Get to Know our Team!
Dr. Elise LaFevre and Dr. Brandon Heikes met in Veterinary School at Oregon State University. They quickly realized they loved working together and shared a dream of owning their own practice since the beginning of their career together. The hospital’s name is a tribute to their cat, Cornelius. Cornelius loved life and became fast friends with everyone he met. He was generous with his love, and we hope our hospital culture can match his deeply caring personality.
Our Doctors
Dr. Elise LaFevre
DVM, Practice Owner
Dr. Elise LaFevre feels honored to be part of the Ventura community, helping pets and their families. She has always loved caring for pets and people. Growing up, she knew she would become a veterinarian. She completed her undergraduate studies and veterinary school at Oregon State University. Dr. LaFevre believes in an individualized approach to medicine. She wants each family to know their pet’s care is based on compassion and continued education. She received veterinary acupuncture certification from Colorado State University and loves incorporating acupuncture into western practice when possible. When she’s not at Cornelius Pet Hospital, Dr. LaFevre enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with her own pets. Dr’s LaFevre and Heikes’s fuzzy family currently includes four dogs, and a miniature pig.
Dr. Brandon Heikes
DVM, Practice Owner
Dr. Brandon Heikes is a native Californian proud to call Ventura his home. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in mathematics and anthropology, he spent time traveling the world, including countries in Europe, Asia, and Central and South America. After returning home and working as a veterinary assistant in San Francisco, he realized he wanted to be a veterinarian. He attended Oregon State University, where he met Dr. LaFevre. He has a particular interest in feline medicine, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and fear-free practice. He is so excited to realize his dream with Cornelius Pet Hospital. When he’s not working, he enjoys cycling, soccer, and reading in his garden.
Veterinary Staff
Jesse
RVT, Practice Manager
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Jesse has been a Ventura resident for 20 years, and in the veterinary field for 8. When not at work, he enjoys watching baseball, photography, and, most of all, being with his wife and son. Over the years, he’s had dogs, cats, a spicy rabbit, hedehogs, a very funny parrot, and an iguana as family members.
Catherine
Client Service Representative
I am a lifelong resident of Oxnard. I have 3 grown children Julie, Christopher and Airik and 2 grandchildren, Catherine and Diego, who are my heart. We have 2 fur babies name Sophie and Prince. I have been in the veterinary field for the last 14 years as I previously worked for many years in the administration field. When not working, I enjoy being with my family, going to plays and concerts as well as watching football.
Ashley
Veterinary Assistant
This is Ashley Sanchez; you guys can call me Ash. I graduated from Veterinary School in 2018 in Chile and decide to moved with my husband to the United States 4 years ago and since then I have been working as a veterinary assistant and I hope to get my license (DVM) soon. I love Small animals, but wildlife is my passion. I like everything that involves Clinic Pathologic and surgery.
Tonya
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Oxnard, Ca, Tonya finds solace in the tranquility of her garden and indulges in birdwatching in her leisure time. Family and friends hold a special place in her heart and she enjoys spending quality time with them. She is also a proud owner of 2 English labradors and 2 cats.
Kim
Veterinary Assistant
Kim grew up in Whittier (LA) moved to Ventura 3 years ago. She currently has three fur babies: a cat Zelda, dog named Wednesday and a Russian tortoise. She has 2 daughters, Madison and Jolene. I have been on this field for 10 years.
Lizette
Veterinary Assistant
Lizette has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years and has the skills to prove it! She is the resident cat whisperer at Cornelius. When she’s not working she’s spending quality time with her family. Lizette has two kids, Clara and Wyatt. She also has two cats, Milo and Shelby, and a dog, Earl.
Rosie
Veterinary Assistant
A hard working vet assistant, with 4 years of experience working with Dr. Brandon Heikes and Dr. Elise LaFevre. She is very dedicated to helping animals and their families. She has exceptional experience and has always had a special bond with animals since a young age. Passionate about high-level veterinarian care and exceptional service.
Sydney
Veterinary Assistant
Sydney has been in the vet field for about 4 years now and is very dedicated to her patients and her patients’ families. She treats them as if they were own. Just know if you bring in your cat she will definitely be giving them unsolicited pets and hugs. When Sydney is not at the clinic, she is either spending time with friends and family or at home giving her 3 cats (Bagheera, Figaro, and Yzma) unsolicited pets and hugs.
Skyler
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I’m Skyler! I grew up in Fillmore and graduated from the Ventura College Veterinary Assistant program. When I’m not at work I like listening to music, reading, and hanging out with friends and family. I also have a frenchie who I love spending time with.
Abby
Client Service Representative
Hi! My name is Abby. I’m a very driven, hard working and self sufficient person. I’m very involved with my family and love spending time with my husband, two little ones, and pup Jodye! Some of my favorite things to do are watching my son play baseball, do fun activities with my daughter, play cornhole with my husband, make delicious food for family, baking and listening to music. One thing I’m very passionate about is I’m always thinking of ways to improve around our place in the never ending pursuit of making a house a home!
