Our staff

Skillful Service & Gentle Concern®

Meet the veterinarians and team who have spent decades watching over your furry family members — blending conventional medicine with integrative healing.

Dr. Richard Palmquist

Richard Palmquist, DVM

Director of Integrative Health Services

A Colorado State University graduate (DVM, 1983) and President of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Palmquist is a nationally recognized leader in integrative medicine — sought out from across the city for the cases others couldn’t solve.

“Seek truth and healing follows. Anything that accomplishes healing is medicine.”

Dr. Lara Orme

Lara Orme, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian · Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

A UC Davis graduate certified in medical acupuncture, Dr. Orme blends acupuncture and Chinese medicine with general medicine, surgery, and dentistry.

Dr. Kimberley Johnson

Kimberley Johnson, DVM

Veterinarian · Internal Medicine & Exotics

A UCLA and UC Davis graduate (with veterinary credentials from Sweden too), Dr. KJ focuses on internal medicine, dermatology, surgery, dentistry, and “pocket pet” care for exotics.

Administration

The team behind your visit

Joseph Makkar

Joseph Makkar

CVPM, MBA · Chief Operating Officer

Centinela’s COO and a Pepperdine Graziadio graduate, with the hospital since 1993, leading operations and growth.

MWProfessional portrait coming soon

Monique Wilcots

Office Manager & Head of Reception

A friendly, familiar voice at Centinela since 1989, Monique helps clients with appointments, scheduling, and supplies.

Your pet deserves to feel better.

People helping pets — with skillful service and gentle concern — since 1965.

Call (310) 673-1910