Meet the Morningside Team
Registered Veterinary Technicians
Sam Braga
Sam Braga was raised in Oroville California in the hills on a beautiful 11 acre property. Her love for animals began as a young child, and she has always dreamt of becoming a veterinarian herself. At home, Sam and her family have a wonderfully chaotic household that includes four large dogs, three indoor cats plus four kittens who will become outdoor hunters when fully grown, eight chickens, two ducks and a bunny.
Sam absolutely loves big cats and wolves, and describes herself as an odd mix of country, classical and nerdy. Some of her interests and hobbies include ballroom dancing, painting, hiking and gaming.
Kayla Krafczik
Kayla Krafczik grew up in Chico, lived in Oregon for seven years and moved back to the area in 2023. She has been an RVT since 2016. Kayla loves her dog, but is more of a cat person— her love for felines has led to fostering many bottle baby kittens. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, camping, and video games.
Veterinary Assistants
Brooke Camacho - RVT in Training
Brooke Camacho is originally from Burney, California - where there are only two stop lights, and the entire town knows you by name. Animals have always been a form of consolation in her small world, and for that reason, she chose to give the same grace and selflessness straight back to them. Veterinary medicine gives the best of both worlds, animals and the touch of medicine - and that’s what she loves about it. She is in the RVT program at Yuba College, with plans to become an RVT in 2026.
Brooke has a petite black cat named Evie, and her hobbies include collecting random trinkets, thrifting, and binge watching literally everything.
Chie Downs
Chie Downs is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant with a love for all creatures great and small. With a background working with both small animals and equine, she finds immense joy in helping our furry friends live their best lives. When she’s not at the clinic, you can usually find her outdoors, soaking up nature's beauty. Whether she’s camping under the stars, fishing by a lake or river, or hiking through the trails, Chie is all about embracing the great outdoors. Her passion for animals and love for adventure go hand in hand, fueling her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of both pets and their humans.
Tyler McDonald - RVT in Training
Tyler McDonald grew up in several parts of Northern California. She has a passion for caring for animals—their behavior and life style always fascinated her most while growing up. After high school, Tyler completed the ROP Certified Veterinary Assistant Program, and she recently graduated from the RVT Accelerated program. When not at work, Tyler’s family is her peace. She enjoys archery, fishing, camping, hikes and adventurous road trips shared with her big man Buddy, a German shepherd husky mix who loves to whistle and cuddle in front of a warm fire with his trusty sidekick, Wreck it Rina, the one eyed German shepherd.
Lauren O’Brien
Lauren O’Brien grew up in Orland, California, and has had a passion for animals ever since she was little. After joining FFA in high school and raising her own herd of sheep, she was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
She currently owns two cats, Oliver and Ophelia. Oliver is a longhair Siamese and Ophelia is a deaf, all white longhair. Lauren spends most of her free time at the gun range, going to concerts, hiking to waterfalls, or in the kitchen baking.
Haylee Tripp
Haylee Tripp grew up in the countryside of Oroville, CA, where she developed a deep love for animals and the outdoors. Haylee attended high school in Chico, and was an active FFA member, serving as treasurer and raising and showing lambs. After high school, she completed the Butte County CTE program and became a Certified Veterinary Assistant. Haylee has enjoyed working in Veterinary Medicine since graduating. Fishing has always been a central part of her life - she grew up tournament fishing and working as a deckhand for her family’s guide service ( basically raised/grew up in a boat). Haylee is also passionate about animal rescue and currently cares for three cats: Toby, Shiloh and newest member, Nova. In her free time, she enjoys car shows, watching sprint car races, fishing, and exploring new places.
Receptionists
Sierra Anderson
Sierra Anderson is a Chico, California native with a lifelong passion for animals. Her experience is primarily in the equine industry, including training cutting horses. When she is not working, she enjoys the great outdoors whether running, biking or exploring trails with her German Shepherd, Ky.
Cheryl Wakefield
Cheryl Wakefield was raised in Orland, California. Her love of animals was fostered at a very young age taking care of black angus cows and horses on her family farm. Cheryl currently owns a dwarf angora house bunny named Gilly and enjoys reading, riding, and rockhounding in her spare time.