Bex hails from Northern Virginia where she grew up competing in Hunter Pleasure. She received dual bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech in Biology and Animal & Poultry Sciences in 2005. After graduation, she completed a management internship at a major thoroughbred racehorse breeding farm and became certified in equine sports massage. Bex has been working as a supervising veterinary technician since 2006, and obtained an R.V.T. license in 2009. She spent several years in both Virginia (Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center) and Kentucky (Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital) prior to moving to Ventura in 2011. Outside of work, Becky enjoys exploring California wine country, the beach, and camping with her husband.

Amy was born and raised in Canada where her passion for horses began at a young age. She grew up riding and showing any horse she could! After attending school to become an Equine Sports Therapist she knew she had more to learn. Her love of horses brought her (and her horse at the time) down to California. Amy began volunteering at HGAE in January 2016 while attending Mount San Antonio College where she graduated from their Veterinary Technician Program with an Associate’s Degree in Science. She was hired on as a full-time employee shortly after graduation. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband her two adorable sons, Wade and Lucas, and her chihuahua Sonny!

Jen grew up in Camarillo riding hunter in ETI. Jen now rides dressage and manages the dressage shows at both El Sueno and Mission Pacific Equestrian Center. Jen is the volunteer chair of the CDS chapter in Ventura.

Melissa grew up around horses in Simi Valley. During high school, she volunteered at Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Melissa moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University and completed a degree in Equine Science in 2017. She earned her Masters of Kinesiology at California State University Northridge in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Ruby.

Lillian (Lilly) was born and raised in Ojai, California. She has always had a passion for animals but found her true passion within the equestrian sport. Lilly competed in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation at the national level from a young age, and continued through high school. She received a sports scholarship to ride for the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she went on to captain the team to multiple national championships. After graduating with a BA in Equestrian Studies in 2019, Lilly managed a private traveling show barn of nationally ranked hunters and jumpers as well as FEI Grand Prix horses. After spending almost two years traveling around the east coast and parts of Europe, Lilly decided to return home to California and pursue her passion for equine medicine at HGAE. When she is not at work, Lilly enjoys riding, hiking, and getting to spend time with friends and family.

Annie has been riding her entire life. She found her passion for western all around and competed at the national level in the youth division. She coached the Crook County High School equestrian team for 2 years. She moved to California in 2018 where she started training horses at Robert’s Ranch in Murrieta, CA. Annie joined HGAE in 2022. In her free time, Annie takes her dogs to the beach. 

Kat grew up around horses in her family-owned Santoro Thoroughbred Farms and raced all over California. Kat had been involved in the pony club as the Horse Management Regional Organizer and District Commissioner for Santa Rosa Valley for over 10 years. In her free time Kat enjoys riding dressage, traveling, and spending time with her daughters. Kat is currently pursuing the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager’s accreditation.

Candice was born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley. She had a variety of animals growing up including dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots, and horses. Candice graduated from Cal State Northridge with a in BA Journalism. She was always enchanted with Alamo Pintado Equine; after college, she spent ten years at Alamo Pintado where her position evolved from reception to pharmacy inventory and assisted with internal medicine and reproduction specialists. Candice moved to Ventura County and temporarily joined the dark side, small animal. However, she missed equine medicine and found her way to HGAE. In her free time, Candice enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their families, cooking and hiking with her two pups, Violet and Milo.

Tracy has returned to HGAE after a few years off. Tracy handles open invoices and acts as a liaison with farm managers and business representatives. Tracy is the leader of the Santa Rosa Valley Market Lamb Project and has been involved with the 4H program for 12 years. Tracy enjoys barrel racing and trail riding with Tracy’s daughter Makayla.