Connection, Collaboration, and Care: Celebrating Our October Employees of the Month

By: Lauren Szyszka, Phone Department Supervisor
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  Every day at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center, it takes a team of people working together to support our patients and the families who trust us. From the medical care provided by our doctors to the communication and coordination happening throughout the hospital, every person plays an important role in creating a positive experience for our clients and their pets.
 

  This October, we're excited to recognize two team members who bring that spirit of teamwork and care to their roles in different ways: Dr. Thea Calalang from our Veterinarian team and Melissa from our Phone team.
 

  Dr. Thea Calalang joined the BRVC family in June 2026 as a veterinarian. Her role involves collaborating with different departments and teams throughout the hospital to help provide the best possible care for our patients while supporting the clients who love them. By working together and keeping both patient care and the client experience in mind, she helps support the special bond between pets and the people who love them.
 

  When asked what she looks forward to most when coming to work, Dr. Calalang shared:

"I look forward to seeing everyone's face and smile, whether that be my colleagues or coworkers, or the clients and their pets."
 

  Dr. Calalang's answer highlights how much the people around her contribute to her experience at BRVC. Veterinary medicine involves more than the care provided during an appointment; it also means building relationships, supporting one another, and helping clients feel comfortable and cared for along the way. Her appreciation for both her coworkers and the clients and pets she sees each day reflects the importance of those connections in the work we do.
 

  Melissa will celebrate 10 years with BRVC this November, bringing a decade of experience and knowledge to our Phone team. Throughout her time at the hospital, she has worked in several areas, including Reception, Exam Room Assistant, and Pharmacy. She has also held a leadership role at BRVC, giving her additional experience supporting team members and hospital operations. Having worked across different departments, Melissa has developed a broad understanding of how the many moving parts of the hospital come together to support our patients and clients.
 

  In her current role with our Phone team, Melissa helps connect clients with the care their pets need. Her daily responsibilities include communicating with clients, employees, and doctors; assisting with online booking and appointment scheduling; coordinating boarding stays; and managing procedure requests. She also makes herself available as a listening ear and offers advice when needed, providing support to the people she works with in addition to helping keep daily tasks moving.
 

When asked what she looks forward to most when coming to work, Melissa shared:

"Facilitating appropriate care for pets, and working on tasks with my coworkers!"
 

  Melissa's reply reflects how she approaches her work: keeping the focus on helping pets receive the care they need while valuing the people she works alongside. With nearly 10 years at BRVC and experience in several departments, she understands how much goes into creating a positive experience for our patients and clients. Her willingness to support others and work together with her teammates is a meaningful part of the experience she helps create each day.
 

Celebrating the Difference They Make

  Although Dr. Calalang and Melissa have different responsibilities, both play an important part in the experience we create for our patients and clients. Dr. Calalang brings a collaborative approach to veterinary medicine and values the connections she builds with colleagues, clients, and their pets. Melissa brings years of experience across the hospital, a commitment to helping pets receive appropriate care, and a genuine appreciation for the coworkers who make that work possible.
 

  From working together on a patient's care to helping a client navigate scheduling and next steps, these everyday efforts make a difference. They remind us that providing a positive experience for pets and their families is something we accomplish together, across every department.
 

  Please join us in congratulating Dr. Thea Calalang and Melissa on being named our October Employees of the Month. Thank you both for the care, teamwork, and support you bring to BRVC each day!