Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Merrianne Burtch, DVM, DACVIM
Board-Certified Veterinary Internist
Dr. Merrianne Burtch is a veterinary internal medicine specialist who has practiced throughout the Central Coast of California for more than 28 years. She is passionate about providing compassionate, appropriate medical care and guidance, with a quality-of-life priority for patients and their people.
She grew up in San Jose, California, attended Stanford University as an undergraduate and then UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Dr. Burtch designed and completed an intensive internal medicine residency in Santa Cruz, California, then became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal) in 1999, earning her status as a Diplomate. Her hobbies include sports, gardening, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Shannon
Veterinary Nurse
Administrative Assistant
Shannon grew up locally in Carmel Valley and has always had an innate desire to care for animals. She graduated with her BS in Animal Science from Chico State University in 2013. She has worked as a veterinary nurse between VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center in Chico, CA, and Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists for the last ten years. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking/baking, crafting, and spending time with her boyfriend Daniel and their three dogs, Abigail, Gunther, and Milton.
Shelley Morris
Office Manager
Shelley is a Santa Cruz native with a lifelong love of nature and animals. Her diverse professional background includes property management, oncology massage therapy, and martial arts, all of which contribute to her well-rounded and compassionate approach to client care.
She brings over 14 years of experience in veterinary hospital management, along with a strong focus on client service and team support. Shelley is passionate about creating a positive experience for both patients and their families.
She lives in Watsonville with her partner, Charlie, his 8-year-old son, and a lively household that includes two dogs (Sadie and Sherbert), two cats (Scotty and Houdini), and four spoiled chickens.
Nick Hertz
Registered Veterinary Technician
Nick is from North Dakota and moved to Santa Cruz in 2002. He has been working in veterinary specialty medicine since 2003, first at Pacific Veterinary Specialists and then Pet Specialists of Monterey. In 2010, he graduated from Foothill College in Los Altos Hills with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology and passed the California State and North American National boards as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Along with a lifelong love of animals, Nick also has an affinity toward the human aspect and bond accompanying his work. In his free time, he can be found volunteering with seniors, walking dogs, or quietly reading alongside the coast.
All team photography by Jana Marcus Photography
Merrianne Burtch, DVM, DACVIM
Board-Certified Veterinary Internist
Dr. Merrianne Burtch is a veterinary internal medicine specialist who has practiced throughout the Central Coast of California for more than 28 years. She is passionate about providing compassionate, appropriate medical care and guidance, with a quality-of-life priority for patients and their people.
She grew up in San Jose, California, attended Stanford University as an undergraduate and then UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Dr. Burtch designed and completed an intensive internal medicine residency in Santa Cruz, California, then became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal) in 1999, earning her status as a Diplomate. Her hobbies include sports, gardening, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Shannon
Veterinary Nurse
Administrative Assistant
Shannon grew up locally in Carmel Valley and has an innate love and desire to care for animals. She graduated with her BS in Animal Science from Chico State University in 2013. She has worked as a veterinary nurse for the last 15 years. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking/baking, crafting, and spending time with her husband Daniel, and their dogs Gunther and Milton
Shelley Morris
Office Manager
Shelley is a Santa Cruz native with a lifelong love of nature and animals. Her diverse professional background includes property management, oncology massage therapy, and martial arts, all of which contribute to her well-rounded and compassionate approach to client care.
She brings over 14 years of experience in veterinary hospital management, along with a strong focus on client service and team support. Shelley is passionate about creating a positive experience for both patients and their families.
She lives in Watsonville with her partner, Charlie, his 8-year-old son, and a lively household that includes two dogs (Sadie and Sherbert), two cats (Scotty and Houdini), and four spoiled chickens.
Nick Hertz
Registered Veterinary Technician
Nick is from North Dakota and moved to Santa Cruz in 2002. He has been working in veterinary specialty medicine since 2003, first at Pacific Veterinary Specialists and then Pet Specialists of Monterey. In 2010, he graduated from Foothill College in Los Altos Hills with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology and passed the California State and North American National boards as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Along with a lifelong love of animals, Nick also has an affinity toward the human aspect and bond accompanying his work. In his free time, he can be found volunteering with seniors, walking dogs, or quietly reading alongside the coast.
All team photography by Jana Marcus Photography