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

Medical Director

Dr. Palmquist graduated from Colorado State University where he was a member of the Phi Zeta honorary, and received the Upjohn Award for clinical proficiency in small animal medicine. He emphasizes an integrative approach to medicine and believes that healing begins with understanding. As the Medical Director, he seeks to bring the gentlest form of healing to each case.

Dr. Lara Orme

Lara Orme, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Lara Orme is a graduate of UC Davis and was a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society. She received her certification for medical acupuncture from Colorado State University and is currently studying Herbology through the Chi Institute. She performs acupuncture, electroacupuncture, general medicine, nutritional therapy, homeopathy, and Chinese medicine.

Dr. Kimberley Johnson

Kimberley Johnson, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Kimberley Johnson graduated from UCLA with her Bachelor’s Degree in 1987 Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She has received numerous awards and scholarships. She worked for eight years as a Veterinarian Technician, and received her Doctoral of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from UC Davis in 1999. She also achieved the Swedish version of a DVM degree “Legitimerad Veterinar” (Leg. Vet.) in 2005. She has worked in multiple animal hospitals and emergency facilities both in Los Angeles and in Sweden for the last twenty-seven years.

Administration

The team behind your visit

Joseph Makkar

Joseph Makkar

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.