Our Team

Dr. Art Khachatryan is the medical director and a full-time veterinarian at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Clemson University and the Veterinary College of the Republic of Armenia while also holding a Ph.D. in molecular epidemiology from WSU. He completed an externship in small animal neurology and neurosurgery, as well as an internship in small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Khachatryan is passionate about animal surgery, orthopedics, endoscopy, ultrasound, and exotic pets and studied acupuncture at the Peaceable Acupuncture Clinic in Seattle, helping to expand his knowledge and skill of alternative medicine therapies. He believes that SVH is an incredible hospital with an amazing team of doctors and technicians, all cooperating to achieve the highest level of animal care and working together to serve pets, their families, and the community. He is driven by the fulfillment of helping animals, motivated to be a continuous learner, and helping to ensure the long-lasting bond between pets and their humans. He is passionate about the conservation of nature. When not caring for animals at SVH, Dr. K. loves to spend his time playing the classical guitar, reading, making cheese, and tending to his garden.

Dr. Tori St. Cin is an emergency and general practice veterinarian at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. She graduated from Maryville University, Southeast Missouri State, and the University of Missouri. Passionate about emergency medicine, surgery, dentistry, and animal behavior, Dr. St. Cin came to SVH looking for a hospital in the Puget Sound area with an emergency service that practiced high-quality medicine in a collaborative environment with opportunities to grow as a veterinarian. She was drawn to the hospital and staff while ultimately being swayed by the location of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty of Washington State. Dr. St. Cin strives to continue growing and learning, staying up to date with the latest medicine. When not at SVH, she loves to do anything outdoors, hiking and camping with her dogs, traveling, and experiencing new cultures.

Dr. Amy Smith graduated from Humbolt State, Cal Poly Pamona, and Oklahoma State University and is an associate veterinarian at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. She is passionate about client mediation and avian medicine and husbandry. She came to SVH due to the elevated level of medicine, focus on education, and the opportunity to improve her skills. Dr. Smith is practical, and she strives to stay current with new treatments and continues to improve her surgical skills. She is passionate about the environment, biodiversity, and endangered species. When not treating patients, she enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband.

Dr. Tyler Sugerman graduated from the Western University of Health Services and is an emergency veterinarian at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. Passionate about emergency medicine, surgery, and exotic animals, Dr. Sugerman was drawn to SVH due to the strong family environment. He is a quick thinker with strong surgical skills and loves to educate. Caring, dedicated, and honest, Dr. Sugerman loves to adopt different species of exotics to learn how to manage and care for them before teaching clients how to properly care for their exotic pets. He would love to continue learning how to perform more advanced surgeries. When not treating patients at SVH, Dr. Sugerman loves to spend time with his family and teach his two kids about science.

Dr. Eric Lui is an emergency veterinarian at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Lui graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Penn State University and is passionate about surgery, emergency small animal medicine, and neurology. He believes that SVH is a very special hospital with high tech equipment that allows him to diagnose different diseases in multiple ways. Highly skilled in surgery, motivated to find answers, and a strong team player, he enjoys being able to work with a great group of doctors, learning from and supporting each other. Dr. Lui is adaptable, ambitious, and sincere. He is passionate about preserving the environment for future generations and providing at-home health options for pet owners. He believes that actions speak louder than words and loves to spend his time outdoors exploring all that Washington State has to offer.

Dr. Cara Borre has practiced in Washington since graduating from Michigan State University in 1991. She has enjoyed a long tenure at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. She is one of our general practice veterinarians, and her emphasis has always been on understanding the unique bond each pet owner has with their particular four-legged loved ones. She takes pride in formulating practical approaches to problem solving and preventive pet care guidance that is tailored to each individual family’s needs. Her areas of interest include dermatology, internal medicine, and senior pet care. Dr. Borre and her partner share their home with two senior cats and two young rescued terrier-mix dogs. Most of her recreational time outside the hospital is spent in pursuit of birds, either within our state or elsewhere around the globe. Through her adventures to find birds, she has been exposed to many different habitats for wildlife and now has a passion to protect those places for future generations.

Dr. Van Maren received her undergraduate degree in biology from The University of Missouri in Kansas City, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She then went on to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Van Maren knew veterinary medicine was her calling when her equine vet proved her undying commitment to diagnosing her horse with a challenging disease. She knew that she shared her same passion for collaboration and compassionate medicine. Dr. Van Maren’s focus is on emergency medicine, pain management, and behavioral medicine. Dr. Van Maren joined the SVH team to be the calm in the storm during her clients’ and patients’ time of crisis and to provide the most compassionate care to every animal that enters our ER. When Dr. Van Maren is not working in the emergency room, she enjoys hiking in the mountains, mushroom hunting, training her two horses, and creating artwork.

Dr. Megan loves being a veterinarian because it’s a great way to blend her love of animals, scientific mind, and compassionate nature while helping those that can’t help themselves. Her passion for veterinary care lies in Holistic and alternative medicine and rehabilitation. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture (CVA) and is currently working on her canine rehabilitation certification (CCRP). She also enjoys radiology and diagnostic imaging, “playing” with the ultrasound whenever she gets a chance. She believes in treating the whole patient and strives to address the root cause of illness, which may include diet, lifestyle, behavior, or client education and involvement.

Dr. Megan joins Sumner Veterinary Hospital from Reno, NV. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Nevada, Reno, Dr. Megan received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oregon State University. Upon graduating in 2015, she studied Veterinary Acupuncture at the Chi Institute in Florida, receiving her certification in 2018. She is currently studying Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee and plans to finish her certification in 2022.

When Dr. Megan isn’t treating her patients, she can be found hiking, running, rock climbing, or snowboarding. She loves the outdoors and is excited to explore the PNW with her husband, daughter, Lab mix (Zeke), and shepherd mix (Rucker). She’s also training to be part of Pierce County’s volunteer Search & Rescue team. When she’s stuck at home and isn’t on mom duty, she enjoys reading, baking, and working in the yard.

Away from work, Dr. Tobiassen is happiest in nature, be it walking her dogs in the woods or on the beach, traveling to photograph and identify birds, or tending her vegetable garden.

Dr. Butler loves being a veterinarian because she can combine her passion for both animals and medicine, making a tangible and positive difference in the lives of her furry patients and their caring owners. Dr. Butler was born and raised in western Washington and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Washington State University. She has a special interest in internal medicine and Fear Free practice. Beyond her veterinary endeavors, Dr. Butler enjoys spending time outdoors, running, hiking, and exploring nature. Dr. Butler’s love for animals extends to her personal life, where she shares her home with 3 beloved pets, including Snugglebug the cat, Snax the black Labrador, and Colbie the shepherd mix.