Laurence Wahl, D.V.M.
Chief of staff
Dr. Wahl is a native of Southern California.
He received his Bachelors of Arts in Zoology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1977 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Californa, Davis in 1982. Post doctoral training in small animal medicine and surgery was completed at the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. Dr. Wahl worked in several private practices and emergency animal clinics prior to starting Laguna Grove Veterinary Hospital in 1987. Dr. Wahl is owned by a golden retriever, Mango, a blue and gold macaw, Cosmo, an abyssinian cat, Tobouli, several guinea pigs, a cockatiel and a parakeet. His hobbies include scuba diving, golf, and raising tilandsias, bromeliads and orchids.
Karen Wichert, D.V.M.
Veterinary Medical Director
Dr. Karen Wichert moved to Orange County from Portland, Oregon in 1999. She is a native of Washington State. In 1989 she graduated from Washington State University where she received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Following graduation she worked in the Portland metro area, in several private practices for the next 10 years. After relocating to Orange County, she joined Laguna Grove Veterinary Hospital in January 2000. Dr. Wichert is owned by four cats: Fire, Tucker, Sammi and Snickers and a cockatiel, B.J. Her hobbies include biking, skiing and hiking.
Sonjia Frericks
Administrative Assistant
Sonjia Frericks has been working at LGVH since 1993 where she started as a technician.
She also often filled in as receptionist. Soon, she became hospital manager and currently administrative assistant. Her current role encompasses payroll, accounts receivable and payable, computer supervisor and trainer. She recently completed her B.A. in psychology from U.S.C. and is currently pursuing graduate studies. She is owned by two rhodesian ridgebacks, Barley and Scout and two cats, Gromet and Manobi. In her spare time she enjoys going to the beach with her dogs.
Tracy Metzner
Groomer
Tracy started grooming in 1983 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. She moved to California in 1985 and worked in multiple grooming facilities throughout Orange County. She also worked at a schnauzer kennel for several years doing their grooming. She also worked for 10 years as an office manager in a promotional products manufacturer. She joined LGVH in January, 2000 as one of our full time groomers. She maintains her special interest in all types of terrier grooming, but does a great job on all dogs and cats. She is owned by 2 pomeranians, Indy and Hotrod, an african grey parrot, Big Bucks, and a parrolet, Perky. In her spare time she enjoys crafts, reading and playing with her animals.
Laguna Grove Veterinary Hospital
