Our Staff

• David Luttinen , ABVP

  
  Dr. Luttinen, Diplomate ABVP (canine and Feline) is a graduate with honors of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Whitworth University, and has a special interest in dentistry, internal medicine, oncology (cancer), and soft tissue surgery.  He is the owner of and practices at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic at 1216 Ivy Rd.,  Bremerton, WA, (360) 377-0078 and, University Place Veterinary Hospital located at 6715 Regents Blvd. NW, University Place (Tacoma), WA (253-565-4040). 
  
  Dr. Luttinen is a member of AVMA, WSVMA, ABVP, American Animal Hospital Association, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, American Veterinary Dental Society, American Association of Feline Practitioners, and the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.

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• Dr. Sandra Stubchaer

  
  Dr. Sandra Stubchaer joined the Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic team in August 2009.  She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 as a graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine.  Her internship at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group, in Ventura, California, has given her the opportunity towork with boarded specialists in areas such as surgery, emergency and critical care, radiology and oncology.
  
  Dr. Stubchaer lives in Gig Harbor with her husband and 3 dogs.  She enjoys kayaking, hiking, travelig, reading, gardening and scuba diving.
  
  

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• Dr. Kathleen Larson

  
  Dr. Kathleen Larson has been working in veterinary medicine since 1995.  She joined the Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic and University Place Veterinary Hospital teams in October of 2008.  She graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2004 with scholarships in Oncology and Clinical Pathology.  She has demonstrated excellent communication skills and educating clients as well as staff.  Working at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Toledo Zoo has allowed her to use advanced diagnostic equipment.  Additionally, she has surgical experience at each facility and training with a soft tissue surgical specialist in private practice.  Dr. Larson believes that creating a comfortable, positive and productive work environment is a top priority and wants those around her to have a positive attitude and demonstrate compassion for the animals in the practice.
  
  Dr. Larson is the Veterinary Co-Advisor for the Red Wolf (canis rufus), an SSP animal.  She works with PAWS, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  
  Dr. Larson lives in Tacoma, WA and in her spare time enjoys hiking and camping. 

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• Dr. Kurt Riemer

  
  

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• Jennifer Luttinen

  
  

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• Diane Brinkman

  
  Diane is the Assistant Manager of both Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic and University Place Veterinary Hospital.  She received her AA degree from Olympic College, Bremerton, WA with History and Music the main focus of her study.  Her interest in working with animals came when a family friend mentioned that a Veterinary Assistant job was available at a clinic in Purdy, WA.  She was hired and moved into a Receptionist position there.  In April, 2006, she answered an ad for a receptionist at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic and was hired.  She was promoted to Assistant Manager in October 2008.  Diane believes that the 3 most important values needed to perform excellent medical care are the "3 C's"; Consistancy-constant, quality care; Client Compliance-importance of wellness exams and bloodwork; and Communication-between the client and the veterinarian staff.  She also believes that working in an AAHA Accredited practice brings higher standards of care and progressive medicine.
  
  Diane lives in Port Orchard with husband, Aaron.  She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, music, reading, and scrapbooking.  They have 2 married sons and 2 grandsons.  She also shares her home with her 11 year old Beagle, Sara Francis, 10 month old Long Hair Chihuahua, Alastair, 20 year old Blue & Gold Macaw, Nani, 9 year old Red Fronted Macaw, Thurston, 16 year old African Gray, Sam, 20 year old cockatiel, Peaches, as well as 2 "grandcats", Kanani & Sumali and 2 "granddogs", Jack and Tella.
  
  "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank

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• Aly Gutcheck

  
  Aly has two roles at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic.  She was hired in February 2007 as a Veterinary Assistant but has since relocated to the Reception desk.  She graduated from high school in 2002.  Her special interest in Veterinary Medicine is in the areas of Dentistry and Radiology.  She hopes to one day pursue both of these areas.  She would like to see medical advances in the area of terminal ill cases (i.e. cancer).  Aly believes that the 3 most important values needed to perfrom excellent medical care are Patience, Trust and Accuracy.  She has always had a desire to work with animals and first worked as an assistant for a country Veterinarian in Montana.  From there, her passion for working with animals grew and she knew that is what she wanted to do.  She believes that working in an AAHA Accredited practice brings new challenges in all areas of veterinary medicine and brings a higher standard of quality care for owners and patients.  She also believes that it brings a sense of pride to the staff knowing that they are part of an organization that upholds that higher standard of care.
  
  Aly lives in Bremerton, WA with her sons, Johnathan and Aiden.  She has a Pitbull/Labrador mix named "Dozer," a Hound/Lab mix names "J'Roc" and a cat named "Tegrah."  She enjoys photography, digital scrapbooking, and working in computer programs like Paintshop Pro and Animation Shop.  She likes to create and enhance photos and graphics for her family and friends.  She enjoys horror movies and reads periodically.
  
  "Life is ever Lord of dealth; love can never lose its own." ~John Greenleaf Whittier
  "Work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching." ~Unknown
  

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• Susan Knutson , LVT

  
  Susan has been a Veterinary Technician for 11 years.  She started working at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic in August 2005.  She challenged the board of Governers in January 2004 to receive her LVT certification.  She also holds NAVTA and VSPN memberships.  Her area of interest in Veterinary medicine is in nursing care, nursing sick patients back to good health & helping to educate owners in keeping their pets healthy.  Susan would like to see CE courses for Veterinary Assistants.  She believes that the 3 most important values needed to perform excellent medical care are compassion, common sense, and educating owners in the care of their pets.  She believes that working in an AAHA Accredited practice brings a higher standard of quality care in animals lives.
  
  Susan lives in Port Orchard, WA with her husband, Jeff, son, Camron and her cats, Gracie and Tonka.  Her hobbies include reading Technician articles, books and journals, playing computer games and going to the movies with her family.
  
  "A woman's place is in control." ~Unknown
  

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• Elizabeth Green

  
  Lizz has worked as a Veterinary Assistant at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic since 2005.  She is a Bremerton High School graduate, 2006, where she received honors in science and NJROTC, where she was a Battalion Commander.  She is currently enrolled at Olympic College, Bremerton, WA working towards an AA in Business.  She is also enrolled at PennFoster working toward becoming an LVT.  Her special interest in veterinary medicine include surgery and anesthesia; she is also very interested in educating pet owners and special events.  Lizz hopes that the field of veterinary medicine continues to grow and looks forward to working and educating pet owners in ways to keep their special friends healthy.  She believes that the 3 most important values in excellent medical care are compassion, a desire to learn new things while keeping an open mind to new developments and communication.  Lizz has always loved animals and working in a vet clinic allows her the opportunity to help take care of sick and injured animals.  She thinks that the importance of working in an AAHA Accredited practice is that it holds the veterinary clinics to a higher level of quality care for patients.
  
  Lizz lives in Bremerton, WA with her husband, Zach, her 5 year old Aussie, Sadie Mae, her 4 year old orange tabby cat, Izzie and Tristan, her 4 year old "fat" orange tabby cat.  Her hobbies include reading books of all genres, watching movies, going to the ocean and lakes with her dogs and friends and spending time with her family.
  
  "I have my Mommy and Daddy wrapped around my paw." ~Unknown
  "Frogs have an easy life because they can eat whatever eats them." ~Unkown
  

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• Lea Melvin

  
  Lea is a Veterinary Assistant at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic.  She is a graduate of West Warwick High School, class of 2002, in Rhode Island.  Her interest in veterinary medicine is critical care and nursing care to keep patients healthy.  Her hope is that owners learn to take better care of their pets.  She believes that the 3 most important values needed to perform excellent medical care are compassion for the pets, patients and understanding, and practicing great medicine.  She got into veterinary medicine because of her love for animals and working close with the staff at Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic who put the pets first.  Lea believes that working in an AAHA Accredited practice means having a higher level of treatment for our patients and clients.
  
  Lea lives in Bremerton, WA with her husband, Patrick, and her 6 year old Ragdoll, Oliver.
  
  "Each day is a new fight for life.  Every day is another success." ~Unknown
  "Punish the deed, not the breed." ~Unknown
  

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• Bill Brott

  
  Bill started working for Wheaton Way Veterinary Clinic in June 2009 as a Veterinary Assistant.  He has an Associate of Applied Science Degree.  His special interest in Veterinary Medicine is in the area of dentistry and anesthesia.   He enjoys learning more each time he is involved in these areas and believes that each case brings more to learn. He would like to see more client education and compliance in taking care of their pets.  He also would like to see a more careful use of analgesics and pain control in patients lives.  He believes that the 3 most important values needed to perform excellent medical care are an accurate pet history, Doctor and staff education and attention to detail and follow-through in pet care.  Bill has always been around animals and has always been facinated by what Technicians do to help patients and their owners.  He believes that working in an AAHA Accredited practice means that the Doctors and staff are held up a high standard of care.
  
  Bill lives in Seabeck, WA with his wife, three cats, Misty, Frankie and Mimmie and their 4 Alaskan Malamutes, Mo, Rory, Simba and Nikk.  His hobbies include riding motorcycles with his friends and spending a nice, relaxing day with his dogs.
  
  "Wherever you go, there you are!" ~Unknown
  

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