Veterinarians
Dr. Clayton Simon
Clayton Simon grew up in Southern California. He attended Acton Elementary and graduated from Palmdale High School with a strong desire to pursue a career in medicine (human medicine he thought), thank you Mr. Bristor. While an undergraduate at UC Irvine two amazing things happened; he met the young lady who would become his beloved wife and he discovered a passion for Veterinary Medicine. After volunteering at Woodbridge Animal Hospital in Irvine, Clayton’s first veterinary employment was as an entry level kennel attendant at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa where he was mentored by Dr. Tom Sholseth and Dr. Tom Irwin.
Clayton was fortunate to be accepted to UC Davis on his first application and he and his new bride moved to the central valley. After 4 short years, lots of study, and many miles bicycle riding, Dr. Clayton Simon graduated from UCD in June 1992.
Dr. Simon’s interests beyond veterinary medicine include choral singing, a wide range of DIY home improvement projects (the best projects include the purchase of new tools), and the collection of cichlid fish from Malawi Africa. He is a Christian, a student of the Bible and strives to follow Jesus as Lord in every aspect of his life.
Dr. Simon’s first employment out of veterinary school was at Crown Valley Animal Hospital in Laguna Niguel from 1992 – 1997. He learned lots of great medicine from the team of doctors that worked there during those days. He was then employed at Moulton Animal Hospital in Laguna Niguel from 1997 – 2002 when he learned much about the business aspect of the profession from his mentor and friend Dr. Peter Weinstein. During his employment, the practice was sold to NVA and Dr. Simon managed the practice for the corporation for several years after Dr. Weinstein’s departure.
In 2002 the Simon’s ventured out on their own, converting an abandoned Chinese restaurant into into Marina Hills Animal Hospital. Dr. Simon enjoys the relationships he has formed with pet lovers in Laguna Niguel, and throughout the Saddleback Valley (some have moved great distances and still return to Dr. Simon for pet care), some dating back to 1992! He knows that his fortunate circumstances grow from the care and instruction he has received from other people throughout his career, for this he is grateful.
Dr. Tina Stephens
I am very interested in my patients as little individuals, not just as the appointment scheduled for a skin rash, achey joints or vaccine boosters. So when I see your pet, we will usually discuss the total situation to assess how to prevent the problem in the future, commit to providing a healthy lifestyle including prevention of diseases and conditions and catching the early warning signs of disorders before they become big problems. We always try to offer all of the options available so that hopefully, our pets will remain healthy between routine visits.
I am an Orange County native. I have been working in veterinary hospitals since I was 17 years old. I started as kennel attendant and then trained and learned every position after that while studying to obtain an Associates degree and became a licensed Animal Health Technician (RVT) in 1982. I worked in small animal emergency, specialty referral hospitals and equine hospitals. I moved to Missouri in 1988 to complete my undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine after my parents retired there. As a veterinarian in Missouri, I worked with small animals as well as very large animals as a zoo veterinarian at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri. Elephants, alligators, eagles, lions and bears were some of my charges at this wonderful well maintained zoo in the Ozarks near Branson. As a California girl, I never really acclimated to the heat and the inclement winters there, so I returned to California in 1997.
Dr. Simon hired me as an associate at the hospital where he was head of staff. When he moved on to another practice, I returned to small animal and exotic medicine for several years treating exotic pets and cats and dogs at a practice in Mission Viejo. Finally, ( Yes, Finally!) Dr. Simon opened his own practice (Marina Hills Animal Hospital) in Laguna Niguel and I was very happy to join his team as an associate veterinarian treating some wonderful pets brought in by their caring families. That is something that you notice when working with pets; is the bond that forms between the family and the pet.
I have acres of siblings, nephews, and nieces in California as well as from Coast to Coast. I have furry pets, Bridey the ridge-less Rhodesian Ridgeback, Loretta the little tabby cat, Cap’n Ahab the three-legged tuxedo cat and a little feathered friend, a flight challenged Peach-face Lovebird named appropriately, Bitey. For my spare time I am learning violin/fiddle in Irish, country, bluegrass styles as well as belonging to a Chamber Orchestra. There is some time for gardening, dancing (all kinds, especially swing) and always trying to learn new exciting things about veterinary medicine and how to help my patients.
Management
Mary Simon
Hi, I am Mary Simon. I co-own Marina Hills Animal Hospital with my husband Dr. Clayton Simon. My background is in Chemistry and education. While my husband was in Veterinary school, I worked as both a High School teacher (Math and Science) and as a Chemist for a pharmaceutical company.
Six weeks after Veterinary school ended our first child Bryce was born. I was blessed to be able to stay home with Bryce and his siblings Anna and Isaac for about 10 years.
As the idea of Marina Hills Animal Hospital began to develop in our minds, Dr. Simon and I worked closely together to make it the hospital that it is today. As we have grown, I have had to hand off many of my original areas of responsibility to our amazing team members. Most of my duties now involve the financial aspects of the business and the rest of my time is focused on dealing with those once babies that are now teenagers!
I have always loved teaching and I volunteer in many aspects of Children’s Ministries at our church. My husband and I also enjoy singing, DIY home improvement projects, family games and barbecues. Our standard poodle, Ellie and miniature poodle, Boomer are very special family members. Ellie is the epitome of the perpetual puppy; she always wants to play and gives everyone sloppy kisses! Boomer is more reserved and has decided that I am HIS person. He loyally follows me everywhere I go and likes to rest his back against everyone’s feet. We also have A LOT of fish in several aquariums (ask Dr. Simon about them sometime if you are curious!)
Terri is the Pet Care Manager at Marina Hills Animal Hospital, and has been part of the team since 2005. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego specializing in elementary school education for severely handicapped children. She also worked as a District Sales Manager, Regional Marketing Consultant and Sales Representative at AAA for 17 years.
Terri’s passion, her love of animals and interest in lifelong learning brought her to MHAH. She and her husband Kelly have five adopted four-legged children, four cats and a German Shepherd/Alaskan Malamute named “Montana”.
Receptionists
Sue
Hi, I am Sue, the receptionist that helps you out every morning. I love teaming with our technician Amanda to be the early birds here at Marina Hills Animal Hospital. Taking your phone calls and assisting you when you drop off your pet is the best. I’ve worked here for 8 years and enjoy seeing all my furry friends every day. I live in Aliso Viejo with my husband Steve, daughter Ilani, and my four-legged kids Taz, Chunky, and Little Pig. Walking and hiking are what I love to do in my free time. Reading on my Kindle is fantastic. Oh, and I love M&M’s!
Tracy
I have been working at Marina Hills Animal Hospital since 2003, and have been in the veterinary industry for about 15 years. I have worked in other fields, but my love for animals always brings me back to an animal hospital. I have two crazy sister cats, Roxi and Georgia, who go to great extremes to get kibble from me at all hours of the night.
I have been married to Paul since 1999 and we have two little girls. Abigail, the oldest, is starting kindergarten in the fall. Carrie, the “baby”, turned two in 2011. The two of them keep me on my toes when I am not at work. As a family we love everything from beach days, to camping, to traveling, to just having BBQ’s with extended family. In my free time, which is rare these days, I love photography, writing and catching up with friends.
Jordan
Jordan enjoys creating art with any medium, he has been involved in art all of his life. Music also plays an important role in his life, as he has been playing guitar for over 10 years. He enjoys almost all genres of music. He loves the outdoors and has been enjoying camping since he was only a couple months old. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or floating on a lake; Jordan embraces being outside.
Diana
Tawnya
Picture and Bio coming soon…
Veterinary Assistants
Amanda
I started working at Marina Hills Animal Hospital as a Kennel Attendant, worked my way up to Veterinary Technician, proving myself as a skilled technician and am now the Technician Manager. Knowing all aspects of the hospital helps me give your pets the best care possible.
I have been living in Laguna Niguel for over 15 years and have always had pets in my life. Some of my best friends are my two pit bulls “Chance” and “Lolly”, and always waiting for me at home are my two cats “Jack” and “Jasmine”. Being able to care for your furry friends these past six years has made me feel like family. Not to mention the awesome staff I get to be with all day long! So, to everyone out there I say “Thank you for helping me with my achievements in doing what I love!”
Yaga
Hi, my name is Jadwiga Slowicka, but to make it simple I am called Yaga. I was born and raised in Poland, and came to United States in 2002.
I have been a veterinary technician at Marina Hills Animal Hospital since September 2006. I graduated from Mt San Antonio College’s Registered Veterinary Program in the Summer of 2011, and have acquired my RVT certification.
I have a rescue dog- Gigi, who is a 9 year old Yorkshire Terrier, and also live with two cats (White One and Tasha).
To stay in top shape, physical as well as mentally, outside of work my hobbies include ceramics and stand up paddle boarding.
Working at MHAH is my life-time dream come true. I always wanted to work with animals and feel very fortunate to work in such a great hospital!
Carly
Carly is currently going on her third year here at Marina Hills Animal Hospital. When she started off she was a shy, brace-faced, sixteen year old who worked as a Kennel Attendant during the weekends. Now she is working full time and training to be a Veterinary Technician. When she isn’t here taking care of your pets you can find her either at Irvine Valley College or in some theatre in Orange County. She is currently finishing her general education requirements and is hoping to transfer to a major in Technical Theatre with a minor in Animal Health Science in fall 2012.
Carly’s love for animals began at a summer horse camp when she was only seven years old. She spent the next nine years riding competitively around California. Currently residing on her couch at home is her lovely four year old Weimaraner “Vienna”. She loves the thrill of being backstage and loves working with animals.
Tytan fell in love with animals at a very early age, stemming from her farm days in her home state of Utah and has been helping animals in every way possible ever since. Now she spends a lot of her time with her 6yr old French Bulldog rescue “Queso” (pictured above) who enjoys going to the beach or long car rides with her head hanging out the window. All of her other time is devoted to her school work, her amazing job and the opportunities to learn what Marina Hills has to offer.
Kennel Staff
Monique
Hi, my name is Monique. I am the Kennel Manager here at Marina Hills Animal Hospital. I am in charge of the boarding and bathing part of the hospital. Being a pet “LOVER” this is the greatest job ever! In my younger years this was my dream job but never got the opportunity to fulfill it. Starting over late in life, I found it’s never too late for your dreams to come true. Know that when your pet is here, it’s in the best of care. Moving back to California I had to find new homes for my pets. With help, they all have safe and loving homes. The lacking of a pet in my life makes me a very fond person of all the pets that come to the hospital. No matter if they are misbehaved, unruly, scared, a little nippy, or just down right cute as can be. They are all loved and are taken care of. Not only by me, but by our entire staff. I am proud to be a part of our great team here at Marina Hills “caring for pets and the people who love them.”
Shayna
Hi! My name is Shayna. I have been an animal lover since I was little and love being around them. I have lived in Orange County my whole life and plan to stay here forever! I rode horses for 6 years and competed in jumping. I loved every minute of it! I have always been surrounded by animals and I feel they have helped lead me to working in the Veterinary field. From big animals to small ones I am always happy to help them! Not only do I love animals but I love sports. I played soccer for two years in college and was Orange Empire Conference Champions for both years. I also coached girls’ soccer at Dana Hills High School and enjoyed helping the girls improve their game. I am currently attending a Veterinary Technician school to become certified and learn how to help animals in need. I am grateful to work here at MHAH because they provide such great care for your animals!
