Our Team

Dr. Neil Powell

Neil graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He has practiced in South Lake Tahoe for most of his career. He left Tahoe briefly due to emergency work in southern California, but decided that big city life was not for him, and returned to Tahoe.

In his free time, Dr. Powell mostly enjoys spending time training and racing in triathlons as well as trail running and mountain biking. In fact, in 2015, he gained the title “IronMan”. He also enjoys skiing in the winter, and spending time at the beach with his wife April, daughter Kylie, and son Dylan.

Neil has two dogs: Silas, a German Shorthair Pointer, and Linus, a Chihuahua. Furthermore, he also has a cat, James Tiberius Kirk, as well as a corn snake, Mango.

In addition to general medicine and surgery, Dr. Powell has special interests in the fields of reconstructive surgery, orthopedics, ultrasound, and internal medicine. He appreciates and values the strong bonds created between pets and their families.

Dr. Rachel Szumel

Rachel Szumel graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. After completing a rotating small animal internship at PetCare Veterinary Hospital in Santa Rosa in 2008, practiced in the Bay Area for 3 years, and has lived in Tahoe since 2013. In 2015, she completed a two-year program at the Academy for Dog Trainers, earning her Certificate in Training and Counseling with honors. She became a Fear Free Certified Professional in 2017, the first in South Lake Tahoe.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys taking in all that Tahoe has to offer – hiking, trail running, skiing, climbing, biking, and vegetable gardening. She shares her home with her husband Leo and their two children, Tenaya and Banner. They have one ancient cat, Scout, who has decreed that after 17 years of tolerating the dogs (who have all passed on in recent years) there shall be no other 4-legged animals in the house.

In addition to general medicine and surgery, Dr. Szumel has special interests in behavioral medicine and training, as well as difficult internal medicine cases.

Zoe Hill – Licensed Veterinary Technician

Zoe Hill has worked as a licensed veterinary nurse in South Lake Tahoe for 10 years, prior to joining our team. Before living in Tahoe, Zoe worked at a specialty veterinary hospital in Sacramento, assisting in cardiology, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. She has a specific interest in challenging cases, and enjoys the process of continuously gaining knowledge and learning new skills. In her free time, Zoe tries to keep up with her young grandson in addition to hiking with her Australian Shepherd.

Hannah Johnson – Licensed Veterinary Technician

Hannah was born and raised in San Luis Obispo, California. She has always had a deep love for animals and has known from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After high school, Hannah moved to Corvallis, OR where she graduated with a B.S. degree in Animal Sciences in 2013. She then moved to Las Vegas where she attended the College of Southern Nevada, and graduated with an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology in 2015. In September of 2015, she moved to beautiful South Lake Tahoe where she enjoys snowboarding, paddle boarding, hiking, and playing with her two pups, Raegan and Yogi.

At work, Hannah most enjoys surgery and dentistry. She loves having a job that pushes her to constantly be thinking and learning. She strives to provide the most compassionate care possible for our furry friends, while developing a friendly and welcoming relationship with clients. Nothing makes her happier than a smiling face or a wagging tail!

Michele Davis – Assistant/Receptionist

Michele “Mimi” Davis has been involved in small animal medicine for almost 20 years as a veterinary assistant. Her vast experience with animals has also included animal rescue in addition to working with horses and wildlife. Mimi has a strong passion for veterinary medicine.  She also values the ability to develop strong relationships with clients and their pets. She prides herself in treating everyone with the respect, empathy and encouragement that they deserve. Her other interests are in aromatherapy and life coaching, which play a role at the clinic. They enable her to stay balanced and positive.

She is a proud mother of two boys and a first time grandmother! Mimi moved to South Lake Tahoe 4 years ago to enjoy the incredible beauty of Tahoe and to be closer to family. She counts her blessings every day that she can live in the serenity of Lake Tahoe and do the “work” that she does!

April Powell – Office Manager/Assistant

April was born and raised in Naples, Florida, but has lived in South Lake Tahoe for 15 years. In that time, she has worked as a veterinary assistant, medical assistant, and bookkeeper. She moved to South Lake Tahoe to enjoy the great outdoors and snow. April met her husband Neil Powell shortly after moving to Tahoe.

In addition to work, April tries to keep up with activities of their two children, including gymnastics, dance, fishing, and triathlons. It’s a full-time job keeping up with her family, but she wouldn’t change it for the world.

Sue Albers – Receptionist

Sue Albers is originally from Hibbing, Minnesota. In 1979, she and her husband John moved to Lake Tahoe where they lived for several years. They moved away for a few years, but eventually moved back in 2004. Sue has worked in the veterinary field for over 15 years. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, paddleboarding, and playing with her Labradoodle, Toohey.

Yliana “Lily” Cuevas – Assistant/Receptionist

Yliana “Lily” Cuevas is born and raised in South Lake Tahoe. Prior to joining the team at BLACC, Lily worked as an orthodontist assistant for three years. Wishing for a change, she has since chosen to follow her passion for animals to Blue Lake. She looks forward to beginning her exciting new journey in the world of veterinary medicine. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, disc golf, and snowboarding. In addition, she enjoys spending time with her Labradoodle, Kaya.

Meaghan “Meg” Ayer – Assistant/Receptionist

Meaghan “Meg” Ayer moved to South Lake Tahoe recently from a little beach town in southern Maine. She went to the University of New Hampshire and received her B.A. in English. After spending about a year doing marketing for a non-profit she decided that she wanted a more “hands-on” job helping people and their pets. 

Sadly, her move to Tahoe meant leaving her two rescue kitties Tank and Tully behind. However, their kitty grandparents were happy to take care of them and love sending pictures and videos of their daily shenanigans. 

BLACC has given Meg the chance to learn more about the animals she loves and follow a new path in Tahoe. She looks forward to getting to know each and every patient, and she looks forward to providing the compassionate care they deserve.

Bianca Ramos – Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bianca was born and raised in San Diego, Ca. She began studying visual and performing arts before realizing her long time passion for both animals and science.

She worked in the service industry as a bartender for over 10 years before returning to school. She was accepted to the San Diego Mesa College Animal Health program and graduated in 2017 with an associates in Animal Health Technology. She is eager to grow in the veterinary medical field and excited to be a part of the animal community of South Lake Tahoe.

In her free time, Bianca enjoys binge-watching TV, going to live music events, and cuddling with her 2 dogs, Baretta(Boxer mix), and Bonaparte (MinPin).

Jess Addelson – Assistant