Dr. Chalon Tiedeken grew up in Colorado where she enjoyed opportunities to explore nature and appreciate wildlife. As a young adult, she graduated from Washington University, St. Louis with a BA in Biology and Asian Studies. During college and afterwards she worked in academic and clinical research exploring histoplasma and pulmonary fibrosis. She also met her husband while in college. He was earning his MD and was an officer in the US ARMY. His career took them to Hawaii, Kansas and Pennsylvania. At the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Chalon Tiedeken studied Schizophrenia in a clinical research lab. Together the Tiedeken’s also raised two boys. Once her children were more independent, she decided to follow her passion for animals and pursue a career as a veterinarian. The journey included working at ZooAmerica, Heshey, PA, in the education department and caring for the many animals there. Her family was committed to her success and ventured to California to get settled so she could later apply to school there. She spent some time at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine as a Research Associate to study how pain control drugs in cats, rabbits and birds can affect anesthesia. She also volunteered at the California Raptor Center. Her goal was achieved when she graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2015, from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, with an emphasis in small animal, exotics, and zoo medicine. She continues to develop her clinical acumen, enjoys soft tissue surgery and engaging with clients to provide optimal care for their animal family members. Outside of work she and her husband enjoy the family pets, fondly called the “Tiedeken Zoo,” which includes 2 dogs, 2 tortoises, 2 parrots, finches and fish. Some other favorite activities are hiking, going to the gym, drawing and singing at church.