Get to know our Staff
Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Linda Merrill, LVT, VTS (SAIM)
Education: AA and AS in Veterinary Technology at Pierce College
Joined SVA: 1977
Interests: Scuba diving, travel, welding, house remodeling and growing orchids and cactus
Pets: Cody- Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Sally-mixed-breed dog, Raymond- Persian and Audrey- black and white shorthaired polydactyl cat. All rescues.
Lisa Coyne, LVT
Education: BS Biology at University of Michigan. California AHT license 1984-86 WA LVT 1987 – present
Joined SVA: August, 1988
Interests: I enjoy all sciences, especially those related to evolutionary biology. I’m hyperactive and self-medicate with lots of soccer and rock climbing. My family includes 4 sweeties: my husband Bob, daughter Meg, son Craig, and dog Martha. At work, my favorite areas are dentistry and surgery, though general nursing and clinical work are also very rewarding.
Pets: Martha – Border Collie/Shepherd, 10 years old. 4 fire bellied toads (They don’t notice each other.)
April Aiken, LVT
Education: AA in Arts and Sciences at Pierce Community College AA in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College
Joined SVA: November, 1997
Interests: I enjoy making glycerin soaps, salves, lip balm and facial masks. This year I am trying my hand at gardening – Italian herbs, mostly. Hopefully it’s a success. My family is also very important to me.
Pets: I have a mackeral tabby named Marbles and I rescued him from the long arm of the Humane Society. The newest addition is our dog named Halla, born earlier this year, she’s a super-duper mutt!
Trish Watson, LVT
Education: BS in Elementary Education at James Madison University AA in Veterinary Technology at Pierce Community College
Joined SVA: January 1999
Interests: Hiking, biking and volunteering locally and abroad