Our Core Team
Our staff’s passion, endless devotion, and commitment to continue making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of animals and people is evident through their ongoing, dedicated hard work.
Todd Kopit, DVM
Chief of Veterinary Staff
Read Dr. Kopit's Bio
Dr. Todd Kopit, our Chief Veterinarian, volunteered his services through the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (“SCVMA”) at city and county sponsored vaccine clinics for over 20 years. His long history of working in many facets of animal health and welfare is noted below in his Curriculum Vitae. Dr. Kopit’s experience, love, and compassion for all animals and his dedication to help pets and their owners is unparalleled.
Deborah Kopit
Founder & Animal Behaviorist
Lisley Pilago, DVM
Clinic Veterinarian
Anessa, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Read Anessa's Bio
Anessa White is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over 8 years of hands-on experience in the veterinary field. She has worked with a diverse range of animals including dogs, cats, cattle, goats, and horses, allowing her to develop a broad and adaptable skill set. Anessa has a special interest in surgery and anesthesia, where she enjoys the balance of technical skill, teamwork, and patient care. She is motivated by the unique, unspoken connection between animals and caregivers and finds deep fulfillment in advocating for animals through compassionate, science-based medicine. Outside of work, Anessa enjoys horse riding with a focus on show jumping, maintaining health and wellness, and spending quality time caring for her family.
Joey
Operations Supervisor
Read Joey's Bio
Joey has been part of the Heart4Pets family since his early teenage years. Growing up surrounded by dogs and the world of veterinary care, he developed a strong appreciation for animals and the importance of making quality pet care accessible to the community.
As Operations Supervisor, Joey oversees day-to-day operations, manages client relations, maintains relationships with community partners, and handles the organization's website development. Having grown alongside Heart4Pets, he takes pride in helping the organization continue to grow while ensuring that pet owners and their beloved companions receive the care and attention they deserve.
A lifelong dog lover who has since discovered an equally strong love for cats, Joey has a special place in his heart for animals of all kinds. Outside of Heart4Pets, he enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring his interest in finance, and making memories with family.
Peter
Veterinary Assistant
Meaghan
Veterinary Assistant
Read Meaghan's Bio
Meaghan is an Orange County native who earned her Bachelor of Science from California State University, Fullerton. After beginning her career in human wellness and exercise physiology, she transitioned into veterinary medicine in 2020 when an opportunity allowed her to combine her passion for helping others with her love of animals.
Meaghan began working primarily with dogs and cats in high-volume vaccination clinics before expanding into high-volume spay and neuter medicine in 2023. Through this work, she became increasingly aware of how many pet owners struggle to access affordable basic veterinary care and developed a strong passion for making preventive and essential services more accessible within her community.
Her work in veterinary medicine also led her into animal rescue, where she helps stray and at-risk cats throughout Orange County receive medical care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity to find loving forever homes. She is especially passionate about preventive care, population control, animal welfare, and helping bridge the gap between veterinary medicine and rescue.
Outside of work, Meaghan enjoys taking her cats on walks, staying active and exercising, visiting local farmers markets, and hosting adoption events for rescued animals.
Dina
Veterinary Assistant
Read Dina's Bio
Dina has been part of the Heart4Pets family since the very beginning. With her parents running the organization, she grew up surrounded by animals and developed a passion for animal rescue and welfare at an early age. She began volunteering and helping with clinics at just 15 years old and has remained involved ever since.
As Bookkeeper, Dina handles clinic reconciliations and also assists with vaccinations, allowing her to contribute both behind the scenes and directly with the animals. Having grown alongside Heart4Pets, she takes pride in being part of an organization dedicated to making affordable veterinary care accessible to pets and their families.
Outside of Heart4Pets, Dina is a proud pet parent to three rescued animals—two cats and a dog—who she lovingly considers her furry children. Her lifelong love for animals continues to inspire the work she does and the care she brings to the Heart4Pets community.
Denny
Veterinary Assistant
Read Denny's Bio
Denny has been part of the Heart4Pets team for nearly two years, joining the organization after being referred by his manager. With a lifelong love for animals, he has always believed that every pet deserves to be loved, cared for, and given a second chance. His passion for animal welfare comes from knowing that a little extra help and compassion can make a meaningful difference in an animal's life.
As a Veterinary Assistant, Denny helps administer vaccinations and supports the health and well-being of the pets visiting Heart4Pets clinics. He also works at a general veterinary practice, where he continues to expand his hands-on experience through blood draws, vaccinations, and patient triage. He takes pride in helping animals receive the care they need while making a positive difference in their lives.
Outside of Heart4Pets, Denny enjoys staying active, playing pickleball, and heading to the mountains for snowboarding adventures.
Shannon, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
HEART'S Best Volunteers!
We wish to thank all who have entrusted us with the care of your pets. We look forward to continuing our journey which has enriched our lives through meeting so many wonderful people and animals. Thank you for caring and being the most important part of your pet’s life.