Judy Paulson, Administrator

Judy joined Aptos Animal Hospital staff in April, 2005 . After working in a variety of fields over the years, Judy enjoyed the fast-paced environment of the hospital. There is always something going on and the opportunity to learn is always at the forefront. In 2008 Judy was asked to facilitate the merger project to form APTOS-CREEKSIDE PET HOSPITAL.  Judy has skillfully and gracefully shifted gears to coordinate our administrative needs.

Judy's husband of 31 years, John, has been very supportive over the years. Daughter Mary, 21, currently attends Cabrillo College and will be transferring in the fall to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to work on her BFA in illustration.

Judy's animal family members are her beloved Dachshunds, Ginger; Fred, a daschshund/basset hound cross, was added to the family two years ago. The family also includes two kitties, Mogget and TobiWon. Ginger, Fred and Tobi were added to the family as a result of working at APTOS-CREEKSIDE PET HOSPITAL!

Judy enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, sewing, reading and computers.

   Cynthia Edwards, Reception/Purchasing

Cynthia has been in the veterinary field since 1979.  She worked in Southern California for 20 years at one hospital starting as a kennel staff assistant then becoming  head technician and advancing to purchasing agent for the hospital. Cynthia then joined Creekside Veterinary Hospital in 2005 and followed with the merger to Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital in 2008.

Cynthia has two dogs, Australian Shepherd Emma and English Shepherd mix Bennett, who has the distinction of being named after Tony Bennett.  Cynthia has been involved with obedience and agility with multiple dogs over the years.

At five years of age, Cynthia told her mother that she wanted to be either a veterinarian or a singer.  Cynthia's second, lifelong, passion is singing.  Cynthia sings locally in a band called the Road Hogs, singing R & B, rock and roll and original tunes.  Cynthia was a music major in college and was raised in a musical family.

   Rebecca Skaug, Reception

A native to Santa Cruz, Rebecca attended local schools and raised her four children here.  She now enjoys four beautiful grandchildren who she plays with whenever possible.  Family pets have always been part of her life. She and her husband Keith currently have one dog and two cats sharing their home.  

After several years working at UCSC's Long Marine Laboratory, Rebecca embarked on a career as a veterinary receptionist and now has 22 years experience in the veterinary field.  Her experience and expertise prove day in and day out to be of great help and service to our clients.  We feel very fortunate to enjoy her on our staff at Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital.  

Rebecca's interest outside of work and family include camping, hiking, downhill skiing and gardening.


   Sara Blackstorm, Reception

Sara joined Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital as a receptionist in 2003.  She has worked with animals since 1995. Sara has spent most of her life raising orphaned baby animals and finding good homes for those that come her way. Sara looks forward to seeing all the furry faces that come through the doors of the hospital.

Sara's loves are her two little boys and her house full of animals. Dogs, cats, ferrets and other furry creatures rule her household.

When not at work, I spend my time homeschooling my two boys, gardening, cuddling my cats, my dog and my and rats as well as spending a lot of time playing!

    Erika Reid, Reception

Erika began her career in veterinary care nearly 20 years ago at age 15 as kennel staff.  She has worked in all positions in several different hospitals in our community, as well as, attending the Veterinary Technician Program at Hartnell College.  Her long standing and wide range of experience, her sense of humor and true joy in her work provides wonderful care for our clients and patients.

She lives with her husband and 11 yr old daughter, five horses, three dogs and three cats in the Larkin Valley area.  Erika fosters many (often pregnant) pets for whom she always finds wonderful, loving homes. 

Her second career and passion is in Real Estate working for Bailey Properties in Aptos.  You will often see her with the quick change from scrubs to business woman as she dashes out to her next appointment.  Erika is a whirl of energy and organization, qualities essential to a well run veterinary hospital.


   Karen Jacks, Reception

Karen joined the Creekside Veterinary Hospital family in May 2006 and came to Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital as a result of our merger.    Karen worked in a veterinary hospital in her youth and then returned to the fold after a career in outside sales in mortgage and credit industries.  

Karen has a deep love of gardening, training at Cabrillo College as a Horticulture major.  She enjoys creating landscape designs through her company, Dream Gardens.

Animals have always been an important part of Karen's life, breeding and showing Shetland Sheepdogs for many years.  She now is the proud mother of two lovely cats.

   Dee Wright, RVT