Danielle Giannoulis Our head receptionist, Danielle greets you with a friendly smile and will assist you in filling out your paperwork and getting you ready to meet the doctor and staff.  In addition to her reception duties, she also helps design and write our monthly newsletter and assists with our marketing and referral programs.  Danielle has 2 furry members in her own family- Bill who she adopted from one of the rescue organizations we work closely with and Patrick Swayze (a cat) who was brought in by a good samaritan and hand-raised by our staff.  Danielle is dedicated to ensuring your visit from start to visit is pleasant and that all your needs are met during your experience at our hospital.

Gabriela Gonzalez is another one of our receptionists. Gaby is a San Diego native. She has four dogs including two toy poodles named Max and Lily, a German Shepherd named Lola and a Manchester Terrier named Deezle.  Gaby attended PIMA Medical Institute and graduated in 2007 with a certificate in Veterinary Assisting.  Gaby also has experience in dog training.  She taught "manners" (basic commands) to many San Diego dogs over about year's time span. Gaby is always bright and smiling when she greats you and helps us meet your needs when you visit us.

Glory Baquiran is our Lead Veterinary Nurse.  She will assist you with checking your pet in for his/her procedure, reviewing the forms required for surgery or dental cleanings, and answer all your questions.  She understands that all procedures, no matter how routine they are to US are not routine TO YOU!  She will care for your pet from the time he/she arrives until the time they are safely by your side again, ensuring that every step of the way, their needs are being addressed.  Glory works side-by-side with our doctors in the treatment area performing examinations, diagnostic testing, dentistry, surgery and other procedures.  Glory has 2 chihuahuas named Max and Jordan.

Lindsey Sprenger joined our team as a Veterinary Nurse in June 2011.  Hailing from the Arctic Tundra of Minnesota, Lindsey brings many years of experience to our team.  She excels at patient care including education of clients on how to help their pets live long, happy lives, to assisting Dr. Darnell with surgery and dental procedures. Lindsey cares for each patient as if they were her own pet and takes pride in giving every patient the best care available.

James Azurin has been at Shelter Island since 2008.  Starting out as a kennel assistant, James has devoted his time to learning all assets of patient care.  Now, a Veterinary Assistant, he will make sure you pet is well-cared for while staying with us either for a day or overnight.  James is always there to help hold your pet and calm them if they are anxious, to reward them for being good, and sometimes just to give them head scratches and some extra TLC.  James is currently taking college classes in the evenings to obtain his bachelor's degree.

Tori Rice, while new to the staff (February 2011), is no stranger to SIVH, having been a long-time client of the clinic since 2005.  She is Dr. Darnell's Assistant, juggling multiple projects.  She has two cats, Alabama and Uncle Tupelo, as well as a Bearded Dragon (Lucy) and a goldfish (Nemo, of course).  An Indiana native, she traded the chilly Midwest winters for  blazing hot summers, and achieved her MFA in Playwrighting from Arizona State University.   After university, she headed further west to California where she met her husband, Ron. She now devotes her home time to playing pretend with the joy of her life, her 4-year-old daughter, Sadie.