Rachel joined the Pine Tree team in November 2023, bringing her warm energy and love for animals to the front desk. Though she’s newer to the clinic, she’s quickly become a familiar and friendly face to clients and their pets.
Originally from Wenatchee, Washington, Rachel grew up surrounded by all kinds of animals, a love that’s followed her throughout her life. After moving to the Seattle area at 19, she spent six years working at Amazon before making a rewarding shift into the veterinary field. She’s embraced the more meaningful work at Pine Tree and the welcoming atmosphere that comes with it.
Rachel shares her life with her sweet little dog, Merf. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her creating art (make sure to always check out her nails!), exploring local trails, and spending time outdoors. She hopes to one day have a home where she and her husband can grow their own fruits and vegetables in a backyard garden.
She’s proud to be part of a team that cares deeply for animals — and the people who love them.

Favorite Animal:  Coming soon!

Dr. Ferguson completed her undergraduate degree in Avian Sciences at the University of California in Davis with a minor in Veterinary Medical Entomology and Nutritional Sciences in 1992. She graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University in 1997. After working in an "exotics only" clinic in San Francisco, California she obtained her Board Certification in Avian Practice in 2003.

Over the past 18 years, Dr. Ferguson has treated a wide variety of companion animals including birds, reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, and hedgehogs, in addition to cats and dogs. She enjoys consulting with local veterinarians as well as performing advanced diagnostics, treatments and surgery on exotic patients.

In her spare time she enjoys hikin​​g and gardening, as well as spending time with her family and menagerie of pet animals including three horses, three goats, a hawk-headed parrot, three dogs, two cats, twenty or so chickens, four hives of bees, and a salt water habitat filled with reef critters.

Favorite animal: Hummingbird

Dr. Zellar graduated Summa Cum Laude with her undergraduate degree, in Organismal Biology, from Montana State University. She completed her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University.

In addition to cats and dogs, Dr. Zellar enjoys seeing a wide variety of animals including reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, and hedgehogs. She has special interests in fish medicine, and is working towards a board certification in reptile and amphibian medicine.

During her veterinary education, Dr. Zellar devoted herself to working with a wide variety of animals, studying at the Exotic and Animal Care Center, in Raleigh, NC, the Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital of Seattle, Burge Bird Services, in Kansas City, KS, and Southwest Animal Hospital, in Portland, OR. She worked with the Denver Aquarium on research in fish anesthesia, and co-founded the CSU Aquatic Animal Medicine Club. She has conducted research in snake vascular disease, avian influenza, pack dynamics in African wild dogs, and foot disease in Asian elephants. Dr. Zellar has also worked extensively in wildlife rehabilitation of birds, reptiles and marsupials, with the Bozeman Raptor Center, in Bozeman, MT, and the Native Animal Rescue Center, in Western Australia.

Off duty, Dr. Zellar enjoys hiking with her dog, Renly, painting, mixed media art, photography, and spending time with her geckos, her frogs and tropical freshwater aquarium.

Dr. Zellar's research publications include:
Zellar A, Olea-Popelka F, Campbell T. A Comparison of Anesthetic Induction and Recovery Time Using Alfaxalone and Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222) in Two Fish Species. J Exot Pet Med. 2018. 27(4): 82-8.
Zellar A, Klaphake E, Han S. Arteriosclerosis and Arteritis in Two Colubrid Snakes. J Exot Pet Med. 2018.

Originally from Lake Forest Park, Washington Dr. LeFevre completed her undergraduate education at Washington State University where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Zoology in 2010. Prior to attending school for her doctorate, she did quite a bit of volunteer work with wildlife and shelter animals here in the Northwest. She then went on to attend the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She then completed a yearlong internship in exotics and emergency medicine in Oceanside, California before coming back to Washington where she worked in a mixed practice for 4 years in the South Sound, seeing everything from snakes and rabbits to goats and horses.

She is very excited to start her new position here at Pine Tree. When she isn't working at the hospital, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest by hiking, backpacking, skiing or anything near water from sea kayaking to stand up paddle boarding. She also enjoys video games, board games, and reading. She and her husband love to travel, and she loves lavishing all of her animal adoration on her dog, Orion; a mixed breed rescue from California and her rescue cat Jonesy.

Favorite animal: Loch Ness Monster

Chelsey has been around animals her whole life. She devotes a great deal of her time to taking care of all types of pet companions. She owns multiple snakes, geckos, chickens, ducks, an African grey parrot, a cat, and two dogs. In 2019, Chelsey completed online courses with on-the-job training that qualified her to become a licensed veterinary technician in the states of Washington and California. In 2020, Chelsey became the Practice Manager and she has loved every minute of it! Her next goal is to obtain her CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager). 

In her spare time, Chelsey loves to spend time with her friends, family, and her animals. She gravitates toward being outdoors, especially if it involves camping, hiking, or white-water rafting.

Favorite animal:  Alligatoridae Family

With a love for all creatures big and small since birth, and an innate desire to learn, Ellie has embarked on a journey in the world of animal care. She attended Seattle Pacific University, graduating with a bachelors of science in biology, minoring in chemistry and ecotheology. Her plans are to attend a veterinary school and specialize in reptiles. For the time being, she is enjoying her time here at Pine Tree gaining valuable insight about how a vet clinic operates.
Currently, Ellie has a dog (Odie), a leopard gecko (Sunflower) and a ball python (Coffee Bean) and hopes to one day have a pixie frog as well. When she isn't at work you will likely find her outside looking for bugs, plants, and fungi. She also enjoys playing guitar, piano, and singing in her community. 

Favorite Animal:  Coming soon!

Emma, like our other staff members, grew up with a love for a variety of different animals. In 2019, she channeled her love for animals by attending Pima Medical Institute and completing the Veterinary Assistant program. She currently owns an English Bulldog, two cats, and one 3-legged bearded dragon. In the future she hopes to have a house with enough space to have more pets.

When she is not busy tending to her animals, Emma enjoys to read, watch documentaries, and go on road trips.

Favorite animal: Penguin

Lexie has been a friendly face at the front desk since December 2021, and she’s loved every minute of it. With a lifelong passion for animals, she brings warmth, dedication, and a deep understanding of clients and their beloved pets to every interaction. Growing up surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes, Lexie’s bond with the animal world runs deep. She was actively involved in FFA and the equestrian teams, riding and owning horses for much of her life. Though life recently led her down a new path, her love for animals never faded.

At home, Lexie’s personal zoo includes a bearded dragon named Rango, a Russian tortoise named Rassie, two dogs (Rusty and Mr. Cowboy), a cat named Ricky, and three sheep. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors, reading, tending to her backyard flock, or spending quality time with her pups and her better half. Lexie is proud to be part of a team that shares her passion for animals, and she’s always ready to greet clients — two-legged and four-legged — with a smile.

Favorite Animal:  Mini horse.

Zoe has been raised in Washington her whole life, where she was surrounded by wildlife. She has always had at least 4 dogs in her home and currently cares for six dogs and a cat. Zoe's goal is to obtain her LVT license to become a wildlife rehabilitator. She is actively involved in the Washington Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (WWRA) and spends her free time volunteering at animal rescues and wildlife rehabilitation centers.

When she isn't spending time working and volunteering with animals, Zoe is very passionate about art and finds joy in painting. She also delights in the exhilaration of snowboarding, exploring the great outdoors with her canine companions, and indulging in movie nights.

Favorite Animal:  Octopus.

Tom was a former mechanic before he decided to change careers. When he was young he seldom had the chance to interact with animals it has always been out of reach. When he became an adult animal interactions just started happening. It got to a point where all he thought about was what animal will he encounter next.
He had an urge to help and educate. He saw so many animals hurt and needed love so he took an opportunity to jump into the veterinary field and he never turned back.
He now has a strong passion for wildlife, avian healthcare and training. His plan for his future is to become a Certified Animal/Avian trainer to educate as many people as possible.

Favorite Animal:  Coming soon!

Cayle has always been around animals, and when she was little, she decided that one day she was going to become a veterinarian. Cayle obtained her license to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2019 after graduating from Pierce College. She joined the Pine Tree team in 2017. Through the course of her life, she has cared for a small parade of dogs, cats, rabbits, frogs and fish. Currently Cayle ​has Doug (the most adorable golden), Bree and Autumn (bengals), Billy Ray Cyrus the Guinea pig, Maverick and Haku the bearded dragons, Helios the ball python and Toph the rabbit.

Cayle has always had a passion for riding horses and attended horse camps when she was younger. She has also volunteered for Critterqueen Rabbit Rescue, in addition to her constant pet sitting for friends. In her spare time Cayle likes to go on hikes, go camping, walk on the beach or do anything that involves getting outside with her boyfriend or family. She also enjoys photography and cars, so she is always up for going on long drives and discovering new places.

Favorite animal: Cow. 

Tigger, as most people know him, was born Mathew Birch. A Seattle native, he started working professionally with animals in 2000. His passion for animals started as a child visiting his grandparents' farm on Whidbey Island. By his late teens and through his early 20's he was raising rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and goats, as well as owning ferrets, a California gopher snake, a painted turtle, a black Labrador and several cats. In spring of 1999 he started volunteering at P.A.W.S. Wildlife Center. He enjoyed wildlife rehabilitation so much that upon being hired the following spring he spent most of 6 years there. In 2005, after working with everything from hummingbirds to eagles and opossums to black bear, he started work as a Veterinary Assistant in a mixed practice hospital and continued to work with wildlife on the side. He received both a Veterinary Technicians License and WA Wildlife Rehabilitators Permit in 2010. In addition to working as an LVT, he helped to found South Sound Critter Care Wildlife Center in 2009. He is currently working with Featherhaven Native Songbird Rehabilitation  in Enumclaw, as well as consulting for For Heaven Sake Wildlife Center  in Rochester.

In his off time he enjoys spending time with his wife, children and his current pets, which include the cats Sassy, Willow, and Hermione, a sugar glider named Roo, Merlin the Green-Cheek Conure, and Elva, Fiona, and Skeeter the chickens (known collectively as "the girls").

Favorite animal: Red Fox.

Haley was born and raised in Maple Valley and has lived there her whole life. At a young age she was curious about all the wildlife around her. Her passion for animals started first by gathering small tree frogs and making home-made habitats for them. Later, she began going out of her way to help lost animals find their way home. An animal science class she was taking in school gave her opportunities to become an FFA member, raise and care for farm animals, dissect small reptiles and even castrate bulls! The class inspired a fascination with agricultural science and animal anatomy. Haley's drive to make animals just as happy as they make her, helped her realize that she wanted to work in the veterinary field.

In Haley’s free time, she spends most her days outside working on art projects, going on hikes, camping with family/friends and collecting cool rocks and drift wood along the way.

Favorite animal: Bear.

Kari grew up surrounded by a wide variety of animals, which sparked a passion for animal care and advocacy. While she has thoroughly enjoyed her time with Pine Tree Vet, she is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Washington, combining her love for technology with a strong sense of curiosity and problem-solving.

In her free time, Kari enjoys relaxing with video games, getting lost in a good book, and birdwatching (ask her about wild bird facts!). At home, she shares her space with her beloved cat, Ashes, who is always spoiled with plenty of treats. 

Favorite animal: Tiger.

Sammie has harbored a lifelong passion for animals, inspired by idols like Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin. Raised among a diverse array of creatures including dogs, cats, fish, chickens, horses, and mules, her love for animals only grew stronger with time. She dedicated years to volunteering for the Auburn Valley Humane Society, nurturing her compassion for animal welfare.
At home, Sammie shares her life with three dogs: Todd Barkley, Belle, and Winston Bishop.
Beyond her affinity for animals, Sammie finds joy in a variety of hobbies, including video games, reading, drawing, baking, hiking, and soccer. Recently, she's developed an interest in marketing, reflecting her diverse range of talents and interests. Sammie's enthusiasm extends beyond the realm of living creatures to encompass a love for dinosaurs and paleontology, showcasing her curiosity about the ancient world and its fascinating inhabitants.

Favorite Animal: Alectrosaurus.

Sydney has always enjoyed being around animals growing up. Her family was the crazy cat family on the block with as many as four kitties at one point living together. She always enjoyed going to her grandparents property in Eastern Washington where she would help them build their house, care for the land, and see a variety of wildlife along the way. Meanwhile, at home, she was always glued to the TV watching Animal Planet, especially shows like the Crocodile Hunter. Since then, Sydney has been inspired by Steve Irwin who always showed so much love and care towards stigmatized wildlife such as his beloved crocodiles and wanted to care for and protect exotic wildlife in my own way. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation in 2021 from WSU and have since then worked and volunteered at a variety of wildlife facilities including Northwest Trek, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the WSU Bear Center. She is now in the process of applying to college to receive further training as a veterinary assistant and eventually veterinary technician. She currently lives in her home town of Tacoma with her long-time partner Stenner, her borador Razzle Dazzle, and her lynx point Siamese Maya. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and watching anime and movies with her friends. 

Favorite Animal: King Cobra.

Hope has lived in Maple Valley her whole life. She has always loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, but did not get her first pet until 7th grade, a guinea pig named Winnie. Since then, she has gotten many animals! She is currently attending WSU’s pre-veterinary path. She volunteered as a clinic care assistant at Seattle Humane Society, runs her own pet sitting business, and has received three awards through FFA. 

Hope currently has two guinea pigs named S’mores and Ruby, is an older sister to her family’s dog Lily, and raises coturnix quail in her free time. She enjoys hiking, painting, and reading when she is not volunteering or training with her animals.

Favorite animal: Pangolin.  

Max has always called Maple Valley his home, growing up he was surrounded by the woods and all the wonderful life within. He has always had a soft spot for all types of critters and creatures, his grandfather would often take him & his sister to go help out on the farm. That passion for animals has only grown with time, from running around catching ladybugs and frogs to working at Pine Tree. Although veterinary practice wasn't what he initially saw in a career, he has fallen in love with this field and looks forward every day to work.

Favorite animal: Pink Fairy Armadillo.

Rachael has spent most of her life on a farm, surrounded by a variety of animals including alpacas, a llama, turkey, chickens, dogs, and a cat. Her deep-rooted love and interest in animals have been evident since childhood, leading her to become an active member of FFA. Now, she's looking to pursue her dream of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and is torn between specializing in large animal veterinary medicine or becoming a small animal general practitioner. She plans to embark on her academic journey towards this goal in fall 2024.
In her free time, Rachael enjoys embarking on adventures, spending quality time with her beloved dog Roxie, and indulging in her passion for fishing. She also finds joy in the company of her farm creatures and has a fondness for trucks. 

Favorite Animal:  Duck.

Krizelle grew up surrounded by farm animals including her personal favorite: water buffaloes. As a child in SE Asia, she spent most of her time outside catching frogs, lizards, fish, bugs, and enjoying the local flora. At Pine Tree, Krizelle works with a range of animals, but has a soft spot for exotics. Her current interest focuses on educating the public about proper care of our reptile companions. She is also Pine Tree's resident Master Herpetologist.

Krizelle spends much of her time participating in various outdoor activities alongside her husband. She also enjoys video games, working on cars, treats, and will occasionally read books and manga.

Ever since her childhood obsession with dinosaurs, Kira has never stopped loving animals, the environment, and science. Rusty, her golden retriever, has contributed a great deal to this everlasting love. She is also incredibly involved in the community and at school, participating in Robotics, We the People, FFA, and Girl Scouts. Kira plans on attending college to obtain a bachelor's degree, and hopefully a Master's or PHD, in animal science and public health to become a Veterinary Epidemiologist. 

Kira loves to spend time with her family (especially her dog!) and friends in her free time, as well as gardening, hiking, video games, and reading. 

Favorite Animal:  Triceratops.

Maddy's affection for animals has been a lifelong passion, accompanied by a keen interest in understanding their requirements. Currently participating in FFA, Maddy is steadfast in her ambition to secure her LVT license, driven by her deep commitment to animal welfare. At home, she cares for a diverse family of pets, including Kenzie and Kasch (her dogs), Boots (the cat), Bean and Millie (her guinea pigs), and Pigeon (the bearded dragon). Outside of working with animals, Maddy enjoys getting together with friends, babysitting, fishing, and persistently campaigns to expand her furry and scaly household.

Favorite Animal:  Coming soon!

Kaylee has been surrounded by a variety of animals her entire life such as ferrets, rabbits, horses; even pet tarantulas, but mostly cats (and has never been without one). She has always been compassionate about helping all types of creatures and was excited to officially step into the veterinary field after getting her Veterinary Assistant Certificate from Renton Technical College in 2020. She has plans of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician to further her knowledge and abilities to help animals.

In her spare time, she loves reading, playing video/board games, photography (nature/animals) and traveling. 

Favorite Animal: CatFerretDragon.