Todd Driggers, DVM

Dr. Todd Eric Driggers grew up in a rural Indiana town where loving animals became his passion for providing medical care for them.  He started by caring for his pet dogs and cats as a boy and progressed to exotic pets such as a pet turtle named Tippy.  Dr. Driggers was admitted to the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine after just two years of undergraduate at Purdue due to his obvious commitment to the profession demonstrated by his volunteerism and job at a small animal hospital in Indiana.   

Science, biology and eventually medicine have been combined in his career as a practitioner of exotic animal medicine and surgery.  After graduating he began working exclusively with exotic animals at the Avian And Exotic Animal Clinic in Indianapolis and eventually moved to Arizona where he started an exotic practice at Mesa Veterinary Hospital.  He started a mobile practice called “Foothills Mobile Exotic DVM” in 1997 and changed the hospital name to the  “Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona” after moving into a small clinic.   He has spoken nationally and internationally at the Association of Avian Veterinary Conferences and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarian Veterinary Conferences and written several chapters in various peer reviewed journals and books.  Dr. Driggers vacations in exotic locations around the world to view and learn about the wildlife he treats at the office.

Dr. Driggers is involved in many extra-job activities including medical co-ordinator for medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic through Food for the Hungry and child sponsorship advocacy.  Dr. Driggers is a busy father of three and husband to his high school girlfriend, Heather.  He and his family attend church at Central Christian Church in Gilbert. 

Stephanie Howton, DVM

I am a native Arizonan, born and raised in Phoenix.  Pets and wildlife have always been a part of my life.  As a kid, I enjoyed feeding lizards on our porch.   In high school, I started volunteering and eventually working at a no-kill animal shelter.  From there, I got my first job working as a veterinary technician.   While there, I met the man that would later become my husband.   I graduate from Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology.  While at Arizona State, I ran a club to help homeless animals and led groups of students in volunteer activities across the valley.  I also did an externship in exotic animal medicine and served on the board of a herpetological association. 

After graduating, my husband and I moved to Colorado, where I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University.  While in my senior year, I complete two externships at this clinic.  While in Colorado, I started a reptile relocation service, humanely capturing and relocating snakes (especially rattlesnakes) that wandered into homes and businesses.   It is a thrill to work with rattlesnakes.  After graduating, we moved back to Arizona, this time deciding to explore the East Valley.  I began my career practicing at a dog and cat hospital. 

My husband and I welcomed our first baby last October, adding to our family of cats, dogs, and reptiles.  He amazes us every day and makes our life complete.  When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, fishing, and herping. 

Ryan Dunn, Technician

Ryan Dunn has lived his entire life here in Gilbert, Arizona. He grew up owning and caring for exotic animals, especially reptiles, which sparked his interest in veterinary medicine. He has worked as a technician for the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic for the past three years, which has additionally involved him in animal-related projects with several exotic animal sanctuaries and clubs. He will graduate from Marcos de Niza High School in May 2013, after which he will attend the Honors College at the University of Arizona with a major in Veterinary Science. He hopes to attend Purdue University and specialize in veterinary surgery. His pets include five dogs, three snakes, and a Chacoan white tegu, and in his free time he enjoys mountain biking, motocross, and caring for his animals.

Brett Harrison, Technician

Brett was born in Omaha, Nebraska and attended the University of Wyoming, where he majored in Biology. He then attended Vatterott College, from which he graduated in April 2012 as a veterinary technician. In the summer of 2012, Brett moved to Arizona and began working in several exotic and small animal clinics, then settled at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona where he works as a technician. In his free time, Brett enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and herping.

Lissa Michaeli, Receptionist

Lissa has graced the clinic with her skill and sense of humor for over a year now. She moved to Arizona from California two years ago and has many years of experience working in exotic and small animal medicine. Due to her unique connection with exotic animals, she fluently speaks whale and is currently learning cockatoo. When she is not working at the clinic she enjoys hiking and enjoying Arizona’s scenic wilderness.