Michael T. Ikeda, VMD

Dr. Michael Ikeda is the proud owner of Muirlands Animal & Avian Hospital since 1988. He graduated with BA and MA degrees in Biology from UCLA, before completed his VMD degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ikeda has been in the Southern California area for over 25 years and calls Mission Viejo his home. He has saved countless birds working with Pacific Wildlife over the years, but he is most proud of the 4 previous employees fulfilling their dreams of becoming veterinarians through his guidance, one of which is our own Dr. Miwa Kanbe. Dr Ikeda's personal hobbies include golfing, hiking, and traveling especially to visit family in Hawaii. 

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, watching Angel’s baseball games, 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 include: animal ophthalmology, pharmacology and cancer care. She enjoys wine tasting, cooking and leasure afternoons at the beach with 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 husbandry 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 directs our weight management and chronic patient wellcare programs.
Jessica enjoys living on the wild side, dirt biking and horseback riding in her free time. Jessica’s family includes her beloved husband Tyler, English Bulldog Biscuit and her cat Oops.

  Sheila Joiner Team Member Since 1996. Sheila is our Director of First Impressions 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.

(Picture coming soon!) Angie DiCenzo Team Member since 2010. Angie is our director of first impressions! New to our team we enjoy Angie’s sense of humor and positive attitude. Angie’s family includes Dave and her adorable little girl Skyler, pitbull Momma and mix Grrr.

(Picture coming soon!) 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 her children and Roscoe, a rescue Pitbull Mix.

(Picture coming soon!) Shawn Nepo Team Member since 1995. Shawn is our certified groomer with over 15 years of experience.  Shawn is an avid sportsman and enjoys league bowling (he has 7 perfect games of 300), volleyball, and Over-the-Line baseball (world champs 5 times).
When he's not so active he likes to play Sudoku.
His family includes his lovely wife, Susan and his collie Speed.

(Picture coming soon!) Michele 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.

(Picture coming soon!) 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.