team

Dr. Bennett’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a childhood trip to the Serengeti. That early experience sparked a lifelong fascination with animals and set him on a path from college in Maine to veterinary school at Ross University. After earning his degree, he completed an internship at Wildlife Safari in Oregon before joining Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida. There, he cared for an incredible range of species—including lions, giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and primates—and developed a deep appreciation for both the science and art of veterinary care.

Dr. Bennett’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a childhood trip to the Serengeti. That early experience sparked a lifelong fascination with animals and set him on a path from college in Maine to veterinary school at Ross University. After earning his degree, he completed an internship at Wildlife Safari in Oregon before joining Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida. There, he cared for an incredible range of species—including lions, giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and primates—and developed a deep appreciation for both the science and art of veterinary care.

After nine years working and living in Florida, Dr. Bennett moved to the Ventura area to be closer to the surf and mountains he loves. In August 2019, he took over Mission Animal Hospital with a vision to provide Ventura with exceptional veterinary medicine while maintaining the warmth and personal connection of a small-town clinic.

When he’s not at the hospital, you can find Dr. Bennett surfing Ventura’s iconic point breaks, experimenting with glassblowing, or spending time at home with his wife, two kids, and his beloved dog Dooie.

Dr. Bierman is a southern California native, having been born and raised in Los Angeles. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies, and completed her clinical training at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Upon graduation, Dr. Bierman pursued advanced training in the Pacific Northwest, completing a small animal rotating internship followed by a surgery specialty internship at Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle in Lynnwood, Washington.

Dr. Bierman is a southern California native, having been born and raised in Los Angeles. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies, and completed her clinical training at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Upon graduation, Dr. Bierman pursued advanced training in the Pacific Northwest, completing a small animal rotating internship followed by a surgery specialty internship at Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle in Lynnwood, Washington.

Dr. Bierman subsequently returned to southern California and joined the team at Mission Animal Hospital. Her clinical interests include soft tissue surgery, wound management, and feline medicine.

In her personal time, Dr. Bierman enjoys playing video games, practicing aerial hoop, and hanging out with her two cats, Boris and Banana.