C. Renee Andrea, DVM, Dipl. ACVS
Equine Veterinarian, Surgery
Dr. Andrea joined Chaparral in December 2001, as the hospital's first board certified surgeon. She is a 1994 graduate of Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, after which she completed an internship here in Arizona. She then spent three years at the University of California at Davis as a resident in equine surgery, where her area of research was in equine orthopedics. Dr. Andrea became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1999.
Although she specializes in all areas of equine surgery and lameness, Dr. Andrea's major interests are in equine orthopedics, reconstructive surgery, and horses with acute abdominal disease.
Dr. Andrea and her husband Mike Freeland reside in Desert Hills, Arizona. Together they enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, but most of their time is spent with 2 1/2 year old son, Canon, and taking care of the family's rope and barrel horses. Little brother, Shea, is to arrive in November.
Clell Usher, Rising Sun Equine Therapy, Chiropractor
Clell Usher was raised on the Desert Dove Ranch in Eastern Oregon, which is home to over one hundred head of horses. Clell's father is a well respected Cutting Horse trainer, who along with his mother taught him much of what he knows about horses. Throughout the years, Clell helped on the ranch by starting colts and working with problem horses. While working with these horses Clell gained a better understanding of how a horse works and moves. He also learned how to decipher between a horse that was uncomfortable or sore and how small changes helped the horse to function properly.
After graduating high school, Clell received a full tuition rodeo scholarship to attend college and study equine science. However due to injury Clell took a break from college in his junior year to apprentice, studying under an equine chiropractor.
This invaluable experience helped him to further understand how the horse's body functions and gave him a better understanding of why horses move and react like they do to pain.
In his practice Clell has been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with many different breeds of horses, disciplines and clients from around the world. By having these experiences Clell has gained a better understanding of the whole horse.
(Massage)
To be determined
Joy S. Comtois, LLLT Specialist and Manager
Joy has grown up with horses and continues to care for them as they were her children. She is trained with the Theralaser equipment and has worked with numerous horses to relieve their pain and heal their wounds. Her work has been acknowledged and praised by the Veterinarians that have attended to the horses.