Meet Our Team

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Dr. Lockhart grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. As an undergraduate he attended Louisiana State University. He attended veterinary school in St. Kitts, in the West Indies, and graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lockhart performed his small animal internship at VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona. He has one dog named Luna and two cats named Thundercat and Anthony. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, eating sushi, working out, exercising his artistic skills by drawing and painting.

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Dr. Capria grew up in Upstate New York and cultivated her interest to work with animals starting at an early age. After high school, Dr. Capria moved to Buffalo where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College. She then worked as a licensed veterinary technician for 6 years. During that 6 years she also pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Soon after, Dr. Capria moved to the island of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) to complete her degree in Veterinary Medicine at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her primary interests are in emergency medicine, and exotic pet medicine. In her free time, Dr. Capria enjoys going hiking with her dog, Rascal, swimming, baking and reading.

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Dr. Buscema is originally from Tucson, Arizona, where she grew up surrounded by dogs, horses, and cats. From an early age, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to caring for animals. She earned her degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Arizona, with minors in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She then moved to Glendale, Arizona, where she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University. Dr. Buscema is excited to be part of the team at The Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic. She has a strong interest in preventative care and enjoys building lasting relationships with clients to help ensure the health and wellbeing of their four-legged family members. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Buscema enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her terrier mix rescue, Poppy, as well as riding and caring for her horse, Elco.

Dr. Valentine is originally from Orange County, California. She attended undergraduate school in New York, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology while working closely with her university’s veterinary sciences department. In 2021, she moved to Arizona to attend Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Valentine grew up with a variety of pets and has always had a special place in her heart for dogs and cats. She is currently a proud cat mom to Poppy, who will be turning 4 years old in August. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Valentine enjoys reading, crocheting, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. Most of her family lives in Ireland, so she loves visiting them whenever she can. She enjoys building connections with both pets and their families and is passionate about helping animals live happy, healthy lives.

Alina is an Arizona native and loves living here! She completed high school and has taken some college courses in education. She has been in this field for over ten years. She was a foster failure through Cavalier Rescue Foundation where she adopted her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ace, she also has a Shih-poo named Cuervo. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, movies, and spending time with friends and family.

Born and raised in Arizona, Bree graduated from Artistic Beauty College in 2007. While her career path began outside of veterinary medicine, she quickly discovered a deep passion for animal healthcare and cannot imagine working in any other field. Bree shares her home with several beloved fur kids and loves spending her downtime cuddling with them. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, reading, painting, and playing video or board games. With a genuine love for animals of all shapes and sizes, Bree takes pride in being part of a profession that allows her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Tonia was born and raised in the Bay Area, California, but has been in Arizona since 2006. Tonia graduated from Pima Medical Institute for Veterinary Assisting and worked as a technician for about 3 years before transitioning to the front office. She loves being the first voice and smile to help clients during some of their most stressful times. Tonia has been with Tempe Lake since July 2022 and loves having a home here. In her free time, Tonia enjoys reading, watching movies, playing guitar and singing, collecting all things Alice in Wonderland, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat named Dinah Marie.

Mikaylee (Mickey) was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. She grew up around various furry friends and carries a deep affinity for caring for them. She is currently pursuing photography courses to enhance her creative skill and earn her diploma. In her free time, she enjoys photographing people, animals, and nature while spending as much time outdoors as she can.

Dianne was born in California and has lived in Arizona for 39 years. She has been in this field for 15 years starting as a groomer before becoming a Veterinary Technician and loves working with animals! At home she has two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that she rescued from Cavalier Rescue Foundation named Trixie and Penny and 4 cats named Elmo, Hunter, Jet, and Blue. In her free time she enjoys going to the movies with her son and shopping.

Tayler joined our team as a Receptionist in 2026 and quickly became known for her welcoming personality and dedication to both pets and their families. She loves working alongside her coworkers to help maintain an organized, caring, and friendly environment for every client who walks through our doors. Outside of work, Tayler enjoys reading, writing, video games, photography, and attending festivals. She also spent several years working at the Renaissance Festival, where she developed her love for connecting with people and creating memorable experiences. In 2014, Tayler received an Honors Award from the National Society of High School Scholars. She shares her home with her beloved pets — Otis, a Rat Terrier mix, and Milo, an orange tabby cat. Working in the veterinary field has been especially fulfilling for Tayler because she gets to see the positive difference she can make for both pets and their owners every day. She is passionate about educating others on the importance of spaying and neutering pets, believing every animal deserves the chance to have a safe and loving home. When she’s not at work, Tayler loves spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends.

Briana recently joined the team and she is excited to learn more about veterinary medicine and is willing to learn it all! What she loves most about veterinary medicine is being able to help animals feel better and make a difference in their lives. Briana is a proud pet mom to two adorable pups: Snoopy Rain Vera, a 2-year-old Maltese, and Macho, a 6-year-old Maltipoo. As a pet parent herself, Briana encourages everyone to stay on top of their pets’ preventive care. She believes in the importance of spaying and neutering, keeping up with dental cleanings and vaccinations, and maintaining good basic hygiene to help pets stay happy and healthy.

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Vanessa moved from California and has lived in Arizona now for years. She has been in the veterinary field since 2018 and is a certified veterinary assistant. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and spending as much time as she can snuggling and playing with her 3 cats Onyx, Walter and Shadow. She hopes to continue learning and in the near future to become a certified veterinary technician so she can continue to follow her passion and help as many pets and people as possible.

Lyndsey is a committed veterinary technician who is driven to be a voice for pets who can’t speak for themselves. She loves helping both pets and their people feel comfortable, supported, and at ease during every visit. At home, Lyndsey lives in a lively multi-cat household and truly understands the special bond between pets and their families. Outside of work, you can find Lyndsey roller skating, hiking, playing games, or spending quality time with her loved ones. She is a strong advocate for preventative care and believes prevention is one of the greatest ways to show love to your pet. From annual exams and dental care to bloodwork, spaying/neutering, and parasite prevention, Lyndsey is passionate about helping pets stay healthy and pain-free by stopping problems before they start.

Janissa is a dedicated member of our team with a special interest in bacterial diseases and surgical procedures. She is a strong advocate for Fear Free medicine and believes that client education is a vital part of delivering compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. At home, Janissa shares her life with a lively crew of pets, including her dogs Cali, Kohl, Mazy, and Winnie, as well as her two cats, Brody and Dude. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and listening to music as a way to unwind and recharge. Janissa’s commitment to animal welfare, her focus on continued learning, and her passion for patient comfort make her a valued asset to both our team and the families we serve.

Ashley is a dedicated veterinary technician who finds true fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of pets every day. She takes great pride in providing high-quality care and believes that by ensuring no pet is ever overlooked, strong and trusting bonds can be built with both patients and their families. Outside of the clinic, Ashley enjoys country dancing, hiking, and spending time with her own pets. She shares her home with her cat, Casper, and her dogs, Bella and Scout, who continually inspire her passion for animal care. Ashley is proud to be part of a team that values compassion, attention to detail, and building meaningful connections with every pet entrusted to their care.

Ashley has been actively involved in animal welfare since 2021, beginning as a medical foster with a special focus on caring for neonate kittens. In early 2025, she transitioned into the veterinary field full time, where she expanded her experience to include canine care and further developed her medical skill set. Originally from Utah, Ashley relocated to Arizona about ten years ago and has since built a full and animal-centered life. At home, Ashley shares her life with four cats—Georgie, Tater Tot, Sashi, and McFlurry—and two dogs, Aquaria and Adore. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her spouse and daughter, watching horror movies, and playing video games.

Darren was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where his passion for animals and medicine took root at an early age. His journey in veterinary medicine has been shaped by a constant drive to learn and master new skills that enhance the care he provides. Darren began his career in general practice, gaining a strong foundation in preventive care and wellness. However, his desire for a more dynamic and fast-paced environment led him to transition into emergency veterinary medicine, where he thrived in handling critical cases and high-pressure situations. Eventually, his career path took him to Arizona, where he became a valued member of our dedicated veterinary team. Beyond his professional life, Darren enjoys spending time at home with his family. Playing games with his kids or gaming with his wife are his favorite way to recharge. Whether enjoying quiet moments with his family or establishing himself at work, he believes in finding balance between work and personal life. His passion for veterinary medicine is matched only by his commitment to personal growth and fostering meaningful connections with those around him.

Beanna joined the veterinary field in 2021 and has quickly developed a strong passion for advanced diagnostics, with a special interest in CT scanning and radiology. She is dedicated to continuing her growth in these areas to better support patient care and outcomes. At home, Beanna has a full house with her three dogs—Koda, Reesie, and Kane—along with her cat, Rocket, and a Banana Ball Python named Gibby. Her love for animals extends well beyond the clinic and into every aspect of her life. Outside of work, Beanna enjoys paddle boarding, camping, long drives, and off-road adventures. One of Beanna’s biggest passions is client education. She believes that the best outcomes happen when pet owners and veterinary teams work together, and she strives to help owners feel confident caring for their pets at home. She is also a strong advocate for proper nutrition, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining overall health and well-being. Beanna wants every client to know that our doctors are truly committed to providing individualized, high-quality care. She takes pride in being part of a team that takes the time to listen, investigate, and get to the root of each pet’s health concerns.

Leonardo has been working in the veterinary field since 2010 and is passionate about helping families find peace of mind when their beloved pets aren’t feeling well and are unable to tell us what’s wrong. He understands how important it is to have someone who listens, advocates, and provides compassionate care for the special members of our families. Leonardo is a proud pet parent to two cats, Bikitt, an 8-year-old orange Domestic Shorthair, and Todd, a 2-year-old black-and-white Domestic Shorthair. Outside of work, Leonardo enjoys music festivals and concerts, camping, playing video games, music production, and working with Photoshop. He loves being part of a team that helps pets feel better and gives their families confidence that they are in caring hands.

Emma Brown has been working in veterinary medicine since 2022 and has always had a love for animals and a passion for medicine, which made veterinary medicine the perfect way to combine both interests. What she loves most about her role is being an advocate for animals and helping them feel better and enjoy a better quality of life. Outside of work, Emma enjoys attending car meets, riding motorcycles with friends, reading, baking, cooking, and spending time outdoors. She is also a proud pet mom to five dogs: Saige, a 15-year-old mixed breed; Mollie, a 14-year-old mixed breed; Rommi, a 7-year-old Boxer; Milo, a 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd mix; and Otis, a 1-year-old Heeler mix. Emma believes pet parents know their animals better than anyone and encourages them to trust their instincts and speak up about any concerns they have. She especially appreciates how hard the team at Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic works to find answers and how much they genuinely care about every patient.

Marina is a true animal lover who enjoys getting to know every pet that stays in our care. Her favorite part of working in this field is meeting everyone’s fur-babies and providing hands-on, personalized care that allows her to build a unique bond with each and every pet. Outside of work, Marina is a big Lady Gaga fan and a proud dog mom to her Shepsky, Canelo. In her spare time, she loves thrifting and spending quality downtime lounging in bed with Canelo soaking up all the snuggles. She firmly believes that letting your pet sleep in bed with you adds at least 20 years to your life—and she’s happy to stand her ground on that! Marina feels incredibly lucky to be part of such a passionate, pet-loving team and is confident that everyone here will always advocate for the pets entrusted to our care.

Ashley is one of our valued boarding team members who takes pride in ensuring every pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for during their stay. She has a strong interest in digital art, playing guitar, and following baseball, and loves spending her free time watching movies, creating art, or working on DIY projects. Ashley also values family time and enjoys spending as much time with them as possible. Although she doesn’t currently have any pets, Ashley dreams of one day having a farm of her own. She enjoys sharing helpful tips with pet parents and strongly encourages the use of a harness instead of a collar—especially for pets who tend to pull—because she believes it truly makes a night-and-day difference. Ashley is grateful to work in an environment where every team member shares the same passion for the wellbeing of the patients in their care.

Haley is a dedicated member of our boarding team at Tempe Lake Veterinary Clinic and takes pride in caring for every pet as if they were her own. She has a strong appreciation for the science behind veterinary medicine and enjoys learning how proper preventative care helps pets live longer, healthier lives. Outside of work, Haley loves watching movies, traveling, and playing video games. At home, she enjoys spending time with her own pets — Vanay, Dawson, and Sarabi — who further inspire her passion for animal care. Haley is a strong advocate for keeping pets properly vaccinated to help protect them and those around them, and she is proud to be part of a team that shares her commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.

Madison joined our team with a genuine passion for animal care and a love for supporting both pets and their people. She shares her home with her Mini Poodle, Xena, and her Maltese mix, Moy, who keep her life full of fun and companionship. What Madison loves most about veterinary medicine is the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of animals while also guiding and supporting pet owners. Seeing pets feel comforted and recover well inspires her to keep learning and growing in the field every day. She believes one of the most important things pet parents can do is bring their pets in regularly for check-ups, maintain proper nutrition, and stay aware of any changes that could impact their pet’s health and happiness. Outside of work, Madison enjoys visiting farmers markets with her dogs, grabbing a coffee, listening to music, and unwinding at home with some video games. From her very first visit, Madison felt welcomed and supported by the team, describing them as kind, gentle, and highly knowledgeable—qualities she’s proud to now be a part of.

Ryan has a special interest in exotic pets and pocket pets and is passionate about helping animals feel safe, happy, and comfortable. He is currently taking classes in Animal Science and Biology and is Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid, continuing to grow his knowledge so he can better advocate for the animals in his care. At home, Ryan has four guinea pigs—Pepper, King, Lil’ Nog, and Romeo—along with Storm, his Staffordshire Terrier, and Goldie, his Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. His love for his own pets has inspired his passion for making sure every animal receives the care and compassion they deserve. Ryan encourages anyone considering adoption to do plenty of research beforehand, as there can be unexpected responsibilities that come with welcoming a new pet into your family. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his pets, woodworking and refinishing, and cooking. He wants every client to know that our team truly cares for each pet as if they were our own fur babies and strives to make every visit a positive and comfortable experience.

Chris started working as a dog bather in high school and has been grooming now for over 35 years. She grooms all breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs too! She has been working in Scottsdale for over 13 years and loves coming into work every day. She has a special knack in grooming for the more “hard to handle” or “special needs” pets and is partial to the older senior dogs. She can groom any pet to your specifications; whether it be a breed standard cut, an easy-care comfort cut, or the latest Asian Fusion style- Chris can do it all. She lives in Gilbert with her husband and four sons, a cattle dog mix named IAN B SMOVE, A cat named NAMI that rules the house, and a very spoiled cockatoo named BiBi Bird. BiBi likes to come to work with Chris- so you may see her from time to time. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the many different sporting events her sons are involved in as well as helping her husband with his catering business, taking trips to Vegas and pet sitting.

Sofia is a dedicated Pet Bather who truly enjoys being part of each pet’s care routine. She shares her home with her 6-year-old domestic shorthair cat, Blazey, who keeps her smiling outside of work. Sofia is a strong advocate for introducing pets to grooming at a young age, helping them feel more comfortable and confident as they grow. When she’s not at work, Sofia enjoys spending time with friends, playing guitar and bass, and relaxing with video games on her PS5. She loves the opportunity to care for pets each day and values the connections she builds with both clients and their furry companions.