Our Veterinary Team

Dr. Ayman Wassef was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. He received his veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University 1998. He finished the Educational Commission of Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) Certification at Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2003. Dr. Wassef has completed a Medical/Surgical internship at a referral practice in Phoenix and then worked in the field of small animal emergency and critical care since. Dr. Wassef finished a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the Fresno Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Fresno California in July 2017 and became eligible to become a specialist in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care. Dr. Wassef acquired the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona in May 2017. His professional interests are in Critical Care, internal medicine, Emergency surgeries and Cardiorespiratory emergencies. Dr. Wassef also enjoys teaching and has lectured at different Specialty Hospitals.

Dr. Wassef is affiliated with American Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, American Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and California Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Wassef has a German shepherd dog, Maddie. In his free time, Dr. Wassef spends time with his German shepherd and travelling.

Saralyn joined our team back in February of 2020 after moving to Flagstaff to attend NAU. Saralyn grew up in Tucson, AZ where she started her career interning and working in general practices as a Veterinary Assistant before moving to Flagstaff where she began her time in Emergency Medicine as a Veterinary Technician which has been her sole practice for 6+ years now. As of 2024 Saralyn became our Hospital Manager but still helps the team actively on the floor as a Veterinary Technician. Saralyn intends to further her knowledge and abilities so that she can get her certification as a Veterinary Technician. In her free time Saralyn enjoys going hiking with her Fiancée (Leo) and two dogs (Blue and Wade), nature photography, spending time with her chickens, and cooking.

Nikki joined our team back in December 2022. Nikki is a Flagstaff native born and raised. Nikki has been interested in being in Veterinary Medicine since she was a kid. Nikki believes that Veterinary Medicine isn’t just about helping the animal but also helping the entire family. Nikki started in general practice and worked her way to Emergency Medicine where she has found she prefers to be in. Nikki is currently attending NAU and after graduating she intends to go on to vet school to become an Emergency Veterinarian. In her free time Nikki enjoys going mudding, paddleboarding, going horseback riding with her three horses (Aspen, Baby Girl, and Little One), spending time with her family, and being with her two dogs (Dixie and Rex) and her two birds (R2 and Umby).

Destiny joined our team in March of 2026 after moving to Flagstaff from her childhood home in Northern California. Destiny has always enjoyed mountain towns and thought that Flagstaff would be the perfect place to put down roots. Destiny has a history of working with animals through rescues and wants to continue the care she provided as a technician. In her free time Destiny enjoys going hiking with her large dog Bruno, going to the gym, and painting.

Vigil joined our team in August 2026. Vigil is an Arizona native and has spent the majority of her veterinary career in Shelter Medicine, where she states that she had the privilege of caring for animals on the Navajo Nation. Vigil is passionate about helping animals in need and especially enjoys working with dogs. For the past four years Vigil has spent her time working with individuals with special needs but is excited to now bring her experience, compassion, and love for animals to the emergency medicine setting. At home, Vigil is kept company by her two small dogs, Xochi and Squirrel.