Our Team
The people behind the care.
A small, dedicated team who get to know you and your pets by name — real veterinary expertise, with the warmth of a neighbor.
The Team
Meet your care team.
The people who'll know your pet — and you — by name.
Dr. Crystal Gerards, DVM
Medical Director
Dr. Gerards is a Ventura County local with a love for travel, running, and swimming. She comes to us with over a decade of experience as a small animal veterinarian. She has lived and practiced veterinary medicine in many places, including Northern California and Perth, Australia. She has traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada, Alaska, and New Zealand. She has a Dutch husband, 2 young boys, 5 Fur-babies, and a tortoise!
Dr. Gerards loves taking care of people and their beloved pets. She has a special interest in internal medicine cases, soft tissue surgeries, dentistry, and dermatology. She has also completed speciality training in Abdominal and Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography). Dr. Gerards is certified in veterinary sonography and can provide outpatient ultrasounds and echocardiography with radiologist review, so our patients have access to important diagnostics all in one place.
She can't wait to meet you and your furry friends!
Chelsea Schaefer, RVT
Hospital Manager
Chelsea is a Registered Veterinary Technician who began her career with five years in avian and exotic general practice before spending eleven years in emergency and critical care, where she developed a special interest in endoscopy and sonography. She believes that truly exceptional veterinary medicine begins with caring for both pets and the people who love them, a philosophy that has shaped the culture she and the CCVC team are building together.
Outside of the hospital, Chelsea leads veterinary care at Apex Protection Project, a wolf and wolfdog sanctuary. Her passion for wolves was the driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, and today she continues to focus her volunteer work on wildlife advocacy and the care of ambassador wolves.
Her involvement in rescue extends well beyond the sanctuary. At home, Chelsea has a habit of taking in the world’s unwanted misfits and stubborn working breeds. The current roster includes Valkyrie, a shepherd mix; Ghost, a Turkish Kangal; a black cat who runs the household with an iron paw; and JB, a 70-pound sulcata tortoise listed as her life partner on all legal documents.
Gillian Miller
Assistant Hospital Manager
Gillian was born in Zimbabwe, spent many years living in South Africa, and has called the United States home since 1988. A lifelong animal lover, she has been fortunate to experience countless safaris, which further deepened her appreciation and respect for animals of all kinds.
She is passionate about helping pets live long, healthy lives and believes that educating pet owners is one of the most important parts of veterinary care. Gillian enjoys working closely with clients, ensuring they understand the options available for their pets so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Gillian is married and is the proud mother of three grown children and grandmother to one grandson. She currently shares her home with Tuxedo, her beloved Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix, who keeps her active and entertained.
When she's not at the hospital, Gillian enjoys walking Tuxedo, cooking for her family, spending time with her extended family, playing mahjong with friends, knitting, and reading.
Gillian genuinely loves what she does and feels incredibly fortunate to be part of a profession that allows her to make a positive difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them every day.