Dr. Rick Lanuza is a California native, born and raised in the city of San Gabriel. He attended St. Georges University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies and completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. After two years as a general practitioner he took a position as an ophthalmology intern at Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center and remained there to complete his ophthalmology residency. He has worked as a boarded ophthalmologist along the California coast for the last four years spanning from Arroyo Grande to Santa Barbara. Dr. Lanuza is excited to be part of the MASH family and bring quality ophthalmic services to the Hollywood area.

Josue was born and raised in San Fernando Valley. He has been working in the veterinary field since 2017. Josue has worked as a veterinary assistant in general practice and emergency medicine. He joined the MASH ophthalmology team in June 2020. His goal is to obtain his RVT license. Josue currently has his certified veterinary assistant certification. Josue does not have any pets currently but hopes to in the future. When not working, Josue likes to go camping, river tubing, jet skiing, workout, and play video games on Playstation.

Melody was born and raised in Hollywood, CA. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2017. She has worked as a doctor’s assistant and technician assistant in specialty, mainly oncology. She joined the MASH oncology team in March 2020. Her goal is to obtain her RVT through Pierce College’s RVT program soon. She has a Dachshund mix named Theodore. In her free time, she loves to go to the park with her dog. She also enjoys roller skating and running.

Desiree was born and raised in Glendale, CA. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2014. She started working as a receptionist/ technician assistant for a single doctor general practice and then switched over to a reception/inventory position with a multi-doctor general practice. Desiree joined the MASH oncology team in February 2020. She wants to become an RVT as an admin roll so she can better explain things to owners. She has a general medical assistant license. Desiree has two cats: Batz Maru and Justin. When not working, you can find her doing arts and crafts, hanging out with friends, or at the beach (rain or shine).

Samuel was born in Mexico City and moved to Los Angeles in 1998. He began working in the veterinary field in 2000. Samuel started off grooming at VCA hospitals and worked his way up to becoming a veterinary assistant. He has worked in many different specialty hospitals as a tech assistant in surgery, monitoring anesthesia, prepping patients and recovering patients coming out of surgery. He has worked in an ophthalmology office for 2 years now. He is currently working towards becoming an RVT while also getting his GED. He has a dog name Cachito who is 3 years old and likes to run and play with other dogs. In his free time, Samuel likes to go to the gym, hike with friends, spend time with family, and travel.