VETERINARIAN OATH
BEING ADMITTED TO THE PROFESSION OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, I SOLEMNLY SWEAR TO USE MY SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY THROUGH THE PROTECTION OF ANIMAL HEALTH, THE RELIEF OF ANIMAL SUFFERING, THE CONSERVATION OF LIVESTOCK RESOURCES, THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE. I WILL PRACTICE MY PROFESSION CONSCIENTIOUSLY, WITH DIGNITY, AND IN KEEPING WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY MEDICAL ETHICS. I ACCEPT AS A LIFELONG OBLIGATION THE CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT OF MY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE.
—ADOPTED BY THE AVMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES, JULY 1969
Kurt Mychajlonka, D.V.M.
Cathy Whitcraft, D.V.M.
Celia Galanti, D.V.M.
Kimberly Lutz, D.V.M.
Emma Kate Womack, V.M.D.
Emanoel DeJesus, D.V.M.
Jernea Bustria, D.V.M
Wylee Cooper, D.V.M
Stevie Baker, D.V.M.
James Quintana, D.V.M.
Hailee Sims, D.V.M
Kelsey Kolb, D.V.M
Veterinarian
Kurt Mychajlonka, D.V.M.
As a young boy Dr. Mychajlonka knew that he wanted to become a veterinarian. This childhood dream of veterinary medicine led him from his home town of Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania, to Phoenix, Arizona, where he completed his undergraduate training at Northern Arizona University.
Dr. Mychajlonka has been a fixture at Craig Road Animal Hospital since it’s founding in 1996 and is fondly known by many of his clients as “Dr. Mych”. He serves as attending veterinarian to the Nevada Task Force search and rescue dogs. In the past he has also served as president of the Nevada Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Mych earned his D.V.M. at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in 1993. During his college years, he worked at a small animal emergency hospital and an equine surgical center, which fostered his interest in high quality, cutting edge veterinary care.
Dr. Mych’s veterinary interests include general and orthopedic surgery, advanced dental procedures and laparoscopic procedures. In his leisure time, he enjoys the outdoors, fishing, photography, and reading. Dr. Mych resides in Las Vegas with his wife Debbie, also a veterinarian, and three adopted children: Nikki, a beautiful Bouvier Des Flanders, and Boss, a Shih-poo-kie, and Dutton, a Norwich Terrier. .
Co-Medical Director
Cathy Whitcraft, D.V.M.
Dr. Cathleen Whitcraft has been at Craig Road Animal Hospital since 2004. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, her background included a degree in Business finance and a career with U.S. Treasury Department. After participating in a dolphin research vacation, she discovered her interest in animal medicine. Later, she went on to earn her biology degree and her D.V.M. from Colorado State University. Her special practice interests include internal medicine, endocrine disease, cardiology, and ophthalmology.
Dr. Whitcraft is active with community outreach and participating in Career Day talks at local schools, inspiring others to pursuing a veterinary career. Dr. Whitcraft has two birds, two cats and a batch of Bichon Frise and Poodles that consume much of her love. Besides her household of critters, she enjoys world travel including all over Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. Her favorite leisure activities are scuba diving, biking, climbing trees and reading.
Co-Medical Director
Celia Galanti, D.V.M.
Celia Galanti, DVM, was raised in Belleville, IL.
Her passion for animals ignited at the tender age of five, when she would eagerly bring home various forms of wildlife to share with her parents. It was during these early years that she first harbored dreams of becoming a veterinarian, a career aspiration she wholeheartedly embraced by the time she turned nineteen. Dr. Galanti’s commitment to educating pet owners stands as a cornerstone of her veterinary philosophy. Having observed instances where animals failed to receive the necessary care, she places paramount importance on enlightening her clients.
Her academic journey began at Arizona State University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science. Subsequently, she furthered her education at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Galanti wasn’t cut out for the cold weather of the Midwest. After attending college in Arizona, she fell in love with the Southwest. Craig Road Animal Hospital peaked her interest due to the size of the facility, and the number of doctors on staff. She enjoys collaborating with the other doctors to pull their collective knowledge to help her patients. She also finds Craig Road Animal Hospitals emphasis on workplace culture to be very important. She loves dentistry, surgery, preventative medicine, and ophthalmology. She is most passionate about airway surgeries for brachycephalic patients and laryngeal paralysis.
In her spare time, she works on renovating her house and enjoys her pool. She likes to take a variety of exercise classes, baking, cooking, jigsaw puzzles, but she is not opposed to staying in and binge watching a show on Netflix. She is a mother to two dogs: Ellie and Gypsy.
Co-Medical Director
Kimberly Lutz, D.V.M.
Press:
Veterinarian
Emma Kate Womack, V.M.D.
(She/Her/Hers)
Emma Kate Womack, V.M.D. (Veterinary Medical Doctor) is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Las Vegas in 2022 after completing her doctorate. She attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina for her undergraduate degree and then completed her doctorate program at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Dr. Womack participated in Craig Road Animal Hospital’s externship program in May of 2021 and loved the connections that she made with the team (and the hockey here in Las Vegas). Upon graduating, she decided to move out here and join Craig Road.
Growing up, Dr. Womack had different kinds of pets such as birds, hamsters, turtles, and a dog. Her first dog still lives with her parents but she now has an American Staffordshire Terrier named Poppy (or Popsicle) and two Red-Eared Sliders named Bonnie and Clyde who just celebrated their 14th birthday.
Dr. Womack knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian – she said, “On my kindergarten ‘When I Grow Up’ poster I drew a picture of a veterinarian. I don’t think I realized what it really was but I knew I wanted to be an animal doctor.” Dr. Womack loves working with dogs, cats, and exotics.
“I hope to grow my experience and learn as much as I can from the senior doctors here,” she said.
In her spare time, she plays ultimate frisbee, soccer, and golf. She enjoys hiking and is excited to be close to so many national parks. Dr. Womack is also an avid sports fan and is looking forward to going to see the Golden Knights and the Raiders play.
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Veterinarian
Emanoel DeJesus, D.V.M.
Veterinarian
Jernea Bustria, D.V.M
Jernea Bustria, DVM, was born into a military family in Japan, and moved to San Diego at the age of three. Her deep affection for her family poodle, Cruiser, ignited a passion for animal care at a young age. She knew since elementary school that working with animals was what she wanted to do for her career.
As she grew older, she dedicated much of her time to volunteering, serving as an adoption coordinator at the Humane Society in San Diego, a dog walker at the Helen Woodward Animal Center of Southern California, and a guide at the San Diego Zoo. During this time, she completed undergrad at California State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. It wasn’t until Ross University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis that her career path became clear.
During vet school, she immersed herself in animal care, including completing an externship at Craig Road Animal Hospital in 2020. It was during this time that she discovered a love for cats, dogs, and exotics. Currently focused on surgeries, reproductive care, and breeding, Dr. Bustria is carving her niche in the veterinary world.
In her spare time, she unwinds with TV favorites like Greys Anatomy. She enjoys hiking, going to the beach when visiting San Diego, traveling, and spending time with her furry companions. Dr. Jernea Bustria shares her home with a Hound-Mix named Jackson, a Siamese ragdoll-mix named Beans, and a long-haired black cat named Rice.
Veterinarian
Wylee Cooper, D.V.M
Dr. Cooper, originally from the small town of Homedale, Idaho, developed his passion for veterinary medicine through a lifetime of experiences with animals. Growing up surrounded by pets including dogs, cats, and an impressive 120-pound fish tank he maintained in high school, he also spent time with horses and cattle on his grandparents’ farm.
His journey into veterinary medicine began when he received his first dog, a chocolate Lab named King, which sparked his immediate interest in becoming a veterinarian. His early exposure to the world of horses through his grandfather, who owned racehorses, initially inspired him to pursue a career as a racetrack veterinarian.
Showing early determination, at just 10 years old, Dr. Cooper walked into a veterinary clinic asking to volunteer. Though told to return when he was older, this early initiative demonstrated his commitment to the field. During his high school years, he gained valuable experience working as a kennel assistant and on a ranch with cattle and horses. His diverse experience expanded to include working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in wild horse roundups on rangeland.
During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Cooper worked as a line cook at a breakfast restaurant. He enjoyed this experience so much that he often remarks that if he hadn’t pursued veterinary medicine, he would have become a chef.
Dr. Cooper received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George’s University in 2024.
In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. His beloved pets – his dog Murphy and cats Simba and Odin – continue to be his greatest motivation.
Veterinarian
Stevie Baker, D.V.M.
Stevie, a Las Vegas native, grew up surrounded by animals, including a dog, several rabbits, and two bearded dragons. Her passion for veterinary medicine began early, inspired by watching Animal Planet and caring for her own pets.
A pivotal moment came when she was 14 years old and her childhood dog was attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull. Feeling helpless during that experience solidified her decision to become a veterinarian, driven by a desire to support both animals and the people who love them during difficult moments.
Stevie began gaining hands-on experience through volunteer work with The Animal Foundation, a specialty veterinary center, and Doggy District through the National Honor Society. Although it was initially challenging to secure a position at an animal hospital, a connection through a neighbor eventually led to a kennel attendant role, where she worked for four years. During the summers, she also volunteered at Desert Pines Equine, further expanding her experience in animal care.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in December 2021 and went on to pursue her veterinary degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2026.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Stevie enjoys painting, listening to records, hiking, and spending time at the lake with her family.
Veterinary Graduate Awaiting Licensure
James Quintana, D.V.M.
Originally from Reno, Nevada, Dr. Quintana grew up in a family where dogs were always part of everyday life. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball and once dreamed of competing at the collegiate level. While visiting family, he was also introduced to farm animals through his Mexican heritage, giving him an early appreciation for the important role animals play in people’s lives. Growing up, his family cared for several dogs, including German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Jack Russell Terriers. Today, he shares his home with a Shih Tzu. Veterinary care was not commonly sought in his family, and when their pets became ill, his father often relied on home remedies to help them recover—experiences that would later influence Dr. Quintana’s interest in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Quintana discovered his passion for veterinary medicine while attending college. With strong interests in science, biology, and mathematics, he realized the profession would allow him to combine his academic strengths with his lifelong connection to animals. Inspired by his father and his family’s resourcefulness in caring for their pets, he chose veterinary medicine as a career that would allow him to help both animals and the families who love them.
Dr. Quintana earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Nevada, Reno before continuing his veterinary education at the Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON). He graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2008.
Throughout his career, Dr. Quintana has developed a strong interest in emergency medicine and has increasingly gravitated toward surgery. He is passionate about continuing to refine his surgical skills and is currently working toward completing the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification program.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Quintana enjoys singing, dancing, playing the guitar, hiking, and spending time on the basketball court. He describes himself as a “yes” person who values collaboration and is always willing to step up to support his team, believing that the best patient care is built through teamwork.
Veterinarian
Hailee Sims, D.V.M
Originally from Yuma, Arizona, Dr. Hailee Sims grew up surrounded by animals, including cats, dogs, rats, rabbits, pigs, and more. Her passion for veterinary medicine began at an early age, shaped by more than a decade of involvement in 4-H and a childhood filled with beloved pets. Watching her own animals experience illness and recovery inspired her to pursue a career where she could help provide those same healing moments for other pets and their families.
Dr. Sims began gaining experience in veterinary medicine while volunteering at a local humane society, where she assisted with spay and neuter procedures. Her role eventually grew into a full-time position within the clinic, giving her hands-on experience in preventative medicine, anesthesia, surgical preparation, and community outreach. Through experiences such as local microchipping clinics, she developed a strong interest in small animal medicine and caring for pets throughout every stage of their lives.
She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona and San Diego City College before attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical training at Purdue University and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in January 2026.
Now a veterinarian at Craig Road Animal Hospital, Dr. Sims enjoys continuing to expand her knowledge and skills while providing thoughtful, compassionate care to her patients. She has a particular interest in surgery and working through cases to determine the best approach for each individual patient.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Sims enjoys working out, photography, reading, pottery, exploring local hiking trails, and spending time with friends. At home, she shares her life with a cat and two dogs.
Veterinarian
Kelsey Kolb, D.V.M
Originally from La Cañada Flintridge, a suburb of Los Angeles County, California, Dr. Kelsey Kolb developed a love for animals and science at an early age. Growing up, her family had a cat named Spunky, and at eight years old, she adopted a Ball Python named Desert, whom she still has today.
Dr. Kolb always knew she wanted to pursue a career in a science-related field, but her path toward veterinary medicine became clear during her undergraduate years after speaking with a zoo veterinarian. Learning about the diversity of the profession and the many different paths available within veterinary medicine inspired her to pursue the field wholeheartedly.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University before attending the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May 2026.
Now a veterinarian at Craig Road Animal Hospital, Dr. Kolb has a particular interest in small animal general practice and surgery, along with an interest in exotic animal medicine. She is passionate about continuing to expand her surgical and dental skills through continuing education, allowing her to provide an even broader range of care and treatment options for her patients.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Kolb enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, snowboarding, and learning to golf. She also enjoys exploring new places and trying great food with friends.
Las Vegas has been a familiar place for Dr. Kolb for many years. She originally traveled to the city for gymnastics and cheerleading competitions, and after her parents relocated to the area, she began spending even more time here. She has since made Las Vegas home and is excited to begin this next chapter of her veterinary career as part of the Craig Road Animal Hospital team.
