Michael T. Ikeda, VMD

Dr. Michael Ikeda is the proud owner of Muirlands Animal & Avian Hospital for the past 20 years. Dr. Ikeda is an advocate for animals and his compassion shows in his treatment of all pets. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Ikeda has been in the Southern California area for over 25 years and calls Mission Viejo his home. He has many proud accomplishments over the years including 4 previous employees fullfilling their dreams of becoming veterinarians through his guidance, one of which is our associate veterinarian Dr. Miwa Kanbe. Dr Ikeda's personal hobbies include golfing, travel, and fishing.

Miwa Kanbe, DVM

Dr. Kanbe began her career here at Muirlands as an animal assistant in 1995.
After she finished her BS at UCI, she attended vet school at Oklahoma State and rejoined our team as a veterinarian in 2005.
Dr. Kanbe is fluent in Japanese and is experienced in interstate and international  travel preparation. In her spare time, Dr. Kanbe enjoys going to the movies, shopping, playing the flute, and travel.
Dr. Kanbe's family includes:  Mana the sheltie mix, Momo the tabby, and Coco, a Meyer's parrot.

The Staff

  Christine McKee Team Member Since 1994. Christine is a Registered Veterinary Technician and our Hospital Manager her interests in animal ophthalmology, pharmacology and cancer care. Her family includes her husband, Robert and her shelter rescue, Lindy Lou.

 Ana Soria Team Member Since 1997. Ana is a Registered Veterinary Technician and office supervisor who is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has 16 years of experience in avian care and spent 6 years as an avian breeder. Ana is in charge of our avian transition program. Her family includes a flock of 11 parrots and her Black Lab, Pantera.  She enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

 Jessica Sprout Team Member Since 2001. Jessica is a Registered Veterinary Technician and runs our weight management program.
Jessica enjoys living on the wild side, dirt biking and horseback riding in her free time. She is married to her high school sweetheart of 14 years.Her family includes her husband, Tyler, her English Bulldog Biscuit and her cat, Oops.

  Sheila Joiner Team Member Since 1996. Sheila is our receptionist and our most compassionate client care advocate. Sheila's family includes Bubbles, her Standard Poodle, Jilly, her rescued Fox Terrier Mix, Bud Buds, a Citron-Crested Cockatoo and several small birds.

Stephanie Alhanati Team Member Since 2000. Stephanie is our Senior Animal Attendant. She is dedicated to the care of all the animals staying with us for boarding. Stephanie's family includes Roscoe, a rescue Pitbull Mix.

Shawn Nepo Team Member Since 1995. Shawn is our experienced, certified groomer. Shawn is an avid sports fan and really enjoys bowling and volleyball.
When he's not so active he likes to play Sudoku.
His family includes his lovely wife, Susan.

Michelle Beals Team Member Since 2008. Michelle is an animal attendant. She has a love for animals and often spends break periods cuddling and playing with our boarding cats and dogs offering comfort while away from home.

Lee Team Member Since 1998  Lee is a rescue cat who has been a resident here in the hospital for the past 12 years. He is a friendly Siamese who is enjoyed by all and occassionally acts as a blood donor for other ill cats.