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Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Folsom Veterinary Hospital in Folsom, CA! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets! Our friendly staff is mature and well-educated in the comfort and medical needs of your pets. They are very helpful and knowledgeable and are able to answer whatever questions you might have. Our entire staff have received a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP).

Please call us at 916-985-4700 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!

Managing Veterinarian

Heidi Tijsseling, DVM

I am the Managing Veterinarian here at FVH. I started in the veterinary industry as a kennel attendant in 1983. I earned my vet tech license in 1988, but spent most of my time raising my 2 sons and working with horses. Despite a rocky divorce ending a 16-year marriage, I went back to school to earn a Bachelors degree and fulfill the requirements to apply to vet school. I finally realized my lifelong dream and graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. During that time, I also earned my amateur radio license, class M motorcycle license, advanced scuba certification, and P2 paragliding pilot license. Currently I love the rigors of vet medicine and have a passion for surgery. I am currently involved in the CVMA, SVVMA (veterinary medical associations) and disaster relief core. I am involved in the Christian Motorcyclists Assn. (CMA), Folsom Harley Owners Group (HOG), River city Biker Babes and Sacramento Classic thunderbird club. I also am active with the Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance horse race every year. In my rare time off, I enjoy breeding cockatiels and canaries, camping, hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, and horseback riding. I also show a Harley Davidson ’04 Fatboy custom, plus a 1957 Thunderbird E-Code. You can see me cruising around town on my 2016 HD Streetglide CVO Custom Harley. I share my 8 acre horse ranch with 5 horses, 3 cats, and numerous canaries and cockatiels.
Office Manager

Alana Burtlow, RVT

My name is Alana Burtlow and I am the office manager here at FVH. I have been lucky enough to work here for over 30 years, I started in 1992. I am a licensed Veterinary Technician and have a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. When I am not at work I love to read “trashy” novels (as my mother calls them), do counted cross-stitch, bake and hang out with my family. My family includes my husband of 35 years, 2 fantastic daughters, and one stupendous grandson. Not to be ignored by crazy American Bully named “Rebel” and 2 awesome kittens named “Johnny” & “Walker”.
Practice Administrator

Dominic Widmer, VPM

My name is Dominic Widmer and I have been working at FVH for over 30 years. I am the Practice Administrator and am responsible for the overall running of FVH. I graduated from UC Davis in 1991 with a Bachelors of Animal Sciences. In my free time (when I have it) I enjoy working in my yard and hanging out with my family, including my kitty “Chevy”.
Receptionist

Lisa Germain

My name is Lisa Germain. I was born in Canada but, my parents moved to California when I was 2. I have 1 wonderful adult son, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. I have loved horses since I was a child, thanks to my dad. He would take me to the local stables for trail rides. In my 30’s, my dream of raising my own horse came true when I purchased a Friesian filly who was just hours old. But, like potato chips, you can’t just have one, so I bought a thoroughbred off the track and enjoyed participating in competitions with him.

Along with working at Folsom Veterinary Hospital, I own the Pampered Horse Blanket Cleaning Service and (because there might be a few hours left in the day) I make face masks for Caletto Creations. In my spare time you might find me in my hammock with a good book. I was lucky enough to buy Dr. Heidi’s property in Orangevale 10 years ago. It is my sanctuary. I have a huge garden, orchard, and the best lawn in the neighborhood. So being home for the last year was just fine with me!

Receptionist

Sheila Garcia

My name is Sheila. Growing up I’ve always loved animals. I’ve had all sorts of pets in my life, ranging from lizards and turtles to cats and dogs. I went to Modesto Junior College to further my education in the veterinary field and obtained a certificate of achievement for veterinary technician. I started working at Folsom Veterinary Hospital at the start of 2020 as a receptionist. I really enjoy working here because we all strive to provide the best quality care of every patient that walks through our door.
Receptionist

Kraig Sowa

My name is Kraig Sowa and I’m currently working as a receptionist here at FVH. I grew up around a lot of different animals and have always loved them. I started in the field as a volunteer in 2011 and have been involved to some degree ever since. I have a cat named Gerald who loves to talk and cuddle. In my free time I enjoy reading, video games and practicing my jujitsu.

Nefte Cruz-Posada

I moved to Sacramento area about 8 years ago. I have been in the veterinary field since 1996; and received my Associates in Veterinary Science Technology in 2011. I joined Folsom Veterinary Hospital 3 years ago. I have 2 diva kitties (Cersei & Stubz). Look forward to helping so many pets as long as I can. This is my passion.

Sir Alfred James Hamilton (Alfi)

Alfred came to us when a litter of 5 were dropped off at our front door, they were 1 week old. Our wonderful technicians bottle-fed them and raised the kittens until we found homes. Alfi was chosen to become our hospital cat. So, Alfred as been running around Folsom Veterinary Hospital since he was 8 weeks old. Now an adult cat he is big fluffy with plummy tail. Alfi loves dogs, especially Doxies. However, he doesn’t like other cats. They upset him. Now a lazy male cat, he lays where ever he wants and supervises.