Meet Our Veterinary Team

M. Scott Smith

DVM, Owner

Dr. Smith was born in Concord, California in the East Bay Area. At age ten, he moved to Germany, where he graduated from Mannheim American High School in 1976. An aspiring jazz saxophonist, he came to Southern California to attend Pomona College in Claremont, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music. After a change in plans (and careers!), Dr. Smith attended UCSB for his pre-veterinary coursework and fell in love with the Central Coast. After graduating from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, he moved to Carpinteria with his wife, Susan, and their young family in 1989 and purchased the Animal Medical Clinic in 1991.

Although well-versed in all aspects of small animal medicine, his special interest is surgery and dentistry. His hobbies include Scuba diving, underwater photography, triathlons, skiing, backpacking, and music.

Dr. Smith is committed to supporting the community that supports him and providing low-cost medical services to numerous rescue organizations. He is closely involved with Care4Paws, an organization providing low or no-cost sterilization and other medical services to the public, and pet ownership education focused at the elementary school level. Dr. Smith is a past president of the Santa Barbara/Ventura Veterinary Medical Association and current president of “Band Forever,” a booster group supporting music in our local schools.

Luciana Mankel

DVM

My passion for animals began in my early childhood and despite initially having to choose a different path, it has never left me. My family and I could not afford Veterinary school right out of high school, so I had to choose a different career. Right after I graduated (Physical Education) I decided to travel a little and ended up here in Carpinteria. I fell in love with the city, I made so many good friends (that today I consider part of my family), and I made a promise to myself that I would come back and live here whenever possible. So I worked hard for approximately 12 years in the fitness and franchising industry, saved enough money and I was able to afford to go to school and fulfill my dream.

When I was in my second year of veterinary school, my husband got transferred to the USA, so after I graduated, I moved to Miami to be with him. I started working as a veterinarian technician while studying to be able to go through the ECFVG (validation of my diploma)program. Finally, in December of 2022, I finished the program, passing my practical test (CPE) in my first trial. I worked for a year in a Small animal clinic in Miami and started looking for an opportunity here in town. I contacted Dr Smith and I was extremely lucky to hear that he was looking for an Associate… and here I am.

Rena

Rena was raised on a family farm in Northeastern Ohio, where she discovered her passion for all animals. She started working at the Animal Medical Clinic in July 2020 and has loved learning all about the veterinary world. On her time off, she enjoys spending time with her animals, dancing, cooking, and going to the beach to let her dogs run around.

Connie

Connie was raised in Santa Barbara and settled in Carpinteria in 1994. She began her career with animals at Therapeutic Riding Academy in 1995 and has been caring for animals ever since. She joined the team here at the Animal Medical Clinic shortly after and has been with Dr. Smith for almost 20 years. Her passion for animals stretches beyond a 9-5 and is so much more than a job to her. When she’s not working, she enjoys her time at home with her husband, daughter, dog, Nanook, and their cats, Frankie and Tookie.

Marco

Marco was born in Santa Barbara and then moved to Carpinteria to attend school. In his junior year of high school, he started an internship program helping connect students with their life passions, bringing him to the Animal Medical Clinic. Marco worked as an intern for six months and grew a deeper connection with the staff and the animals he was assisting, and he has been a part of the team for three years now. When Marco’s not at the clinic, he’s enjoying his free time with his cat and mini Aussie.

Ana

Bio coming soon…

Jacqui

Bio coming soon…

Brook

Bio coming soon…