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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Born and raised in California, Sara has spent most of her life in Ventura county. When not working she enjoys spending time at home relaxing with her Shih tzu’s, going to the gym, and traveling with friends/family
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.
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 my family, baking and listen 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!
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 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.
Cassandra is a compassionate Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who began her journey in the veterinary field at the age of 16.Starting as a veterinary assistant, last year, she obtained her RVT licensure, solidifying her commitment to providing the highest level of care for animals.
Outside of the clinic, Cassandra is a strength training and weightlifting enthusiast. She enjoys challenging herself at the gym, finding balance and strength both in her professional and personal life.
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.
Hello, my name is Tatiana. I was born and raised here in Ventura County. I have been in the veterinary field for a little over 5 years and truly believe that I am meant to be in this field. I mean, I meet the best furry friends every day! When I am not providing the best quality care to you and your furry loved ones, I enjoy time with my partner and my two beautiful girls. I have a 1.5 year old and an 8 year old, and they both keep me on my toes. I also have 2 furry, very spoiled felines named Sunnymoon and Card B Megan. My family and I love spending time at Disneyland. When we are not at Disney, most of my weekends are dedicated to helping out my oldest daughter’s softball team with practices and games.
