Staff

Paul McClellan, DVM
President & Founder

Dr. Paul McClellan is a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.  It was his good fortune to have attended a university that placed a premium on instructors who were patient and devoted to their students.  It was Dr. William Henderson who introduced Dr. McClellan to the wonderful environment of Northern San Diego county and in 1982, shortly after receiving his veterinary degree, Dr. McClellan moved to the west coast.  Performance horse medicine was a growing and rapidly evolving science for equine practitioners in the early 80’s and Dr. McClellan saw it as a perfect fit for his interests.  He has devoted his entire career exclusively to the challenges of performance horse medicine.  Early in his career, he spent time under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Allen and later with Dr. Danny Marks.  Both were highly regarded practitioners and proved to be great mentors to Dr. McClellan.

The use of sophisticated technology to enhance indispensable clinical skills has been championed by Dr. McClellan.  As a result, he has been an advocate of diagnostic ultrasound, scintigraphy, and MRI.  Dr. McClellan produced several papers on the use of diagnostic ultrasound in the early 80’s, encouraged by his association with Dr. Norm Rantanen.  In 1990, Dr. McClellan was invited to serve on the USEF Drugs and Medications committee, a position he still holds.  He is also an FEI veterinary delegate for the United States in jumping and dressage.  Through the years he has had the pleasure of working with horses at the highest levels of competition in racing, eventing, dressage, and jumping.  The names of stalwart champions and numerous other competitors are indelibly imprinted in his memory of unforgettable moments.

Aside from the pursuit of excellence in his vocation, Dr. McClellan has spent time in a variety of mental and physical activities in an effort to stave off the effects of aging.  None so far has shown much promise, but currently he finds interests such as music, hiking, writing, and gardening much more relaxing and a lot less costly than a psychiatrist.

Michael Manno, DVM, MS
Senior Partner

Dr. Mike Manno received both his Masters and DVM degrees from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.  Prior to graduation in 1981, he was a research instructor in reproductive physiology and taught graduate level biochemistry, veterinary physiology, and pharmacology courses at Purdue.  He also worked as a surgeon in the NIH Department of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Besthesda, MD doing cardiac surgical research, including intrauterine fetal cardiac surgery.  Since 1982, Dr. Manno has worked on the racetracks and polo fields in Chicago, Northern and Southern California.  He has completed courses in both basic and advanced arthroscopic surgery and orthopedic fracture repair.

Outside interests include hiking, water and snow skiing, scuba diving, and polo.

Maureen Kelleher, DVM
Associate Veterinarian, Research Coordinator

Dr. Maureen Kelleher is a graduate of UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine.  She has an in-depth background in performance horse medicine and a strong research background.  Her research interest has helped SDEG tremendously as she completed the clinic’s database on MRI diagnoses of the foot, which was distributed to veterinarians nationally.  

Since joining the San Dieguito Equine Group team in 2007 she has continued to pursue her interest in orthopedics and imaging as well as developing expertise in the area of performance horse dentistry.  She is also an excellent teacher and plays a large role in the practice’s externship program.

Dr. Kelleher’s interests include outdoor photography, running, and spending time with her family.

Rebecca James, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Eric Garcia, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Eric received his DVM degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.  Prior to that, his Bachelor's degree was earned in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo.  

Jennifer McKinney, RVT
Technician Supervisor, Safety Officer, & Purchasing Coordinator

Jennifer McKinney received her B.S. in Agriculture Sciences and Management, Animal Science emphasis, from U.C. Davis.  She started working as a veterinary technician in 1988 and got her CA RVT license in 1991.  She worked at Helen Woodward Animal Hospital in the equine department for 13 years before joining San Dieguito Equine Group in 2001.

Jennifer’s interests include gardening and spending time with her family.

Deanna Biondo, RVT
Clinic Technician & Radiation Safety Coordinator

Deanna received her B.S. in Equestrian Science from Stephens College and her R.V.T. from the Bel-Rea Institute.  Prior to working at SDEG, Deanna was employed for 3 years at Littleton Large Animal Hospital and also worked as a surgery technician for 1 year.  She is actively involved with the AAEVT (American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians).  As a member of the San Dieguito Equine Group team, she works with patients needing advanced diagnostics like nuclear scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  Deanna is accredited user for the Hallmarq MRI Scanner.

Deanna’s interests include riding hunter/jumpers, yoga, watching movies, and going to the beach.

Andrea Shepley, RVT
Ambulatory and Clinical Technician

Andrea Shepley received her BA in International Development from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada and went on to complete the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College in 2002.  She has worked at the Ontario Veterinary College and was also the Head of Veterinary Services for the Cavalia tour.  Andrea received her R.V.T. license in 2002 and then added to her list of credentials by passing the state of California licensure exam in 2008.  She has over 25 years experience working in the horse industry.  As a member of the San Dieguito Equine Group team she works in the field as a technician, but is also involved with providing advanced diagnostics at our clinic.  She recently became an accredited user of the Hallmarq MRI scanner.  In addition to her duties with San Dieguito Equine Group, Andrea is also involved with the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians as the west coast regional contact.

Andrea’s interests include yoga, international travel, and riding.

Celeste Gallen, RVT
Ambulatory and Clinical Technician

Celeste received her AS in Animal Health Technology from
Mesa College in 1999.  She worked
for the past 11 years as a RVT, assisting with surgery, radiology, patient care
and anesthesia at the Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Celeste grew up in Victoria, British Columbia where she rode
hunter/jumpers.  She also used to
teach and was a Canadian Equestrian Federation certified Level 1 coach. 

Celeste enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband
and 2 boys, practicing yoga, and cooking and entertaining with friends.

Celeste can be contacted at cgallen@sdequine.com

Susan Conrad
Administrative Supervisor

Susan Conrad  joined SDEG in 2005 and quickly became an integral part of the administrative team.  She is an ever present voice on the phone and is passionate about making sure all SDEG clients get their questions answered.
Susan has been working in the horse industry for more than 10 years, though she has owned horses for her entire life.

Susan’s interests include hanging out at the barn, going to horse shows, camping, spending time with her 10 year-old daughter Sierra.

Nicole LaGrange
Veterinary Assistant

Lauren Walter
Administrative Assistant

Growing up in the great state of Texas, Lauren has been riding horses on the family ranch since she was 10 years old.. She left for college and received her Bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in Equine Science and Business.  A recent transplant to California, she joined the SDEG staff in mid 2009 and has been a wonderful addition ever since.  

Kim Baden
Administrative Assistant

Kim Baden is currently attending UC Davis with an Animal Biology major, and plans apply to Veterinary School in the Fall of 2011.  She was the Salutatorian for the Graduating Class of 2008 from Mission Hills High School.  Kim works at SDEG during her school breaks.

Kim’s interests include soccer, riding and camping.

Lupe Barroso
Clinic Foreman

Lupe joined San Dieguito Equine Group after a long career working with performance horses as a groom.  He is responsible for ensuring the best daily care for all the horses seen at the imaging center.  In addition to his responsibilities as a groom, he is also very involved with assisting the veterinarians and technicians with clinic procedures as well as providing basic farrier needs associated with advanced diagnostic procedures. He also assists the doctors and technicians in handling horses during orthopedic evaluations and imaging procedures. Lupe's experience is a great asset when a nervous horse needs to be settled by a confident and careful handler.


Lupe spends his free time with his wife and three kids. He enjoys playing basketball and swimming.

Rafa Garcia
Lead Groom & Assistant Clinic Foreman

Rafa joined San Dieguito Equine Group after a long career in the thoroughbred racing industry where he worked as a groom.  He is responsible for horse care, stall management, assisting doctors with orthopedic evaluations, and assisting with advanced imaging procedures.  His love for the horse is obvious in all that he does.  He loves to learn and is always keeping his eye open for ways he can improve his skills.  He completed his education in Mexico and has been working with horses for over 25 years.

He enjoys taking part in activities that will allow him to learn and progress in his field and also enjoys spending time with his family.