Meet Our Staff
Dr. Penwell
I grew up in Penfield, New York. I received my B.S in Microbiology in 1991 and my M.P.H in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology in 1994 from the University of Michigan,(GO BLUE!!). I worked in a immunology research laboratory before receiving my D.V.M. in 2000 from Michigan State University. After an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Auburn University, I moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois to work in a small animal practice. Even though I loved the Chicago area, it was much too cold for me! I moved to Phoenix in 2002 and have worked for Arrow Group since that time. I enjoy field trips with the Arizona Archeological Society, hiking, and exploring the southwest. I share my home with Sampson the Doberman Pinscher, Eleanor the Basset Hound and six cats: Miranda, Hobbs, Lucas, Oscar, Penelope and Gizmo.
Dr. Hummel
I received a B.S. degree in Biology with an interest in Molecular Biology and Genetics from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas before graduating from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. I spent time practicing in Houston, Texas, and San Francisco, California before moving to the greater Phoenix area in 2003. Since coming to the valley, I have worked in multiple veterinary hospitals in the Arrow Group as a relief veterinarian. I remained as full time veterinarian at Goodyear Animal Hospital from July 2005 to September 2007 before transferring to Westbrook Animal Hospital as an owner veterinarian. My partner and I live in northwest Phoenix with our 4 wonderful dogs, Monty, Maggie, Adam and Austin, all of whom have their own special medical problems. Together, we own a dog daycare, boarding, and grooming facility in Surprise, Arizona. When we are not working, I enjoy playing with the dogs, caring for my Plumeria collection and cooking.
Dr. Skirvin
I grew up in central Illinois in the town of Champaign. My father is a professor of horticulture at the University of Illinois, so we were always around the university. I went to undergraduate at the U of I (a whole 10 minutes from my parents house) and I majored in Enotomology (insects.) I was the 3rd person ever to graduate with that major! After undergrad, I went down to Orlando, FL to work at Walt Disney World before starting Veterinary School back at the University of Illinois. All during veterinary school, I took every opportunity to work with wildlife and other exotic pets. I worked at several zoos and wildlife centers including Brookfield Zoo, the Indianapolis Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium as well as several other facilities. I have been here in Arizona for 1 year and a half with my girlfriend Celeste (who is a vet at Roadrunner Animal Hospital) and we have our Husky named Bear and our two cats named Sebastian and Luigi.
Aan
Hi! I’m Aan Merrell I’m the manager here at Westbrook Animal Hospital. I was born in Showlow, Arizona and grew up in Snowflake, Az on a ranch. At the age of 17 I joined the Army and served my enlistment in Hanua, Germany. Upon returning to Arizona I decided it was time for a career change. After trying a few different things I decided a job in the veterinary field was where my heart was. I have always had animals in my life and I don’t think there are words to express the bond we share as individuals with the pet’s we have through out our life time. I don’t think there is any other job I would rather have. I graduated from the Veterinary Technician Program through Apollo College and here I am today. My husband Mike and I have 3 dogs which mean the world to us; Tigger our oldest and wisest, Gorge our shy and reserved son, and Ralph our youngest and most outgoing. On occasion if you come by to see us here at the clinic one of my children may even be in for a visit, and they’ll be sure to greet you with a friendly but slobbery kiss.
Alycia
Hi, My name is Alycia. The care and love for animals is very important to me. I got into this field so that I could share that with others.
Aubrie
I have been working in the veterinary field since March of 2003. I started working at Roadrunner Animal Hospital and then spent 2 years at the Emergency Animal Clinic. I’ve now been with Westbrook since August of 2007. I love working with animals and take pride in my job every day. I currently own a great little Min Pin / Jack Russell mix named Delilah and hope to expand my pet family in the future.
Brian
I was born and raised in Texas, then moved to Illinois where I went to school for music performance, but I always had a “thing” for the medical field. I received my EMT-B license and sought out to become a paramedic. While doing so, I worked for school districts and park districts doing before and after school day care for children from ages Kindergarten to thirteen years of age, for eight years. When I moved here a year ago I never thought I would have so much fun in the animal medical field than I am having now. My roommate and I live in Buckeye the dog’s name is Player. I am currently re-certifying my license to practice emergency medicine and will someday be a certified veterinary technician.
Hobbies:
Playing and watching almost every sport. My favorite teams include any Chicago team, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys. Music is my passion and I still play a few instruments. Playstation 3! Movies.
Food:
Mexican, Italian and Food cooked on the grill!!!
Brianna
Hi, my name is Brianna. I have worked at Westbrook for over 6 years. I have 4 in door cats Jasper,Ted,Ralfie and patches. I also have a stubborn German Short Hair Pointer named Lena, a turtle, and some assorted fish.
Cassie
I have loved being around animals since I can remember. I started my experience as a vet tech about 6 years ago in my home state Texas. I moved to Arizona 5 ½ years ago to be closer to my mom, and have worked for another veterinarian and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. I live with my husband, daughter, and three cats outside of Surprise.
Janice
Hello, My name is Janice ( Jan ) Glahn. My husband and I relocated to the Phoenix area from our home of 32 years in Carson City, Nevada. Currently we have two cats; Bozo the Clown, 3 ½ years old and Jesse James, 8 months old, who allow us to live in their domain.
I have been in the veterinary profession since July 15, 1984. My experience includes management of multi-doctor hospitals, boarding facility with 40 runs and a crematory service. Most interesting was a year spent at an emergency hospital where trauma and specialty cases were a daily event.
Joining the staff at Westbrook Animal Hospital I bring my expertise in Customer Service. While enjoying our furry patients, my true passion is client relations. Being there for the thrill of a new family member to the end of the journey and every step in between has given me 24 years of true satisfaction.
Tobi
Hi, my name is Tobi. I am originally from Oregon and have been living in Az for about 5 years. I am currently a student at Kaplan College, studying to be a Veterinary Technician. I chose this field because I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day than taking care of animals. They always make me smile.








