Meet the Staff
Bernadine Stallings
DVM
Dr. Bernadine Stallings is a graduate of UC Davis, class of 1985. Prior to attending veterinary school Dr. Stallings obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Technology and was a microbiologist at a division of UCLA Medical Center. During her senior year in veterinary school, Dr. Stallings was given the award for Practice Excellence which is awarded to one senior student each year. After attending Veterinary school she served an internship at West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group where she received advanced training in Internal Medicine and Surgery. Her special interest remains in Internal Medicine.
Perry Kruckenberg
DVM
Dr. Perry Kruckenberg is a graduate of UC Davis, class of 1986. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Kruckenberg received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Animal Science from Cal Poly Pomona. Also prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Kruckenberg was involved in groundbreaking research involving Salmonella infection in young dairy calves. His special interests include surgery and dentistry.
Nancy Fernandez Bujo
DVM
Dr. Nancy Fernandez-Bujo graduated from Colorado State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She joined Hemet Animal Hospital upon graduation. Her special interests are endocrine and metabolic disorders as well as ultrasound. Dr. Fernandez-Bujo works diligently in order to obtain diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment. She takes pride in building long-term relationships and caring for her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children.
Natalie Kruckenberg
DVM
Dr. Natalie Kruckenberg joined Hemet Animal Hospital in early 2020. She graduated from the University of California Davis. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Kruckenberg obtained a Bachelor’s degree in the Japanese language and worked in Japan for 3 years as a Coordinator for International Relations through the Japan Exchange and Teaching program. She then pursued a post-baccalaureate in pre-medical and general science prior to acceptance to veterinary school. While at UC Davis she participated in several clubs and volunteer clinics including the Veterinary Pathology Club, Mercer Clinic for Pets of the Homeless, Knight’s Landing One Health Clinic, and the Sacramento SPCA Feral Cat Spay and Neuter Clinic
Dogtor Tiana
Tiana joined our team in February of 2024. She got her degree in obedience training in a few short weeks. She enjoys coming in everyday overseeing everything is running smoothly. When she is not working she enjoys running around and playing with her little furr-brother Biggie, and her human siblings too!
Scherry
Office Manager
A proud third-generation Hemet High graduate, Scherry was born and raised in Hemet and has deep roots in the community. She joined Hemet Animal Hospital in 2007 as a receptionist and, through dedication and hard work, was promoted to Office Manager in 2017. With over 30 years of customer service experience, Scherry works closely with the doctors and staff to ensure every pet receives exceptional care.
Her passion for animals began early in life. While in high school, she was an active member of FFA under the guidance of her most inspiring teacher, Mr. Fernandes, and loved raising and showing dairy goats. Though she loves all animals, Scherry is especially fond of cats.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their beloved cats—Biscuit, Blake, and Dolly—and fondly remembers her angel kitties Bernie, Bitty, and Hawkeye. In her free time, Scherry enjoys movies, classic country music, classic Chevrolets, and motorsports.
Kayla
Lead/Veterinary Assistant
Kayla has been a valued member of the Hemet Animal Hospital team since 2011. With a deep passion for helping animals in need, she brings dedication and compassion to her role every day.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two kids, visiting Disneyland, and getting lost in a good book. She’s also a proud pet parent to a lovable crew of fur babies—Katniss, Sisu, Ghost, Raya, Chicken, and Waffles. She holds the memory of her angel pets, Karma, Gracie, and Sparky, close to her heart.
Tamara
Registered Veterinary Technician
Tamara has been in the Vet-med field for over 25 years after a 12 year career in human health as a nursing assistant, she has been a part of Hemet Animal Hospital working as a Veterinary Assistant since 2007. She received her Registered Veterinary Technician License after graduating from Platt College in the summer of 2024. Her tremendous care for animals started at a young age and led her down the path to this rewarding career. Hemet has been her home since 1978 and she enjoys living in this close knit community. Her enjoyment outside of work is spending time with her family and doing outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. She has many pets at home including her dogs Peewee, Gus Gus, Gemma, her cat Binks, and her pot belly pig Wilbur.
Rocio
Veterinary Assistant
Rocio started her career in Veterinary Medicine in 2001 when she moved to the United States and received her certificate as a Veterinary Assistant. Since then, she has worked for a number of excellent Veterinarians and has developed a passion for canine and feline dentistry. Rocio joined the team here as a Veterinary Assistant in 2007. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and has become an asset to this hospital. She enjoys spending time with her family including her dog’s Stubby and Packer. Her cat’s Aaron, Clay, and Jordy. She dreams of one day opening her home to a basset hound.
Ron
Veterinary Assistant
Ron has been a Veterinary Assistant here at Hemet Animal Hospital since January 2017. He has worked in the Veterinary industry for over 32 years and has experience in small animal and exotic care, preventative care, emergency care, critical care, and customer service. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and pets (Kali, Misty, and Duke.)
Sonia
Veterinary Assistant
Sonia is a Veterinary Assistant at Hemet Animal Hospital, she has been in the veterinary field since 2008. She has had the pleasure to have worked with exceptional Veterinarians in San Diego and through that she has gained a substantial amount of experience through her years in the veterinary field. She joined Hemet Animal Hospital in October of 2016. Sonia has always had great love and interest in animals since she was young. She enjoys coming to work every day and helping out all the animals as well as sharing preventative care and information with pet owners that is beneficial to the furry members of their family. During her time off work Sonia is happily occupied spending time with her human children as well as her four legged furry children.
Stephanie
Veterinary Assistant
Stephanie began working at Hemet Animal Hospital in 2024. With over 17 years of experience in the vet med field she hopes to continue doing her best in caring for our furry patients. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family as they go camping, hiking, and fishing. She also enjoys crafting and wood burning. Her family owns 11 different pets ranging from dogs, cats, birds, rats, and even a snake.
Marissa
Veterinary ASsistant
Marissa has been living in the Hemet area for about 4 years. She just began her journey in the veterinary field and is excited to continue and grow in her career here in Hemet Animal Hospital. In her free time she enjoys shopping and swimming. On her time outside of work she has some investment properties she maintains. She owns 3 cats Daffodil, Bubbles and Mr. Paws and a dog named Rosie.
Leonela
Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant
Leonela has been working at Hemet Animal Hospital since March 2022. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelors of Science. One day she hopes to continue her education and become a veterinarian. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two kids at the park. She has two dogs Pumba and Kovu.
Linda
Receptionist
Linda has been with Hemet Animal Hospital since July of 2021. She first began her career in the veterinary field in 1987. She has a passion for working in client relations and helping people with their pets. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her grandson, going to the movie theaters, and enjoying the beach. She has 3 dogs Rocco (Dachshund), Pipin (Corgi), and Levi (Corgi).
Kelly
Receptionist
Kelly received her veterinary assistant certificate in 2006 from the Regional Occupational Program in Santee, Ca. She worked with reptiles and pocket pets for 5 years before moving on to small animal medicine in 2012. When she is not spending time with her family; she enjoys crafting, scrapbooking and tending to her many plants.
Bri
Receptionist
Born and raised in the valley, Bri is proud to call this community home. She graduated from San Jacinto High and went on to mentor under Dr. John Harsany, a respected addiction specialist who served the valley for over 30 years. Bri spent two years learning alongside him, gaining valuable experience and insight into compassionate care.
Outside of work, Bri loves spending time with her two kiddos—who truly run her world. She’s also the proud owner of a spirited dog named Beastly, who lives up to her name!
