what makes us different

Our Approach to Veterinary Specialty Care in Gilbert, AZ

We believe there is a reason it’s called ‘Specialty’ Medicine. Yes, we’re board-certified specialists, but it is the very special families and pet’s we have the privilege of caring for that make our profession so fulfilling.  We sincerely appreciate the dedication of the primary care veterinarians  who entrust the care of their patients to us, this unique collaboration provides outstanding care for our patients.  We receive referrals from veterinarians across Arizona and the southwest and appreciate being called upon to provide specialized care.

To become a specialist, one must obtain a four-year veterinary degree and then pursue additional training in an accredited program. This typically includes a one-year internship, followed by a two to three-year residency in a particular medical discipline. Gaining acceptance into a residency training program can be quite competitive, therefore only those with the highest academic and professional achievement gain entry. In addition to the clinical training, a veterinarian may also publish original research and pass a series of rigorous examinations to earn this designation.

At DVMS, every patient is special, and every patient’s family deserves the time, compassion, and information they need to make decisions that are right for their pet. Please know that our goal is to assist you, in any way we can. We are glad you chose Desert Veterinary Medical Specialists.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Whit Church

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Church earned his veterinary degree from Oregon State University in 2002. After graduation he completed a one-year internship at Cornell University followed by a cardiology residency and Master of Science degree at the University of Illinois.

Dr. Melissa Riensche

DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Riensche has particular interests in nephrology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, respiratory medicine, and endocrine diseases. She shares her home with her husband Bryan, son RJ, 2 dogs named Monroe and Barrett Jackson, and 1 cat named Shelby.

Dr. Angela Mexas

DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACLAM
After training in North Carolina State University, Dr. Mexas returned to Arizona in 2014. Her areas of most interest include immune medication and infections of dogs and cats. She continues to practice, teach and do research. She also shares her home with 4 cats.

Dr. Victoria Heffelman

DVM, DACVR
Dr. Heffelman special areas of interest include abdominal ultrasound, CT, and nuclear medicine. She lives with her husband Richard, Welsh Corgie named Quinn, and tabby cat, Piccolo, and enjoys traveling, spending time with family, movies, hiking, and enjoying all that Arizona offers!

Dr. Emery Jones

DVM, Residency Trained Internal Medicine
Dr. Jones originally from the Tempe area had left to further her career in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Amanda Liggett

DVM, Cardiology resident
Coming Soon.

Dr. Rob Schnurr

DVM, DACVR
I was born and raised in Louisville, KY and went to University of Louisville for undergrad, receiving a BA in Biology. After undergrad I went to vet school at Auburn University in Alabama. From there I did a 1 year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at a private practice in Rockville, MD then continued on to the University in Florida in Gainesville, FL to pursue a residency in radiology, finishing in 2021.

Dr. Casandra Jacobs

DVM, DACVIM
Meet Dr. Casandra Jacobs, our internist! Dr. Jacobs hails from Wisconsin, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She went on to receive her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.

Dr. Maria Wang

Cardiology Resident
Coming Soon!

Dr. Michelle Greer

DVM, DACVR
Coming Soon.

Managers

Ashley Kedrowski

Director
Coming Soon!

Amber DeOliviera

Assistant Director
Amber although originally from Arizona moved around a lot due to being part of a military family. She got her Associates in veterinary technology at Pima Community College in Tucson, and eventually landed back in the phoenix area. In August of 2015 she was hired as a CVT for patient care and has continued to grow and learn alongside DVMS. She was recently promoted to Assistant Director and travels to all three of our locations. She has a beautiful baby girl named Mollie and a 15yr old cat named Spaztaztic, (Tazzie cat for short). She spends most of her free time chasing around Mollie, but does enjoy drawing and crocheting in her limited free time.

Megan Miller

Co-Director of Veterinary Technicians
Megan, one of our die-hard Broncos fans was born and raised in Colorado which is where she received her Associates in veterinary technology. Through growing up in Colorado she has learned to love gardening and plants, which I am pretty sure takes up at least ½ her home here in Arizona. She has been known to use her gardening skills to supply her kitchen with fresh foods, and don’t even get her started on her love for sandwiches and Korean BBQ. She is our Senior Lead CVT and joined our Gilbert team back in 2014. She brings her trusty new companion Tony, a young chihuahua mix with her to work, because let’s be honest who would want to leave their pets at home if they didn’t have too. Don’t get her wrong though she has three cats at home and is a sucker for heavier feline patients.

Dina Berriochoa

Co-Director of Veterinary Technicians
Coming Soon!

Mikaela

Director of Client Services Representatives
Coming Soon!

CSR (Client Service Representative)

Malorie H.

Client Service Representative
Malorie just joined our Peoria team as a CSR at the end of October 2021 and will split her time at our Scottsdale location in the future. She attended Pima Medical Institute for her veterinary assistant certificate back in 2018 and has worked as a veterinary assistant and receptionist in the veterinary field. She loves to read cheesy romance novels and enjoys cheering on the Packers to victory. When she is not working, most of her free time is spent playing with her beautiful 18mo old daughter.

Yanelis

Client Service Representative
Coming Soon!

Ashley C.

Lead Client Service Representative
Coming Soon!

Bryanna D. “Bry”

Client Service Representative
Coming Soon!

Mindy

Client Service Representative
Coming Soon

Alexa

Client Service Representative
Coming Soon

Sonographers

Kelly

Radiology
Coming Soon!

Certified Veterinary Technicians

Danette

Lab technician and Internal Medicine
Coming Soon!

Demarco

Radiology
Coming soon!

Alexus

Senior Internal Medicine Technician

Ben

Radiology
Coming Soon!

Toni

Internal Medicine
Coming Soon!

Veterinary Technicians

Grace

Cardiology
Cardiology

Alex

Radiology
Radiology

Chelsea

Lead Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician
Lead Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician

Jen

Cardiology Technician
Cardiology Technician

Kelsey

Lead Cardiology Technician, CVT
Lead Cardiology Technician, CVT

Marisa

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Stacey

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Emily

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Analeigha

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Kaylea

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Aleana

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Malorie D.

Senior Internal Medicine Technician
Senior Internal Medicine Technician

Chelsea L

Cardiology
Cardiology

Katie

Cardiology
Cardiology

Veterinary Assistants

Bryanna S. “Bry”

Coming Soon!

Want To Join Our Team ?

Are you looking for an opportunity to put your skills to work in a veterinary specialty practice?

Patient Stories

Our pet stories tell our story, one of dedication to improving pet lives through compassionate care.

Over 150 5-Star Reviews
Find out What Your Neighbors Are Saying About Us

Sandy Harmsen
5.0 ★★★★★
It looked like a great place to work.  Very clean and organized without a long wait.  I knew this but still think its a bit expensive.  But everyone was very nice and polite and professional.
Andi Rosado
5.0 ★★★★★
Dr. Heffelman was fantastic as was our tech Allison. Top notch team where I feel 100% confident referring clients and patients. Thanks for all your wonderful care of Porkchop!
Michelle Brust
5.0 ★★★★★
Amazing vet care and they follow up with you as expected. As soon as they get results from lab work, they call you the same day you are expecting it. Front office staff and techs are all super nice and professional, and the vet (also super nice and professional) always seems readily available to answer questions.
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Maryann Gagliano
5.0 ★★★★★
I just live the compassionate manner that Dr. Church has with my BabyDoll. I can see he is a dedicated doctor to our fur babies. Having spoken to him in person on our first visit, I felt secure in the fact my dog was in the best hands to save her life. The technician and office workers are very kind and loving to BabyDoll because she can be very scared. Than you Dr. Church and staff for loving my BabyDoll as if she were yours.
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Kathy McCaffrey
5.0 ★★★★★
During this time of extra difficulties with Covid, the staff and doctors try to make the process of taking care of your pet as easy as possible. I have great faith in Dr. Church in their cardio division and look forward to sharing in his expertise as we work to help my dog.
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Barb Adams
5.0 ★★★★★
ou communication with me was excellent. You kept me informed of the tests, results and discussion of the problems my pet was facing.  I felt my pet was in very hands with your staff and doctors.
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