Our Staff

Daniel Horton, DVM

Dr. Horton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah into a family full of scientists and surrounded by animals. There was a goat, rabbits and chickens, as well as the full complement of dogs and cats. Exposure to veterinary medicine as an undergraduate at Utah State University in Logan, Utah solidified an already growing interest and led to the DVM degree (cum laude) through a combined program with Oregon State and Washington State Universities.

Working in veterinary hospitals in Idaho, in Utah, on the Navajo Reservation and in Alabama provided a wide variety of experiences. Both Dr. Horton and his wife, who is also a veterinarian, were very excited by the opportunity to return to Arizona in 1994 and have been here ever since, sharing a home in Rio Rico with their daughter, 4 cats, a dog and a rabbit.

Professional interests include the diagnostic puzzles of internal medicine, canine and feline behavioral problems, and abdominal surgery. Other passions include rock-climbing, playing music, traveling and attending theater.

Joanne Lefebvre, DVM

Dr. Joanne Lefebvre grew up in Canada and graduated from the Veterinary School of the University of Montreal in 2001. During her senior year, she completed several externships in highly reputable schools such as Cornell, Tufts, Colorado and Ohio State Universities. She was one of the very few selected for an internship in small animal medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care at Michigan Veterinary Specialists, which she proudly completed and published a scientific and clinical study in the British Journal of Small Animal Practice.

She shares her home with her husband Dan, talented musician, as well as their dog Yogi and cats Munchie, Sunny and Grampa. Her personal interests include speaking French and learning Spanish.

Dr. Lefebvre practiced for 3 years in Connecticut before she moved to Arizona in 2005. She joined part-time San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital in January 2007. She enjoys dentistry and ultrasonography but her true passion is developing the new concept of Intuitive Medicine. She also loves helping local animal rescue groups.

After helping her beloved dog Hayley transition into the Afterlife in 2007, in the comfort of home, she was guided to create Hayley's Angels Veterinary Services, the first home euthanasia service for pets in Southern Arizona, for a goodbye in the comfort of home.

To manifest her love and devotion to help all animals, she also created an annual "Caring for ALL animals Celebration Day" in 2009 at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona. Her 3rd Annual Celebration Day on November 13th, 2011 was another success and Dr. Lefebvre released her first book at the event: "Animals Teachings, from Hayley's Angels Methods"!

Dr. Lefebvre's goal and hope in writing this book is to open everyone’s heart and mind to improve our world and better the lives of all living creatures, one at the time. She discusses why we (animals and people) get sick and the relationship between our body, mind and soul. She explains what animal communication and intuitive medicine are, and how much they can help you and your pet. Dr. Lefebvre hopes this book can show the way to a better world. Visit www.hayleysangels.com for more information.

Jose L. Jacquez III, Certified Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, Jose graduated from Nogales High School in 2001 and received an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Degree from Pima Community College in 2007. After passing the rigorous Arizona Veterinary Technician State Board exam in 2007, he became Santa Cruz County’s only practicing Certified Veterinary Technician.

Jose has worked at San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since August 2005 and lives in Rio Rico with his wife and young son and daughter, two Labrador-mix dogs named Kiko and Benji.

 

What is it you like about veterinary medicine?

“The privilege to work and help animals in need of medical care. It’s a great feeling knowing you have saved an animal from suffering and pain. It’s also an honor to be a part of veterinary medicine because of the role in participating in preventative medicine such as vaccinations to prevent animals from horrible diseases.”

Araceli Orozco, Veterinary Technician

Araceli was born in Tucson, Arizona but has lived in Rio Rico, Arizona since 1998. She has worked at San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since July 2004. In addition to continuing her studies at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona, she shares her home with Amigo, a dog adopted from the humane society, and an Amazon Parrot named Solovino. Ranching is a family tradition and 18 horses and around 500 head of cattle round out the animal picture.

 

What is it you like about veterinary medicine?

“First and foremost I love all animals. The opportunity to help pets when they are ill or injured is a blessing. I get lots of satisfaction knowing that I had a part to play in helping an animal in their time of need. To see them bounce back from a great fall is great! My heart is in it 100%.”

Norma Leyva, Veterinary Assistant

Norma was born in Elko, Nevada. She was mostly raised in the Rio Rico/Nogales area. She graduated from Rio Rico High School in 2002. She has been working for the San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since February 2007. Her family has always kept pets and her father makes saddles for horses. She currently has 12 cats named Lynx, Mini, Purrsy, Cinnamon, Boo, Cyan, Noche, Lovie, Sunny, Romeo, Jadie and Pebbles and 3 dogs named Lia, Petrie and Scrappy. She studied to become a dental assistant, but decided to help animals in need.

 

"I enjoy creating a bond between the clients and their pets. My favorite part of animal medicine is surgery. I am very grateful to be able to work in a facility where the staff is close and work well together. "

Pamela Stabach, Office Manager

Pam was born in Idaho, but has lived in multiple states, including California, Connecticut, Utah, Colorado and now Arizona. She and her husband moved to Arizona when a new employment opportunity for her husband, who works in education, opened up in Rio Rico, Arizona. They now live in Rio Rico with their two dogs, Mandi and Tucker. Pam has a BS degree from the University of Connecticut and has worked for many years in medical office management and other administrative roles. She has been with SCVH since the beginning of 2010.

 

" What I like about veterinary medicine is working with a group of people, who are devoted to and passionate about giving top quality care to the animals that come into our office.  It doesn’t matter if they are sick or healthy, stray or have a loving owner –
all are treated with respect and given the best care possible. It is truly an inspiration to me every single day."

Diana Corrales, Front Office

Diana was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, California. She attended Chaffey Community College, Alta Loma, California from 1980 to 1984 doing General Studies while fulfilling premed requirements. She worked for an Exotic Veterinary Practice as Assistant Veterinary technician with treatment to domestic and wild, large animals and small animals (e.g.  snakes, chimpanzees, cougars, goats, chinchillas, turtles, etc.)

She transferred to Rio Rico in 1983 to import/export Mexican shrimp as a Customs Bonded Broker, Truck Broker and began her life in sales and international distribution . From 1999 to the present she has held an active real estate broker’s license and services residential and commercial clients.

She has been servicing the community from 2000 to the present through volunteerism, educating against domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse and has served on local boards as officer or director for the Humane Society, Santa Cruz County Exchange Club, and Santa Cruz County Board of REALTORS.

Diana has been with San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since February 2009 and serves part time as support to the front office and clients, veterinary technicians and doctors.  She is proud mother to two sons, and owns five rescued dogs (Rottweiler Mix, Bull Mastiff, Retriever Mix, Pit Bull Mix and Australian Shepherd Mix) and one tortoiseshell cat.

 

"It is has been a true pleasure working at SCVH, everyone  loves and enjoys animals. Meeting wonderful pet parents and being able to help in the healing & well being of the pet kids is a privilege and true blessing."

Irma Alvarez, Front Office

Irma was born in Tucson, Arizona and raised in Nogales, Arizona. She's been working at the San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital about 1 year and loving it. Before, she had volunteered at the Santa Cruz Humane Society, making sure the animals were clean and comfortable, had all their vaccinations, and were getting a lot of love and care. She worked at the Santa Cruz Humane Society for almost 6 years.

She now lives with her husband and one cat. She has three kids and four wonderful grandchildren.

 

"Knowing how animals are cared and loved, that makes me happy. Animals give unconditional love to anyone. I love how veterinary medicine can cure many animals from diseases and other pain that they all endure."

Joyce Roberta Enciso, Kennel Help

Joyce was born in Phoenix, Arizona, brought home to Nogales, and raised. She had all of her schooling in Nogales, as well. She has 10 cats, - her daughter in law has some of hers at her place, too - 3 dogs, 5 human puppies and nothing else, yet.

 

"All of my training, and first real job was with Dr. Horton. He gave me an opportunity many people will never get. Over 20 years as an at home mom made me feel I'd just arrived at the bottom of Mt. Everest, with a lot of catching up and learning to do everywhere! I appreciate Dr. Horton's patience - a good boss and teacher.

I do love all animals. I want to be a part of helping them be well, happy, have a home, be spayed and neutered, educate others about animals and hopefully see the day there are no more animals euthanized simply because they've been born. Our two doctors and our team give me that motivation and inspiration every day. I see their sincerity in their caring, and it makes me feel that I am a big part of truly making a real difference."

Theresita Nathaly Lopez, Veterinary Assistant

Theresita was born in Nogales, Arizona and is a senior at Rio Rico High School. She has been working at San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital since September of 2010. She has adopted a magnificent Labrador, “Joe Charlie Buster,” who was found and brought to the hospital in search of a home. He spent a few weeks at the hospital and then found a home with Theresita and her parents. She is looking forward to studying equine medicine at the University of Arizona.

 

"I really enjoy working with animals. It makes me very happy to see an animal that has been sick stand up and play around. I like to help around the doctors and techs, but most of all I like to learn new things."

Elizabeth Horton, Veterinary Assistant

Born in Alabama and moved to Rio Rico, Arizona at a young age, Liz graduated with honors from Rio Rico High School in 2010. She has recently returned from a year of study in Belgium and now attends Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She has been working at the San Cayetano Veterinary Hospital helping her father, Dr. Horton, off and on since she was a little girl and started working more regularly in 2009. She lives in Rio Rico during the summer with her dog, rabbit, and 4 cats.

 

Clinic Animals

Perdita, or "Perdy", is a German Shepherd mix. She was found on the side of the road by Dr. Horton in 2004, and not long after was adopted into the Horton family. Perdy comes down to the clinic most days. She loves sleeping and wiggling her butt (she has no tail).

 

 

 

 

 

Bandit is an orange tabby who lives full time down at the clinic. He's an old man who has been at the clinic since 2007. He loves being petted as long as he doesn't have to move.

 

 

Mister is a black and white cat who was adopted from the Santa Cruz Humane society in 2003. He's a friendly clinic cat, although somewhat shy. He loves hiding behind the computer screens in the doctors' office.

 

 

 

 

Perruche is a blue parakeet who arrived at the clinic in 2011 after a client found him, injured. He started out a little unsure about living at the clinic but quickly became less shy and less quiet. He loves talking to (and showing off for) the handsome bird in the mirror.

 

 

The Fish/Como Tu is the currently nameless clinic betta fish, or siamese fighting fish. He joined the company in 2011 when an intern, Jackie Orrantia, gave him to the clinic. He lives quietly in his bowl on the front desk. He loves fish food. He would love to have a name.