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Vets & Staff
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| Diane T. Cosko, DVM |
| Resident Veterinarian, Hospital Owner & Manager |
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Born and bred in California, I couldn’t ask for a better place to live. Each day I look forward to going into work. Veterinary medicine is my passion. I feel so very lucky to be doing what I do in such a beautiful environment.
Over time, many, many years ago, I received 3 degrees from UC Davis. A Bachelor in Science degree for Behavioral |
Genetics, another Bachelor in Science degree for Veterinary Science and , in 1987, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
I have been working as a veterinarian in the Frazier Park area since 1988. Out of necessity, I started Mountain Aire Veterinary Hospital in July of 1989.
I have lived in Pine Mountain Club, Frazier Park and now Lebec, with my husband, Bob Leonis (bass player for the local cover band, “Driver”) and always a house full of “4-legged” children.
Although my hobbies are many, my free time to enjoy them is scant. But I especially enjoy the arts (sculpture, drawing and tile-painting) and traveling (if anyone knows me, they know my favorite place to visit is Tasmania!)
Prior to moving up here full time in 1990, I worked in San Diego and West Los Angeles – for all of their conveniences and diversity, I would hate to have to move back – it’s just too beautiful up here.
Many of my clients that I have known since the late eighties and early nineties are still bringing their pets to me today – it makes for one very large, extended family. |
| Tami Kearney |
Veterinary Technician, Receptionist, Kennel Assistant
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Hi, my name is Tami. I initially started as a client back in 1991 and was impressed with how friendly everyone was and how they cared for me pet. I eventually asked if I could volunteer, which turned into my applying. I am a big animal lover. I have always had some type of animal in my house since I was a little girl. Taking care of animals has always just come natural to me.
My coworkers even say I talk with the animals (mow mow & ruff ruff)
I currently live in Pine Mountain Club with my husband Patrick (of Shampat Construction), my mother Pam, two kids Brandon and Kristin, two dogs Daisy and Nickleby, and two cats Precious and Tigger. Talk about Pet Insurance! I'm hoping to have horses someday also.
Here at Mountain Aire I assist with surgeries, x-rays, lab work, and restraints. Sometimes you'll even see me doing reception. No matter what I'm doing, I will be treating your pet with a lot of TLC to help their experience here be as pleasant as possible. |
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| Catana Capps |
| Assistant Veterinary Technician, Kennel Assistant (2005 Frazier Mountain High Grad! Class of 2009 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo!) |
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Hello there! My name's Catana Capps, and I've been working at Mountain Aire for two years. I'm seventeen years old and when I'm not drowning in school work, I like to write short stories and draw, while one of my many cats purrs contentedly on my lap. This fall I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and will be on my way to becoming a veterinarian. Unfortunately, my mom is unable to care for my dog and ten of my eleven cats; so I am currently trying to find foster homes for them. |
| Debbie Macura |
Assistant Veterinary Technician (2005 Graduate of Frazier Mountain High!!), Kennel Assistant
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Hello, my name is Debbie Macura and I've worked at Mountain Aire Vet Hospital for 2 years now. Working with animals is always a highlight to my day. I'm currently a senior in high school and will be starting classes at Pierce College in the fall, where I will begin the work to get my Veterinarian degree. My hobbies are working with my own pets at home, playing pool, practicing the piano, clarinet, guitar and singing, reading, hiking, and being with family and friends.
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| Catherine "Cat" Buckles |
Director of Kennels, Housekeeping Supervisor, Assistant Veterinary Technician, Hospital Graphic Design Department
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Well hello there! I have the pleasure of considering myself THE luckiest employee at Mountain Aire Veterinary Hospital. The most important feature of my job is to wake up bright and early to come play with YOUR pets first thing in the morning. My name is Cat Buckles and I am fortunate to be the Director of Kennels at Mountain Aire's very own, exclusive pet resort: "Camp Cosko." With the tireless help
and dedication of my supporting Kennel staff, it's my duty to |
assure your beloved "kids" are properly cared for (and spoiled rotten, I might add) while you take care of both business and pleasure out of town. I also work as the animal world's version of "back-up singer." I lend a hand around the hospital wherever needed by the technicians, receptionists, or Dr. Cosko herself, as well as assure the facility is well-maintained, stocked, and up to our sky-high standards by keeping up scheduled maintenance on days we're closed.
Ultimately, I spend my work day playing with cats and dogs. Who could complain?!
I started out with Dr. Cosko my senior year at Bakersfield High School.
Introduced by my boyfriend at the time (circa August 1995) to his beloved local family vet, I began volunteering in preparation for university years slaving towards a DVM. As time passed, I was welcomed onto staff training as an Assistant Technician and continued spending my weekends escaping Bakersfield's heat to the Mountain Community's beauty until school called me to Los Angeles in 1996. Four years (complete with four major changes in a single semester!) later I graduated from Scripps College with a BA in Behavioral Psychology, and after an 18 month tenure as an Animal Keeper/Trainer at Bakersfield's California Living Museum - I returned to Frazier Park and was welcomed back with open arms to once again join the wonderful team at the hospital in September 2002.
Currently, I live on the sunny side of the hill with all my proudly rescued "kids" - that very same guy of 13 years (Joe), 3 dogs (Snooganspanzer, Gimli, & Tiny Bear), 3 cats (Willow, Tekhmet, & Sziggy),
1 chinchilla (Freakie), 1 squirrel (Timmah!), and.... that's capacity for now! As a perpetual student, I have since earned a BS in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in December of 2003, and spend my out-of-office hours freelancing as an illustrator and graphic/web designer.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity at this point in my life to live in spectacular mountain surroundings with my loving family - working with the team at Mountain Aire to make it such a quality hospital for you and your pets is simply icing on my "bragging cake." Cheers! |
| Sandy Kelly |
Kennel Technician
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My name is Sandy Kelly and I take care of your pets after hours and on weekends here at Mountain AIre. I have lived up here "on the hill" my entire life and at this time have no plans to leave. My husband, Mike, and I have four children, three dogs, two rats, and a rabbit - never a dull moment at our house!
I really enjoy my job and am proud to tell people I work at Mountain Aire because of the high standard of care we provide your pet.
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| Kathy Tubbs |
Receptionist, OSHA Coordinator & Safety Supervisor
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Happily employed at MAVH since April 2000. Plays tennis whenever the weather permits. Busy at home taking care of 1 husband, 1 dog, 2 cats, and 6 horses in Cuddy Valley, CA since June 1998. Takes advantage of the great views of the surrounding hillsides by riding on the back of my husband's Harley.
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| Kathi Cooknell |
Volunteer
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Hi, my name is Kathi and I also started out as a client. I really liked Dr. Cosko and her staff, so I asked if I could volunteer. I volunteer at least once a week. More if I can. I enjoy working with animals and do whatever I can to help. I usually sit with them as they are coming out of surgery and are waking up.
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We've lived in the area for 5 years and really like the slower pace the mountain areas offer. My husband and I like to travel and work in and on our home. Being in the mountains there is always something to be done. At the present time, we have 3 cats who also love it up here. |
| Janet Maness |
Kennel Attendant, Technician's Assistant |
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| Cheryl Helton |
Receptionist, Kennel Attendant |
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| Skylar Kelly |
Kennel Attendant |
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| Taco Bell |
Resident Cat & Reception Area Greeter |
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| Willie Nelson Pig |
Resident Pot-Bellied Pig
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