Our Veterinarian Team Chino Valley, AZ
Get To Know Our Team
Dr. Armstrong, DVM, CVT, CVA
Dr. Leonda Armstrong grew up on a farm in northeastern New Mexico. Her parents raised and bred registered Angus cattle and quarter horses. She was active in 4-H and FFA from age 9 to 19. Leonda showed horses and cattle in both organizations and judged horses on a collegiate level.
Dr. Armstrong completed her undergraduate studies at New Mexico State University where she earned a B.S. in Animal Science and a double minor in Chemistry and Biology. Colorado State University was the next stop, where as a single mom, she studied and graduated as a mixed animal veterinarian.
Upon graduation, Leonda moved to Chino Valley and began practice with Dr. Terry Miller at Circle L. She is very glad to call Circle L Animal Hospital her home away from home.
In April 2007, Dr. Armstrong purchased the practice from Dr. Terry Miller. She implemented many new improvements including becoming AAHA-certified, and strives to hold the highest standards in veterinary medicine.
Her most recent endeavor has been merging Western and Eastern veterinary medicine together. To support this goal, Dr. Armstrong obtained her Acupuncture certification through Colorado State University in 2013 and now has completed her Rehabilitaion studies and certification through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in June 2016. She feels that being able to treat the whole animal with non-invasive medicine adds another important dimension of care, and gives the best feeling of accomplishment for “Every Patient, Every time.” . Dr. Armstrong has a strong desire to work with sporting dogs as well as keeping the senior dogs healthy and moving to improve their quality of life. She is now embarking on the next step of becoming Animal Chiropractic Certified and is studying Chinese Herbology. This will allow her to offer every aspect of care for her 4 legged patients.
Dr. Armstrong also owns 4Paws Rehabilitation & Wellness Clinic in Prescott, and she practices veterinary medicine and canine rehabilitation there three days a week so she can help as many local pets as possible.
Email Dr. Armstrong:
leonda@circlelanimalhospital.com
Dr. Francesena (Fran), DVM
Originally from Cienfuegos, Cuba. Dr. Francesena received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the West Indies in the beautiful twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2014. She then worked as a veterinary technician for 4 years while becoming a US accredited veterinarian and is now licensed to practice in Florida and Arizona.
She is passionate and committed to offering the best quality evidence-based medicine and has a special interest in internal medicine, behavior, and dentistry. She aims to strengthen the human-animal bond through effective client communication and preventive medicine education.
When she is not taking care of your fur babies, Dr. Francesena enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, gardening, and dancing.
Dr. Brown, DVM
Dr. Seth Brown grew up in Tucson, Arizona where he spent much of his childhood volunteering with animal rescues. He completed his undergraduate education at Northern Arizona University, where he was one of the founding board members for the NAU Pre-Veterinary Club. Then, Dr. Brown hopped across the pond to attend veterinary school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. After graduating, he returned to Arizona and joined Circle L Animal Hospital. He currently lives in the Tri-City area with his fiance and many pets.
Dr. Brown loves small animals of all species, both companion and exotic. He is very excited to join the Circle L family and hopes to start seeing small exotic patients in the future. He is also passionate about animal behaviour, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, and surgery.
When he is not taking care of your furry, feathered, and scaly family members, Dr. Brown enjoys cooking, baking, road cycling, hiking, and playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Chelsie Hamel, Hospital Manager
Years in Practice: 10+ Years
Education: Cedar Valley College / Norco High School
Hobbies and Interests: Free time I spend time with my husband and two boys, and spending time with our four dogs.
Manager Colette Nguyen, Veterinary Assitant
Born and raised in Tennessee, Colette moved to Arizona about three years ago.
Colette began her veterinary career at Circle L Animal Hospital as a Hospital Assistant in March 2012. It was her passion for animals that initially brought her into the veterinary field, striving to help animals and provide them with the very best possible care that she can. Colette boasts more than five years of experience, working her way through the ranks to become a Veterinary Assistant and the proud recipient of the Circle L Animal Hospital Employee of the Year for 2014, which is determined by the rest of the team. Colette is currently attending training to become a certified Rehabilitation Technician.
Her hobbies include improvement projects in and around her home as well as at Circle L Animal Hospital. She also enjoys playing ball with her Corgi/Miniature Australian Shepherd mix Chevy and, when the weather is warm, Colette can often be found spending time with her plants, enjoying the outdoors and the peace and quiet of her garden.
Years in Practice: 10+
Education: Auburn University College of Veterianary Medicine
Malia Kepilino, Veterinary Assistant
She said that the biggest thing in my role at a practice would be my patient care. Patient cares to me is the most important part because I can make difference in not only my patient but the owners as well. They trust us with their family. So I always treat both patient and client as a part of my family.
Years in Practice: 7 Years
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy hiking, travelling with family and my pet. I enjoy being creative drawing, painting and photography. Also enjoy learning about cultures and the history behind traditions.
Zachary Holmes, Veterinary Assistant
Christa Brimhall, Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Jacklyn Bowes, Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Leah Kamholz, Hospital Assistant/Kennel Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Rebecca Korade, Hospital Assistant/Kennel Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Shawna Eppard, CSR
Bio Coming Soon
Kimberly Villalobos, CSR
Bio Coming Soon
Brandy Krumm, CSR
Bio Coming Soon