Meet The Team

Originally from Hesperia, California, Heidi moved to Humboldt County after high school and started her career with animals as a pet groomer. In 2005, Heidi got her first position in veterinary medicine as a receptionist at Sunny Brae Animal Clinic.

After 5 years, Heidi was presented with the opportunity to manage McKinleyville Animal Care Center. There, she contributed to rebuilding and growing the practice for nearly 5 years. In 2015, Heidi partnered with Dr. Cathy Schmall and purchased McKinleyville Animal Care Center. Today, she is a proud owner and manager with over 20 employees, including 3 doctors.

Heidi is happily married. She now has a 14-year-old son, Cruz, and a quickly growing 9-year-old, Andres, and a 4-year-old, Rico. Heidi enjoys raising her family here in McKinleyville, CA.

Born and raised in a farming and agricultural family and community in the Central Valley of California, Dr. Cathy Schmall has had a lifelong love of animals. After graduating from Humboldt State University, she worked several years as a wildlife technician for the US Forest Service before being admitted to the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

She graduated in 2005, and, apparently not tired of the snow and bugs, she completed a rotating internship at a specialty center in Rochester, NY. Armed with education and some experience, she was excited to move back to California and begin practicing veterinary medicine.

In 2011, she moved back to the Humboldt area and worked at a local vet hospital until 2015, when she jumped at the chance to purchase McKinleyville Animal Care Center. For her, this was a full circle as she had worked here for several years before leaving for vet school and, since returning, has enjoyed reuniting with several former coworkers and, of course, many, many loyal clients.

When not at work, she loves to travel internationally and learn about other cultures, or kayak and hike with her 2 dogs, Sadie & Maggie, and her wife in our beautiful local surroundings.

Rachel was born and raised in Humboldt County. After graduating from Eureka High School, she received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from UC Davis. She was then accepted to UC Davis Veterinary School and graduated in 2009, and has worked at McKinleyville Animal Care Center since then.

During her downtime, she, her husband, and their three children can be found hiking around our beautiful county with their dog Batman, at Mad River Beach, while enjoying all of Humboldt.

Julia was one of our amazing long-term receptionists and went on to be cross-trained as a technician, learning new skills and perspectives. Julia has been our assistant manager since 2022, where she oversees our daily operations. Julia was made to manage and motivate staff. Her skills and knowledge are growing every day.

She grew up in Ruth Lake, where she enjoyed hunting and fishing. Julia is the owner of 3 dogs, Radar, Henry, and Odie, and two cats, Ti-Ti and Bagheera. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, working in her garden, crafting, enjoying the outdoors, and starting new adventures.

Is a registered veterinary technician, who recently earned this title after being an assistant with us for 5 years. She is caring, diligent, and bright. Whether she is anesthetizing patients or giving vaccines, she is 100% dedicated to her task and learning new skills.  She enjoys spending her days off with her husband, baby, and two dogs, Mater and Fillmore. 

She is a registered veterinary technician who has been working for us for 30 years now. She is very partial to the small and fluffy! Lori helps in every part of the hospital especially being our number one dental technician. She spends her free time with her wonderful family, seeking out all the great spots in Humboldt to enjoy.

is a registered veterinary technician who has been with us since 2019. She traveled from LA for a new take on life. She is an excellent multitasker and loves her patients. Maureen also does all our in-clinic ordering. When she isn’t working her 40+ weekly hours, she enjoys taking taekwondo classes and raising her beautiful son in Trinidad.

Alexa, Sarah, and Gabby are what make this clinic run smoothly. They are all cross-trained and are very hard workers. They all love what they do, and it shows every day. We hope you get the pleasure of meeting them soon!

Armani is the newest addition to our technician team. He is a fast learner, a hard worker, and is always ready to lend a hand in whatever is needed. We are so happy to have him in our MACC family.

Bette has been with our clinic for over fourteen years. She has worked primarily in reception, but over the last few years, she has transitioned to being a bookkeeper. Bette is extremely detail-oriented, making this position a perfect fit. She also enjoys keeping our practice organized and our clients happy. Bette is our family, and we would be lost without her.

Olivia and Kayla B. are the newest additions to our MACC family, and we could not be happier to have them. These girls will greet you with a smile and are always ready to help you and your pet with whatever you may need. 

Desiree has been with us for 5 years, and what a gem. She is professional and will always go out of her way to educate our clients properly and keep them happy. She also enjoys using her skills at her other job, the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center. Desiree takes on the extra task of keeping our front store stocked with food and goodies. She is also cross-trained as a veterinary assistant.

Sydney and Emmaline have been valuable team members for over a year. Sydney is currently being cross-trained as a technician assistant, and she's excelling in her role. These dedicated and intelligent ladies not only devote their time to your furry companions but also contribute to wildlife care at the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center.

Amber is a returning team member who works for us in the kennels. She is also one of our lead receptionists, and we couldn’t appreciate her more. She is an extremely hard-working individual and always willing to help anywhere she can. Amber enjoys spending time with her large family when she is not working hard for you and your furry family members.

Issy is one of our key players in keeping our boarding side running smoothly. She will be the one you’ll see walking our four-legged friends and keeping your pets clean and well cared for while they stay with us.

Rowan works the night shift, keeping our space clean and resetting our facility for the next day. She takes pride in her work, disinfecting exam rooms, deep cleaning our treatment area, and making sure we are set up for the next day of caring for your pets. She has been with us for over 5 years, and we could not be more appreciative of her hard work.