also have 3 fur babies, our 2 cats, Whiskers and Skylar and 1 dog, Benito.

Kalani

Sterilization Technician/Inventory Specialist

Hi! My name is Kalani and I’m a sterilization technician. I’ve been in the veterinary field for over 10 years, and I am very passionate about the health and care of animals. Outside of the veterinary world I have two dogs named Pickles and Zoey, together we enjoy the beach and visiting farmers markets. I’m blessed to be a part of a wonderful team here at All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital & Surgery Center.

Gabby

Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Gabby! I’m born and raised here in San Diego. Ever since I was little I’ve loved animals. I grew up riding horses and being around many farm animals. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in helping them, small or big. After I graduated from high school I attended Pima Medical Institute. I graduated and received my CVA and began working in a small animal clinic for about 2 years then moved on to emergency and worked there for 5 years. I love being in the veterinary field. Even though I had to step out for a few years, I’m now back in the field as a mom of two! On my time off I love enjoying time with my husband, my daughter and son. We love going to the beach, camping, and going to the desert. What completes us are our 2 border collies (Lyla and Lucy), 3 cats (Cheetoh, Niko, Chiqui), 3 chickens (Stella, Cookie, Valentine) and our cockatiel (Macho).

Esme

Veterinary Assistant

Hi there! My name is Esmé, and I am a veterinary technician and student at All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital!

Immediately after graduating high school, I headed to college to pursue a nursing degree in labor and delivery. While I was in college getting all my prerequisites done and attaining my CNA license, I started a part-time job at a veterinary clinic, where it took me no time at all to realize that my true calling was to be a veterinary nurse!

I have now been in the veterinary field for approximately 6 years, working mostly in small animal general practice and practice management!

So far, I enjoy every aspect of veterinary medicine, but my special interests include surgery, dentistry, and general practice medicine.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, photography, and spending time with my mom, two brothers, and fiancé. I also love every minute spent with our 5 cats (Bonnie, Clyde, Freya, Petra, and He-Man) and 2 dogs (Rayo and Elmer)!

Working with animals is such a privilege, and I am blessed for the opportunity to further my education at All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital.

Holland

Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Holland, born and raised in Southern California! I grew up having all sorts of animals and always had an interest in working with them. I started out in Emergency/ICU for almost 8 years and then moved to general practice for the last 2 years. I have two dogs, Mia, a 16 yr old pittie mix and Veda, a 3 year old bull terrier and two axololts. During my free time I love camping, hiking, the beach, crafting and hanging out with family/friends.

Maddi

Veterinary Assistant

Maddi Polhamus is a dedicated veterinary technician with experience in both equine and small animal care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She loves veterinary medicine for its continuous learning opportunities and the ever-evolving knowledge it offers. With her commitment to animal welfare and a passion for ongoing education, she strives to make a positive impact on every animal she meets.

In her free time she enjoys running with her dogs, working on her camper build, and anything outdoors.

Nina

Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Nina and I was born and raised in San Diego. With a passion for animal welfare and a drive to make a difference, I quit my desk job in 2019 and pursued a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Growing up surrounded by pets, I developed a deep empathy for animals and a desire to care for them. I successfully completed schooling from Platt College Alhambra and I am excited to embark on this rewarding journey and contribute to this amazing family at All God’s Creatures Animal Hospital. In my down time, I love to go to the beach, relax at home watching movies and eating delicious food with my kids Carly and Carlos and my three cats Fatty, Doodley and Ash.

Jennifer

Customer Service Specialist

Hi, My name is Jennifer! I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I have had a love for animals since I was very young and always bringing pets home.

I moved to San Diego about 17 years ago to pursue my dream of working with animals and had the opportunity to rescue farm animals for a few years. I then furthered my education and experience with earning many certifications working in animal care field.

I absolutely love all aspects of the veterinary field and have a passion for learning new things and caring for all types of animals.

During my time at home I love spending time with my husband, two sons, two dogs (Kalea & Arlo) and our farm animals. I do enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, gardening and ranching.

I am very excited to be a part of such a wonderful team!

Tati

Customer Service Specialist

Hafa Adai (Hello) my name is Tatieana. I’m a CSR and a passionate animal lover with a deep connection to veterinary care. Over the past 2 years I’ve worked in veterinary hospitals gaining invaluable experience and a strong commitment supporting animal health and their well being. Outside of my professional life I love spending it with my family hiking, taking trips to the beach, trying out new bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops and attending music concerts/festivals. I have a genuine passion to help others and enjoy cooking for my loved ones. I have a brindle pitbull named Diesel and a spotted crested gecko named Fiona to complete my family!

REACH OUT TODAY

At All God’s Creatures Animal hospital, our goal is to continuously improve the quality of life of our patients and the well-being of our community by providing high quality, cost effective veterinary health care that exceeds our clients’ expectations. Our staff is devoted to providing the best medical, surgical, and emergency veterinary care available.