A Southern California native, Dr. Nina Nardi was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She grew up in a house of dogs, cats, turtles, and hamsters. She knew from an early age she wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Nardi completed her undergraduate degree with a BS in Biology from Pepperdine University. From Pepperdine, she went on to Veterinary School and graduated with the first graduating class at Western University in Pomona, California, in 2007. She has worked at several different hospitals, and she is very happy to be back at Veterinary Medical Center. She was a regular on the CBS television series, ‘Lucky Dog,’ and occasionally does radio and social media events. She is very dedicated to her patients and enjoys a wide range of medical disciplines. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family, friends, and her pets.

Dr. Barker initially pursued human medicine during her undergraduate studies because she found joy in helping people; however, her love for veterinary medicine was reignited when she rescued her best friend, Hero. She then began volunteering at a marine and wildlife rehabilitation center, a veterinary hospital, and a farm animal rescue. It was then that she decided to blend her two passions: helping people and animals. Dr. Barker earned her veterinary degree from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

When she isn’t taking care of her patients, Dr. Barker enjoys cooking or can be found in the outdoors kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Dr. Jess Conner is a Southern California native who grew up in the Inland Empire. For as long as she can remember her dream was always to become a veterinarian. This drove her to attend UC Davis to complete her undergraduate degree with a B.S. in Animal Science with double specializations in both Companion Animal & Equine Science. While at UC Davis she became a foal manager for the UCD horse barn and a small animal nurse for a few years, gaining lots of technical experience along the way. 

She moved back to Southern California for veterinary school & graduated from Western University of Health Sciences with high honors in the top of her class.  While she enjoys a wide range of specialties, she especially takes an interest in surgery, lameness & emergency medicine. Veterinary medicine is truly a passion for her and often volunteers to help provide free veterinary care to underserved or areas in need whenever she can. Currently, she is attending additional schooling to obtain her certification in chiropractic care for companion and equine patients.

In her free time, she enjoys many outdoor activities, fitness, attending concerts, and spending time with friends & family.  Though she also doesn’t mind hanging out at home with her significant other & furry/scaly family which includes her cat, dog & three snakes! She is thrilled to be able to care for you and your furry family!

Dr. Werner graduated from Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. He was born in San Fernando Valley and returned to the area after traveling to multiple states for his veterinary school rotations. Dr. Werner is an avid horseman, who also treats horses. He began working for VMC in January 2024. His father is a veterinary dermatologist who has practiced in the area for more than 35 years.

April is a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician with a degree in Animal Health Technology from Pierce College. A dedicated professional, April has advanced training and experience in dentistry, nutrition and canine massage therapy. April wanted to work with animals her entire life; she has been on staff at Veterinary Medical Center since 1979. She enjoys the beach, nature photography, baking, arts and crafts, and being “mom” to her Shelties.

Quetzalli was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She grew up with her cat, Maxie, and has always dreamed of working with elephants. Quetzalli graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Animal Biology and an Education Minor. She has always been drawn to animals, and it has been her dream to become a veterinarian. She hopes to work with creatures big and small and to one day teach all she’s learned. She enjoys dancing, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Bio coming soon!

Dior was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She first joined the Veterinary field in
2021 and is currently studying to achieve her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Her love for animals began when she learned to walk and would go pet horses at the stables. She grew up having dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish. She is happiest when she’s helping animals and can’t imagine her life any differently. At 9 years old, Dior became a member of California Rangers a youth equestrian organization modeled after the equestrian Cavalry of the 1800s. She was a dedicated member of the California Rangers for 10 years. She developed skills in horsemanship, performing high-speed drill maneuvers, leadership, discipline, and responsibility. She is passionate in her advocacy of animals and treats them as if they are her own. In her free time, she enjoys taking her pitbull Duke on long walks, listening to music, going to the beach, exercising, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family. Dior is grateful to be able to call herself a part of the VMC family.