Hospital Manager & Receptionists

Hospital Manager

Jessica Hightower, Hospital Manager

Hospital Manager Jessica Hightower has been with Irving Pet Hospital since August of 2008, but first began her career in animal care back in 2000. Initially, Jessica started as our receptionist and quickly moved into a Veterinary Assistant's position where she says she gained on-the-job training. Subsequently, she attended Santa Rosa Junior College where she completed the college's alternate route Registered Veterinary Technician program.

Her exceptional customer service skills lead to her becoming our Front Desk Supervisor and within a year she was moved into the Hospital Manager's position.

Jessica says that one of the aspects of Irving Pet Hospital that gives her work meaning is that we truly believe in our slogan, Where your pet is our family. "I love coming to work every day because these people are my extended family and I truly know what it means to have a work/life balance," she says.

At home Jessica has two cats that she rescued from the Milo Foundation and one that she adopted from a litter that was dropped off at Irving Pet Hospital. Trouble (aka Boy) is a white and orange domestic shorthair, Chaos (aka Pig) is a Calico Tabby domestic shorthair and Havoc (aka Havy) is a grey domestic mediumhair. When not working, Jessica can often be found attending volleyball practices and tournaments to watch her wife teach/coach junior girls to play competitively and for a chance to go to the Junior Olympics. She and her wife also enjoy baking and entertaining family and friends.

Receptionists

Cindy Chang

Cindy Chang is one of Irving Pet Hospital’s receptionists and has been with us since January of 2011. Though this is her first job in the animal care field, she is fluent in Mandarin and has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University.

“I like working at Irving Pet Hospital because my co-workers are fabulous and the technicians are helpful and know what they are doing,” she says. “The doctors are very attentive and patient, too. I also love learning about animals and seeing them every day.”

At home she has two cats named Hopper and Park. Cindy’s interests include watching reality TV shows, shopping at J. Crew, playing with her cats, spending time with her boyfriend and visiting her family and friends.

Lourdes Llanes

Lourdes Llanes is the front desk supervisor, and has been a member of the Irving Pet Hospital staff since June of 2010. Though this is her first time working in the animal care field, she is an active member of the Homeless Cat Network and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Asked what she enjoys most about her work, Lourdes says “Our clients are always eager to share pictures of their ‘family members,’ which makes me feel like we’re part of the family too. I also like how when a pet comes in for its first visit it is like a scared baby, but later when he or she comes back they want to play and know that we may have a treat for them.”

Lourdes has two Red Eared Slider Turtles named Bonnie and Clyde. Her interests include hiking, snowboarding, baking, flag football and photography.

Megan Machado

Megan Machado is a receptionist who joined the Irving Pet Hospital staff in October of 2010.

Asked what she likes most about her time with us, Megan says, “I enjoy going to work because my coworkers create such a welcoming environment for patients as well as each other. Everyone is always willing to help out in any way they can. I love meeting new pets and encountering so many different personalities each day.”

Megan has a Terrier mix named Biscuit that she says she has successfully taught to do a number of tricks. Her interests include dining out, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.