Penelope A. Porter, DVM, Business Owner/Veterinarian
I grew up in Central Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 1969. I was one of the first six women to graduate in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State. The world has changed a great deal since then.

I moved to Tucson, Arizona, to take a job at Valley Animal Hospital were I worked for two years then bought a small practice in Green Valley, Arizona. In 1973 I opened Ajo Veterinary Clinic at its current location. The Southwest side of Tucson has been very kind to my business and me over the past 31 years. I enjoy the challenges of the varied cultures and cases.

I have two dogs of my own, 2 young shepherds. I have a passion for old houses and live in a historic home in downtown Tucson.

Dr. Peter Jezyk, VMD, PhD
I grew up in Massachusetts and got my BS and PhD from the University of Massachusetts . I started my professional career as a biochemist and taught at the Medical College of Virginia. Had a change of heart and started veterinary school when I was 31. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I joined their faculty in the Section of Medical Genetics and became tenured. However, my wife is also a veterinarian and she became ill, so I took a part-time position and left to run her practice in 1986. We “retired” and moved to Tucson in 2002.

My academic career was productive. I was an author on over 60 original articles in the scientific and medical literature and was an invited speaker at numerous veterinary conferences. However, practice has always been my passion. Mostly I hope to help people understand their companion's welfare and problems and keep them healthy so you can enjoy your life together. My wife and I personally have 5 dogs, 6 cats and 3 birds that we consider to be our four-legged and winged kids. In what spare time they leave me, I futz around with computers, garden and work on our home.

Sandra Ward, Office Manager
I have been the Office Manager at Ajo Veterinary Clinic since 1998. I find my job very challenging and rewarding. I have two pugs, Kita and Ellie, a cat named Bowie and a goat, Gabby.

Audrey Christensen, DVM
I was raised in Roswell, NM and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. After working for 5 years in the oil industry (where I met my husband), I decided to pursue my life long dream of becoming a veterinarian. I graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. We moved to Tucson right after graduation. We live on 5 acres with our daughter, 2 horses, 1 dog and 3 cats.

Cynthia Salcido
I attended Pima Medical Institute and graduated in 2004, earning a certificate as a vet assistant. I have worked here at Ajo for the past 3 years and really enjoy working with our clients and their pets, as well as with my fellow co-workers. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my family and my pets. I have 4 pit bulls named Haydies, King, Knight and Remy.

Valorie Lawson, Veterinary Receptionist
I am a transplant from San Diego where I was a Vet Tech for 7 yrs. I decided to take a chance and move to Tucson where my daughter and son reside along with their spouses. I have been living here the last 4 years with my husband and 4 dogs and 1 cat. I can no longer can do tech work due to an arthritis condition, but still get the satisfaction by helping animals and their owners. You will see me most of the time with one of my dog’s behind the counter with me; either Earl, Rudi, or Echo. Dixie prefers to stay home.