Meet Dr. Liz and her team...

Liz Oien, DVM, Owner

From an early age, Dr. Liz Oien knew she wanted to become a veterinarian.  Her love for the profession originated from her family farm when she would work side by side with the local farm vets.  Her education includes obtaining her Bachelor of Neuroscience Degree from Washington State University and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University.  Dr. Liz has been practicing small animal and emergency medicine in Western Washington since 2012.  She opened her doors of Port Orchard Animal Clinic, in 2017. It has been a labor of love and a life long dream to have her own practice.

Although Dr. Liz truly enjoys all aspects of helping dogs and cats, she has a natural affinity for soft tissue surgery and dentistry.  To make sure she stays up to date on the latest advancements, she attends national conferences and has been trained by board certified dentists and surgeons.  If your pet does require surgery, rest assured they are in skilled hands. You may also notice she has a knack for handling dogs and cats, and some say even seeing into their soul. This likely developed after years of experience and working with a wide array of farm animals while learning to adapt to the different behaviors of llamas, cows, sheep, dogs, cats and chickens. This isn’t her first rodeo, she has seen a little bit of everything.

You probably have already figured this out, but Dr. Liz is a bit of an old soul.  Her hobbies include making stained glass lamps, golf, baking, wheel thrown pottery, and listening to Frank Sinatra.  She loves to spend time with her son Winston.  Her pup Peaches is often at the clinic, keeping Dr. Liz company.

Dr. Mary Margaret Worley, Associate Doctor

Dr. Worley earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Purdue University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. She began her career as a mixed-animal general practitioner in South Texas before relocating to Washington, where she now brings her expertise to Port Orchard Animal Clinic. Her professional interests include ophthalmology, neurology, and emergency care for dogs and cats, and she occasionally extends her care to farm animals as well. Outside the clinic, Dr. Worley enjoys spending time with her cats and her Red Heeler puppy, Chili. She loves hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Alissa Bennett, Veterinary Nurse / Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alissa has always been drawn to the animal field and was lucky enough to begin her veterinary career 8 years ago in Monterey, CA. This isn’t too much of a surprise for anyone who knows Alissa - She grew up with quite the crew including peacocks, hedgehogs, and lizards! While there, she learned quickly that caring for animals was where she belonged. Alissa thrives with the challenges the veterinary field has to offer and has special interest in anesthesia, dental care, and orthopedics. Alissa recently graduated from Penn Foster with an associates in Veterinary Technology and became a licensed veterinary technician in July of 2019. Outside of work Alissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis, and their two adorable dogs, Mango and Kiwi. Together they love adventuring, cooking and watching movies!

Melissa, Veterinary Assistant

Melissa has been a dedicated Veterinary Assistant for six years, joining the team at Port Orchard Animal Clinic in 2021. She began her journey as a receptionist but quickly discovered her passion for the hands-on, fulfilling work of animal care. Melissa takes particular joy in assisting with dental procedures and treasures the close relationships she builds with both patients and their owners. Her lifelong connection to animals makes each day fulfilling as she supports their well-being and recovery. At home, Melissa shares her life with four beloved dogs and three affectionate cats, who are always by her side. In her free time, you can often find her relaxing with her feline friends on the couch, hiking through scenic trails with her canine companions, or exploring the beauty of the outdoors with her husband.

Carlyn Vankleeck, Veterinary Assistant

Carlyn is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Port Orchard Animal Clinic, where she brings her lifelong love for animals into every aspect of her work. Her passion for animal care began in childhood, surrounded by a menagerie of pets, and later extended into volunteer work at shelters and assisting in equine therapy for children with disabilities. Her career took off in Hawaii, where she gained hands-on experience with a wide range of animals and joined an integrative veterinary practice, supporting treatments like acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and massage alongside traditional care. Carlyn also had the invaluable opportunity to assist in complex orthopedic surgeries, including TPLOs and fracture repairs, solidifying her commitment to veterinary care. Now settled in Port Orchard, Carlyn enjoys life with her husband, two children, a Tuxedo cat, an elderly Terrier mix, and a spirited Rottweiler puppy. Together, they savor the outdoors through hiking, camping, and gathering with friends whenever they can.

Lisa O’Donnell, Receptionist/Client Care Coordinator

Lisa has been the welcoming face of veterinary clinics for 20 years and continues to enjoy meeting new people and their pets. You might recognize her smiling face because she has resided in the Kitsap area her entire life! You will hear me say it a few times over, Lisa is a gem. She is always willing to offer a hand to anyone who needs it.

Lisa and her husband, Butch, enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer - hiking, clamming, kayaking, archery, and fishing are some of their favorite activities. Not only is Lisa skilled with a bow, but she is also a trained Flamenco dancer! There is never a dull moment at Lisa’s house with her four fur-babies, Echo, Lee Lu, Frosty, and Fluffy the cat.