Meet Our Team
Dr. Amrit Rai, DVM MS
Dr. Amrit Rai is a highly experienced and dedicated veterinarian at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. A 1993 graduate of Iowa State University, she also holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Punjab Agricultural University.
Driven by a commitment to provide the best medical care with minimal stress, Dr. Rai is Fear Free certified, ensuring a calm and positive environment for her patients. As a USDA APHIS certified veterinarian, she’s also your go-to expert for all domestic and international pet travel needs.
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Dr. Rai began her career in 1993, gaining diverse experience in Southern California before moving to Phoenix in 2000. In 2005, she proudly acquired Sugarloaf Animal Clinic, preserving its legacy as a single, family-owned, non-corporate practice. Her dedication extends to the broader veterinary community as an active member of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA) and a long-standing member of the Investigative Committee of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining Board. She also passionately mentors pre-vet students, guiding the next generation into the field.
Dr. Rai’s special interests encompass a wide range of veterinary care, including:
- Internal Medicine
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Corrective Surgery (including stenotic nares, entropion, vulvoplasty, and cherry eye surgery)
- General Surgery
- Ophthalmic Surgery
- Senior Care
- Neonate Care
- Adult Wellness & Puppy/Kitten Wellness
- Pain Management
- End of Life Care
Outside the clinic, Dr. Rai is a devoted pet parent to her two rescue dogs, Ginger and Moses, and a busy mom to her two sons.
Dr. Nisha Parasher, DVM MPH
Veterinarian, Sugarloaf Animal Clinic
Dr. Nisha Parasher is a dedicated veterinarian at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic who brings a compassionate and thoughtful approach to pet care. A lifelong resident of Arizona, Dr. Parasher earned her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ in 2022.
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Her passion for veterinary medicine stems from a deep respect for the bond between people and their pets. Inspired by her own personal health journey, Dr. Parasher understands the importance of trust in a doctor-patient relationship. She strives to be a reliable partner for pet owners, providing informed and empathetic care throughout all stages of their pet’s life. For her, it’s a blessing to witness pets grow and a privilege to support them—and their families—during times of need.
Dr. Parasher has a strong professional interest in internal medicine, with a particular focus on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and kidney disease. She excels in analyzing complex cases and developing customized treatment plans that align with the needs of both pets and their owners. She is also a strong advocate for preventative care, encouraging annual wellness visits to support long-term health.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Parasher enjoys spending time with her family in Chandler, Arizona. She’s an avid sports fan—especially of tennis and the NFL—and loves working on puzzles and Sudoku. Gardening is one of her greatest passions, particularly growing and arranging flowers. She also enjoys exploring the culinary scene and trying new restaurants in and around Phoenix.
Julie Becker
Office Manager
Julie Becker is a key member of the team at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic, serving as their Office Manager. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Phoenix and brings over 20 years of valuable experience in the veterinary field to her role.
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Julie is passionate about creating a positive and stress-free experience for pets during their veterinary visits, having attended Fear Free certification classes. At home, she is a proud pet parent to a Doberman named Diego and an American Bully named Mercedes.
Beyond her professional life, Julie enjoys an active lifestyle with her family and friends, engaging in activities like wakeboarding, hiking, boating, duning, and horseback riding. She is also committed to environmental sustainability, actively recycling and composting for her vegetable and fruit garden (which, she notes, her dogs love to dig in!). Julie is a busy mom to her four children: Sabrina, Kai, London, and Madison.
Terri Gonzalez
Veterinary Technician
Terri is a dedicated Veterinarian Technician who began her career as a kennel technician at a shelter in Arlington, Texas. Her passion for animal care led her to work overnights for five years at a 24-hour animal hospital, where she honed her technical skills and deepened her compassion for patients. In 2020, Terri relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to her family. Just a month after moving, she joined the team at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic.
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Terri finds the most rewarding part of her work in witnessing the recovery of her patients—the wagging tails, gentle purrs, and grateful looks that remind her why she chose this profession. For her, being a veterinary technician never feels like “just a job.” Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference, and that sense of purpose continues to inspire her.
Outside of work, Terri has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for nearly 19 years. Together, they have two lively and independent teenagers, two dogs—an 11-year-old Labradoodle named Chewbacca and a 9-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix named Bubble Cheeks—and a cat, an 8-year-old domestic shorthair named Selina Kyle. In her free time, Terri and her family love exploring Arizona and taking trips to discover new adventures together.
Taylor Gioffre
Veterinary Technician
Taylor Gioffre is a dedicated Veterinary Technician at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic. With a genuine love for animals and a strong commitment to their well-being, Taylor brings compassion, skill, and a calming presence to every patient she cares for.
Jamile Acuna
Veterinary Technician
Jamile Acuna is a Veterinary Technician at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic whose lifelong passion for animals is matched by her dedication to compassionate care. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Jamile is currently a junior at Arizona State University, where she’s pursuing a degree in pre-veterinary medicine through the honors program—supported by a full-ride scholarship. From a young age, she felt a deep-rooted connection to animals and never doubted that veterinary medicine was her true calling.
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Jamile’s favorite part of working in the veterinary field is forming meaningful bonds with both pets and their owners. She finds fulfillment in providing care to animals who can’t advocate for themselves, knowing her work brings comfort and peace of mind to the people who love them. Her first experience in a veterinary clinic confirmed that she was exactly where she was meant to be—witnessing how even routine treatments can make a lasting impact on a pet’s health and happiness.
Outside of work, Jamile comes from a close-knit Mexican family and is the youngest of four siblings. She shares her home with four beloved pets—Popper, Canelo, Dino, and Lucky—who fuel her commitment to animal care. When she’s not at the clinic or studying, she enjoys pottery, gardening, and spending time in nature. A former competitive dancer, Jamile values discipline and creativity in every part of her life. She credits her parents as her greatest inspiration, whose resilience and sacrifices continue to motivate her to chase big dreams and serve with heart.
Andrea Arce
Veterinary Technician
Andrea Arce is a skilled Veterinary Technician at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic, where she has been a valued member of the team since March 2023. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Andrea is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in premed, reflecting her strong commitment to both animal and human health.
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Her journey into the veterinary field was sparked by a lifelong passion for animal health and medicine. Andrea is especially drawn to the complexity and challenge of veterinary care—interpreting physical cues, understanding animal anatomy and physiology, and collaborating closely with pet owners. Her greatest motivation lies in being an advocate for animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Andrea knew she had found her calling when she witnessed firsthand how veterinary care can significantly improve the lives of pets and their families. That moment affirmed her dedication to making a difference in the lives of animals every day.
Outside of work, Andrea expresses her creativity through her own small business focused on design and decoration. She also enjoys spending time with her beloved pets—Prince, her loyal American Pitbull, and Ty, her curious leopard gecko. Her blend of compassion, curiosity, and dedication makes her a vital part of the Sugarloaf Animal Clinic team.
Aliya Tejada-Palimo
Veterinary Technician
Aliya Tejada-Palimo is a dedicated Veterinary Technician at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic, where she has been providing compassionate care since January 2023. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Aliya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Medicine—an academic path that reflects both her interest in health sciences and her commitment to animal welfare.
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Aliya’s passion for working with animals has been a lifelong calling. She is deeply moved by the opportunity to make a difference—not just for the pets in her care, but for their families as well. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to be a voice and advocate for animals who can’t speak for themselves, especially when she sees the joy and relief her care brings to both pets and their owners.
She knew she had chosen the right profession every time she faced a challenging task and found herself more motivated and persistent than ever. Veterinary medicine brings out her strongest qualities, including perseverance, empathy, and a drive to grow.
Outside of the clinic, Aliya enjoys life with her close-knit family, which includes her older sister and four beloved dogs: Rambo, a 15-year-old Chihuahua; Sasha, a 14-year-old terrier mix; Booker, a 9-year-old pitbull; and Ellie, a playful 7-month-old pitbull puppy. Aliya is also on the path to becoming a veterinarian, aspiring to make a lasting impact in the lives of animals and the people who love them.
Melissa Buchanan
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Melissa joined the team in August 2025 as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. She recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science and returned to her hometown of Peoria, AZ to pursue her career in veterinary medicine.
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Her passion for animals began in childhood—ever since a memorable visit to the veterinarian with her grandparents in kindergarten, she knew she wanted to work in this field. Melissa loves building close relationships with both animals and their owners, and she enjoys the excitement and variety each day brings when working with pets.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking or fishing with friends, family, and her dog, Duke. When she’s not exploring nature, she likes to unwind by gaming with friends.
Our Volunteers
Our clinic is proud to welcome a dedicated group of volunteers who bring extra care and enthusiasm to our team. Many of our volunteers are pre-veterinary students shadowing with us to gain hands-on experience in animal care and clinic operations. Their passion for learning and love for animals help us provide exceptional care for every patient while supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals
Vivian
Ishitha
