Doctors

Monica A. Laflin, DVM,

  
Dr. Laflin received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1978.  After graduation, she worked two years as a critical care practitioner at the St. Louis Emergency Clinic. In 1980 she moved to San Diego, and was a full-time associate at an East County veterinary clinic.

In September 1985, Dr. Laflin purchased Cardiff Animal Hospital, and began her long association with the Cardiff community. With extensive experience in small animal medicine, soft tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and other facets of western medicine, Dr Laflin then branched out into several aspects of holistic or "complementary" veterinary medical care. Since 1993, Dr. Laflin has been practicing as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, a Certified Animal Chiropractor, a Certified Veterinary NAET Practitioner and has completed the required case reports and certification tests for both the basic and advanced courses in Veterinary Homeopathy taught by Dr. Richard Pitcairn.

Currently, she is continuing her intensive study of homeopathy by attending Dr. Luc de Scheppar's three year advanced course in human homeopathy located in Las Vegas, Boulder and Newark.  In addition, she routinely attends advanced classes in veterinary acupuncture, animal chiropractic, applied kinesiology, muscle releasing techniques, herbology, veterinary NAET/NET, and veterinary homeopathy. 

Qualifications and Training

• Dr. Laflin is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) after finishing the International Veterinary Medicine Society (IVMS) course in Houston, Texas. 
• She has completed both of the veterinary certification courses in Chinese Herbal Medicine that are currently available:   -International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) 3-year  course in Boulder, Co.
• International Institute of Chinese Medicine herbal course in Albuquerque, NM. 
• She is a Certified Animal Chiropractor after completing the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) course in Hillsdale, Il. 
• She is a Certified Veterinary NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique) practitioner and a NET (Neuro-Emotional Technique) practitioner. 
• She has completed the required case reports and certification tests for both the basic and advanced courses in Veteinary Homeopathy taught by Dr. Richard Pitcairn. 
• In 2005 she completed the extensive human homeopathy course taught by Dr. Luc de Schepper in Las Vegas, Nv. She is currently completing a three-year extensive human homeopathy course in Albuquerque, Nm. 
• Note: Dr. Laflin treats dogs and cats exclusively. 
• In 2007 she completed the Introductory and the Small Animal Practical seminars in Postural Rehabilitation taught by Drs. Karen Gellman and Judith Shoemaker in Pennsylvania, Pa. 
• She has completed the course training in Reiki I and Reiki II. 

 

 

Dr. Nancy Norell, DVM

Dr. Norell says "I became a veterinarian because of a strong interest in science and medicine, as well as a love for animals." After receiving her bachelor of arts degree in animal physiology from the University of California, San Diego.  she  pursued her lifelong ambition of becoming a veterinarian.  In 1998, she received her degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis.

Dr. Norell enjoys practicing high quality medicine and surgery, with an emphasis on preventive care. Her areas of special interest are dentistry, geriatrics, and canine and feline internal medicine.  She is a member of the following organizations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• California Veterinary Medical Association
• San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association
• American Association of Feline Practitioners
• American Veterinary Dental Society
• Cornell Feline Health Center

Dr. Norell lives in Cardiff with her husband, Bob, and their five cats: Frank -- a 14 year old brown tabby Maine Coon mix, Savannah -- a 13 year old tricolor and white Manx, Babu -- a 7 year old classic dark orange tabby domestic shorthair, and one and a half year old siblings Sven and Adelia.  Sven is a solid gray domestic shorthair, and his sister Adelia is gray and white.  The two new additions (Cardiff "bush cats") were rescued at 5 weeks of age, found orphaned in some local bushes, and are now happy, healthy, extremely boisterous kitties.

 

Staff

Lesli-Office Manager

Lesli is a Cardiff-by-the-Sea native.  She came to Cardiff Animal Hospital with over 13 years of veterinary experience.  She began her career as a receptionist in 1993 at a local veterinary hospital, where she gained knowledge and experience.  She was hired in July of 2006 as an office manager but is involved in all areas of Cardiff Animal Hospital.

Lesli and her husband Greg have been married for over 16 years and live in the Cardiff area.  They have a beautiful daughter, Annabelle, who is 15, and a son Ethan, who is 10.  Annabelle and Ethan both attend the same schools that Lesli attended as a child.

Lesli has a rather large animal family as well.  Carli is a 14-year-old Lab/Springer mix, Miles is a 10-year-old English Setter mix and the newest addition is Chikka.  Chikka is an 18-month-old Boston Terror, or um, we mean, Boston Terrier.  Stitch, the feline, was hand raised starting at a week old and today is happy and healthy.

When not at work, Lesli spends time cheering on her 2 athletes, wine tasting, and spending time with friends (sometimes while wine tasting).

Kelley-Receptionist

To call Kelley "our receptionist" wouldn't do her justice.  Kelley is our customer service representative "extraordinaire".  When you come into Cardiff Animal Hospital you are likely to encounter Kelley and her smile.  She has been with Cardiff Animal Hospital for over 3 years and has become quite capable in answering questions for both our Western and our Holistic clients.  She understands the importance of customer service and prides herself on individual care and consideration of you and your pet.  Kelley has a passion and enthusiasm for her job, animals, and helping people.  This will show with every encounter you have with her.

Kelley has lived in North County all her life, so she is a true local.  She and her husband live in Carlsbad with their 2 beautiful daughters Dallas and Marlee ages 8 and 20 months.  Her "furry" children include 2 feisty Chihuauas, Biggie and Roxy, and a hamster or two.  When not working Kelley and her family enjoy spending time together in the sun, at local events, and of course the beach!

 Ali-Technician

Ali is a technician that Cardiff Animal Hospital was lucky to meet almost 2 years ago.  She quickly became an indispensable member of our team.  She has a love and compassion for every animal and it is apparent in everything she does on the job, and off.  Her kind, quiet, calm demeanor seems to be sought out from the patients, clients and her coworkers.  She is able to effectively meet the individual needs of each patient and client with every interaction.  Ali obtained her veterinary experience working in emergency and specailty veterinary hospitals.  She has extensive experience working as an oncology technician.

Before relocating to San Diego 9 years ago, Ali was a teacher and a native of New Hampshire.  She realized after a few years of teaching that she wanted to switch gears.  She then began to pursue her career in veterinary medicine.  She thinks it was the best decision she ever made!  (We happen to agree with her)

Through the years, Ali has had a variety of animals, but Labrador Retrievers hold a special place in her heart.  She was lucky to have cared for a very sweet chocolate lab, and an easygoing black lab.  They are sadly no longer with her.  Ali is currently waiting for the next amazing lab to "adopt" her.

 

 Christina-Technician

Christina is originally from San Francisco, but relocated to San Diego in 1998.  This former Navy fireman went to veterinary technician school and never looked back.  She has been dedicated to animal health ever since.  We have been lucky enough to have her on our team as a technician since January of 2010.  She is extremely caring and compassionate, but also very competent, a combination that is rare, but valuable in a veterinary technician. 

 Christina spends a lot of time volunteering at several charity events and raising money for various animal related organizations.  She has helped raise money and volunteered her skills for SNAP, Focus, FCC, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Desert Pit Bull Rescue and Reptile Rescue, just to name a few!

 Christina and her husband live in Oceanside and share love of the outdoors.  They love camping, hiking, rock climbing, scuba diving, nature runs, and any other adventure that will get them outside.  In the past Christina has had “kids” from the furry to the scaly and everywhere in between.  Currently, they are lucky to share their home with 2 amazing senior kitties, Alouicious and Penelope, a feisty miniature pinscher, Roxie, and a super sweet dachshund, Rowdy. 

 

Nancy-Technician/Receptionist

Nancy is our newest team member.  She comes to us after working as a veterinary assistant at another hospital.  She has joined us to assist Dr. Laflin and assist you at the reception desk.  Nancy has always loved animals.  Horses, dogs, and cats have all been a part of her life.  She is a certified veterinary assistant and is learning more everyday!

In her spare time, Nancy volunteers at Rancho Coastal Humane Society and plays with her "coloful" German Shepard Mix, Barclay.

Nancy can also be seen cheering on our local sports teams!  She is an avid San Diego Padres and San Diego Chargers fan!

We are pleased that Nancy joined Cardiff Animal Hospital and hope you will be pleased too.