A Culture of Passion
Because that’s what your pet deserves
Meet the Animal Hospital of Parkland Team in Tacoma, WA
We believe that great care starts with great people. Every team member brings unique expertise, warmth, and dedication to every visit — because it takes a team that truly cares to provide care that truly matters.
Find Your Purpose.
At Animal Hospital of Parkland, we’re always looking for dedicated, compassionate individuals to join our growing team.
Dr. Jennifer Renner
DVM/Medical Director
Dr. Jennifer Renner as Medical Director has been interested in working with animals since a young age. Her mom enrolled her in “Zoo School” at the Fort Worth Zoo in kindergarten, where she made the decision that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She got her start in her veterinary career by joining the Boy Scout Explorers in high school, which led to a job as a kennel technician at what is now Animal Hospital of Park Glen in Fort Worth. Later, she worked at the BioAquatics Facility at Texas A&M where she cared for fish, sea turtles, and invertebrates. She was also a laboratory animal technician for the year before veterinary school at Texas A&M, which resulted in many years of being involved in fancy rat rescues.
Dr. Renner earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, and her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science in 1999 at Texas A&M. She loves internal medicine and thoroughly enjoys getting to know her clients and their pets.
When Dr. Renner is not at work, she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and writing letters. She also likes to spend time with her husband Dennis, their tuxedo cat Doreen, their corn snake Friend of Jack, and their three dogs: Cooper, Dellmar, and Yedra. Dr. Renner is a member of the League of Extraordinary Penpals and is a National Daylily Society Exhibition Judge.
Melissa
Hospital Director
Melissa has been with the practice since 2023 and serves as the Hospital Director. She is passionate about building a strong, supportive team that delivers exceptional care to patients and creates meaningful experiences for clients. Melissa believes a healthy team culture directly reflects the quality of care provided every day. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on the Mariners, attending sprint car races, spending time outdoors especially in the summer and dreams of one day having horses on her and her husband’s 40 acres in Eastern Washington.
Dr. Ben Alfrejd
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Ben Alfrejd is a local Washingtonian that grew up in Redmond and attended Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has a strong love of physical fitness and is a proud self-proclaimed nerd. He attends Comic con every year, plays Dungeons and Dragons, and loves his Golden Retriever named Boba Fett.
Mikayla
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Dr. Mark A Peterson
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Mark A. Peterson, associate veterinarian (no relation to Dr. E. Petersen), graduated from Texas A&M University in 1997. He moved to the Puget Sound area and took a position at Animal Hospital on Midway, a small animal clinic on beautiful Whidbey Island. He relocated to the South Puget Sound area where he joined our practice as a full-time associate in June 1998. His professional interests include internal medicine, and computer applications in veterinary medicine.
Robyn
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Jen
Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist
Jen is approaching her one-year anniversary with the practice this April 2026 and serves as both a Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist. With over ten years of experience in the veterinary field, she has been a fantastic addition to the team and a steady presence for both clients and patients. Born and raised in the area, Jen loves building relationships and is often greeted by familiar faces in the clinic. Outside of work, she stays busy with her two dogs and two children, who are actively involved in ROTC and their community.
Morgan
Veterinary Assistant
Morgan joined the team in 2025 and works as a Veterinary Assistant. He brings a reliable approach to patient care and is always ready to support the team wherever needed. Outside of the clinic, Morgan enjoys working on computer and technology side projects. Around the hospital, he’s also known for being the most caffeinated person in the building.
Vivi he/him
Veterinary Assistant
Vivi is a valued Veterinary Assistant who loves working hands-on with animals every day. They find fulfillment in supporting patients and being part of their care journey. Vivi brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and compassion to their role on the team. A fun fact about Vivi, they breed chickens that grow up to three feet tall!
Cynthia
Veterinary Assistant
Cynthia has been a Veterinary Assistant with our team for just over three years. She enjoys the constant learning that comes with veterinary medicine and values gaining new knowledge nearly every day. Cynthia plays an important role in supporting patient care and the medical team. Fun fact she proudly served as her high school’s mascot during both her junior and senior years.
Trystann
Veterinary Assistant
Trystann has been a Veterinary Assistant with the team for two and a half years and values collaboration above all else. She loves working as a team alongside pet owners, patients, and doctors to improve the lives of every patient. Trystann believes teamwork truly makes the dream work in veterinary medicine. Outside the clinic, she is a multimedia artist and enjoys practicing yoga.
Kelsey
LVT – Shift Lead
Kelsey has been part of the team for one year and serves as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and Shift Lead. She is deeply passionate about patient care and client education, and she appreciates the diversity this profession brings, from its challenges to its rewards. Kelsey is committed to continuously learning, adapting, and advancing her medical skills to provide the best care possible. Outside of work, she proudly holds her high school’s record for girls’ javelin throw distance.
Sierra
Veterinary Assistant / Technician
Sierra has been a dedicated member of the team for over eight years and wears many hats depending on who you ask. She especially enjoys technical skills, with blood draws being her favorite part of the job. Sierra’s experience and consistency make her a reliable presence in the practice. While she claims she doesn’t have any fun facts, her longevity and skill speak volumes.
Michelle
Receptionist
Michelle has been with the practice for over a year and is often the first friendly face our clients meet. She especially enjoys welcoming first-time pet parents and sharing in their excitement as they begin their journey with us. Michelle helps create a warm, inviting experience for every client who walks through the door. Outside of work, she enjoys making art and is a devoted Marvel Cinematic Universe fan.
Bruce
Giant Problem Solver
Bio Coming Soon!
