MEET THE DOCTORS & STAFF

Dr. Jeri Dioguardi and Dr. Don Gehringer

Foothills Animal Hospital is a family-owned hospital. Dr. Jeri Dioguardi and Dr. Don Gehringer both grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Dioguardi graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson and Dr. Gehringer graduated from Creighton University. They met at graduate school in biochemistry at Arizona State University in 1980. Their mutual love of animals led them to veterinary school at Kansas State University. Dr. Gehringer graduated in 1987 and Dr. Dioguardi graduated in 1989. They both have practiced in Yuma since then. Dr. Dioguardi opened FAH in the Yuma East shopping center in 1991 and Dr. Gehringer joined the practice in 1997. The new, state-of-the-art facility in was built in1998. Their daughter, Dorothy Jean, was born in 1996. If they ever get any free time, they like to spend it traveling.

Dr. Clifford Wright

Dr. Clifford Wright was born and grew up in Casper, Wyoming. At the age of 14 his love for animals blossomed into the realization that he was going to be a veterinarian. Dr Wright started working in the veterinary field as a kennel technician his sophomore year of high school. This early exposure solidified his dream. After graduating from high school he moved to Denver, Colorado to attend veterinary technician school at Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. While there he worked with the likes of Dr. Robert Taylor and Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, the stars of Emergency Vets. After graduating with his Associate Degree and passing the state board exams for Wyoming and Colorado, Dr. Wright worked as a licensed veterinary technician for 3 years before moving to Manhattan, Kansas to start Veterinary School. While attending Veterinary School, Dr. Wright worked as the emergency surgery technician until his senior year. After graduating he decided he was tired of the cold weather and moved to Kingman, Arizona. After working in Kingman as an associate veterinarian for 3 years, Dr. Wright opened a practice in Bullhead City which he operated for 11 years. Dr. Wright joined out staff first as a relief veterinarian then as a full time associated in April 2011. When Dr. Wright has free time away from the office he loves to spend it working with his alpaca herd or trying to find that elusive 5 pound bass.

Colleen - Certified Veterinary Technician

Licensed in California in 1979 as a Registered Animal Health Technician, and in Arizona in 1983 as a Certified Veterinary Technician, it has been my privilege to work for Dr.  Dioguardi and Foothills Animal Hospital since the clinic was established. In my career as a licensed veterinary technician, I have worked at 2 other veterinary clinics, one in San Diego specializing in our feline friends, the other a mixed (large and small animals) here in Yuma. My hobby and my passion are my horses and my pets. I look forward to seeing you at the clinic.

Sandy - Veterinary Assistant

Hello, my name is Sandy. I'm a N. H. native, but I have lived here in Yuma off and on. Over the years, Dr. Gehringer and I have put in almost 24 years of working together. I have a wonderful daughter, Alyssa, and many of my own critters. I am pleased to be here, getting the chance to meet you and help keep your pets healthy and happy.

Paula - Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I'm  Paula, I have been a vet assistant at F.A.H. since Sept of 2004. I am from Santa Ynez, CA,  and was born and raised on a ranch. I attended Pima Medical Institute to be trained as a Veterinary Assistant. I have been in the veterinary field for over 15 years or more. I have a  son ( Aaron ) who is a mechanic for his dad's shop and a daughter  (Ashleigh ) who just graduated high school and joined the Air Force , 2 cats and 4 dogs who keep me going non-stop! I love working for Foothills Animal Hospital, my co-workers and the doctors are the best.

Andrea - Veterinary Assistant

Hi my name is Andrea, I have been involved in the human dental field for many years. My love of animals has brought me into the Veterinary dental field. I am hoping I can help your pet keep their teeth and mouth as healthy as possible.

Jennifer - Veterinary Assistant

Hi I am Jennifer.  I have worked at F. A. H. since April,  I have worked in the human medical field for 15 Years and decided I would give animals a try.

 I was born and raised in Yuma and have spent most of my life here.  I am Married to Christian and have 3 children.  In my off time I enjoy my horses,  we are now down to 5.

Lisa - Certified Veterinary Technician

                            I graduated from Mt. San Antonio College, in Walnut, CA with a degree in animal science. I have earned 10  years experience as a veterinary technician in small animal day practices and in emergency medicine.  I was fortunate enough to find Foothills Animal Hospital. This has become my new veterinary home, the doctors, staff and clients make a wonderful working environment and I am here to stay!  I am looking forward  to helping you and your pets.

Susan - Receptionist

Hi, my name is Susan. I  moved back to Yuma for the third time, thanks to the Marine Corp. and have worked at FAH since August of 2007.  I am married to an awesome Marine named Jay, and we have a beautiful daughter named Courtney.  We have 2 dogs, Sedona and Daisy, and 3 cats, Spooky Spike, Julie, and Noodles. I love being around all of the adorable animals, and I look forward to helping you and meeting your cherished family members.

Sandra - Receptionist

    Hello, I am Sandra. I moved to Yuma with my husband, Steve in 2005. I was a veterinary receptionist in Salem, Oregon for 7 years. Prior to that, I trained gun dogs and had obedience training in Idaho for many years. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Maria - Receptionist

Hi, my name is Maria. I am one of the receptionists at Foothills Animal Hospital. I was born in California, but raised in Yuma, AZ. I am a mother of two wonderful children named Luis and Brianda.  I love my job and hope to meet you and your pets!

Brooke - Receptionist

Hello I'm Brooke. I am a receptionist at Foothills Animal Hospital. I started November of 2012. I am a mother of a wonderful boy named Jasper. I have always had a passion for animals. I have one dog and two bunnies. I can't wait to meet you all and your fur babies soon!

Savannah - Veterinary Assistant

     Hi, my name is Savannah, and I started here at Foothills Animal Hospital in January  of 2010. I'm originally from Ogden, Utah. I moved to Yuma to be with  my husband Diego. I have 2 dogs. I love animals and can't wait to meet yours! 

Susan - Veterinary Assistant

Hi, my name is Susan. I started at Foothills Animal Hospital in August 2011. I was born and raised in Yuma, AZ and have always had a love for animals. I have 2 children and a house full of animals. I look forward to meeting you and your pets.

Angela - Veterinary Assistant

I moved to Yuma from Phoenix in October of 2012 and was lucky enough to start working at Foothills Animal Hospital almost immediately.  I graduated from Carrington College in 2010 and  absolutely love working in this field. I have 2 cats and one small dog that I have the pleasure of sharing my life with. I am very pleased to have such wonderful staff to work along side. I look forward to meeting you and your pet family.

Yolanda - Maintenance

Hi, my name is Yolanda, I have been working here at the Foothills Animal Hospital for 2 1/2 years. I have been here in Yuma for 11 years. I'm happily married and have 2 boys. I also have 4 dogs.

Squirt

I will always be the hospital queen!