Animal Health Center Staff

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Paul A. Ragone, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

    Dr. Ragone attended undergraduate school at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and then transferred to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado to obtain his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Ragone graduated from CSU in 1992 and took an associate position in a mixed animal practice in Lexington, Ne..  He then moved back to Colorado and worked as a Research Veterinarian in Fort Collins for a year before purchasing the Animal Health Center in Scottsbluff in November 1993.  Along the way he and his wife, Tanya, have had four wonderful children, 2 boys, Garnet and Paul and 2 girls, Emily and Elizabeth.  Dr. Ragone is very much the family man and enjoys nothing more than spending time with his family. 

    Professionally, he is a perfectionist with excellent diagnostic intuition and a gentle bed-side manner.  His biggest frustration is having the medical knowledge to heal but being forced from it by economic constraints.

    In his "free" time Dr. Ragone coaches and referees youth soccer through the local AYSO group.  He also enjoys gardening, woodworking, fishing, blacksmithing and horses.

    Dr. Ragone has spent his time at the Animal Health Center remodeling the facilities and upgrading and obtaining the latest in diagnostic equipment.  He is always looking for ways to expand his knowledge and improve service to his patients and their owners.

Cristin L. Reese, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Reese is a native of Nebraska. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Chadron State College before moving on to Kansas State University. Dr. Reese graduated from KSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.

    Dr.  Reese's first "real" job was in a mixed animal practice in central Illinois. She then moved back home to Nebraska in 2001.

    Dr. Reese is a cat lover, but thoroughly enjoys working on dogs and some small exotics as well.  She shares her home with her cats; Simba, Tabetha, Quaker and Tiger,  her dogs; Gunther and Clyde and one rabbit--Dust Bunny.

Shree Castaneda,   Office Manager

    My name is Shree Castaneda and I am the head receptionist and Office Manager. I started working at the Animal Health Center in 2000. 

    I have been a resident of the Panhandle since 1997, I am married to Daniel Castaneda and I have three beautiful daughters from my first marriage, Their names are Keria, Maggie and Staysha. Keria is now 19 years old, Maggie is 17 and Staysha is 13. I have 4 dogs and 3 cats that also share my home.

LaVilla Daniels, Veterinary Technician, Obedience Trainer and Groomer

    I am LaVilla Daniels. I grew up and have lived in the Nebraska panhandle for 26 years. I have two daughters. I am the Veterinary Technician at the Animal Health Center. I am also the dog groomer and teach dog obedience classes at the Animal Health Center.

Amanda Baker,  Receptionist and Kennel Attendant

   My name is Amanda Baker.  I am married to Jon Baker who is a youth pastor.  We have a Peek - a - Pom dog named Abbie Sue. I am attending school to become a LPN.  I enjoy softball, swimming, bike riding, playing the piano and reading.  I was born and raised in Chadron, Nebraska. I perform kennel work and receptionist duties for the Animal Health Center.