Katherine Fertig D.V.M.
Dr. Fertig ("Kat") grew up in Connecticut and competed in the northeast hunter/jumper circuit. As an active member of the United States Pony Club, she received her "B rating" at the age of 16. After graduating from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, she attended the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Kansas State). Upon graduation from Kansas State, she moved to California with her husband, Eric, and dog, Chloe, for an internship at Chino Valley Equine Hospital. There, she received additional training in lameness, medicine, surgery and critical care. Kat and Eric both fell in love with Southern California and subsequently moved to Orange County. Dr. Fertig purchased the OCEVS practice in June of 2014.
With a strong interest in providing excellent care for our equine athletes, Dr. Fertig is pursuing advanced training in lameness and diagnostic imaging with the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology. She has also completed training in equine chiropractic and acupuncture and is certified by both the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Dr. Fertig is also an Official Veterinarian for FEI events.
In her spare time, she rides and competes in the jumpers with her horses New White M, Charming Boy, Carlot, and Salsa.
Lauren Hunter D.V.M.
Dr. Lauren Hunter was born in Ocala, Florida and grew up in Thousand Oaks, California. She has been riding since she was 3 years old and has always had a love and passion for animals, especially horses.
While obtaining her Bachelors of Science at UC Davis she worked at the Equestrian Center, assisted in research at the veterinary school, and was president of their Intercollegiate Dressage team. Lauren went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences here in SoCal. During vet school she was president of the student chapter of AAEP and a board member of and received Honors for the Veterinary Business Management Association. Dr. Hunter was recognized during her fourth year by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons for demonstrating exceptional care and skill of animals undergoing surgery. She also received a scholarship to travel to China and study veterinary acupuncture through The Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
She completed a highly competitive rotating internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, CA where she received additional training in internal medicine, imaging, surgery, and anesthesia. Her interests include general health and preventive medicine, internal medicine, senior horse care, and equine dentistry. Dr. Hunter is also a Permitted Treating Veterinarian (PTV) for FEI events.
In her free time, Lauren loves eating Mexican food, visiting our beautiful National Parks, and spending time with family including her three-legged cat, Alex, and four-legged dog, Nara.
Evangelina Botello D.V.M.
Dr. Evangelina (Eva) Botello was born and raised on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. Ask anyone who knows her and they will tell you that since toddlerhood Eva knew she would become an equine veterinarian. Her family has been heavily involved in American Quarter Horse racing since before she was born, and to this day maintains a strong presence within the industry. From the age of 5 through her high schools years, she showed both American Paint and American Quarter Horses in all around events. Nowadays, she enjoys relaxing trail rides and spending time with her companions on the farm.
After graduating from Arizona State University with her B.S. in Applied Biological Sciences and Zoology, she attended Midwestern University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue her doctorate where she was recognized by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons for demonstrating exceptional care and skill of animals undergoing surgery as well as being inducted into the Phi Zeta Honors Society. Eva’s professional interests include sports medicine, lameness and rehabilitation, as well as reproduction, preventive and geriatric care, wound management, and client education.
In addition to joining the OC Equine team, Eva will be completing a 6 month internship at Chino Valley Equine Hospital for advanced training in emergency/critical care, internal medicine, lameness, and surgery.
Currently, Eva owns three horses: Lace, Maya, and Nano; two minis (BonBon the horse and Stormi the donkey), and smallest but certainly not least, Tito the corgi. When not hard at work or with her critters, you will find Eva exploring the Southwest, cooking for family and friends, deep sea fishing, or just relaxing with a large cup of coffee.
Dr. Kaylee DeBusk D.V.M.
Dr. Kaylee DeBusk was born and raised in Orange County, CA spending most weekends at the barn. She graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) with a degree in Animal Science. Life then lead her to the Caribbean where she attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and was an active coordinator in the student chapter of AAEP. She completed her clinical year at Texas A&M University where she was awarded the American College of Veterinary Surgeons student proficiency award in large animal surgery.
After graduating veterinary school, Kaylee completed a rotating equine hospital internship at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center in Cave Creek, AZ where she received training in anesthesia, surgery, medicine, and patient care. She continued on as a general practitioner at Chaparral prior to moving back to California. Dr. DeBusk's interests include dentistry, in-field surgeries, and general care. In her free time she can be found trying out new restaurants with her husband, paddle boarding with her dog, Rose, or reading mystery/thriller novels.
Joanna Schielein, Practice MANAGER / VETerinary ASSISTANT
Joanna comes to us with over 30 years of experience in the equestrian community. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic University of San Luis Obispo, where she competed on the equestrian team and also was a working student for Olympic Silver Medalist Gina Miles. Joanna is a United States Pony Club Graduate and currently teaches riding and horse management seminars for Pony Club throughout the Southern California region. In her spare time, Joanna competes in three-day eventing with high hopes for her new partner Hypnos. She loves all four-legged creatures (especially goats) and her love for animals shines through in the care, handling and treatment she provides.
Gina Sorensen, Veterinary Assistant
Gina grew up in Orange County and comes to us with over 15 years of experience within the equestrian community. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with concentration of Animal Physiology from California State University, East Bay. She has always had the desire to be a part of our team here at OCEVS and is extremely happy to serve! She loves all types of animals, especially miniature horses and kittens. Her love for animals is expressed through her efforts in and out of the field. Some of her hobbies are to hangout with her horse, White Knight, and to dance her heart out whenever she can.
Katy Mouzis, Office and Veterinary Assistant
Katy has been riding and enjoying horses since she was 8 years old. What started as a 4-H horse project quickly turned into a hobby, that progressed into a sport as a youth rider in IEL, and then into a competitor in dressage showing through Intermediare II. Along with competitive riding, Katy also worked for the Shea Center for 9 years teaching a variety of people with different disabilities how to ride and enjoy horses. We are excited to have this excellent horsewoman on our team in the field with our vets as well as in the office providing administrative support.
Moxie, Chief of Morale
As her name might suggest, Moxie is in charge of making sure we get a good laugh in at least once a day. She’s still learning the ropes of being a truck dog but she already loves the job. Moxie is full of spunk and spirit and ready to provide a good laugh or a warm hug!
Nara, Snack Supervisor
Nara is proud to be a career change dog from Guide Dog’s for the Blind. Her new job with OCEVS is greeting everyone she meets like they are long lost friends and making sure they haven’t forgotten to share their treats with her!
Chloe, Rainbow Bridge Welcomer
Chloe spent many years as the OCEVS mascot and supervisor. She did her rounds visiting with clients and patients, and ensured things ran smoothly. Chloe is dearly missed by our families but we know she happily greeting all our patients on the rainbow bridge.