Meet the Team at Forest Valley Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Bruce Behrends

Veterinarian

Dr. Behrends is an Oregon native who received his Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. His interest in veterinary medicine was sparked at a young age by the James Herriot All Creatures Great and Small book series. His passion was then fostered through his time spent at his uncle’s veterinary practice in Portland, Oregon. After graduation, he began his career as a mixed practice doctor under the mentorship of Dr. DuWayne Penfold. Since beginning his career, Dr. Behrends has shifted his focus from mixed to small animals and places an emphasis on mentoring the next generation of practitioners. In his practice, he has shown a passion for providing quality care to his patients and educating clients. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys working on the family flower farm, spending time with his daughters, and traveling with his wife.

Dr. Richard Diaz

Veterinarian

Dr. Richard Diaz has been in the veterinary profession since 2014, recently earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. Dr. Diaz gained experience in a small animal general practice in Arizona and worked relief shifts in emergency hospitals during veterinary school. His background includes both general practice and emergency care, and he holds both RECOVER CPR and Fear Free™ certifications. His professional interests include surgery, ultrasound, and urgent/emergency medicine. Dr. Diaz was drawn to veterinary medicine from a young age, motivated by a desire to help animals and the people who love them. For him, veterinary medicine is the ideal blend of science, compassion, and continuous learning. He finds meaning in building relationships with clients and providing individualized care for each pet. Outside of work, Dr. Diaz enjoys relaxing in nature, exploring the Oregon coast, visiting local coffee shops, and practicing bonsai. He also plays the guitar and enjoys creative home projects. At home, his beloved pets include his 13-year-old dog, Dex, and a 6-year-old orange tabby cat named Cheeto.

Dr. Elizabeth Hoffmann

Veterinarian

Dr. Hoffmann began her career by completing her undergraduate program at Oregon State University. In 1980, she then graduated from Washington State University’s Veterinary Program with the intent of focusing on equine medicine. However, life had a small change for her when she met her husband, Andy (a fisheries biologist), after graduation. The pair moved to Alaska, where Dr. Hoffmann began her practice in a small animal hospital, and they welcomed their three children. In 2004, Dr. Hoffmann and her family relocated back to Oregon to escape the 8-month-long Alaskan winter. Since moving back to Oregon, Dr. Hoffmann has continued her focus on small animal practice in addition to a handful of pocket pets. Outside of work, Dr. Hoffmann has found the time to pursue her passion for equine evening as well as working with Christian Veterinary Missions. In her time working with this group, she has had the opportunity to provide veterinary care to the following countries: Uganda, Africa, and native Eskimo communities in Alaska.

Dr. Michelle Kenna

Veterinarian

Dr. Michelle Kenna was born and raised in Southern California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in pre-veterinary medicine. She started veterinary school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. After completing a semester there, she transferred to Ross University in St. Kitts. She then went on to complete her clinical year at Texas A&M in College Station. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in January 2007. Dr. Kenna has practiced veterinary medicine in the Willamette Valley since 2007. She enjoys working with clients and their fabulous pets, the challenge of urgent care cases, and soft tissue surgery. In her free time, Dr. Kenna loves to travel near and far, swim, hike, bike, and spend time with her beautiful family, including their two English Labradors and rescue cat.

Dr. DuWayne Penfold

Veterinarian

In 1970, Dr. Penfold graduated from Michigan State University Veterinary School. After graduating, he and his family moved to Oregon to start life as a veterinarian. For a majority of his career, Dr. Penfold has given his time in various roles within the veterinary community, including the President of the Lane County Veterinary Medical Association, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, and as the State Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association. He also played an integral role in advocating for Oregon State University’s (OSU) School of Veterinary Medicine when its funding was cut from the state budget. Dr. Penfold not only helped in keeping the school open but has played a large role in mentoring many veterinary students who have since graduated from the program. Throughout his career, Dr. Penfold has seen the community grow and change in many ways, but has maintained a philosophy of providing compassion and service to pets in need.

Dr. Amanda Profita

Veterinarian

Dr. Profita is a New Jersey native who began her veterinary program at Ross University in St. Kitts. She then transferred to Oregon State University, where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. While earning her DVM at OSU, Dr. Profita and her husband fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and decided to call it home after graduation. For 7 years, Dr. Profita practiced emergency medicine before joining our team, where and then she continues to implement her knowledge in emergency medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Profita enjoys a wide variety of activities, including hiking, gardening, working out (as she says, a ‘gym rat’), indoor soccer, and time with her family.

Dr. Heather-Renee Srch-Thaden

Veterinarian

Dr. Srch-Thaden is a native Oregonian. She was raised in the Klamath Basin, where she enjoyed watersports, became a nationally ranked figure skater, and participated in a multitude of 4-H projects. Life as a military wife took Dr. Srch-Thaden around the world, including Japan, Europe, and Australia. She studied Marine Biology at UNC-Wilmington and was a professional aquarist at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Dr. Srch-Thaden returned home to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University, and her research has contributed to many aquatic animal health programs, including beach renourishment in the Carolinas, restoration of Oyster Reef Habitats, and creating a blood test for Sea Star Wasting Syndrome in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Srch-Thaden’s interests outside of medicine include showing dogs, dancing, and traveling. She also enjoys many watersports of the liquid and frozen variety, including scuba diving, surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and snowboarding, in addition to spending quality time with her family and friends.

Dr. Zoe Shaw

Veterinarian

Dr. Shaw is originally from Washington state, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. After graduation, Dr. Shaw spent time volunteering at a local veterinary hospital, where she quickly learned that veterinary medicine was her calling. Dr. Shaw earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. During her time at OSU, she came to admire the beauty of the Willamette Valley and the surrounding communities. Having lived in both Seattle and Spokane, she chose to relocate to western Oregon, calling it home. Outside of work, Dr. Shaw dedicates her free time to a rambunctious dog and sheep, as well as a longstanding interest in fine arts and related hobbies.

Danielle Sweitzer

Veterinarian

Bio Coming soon!

Dr. Karen Atkinson

Veterinarian

Bio Coming soon!