Hope Veterinary Oncology, Pet Cancer Treatment in Ventura CA

About Us

Hope Veterinary Oncology is the only independent, woman-owned veterinary oncology practice in Southern California.

Meet our wonderful team below!

Dr. Lori Cesario
Board-Certified Veterinary Oncologist

Dr. Cesario is originally from Long Island, NY. She received a Bachelor's degree in animal bioscience from Penn State University before attending veterinary school at Ross University and completing a clinical year and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After veterinary school, she completed a one-year rotating internship at the University of Illinois, followed by a one-year oncology internship at NC State. She then moved back to the Midwest to complete a three-year medical oncology residency at Michigan State.

In 2013 she moved to California to practice oncology and has worked in specialty clinics as a staff oncologist and locum oncologist in Ventura and throughout California.

She is passionate about giving pets with cancer the best quality (and longest length) of life possible and has sought out advanced training to help provide this for her patients. She is also very passionate about hospitality in healthcare and understands that a cancer diagnosis in a pet is something that the entire family experiences. Her goal at Hope is to improve the experience for everyone involved.

When she takes a break from working on or in her business, she enjoys hiking in the beautiful Ojai Valley, plant-based cooking, and just having some downtime :)

PUBLICATIONS:
1. Clinical prognostic factors in canine histocytic sarcoma. Dervisis NG, Kiupel M, Qin Q, Cesario L. Vet Comp Oncol. 2017 Dec;15(4):1171-1180.
2. Clinical features, treatment options, and outcome in dogs with thymoma: 116 cases (1999-2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013 Nov 15;243(10):1448-54.
3. Diagnosis and ultrasonographic appearance of hepatic metastasis in six cases of canine appendicular osteosarcoma (2002-2013). L Cesario, LD Garrett, AM Barger, RT O'Brien, TM Fan. Aust Vet J. 2016 May;94(5):160-5

AFFILIATIONS:
1. Veterinary Cancer Society
2. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
3. Santa Barbara Ventura Veterinary Medical Association

CERTIFICATIONS:
1. Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
2. Fear Free® Certified Veterinary Professional

Meet Our Team

Each of our team members is a Fear Free® Certified Veterinary Professional!

Medical Oncology Manager

Melissa Duarte

Melissa is a dedicated veterinary professional who was raised amidst the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. Her passion for animals ignited at a young age and has been the guiding force throughout her life. Practicing Fear Free techniques, Melissa's approach to veterinary care prioritizes the emotional well-being of her furry patients, creating a nurturing environment for both animals and their parents.

With over a decade of experience in the veterinary field, Melissa's journey has been marked by a profound interest in Medical Oncology. For the past eight years, she has honed her expertise in Oncology, delving deep into the intricate realm of cancer treatment.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Melissa finds solace and creative expression through painting on canvas, enjoying live music, attending art exhibits, and all things food-related. She shares her life with a loving husband and an entourage of pets, including one fabulous Chihuahua and three beautiful black cats.

Oncology Technican

Camryn Romo

Camryn's passion for animals started at an early age. She is excited to continue helping pets at Hope Veterinary Oncology.

She grew up with various species of animals including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and turtles. She has extensive experience in both companion animal medicine and wildlife rehabilitation.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and plans to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology in the future.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, playing music and infectious disease podcasts!

Oncology Technician

Taylor Halfon

Taylor was born and raised in Agoura Hills. She grew up riding horses and used to show horses in the hunter/jumper circuits.

After high school she moved to Florida and spent 8 years there. While in Florida, she attended Veterinary Technology school and graduated with an Associates in Science. She has been a veterinary technician since completing college in 2011.

She worked in general practice until 2017 and then started her started journey in Emergency/ICU working with critical patients. Working at Hope is her first experience in the oncology specialty.

She a pitbull named Chad and a maltipoo named Cloe who mean the world to her! She enjoys thrifting, skiing, hiking and decorating her house in her free time.

Client Hospitality Specialist

Rachel Hernandez

Rachel was born and raised in Ventura County. She graduated from California State University of San Bernardino in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health.

Throughout undergrad, she interned as a Health Specialist for San Bernardino County. Rachel has 3 years of Client Service background where she maintained positive relationships and provided excellent Client Support.

She is passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle and caring for those in need. She enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and trying new coffee shops in her spare time. At home, she has two adorable Pomeranians named Oli and Clyde.