Staff
Veterinarians
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.
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.
Dr. McClellan can be contacted at paulmcclellan@sdequine.com
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.
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.
Dr. Manno can be contacted at michaelmanno@sdequine.com
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.
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.
Dr. Kelleher can be contacted at maureenkelleher@sdequine.com
Rebecca James, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Associate Veterinarian
Rebecca graduated from UC Davis School of Vetrinary Medicine. Prior to that, she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Science with an equine emphasis. After graduating from Veterinary School, she completed a 1 year intership at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital. Rebecca is interested in equine orthopedics, especially as it relates to performance horses. Her interests also lie in equine medicine and dentistry.
A native of Long Beach, Rebecca truly enjoys the Southern California lifestyle. Her other interests are travel, riding, running, hiking and reading a good book.
Dr. James can be contacted at rebeccajames@sdequine.com
Georgette Sheilds, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Georgette Shields is a San Diego native. She is excited to join SDEG for the next few months to help with the show season until she starts the UC Davis Large Animal Ultrasound Fellowship in August. A UC Davis vet med graduate, her interests include medicine, lameness, and ultrasound. She also has interests in large animal rescues, including helicopter assisted rescues. In her free time she enjoys running, cooking, and riding.
Dr. Shields can be reached at georgetteshields@sdequine.com
Lindsey Lewis, DVM
Professional Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Lindsey Lewis is a 2008 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a B.S. in Biology/Neurology from UC Davis in 2002. She has a strong interest in Equine Lameness and Medicine. Lindsey grew up in Del Mar and began riding huntseat when she was 8 years old. Riding and owning horses all her life fueled her interest in maintaining their health and performance. Lindsey enjoys doing relief work for local veterinarians as well as maintaining her own veterinary practice. She currently owns an off-the-track thoroughbred rescue named "Payton". She is also an avid runner and loves spending time at Dog Beach with her Boston Terrier "Quincy".
Professional Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Lindsey Lewis is a 2008 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a B.S. in Biology/Neurology from UC Davis in 2002. She has a strong interest in Equine Lameness and Medicine. Lindsey grew up in Del Mar and began riding huntseat when she was 8 years old. Riding and owning horses all her life fueled her interest in maintaining their health and performance. Lindsey enjoys doing relief work for local veterinarians as well as maintaining her own veterinary practice. She currently owns an off-the-track thoroughbred rescue named "Payton". She is also an avid runner and loves spending time at Dog Beach with her Boston Terrier "Quincy".
Technicians
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.
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.
Jennifer can be contacted at jmckinney@sdequine.com
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.
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.
Andrea can be contacted at ashepley@sdequine.com
Celeste Gallen, RVT
Ambulatory and Clinical Technician
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
Nicole LaGrange, RVT
Ambulatory and Clinical Technician
Ambulatory and Clinical Technician
Nicole received her B.A. in art and psychology from Pacific University in 2002. She currently completed school and is now a registered RVT. After a brief career in the wireless industry, she began work as a groom in an upper level dressage barn, where her desire to work in the horse industry grew, specifically, the field of veterinary medicine. Nicole is an avid rider and has been involved in organized dressage for over 18 years. She also has experience up to the preliminary level in eventing. When she is not riding, she enjoys snowboarding.
Nicole can be contacted at nlagrange@sdequine.com
Administrative Team
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.
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.
Susan can be contacted at sconrad@sdequine.com
Lauren Walter
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Lauren is originally from the great state of Texas but moved to Colorado to attend school at Colorado State University. There she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Science and Business as well as rode for CSU's equestrian team showing hunters. She joined the SDEG staff in June 2009 and has since been a wonderful addition.
Along with her interests in horses and riding, Lauren enjoys playing the violin, cooking with her husband, and spending countless hours training her two rambunctious Rottweilers.
Lauren can be contacted at lwalter@sdequine.com
Laura Zeller
Laura has lived in Southern California most of her life, is a previous small
business owner, and long time horse enthusiast. She is an active member in
her local horse community and is also a certified Equine Sports Massage
Therapist. On most weekends, you will see Laura and her husband accompanying
their daughter to various horse shows and riding events. Laura lives on a
small ranch with her family, many horses, and other farm animals including
one of her favorites, a miniature pot bellied pig named Delilah.
Laura's hobbies include riding her horses, gardening, surfing, and spending
time with her family.
Laura can be reached at lzeller@sdequine.com.
Technical Barn Team
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.
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.
Lupe can be contacted at lbarroso@sdequine.com
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.
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.
Rafa can be contacted at rgarcia@sdequine.com
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