First Nations Veterinary is the primary project of Charity HQ. Charity HQ is a 501 C3 organization started in 2022 by Gina Clemmer.
Gina Clemmer grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a registered member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She is also Muskogee Creek. Her passion lies at the intersection of technology and animal welfare. In 2010 she founded Clinic HQ, the only high-volume spay/neuter clinic management software in the world. She believes high-volume spay/neuter is the root solution to ending the overpopulation and euthanasia of dogs and cats. She has dedicated her life to furthering this mission.
First Nations Veterinary is the culmination of her years of experience in the high-volume spay/neuter world. FNV combines her love of rez dogs, spay/neuter and Native communities. It also provides an opportunity to use her software out in the field and to meet those people who use her software daily at their own high-volume spay/neuter and wellness clinics.
FNV coordinates clinics but most recently has purchased a mobile spay/neuter rig.
Dr. Kate Peplin was raised in Silverton, Oregon. After marrying a Redmond local, her family made the move to Central Oregon. She grew up in 4H and FFA with plenty of large animal experience, but fell in love with small animal medicine after years spent working in shelter medicine. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Oregon State University and attended OSU’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2023.
Dr. Peplin’s special interests within the field of veterinary medicine are preventative medicine, community outreach and education, feline medicine, and small animal soft tissue surgery. In her free time she loves hiking, kayaking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Dr. Peplin spends most of her off time with her golden retriever, Amber and her sweet family cat, Sylvester.
Originally from Nebraska, Ali relocated to Portland, Oregon, after earning her college degree. While her professional background is in marketing, her passion has always been animal welfare. Over the years, Ali has fostered more than 100 animals and contributed her time and talents to a wide range of organizations, including Fences for Fido, Stumptown Strays, One Tail at a Time PDX, Oregon Dog Rescue, and others.
Ali is a passionate advocate for collaboration in animal welfare, believing spay/neuter efforts unite everyone in reducing animal suffering, creating safer communities, and decreasing shelter intake.
At FNV, Ali plays a multifaceted role spanning clinic support, volunteer coordination, community partnerships, and other evolving initiatives. She also manages marketing and social media for FNV, helping to share the organization’s impact and connect with the communities they serve as well as allied organizations. In addition, Ali works with Clinic HQ, FNV’s parent company, which provides software solutions tailored to the unique needs of high-volume veterinary clinics. She is deeply honored to contribute to work that creates lasting, positive impact in communities that FNV serves.
Benny Moffett is a Veterinary Technician at a veterinary hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Benny has decades of experience in high-volume spay/neuter, with special expertise in delivering high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter on Native American reservations. His knowledge and compassion are valuable assets for FNV.
Cheydon Herkshan was born and raised on the Warm Springs Reservation and is a registered tribal member. She is currently studying at Western Oregon University for her BA.
Growing up on the Reservation has given her drive to represent and serve her community in any way possible. Her compassion and knowledge extends to everyone who crosses her path.
Marisa Patino is a Customer Service Representative for the City of Portland's Water Bureau. She has an outstanding history in client management and communications. Her expertise and insights on FNV's work help make us great.
Richard Lufrano is a Copy Writer for Duft Watterson, a nationally recognized advertising agency. Richard's writing and editorial skills provide a significant contribution to FNV's work.
Pinky is a business woman, community leader and registered tribal member of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and is of Wasco, Tlingit and Yupik Eskimo descent.
She grew up knowing the importance of animals, wildlife and the blessings they give us when we honor them. Pinky has been a friend to many companion animals and is excited
Pinky is a business woman, community leader and registered tribal member of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and is of Wasco, Tlingit and Yupik Eskimo descent.
She grew up knowing the importance of animals, wildlife and the blessings they give us when we honor them. Pinky has been a friend to many companion animals and is excited to extend her compassion and advocacy to bring more vet care opportunities to her community.
Anya is a junior at Grant High School in Portland, OR, where she has fostered a deep commitment to building strong connections with her community. Anya has always had a passion for animals, having raised and trained two dogs and four cats over the years, and is eager to continue expanding her knowledge and experience in the field of anim
Anya is a junior at Grant High School in Portland, OR, where she has fostered a deep commitment to building strong connections with her community. Anya has always had a passion for animals, having raised and trained two dogs and four cats over the years, and is eager to continue expanding her knowledge and experience in the field of animal welfare.
She has joined to help coordinate FNV’s new Fix Ticks initiative, and is thrilled to contribute her love for animals and help support this exciting new project. She looks forward to gaining hands-on experience while making a positive impact on the community.
Mr. Berry is a renowned coastal Salish artist based on the Warm Springs Nation of Oregon. He designed our custom "rez dog" logo. His designs are an excellent example of the traditional Salish style of the Pacific Northwest. Check out his online gallery or watch a video here as he discusses his art.
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