Anicira's Megan Simmons, Chosen AAHA Employee of the Month

Anicira is thrilled to share that Megan Simmons, Lead Veterinary Nurse at our San Diego hospital, has been named the June 2026 American Animal Hospital Association/CareCredit Employee of the Month — a national recognition honoring outstanding individuals in veterinary medicine.

Anicira Veterinary Center in San Diego has been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) since 2022. AAHA is the only organization in North America that accredits companion animal veterinary practices — and fewer than 15% of practices in the U.S. and Canada earn that designation. Accreditation means we are evaluated against the highest standards in veterinary medicine, from patient care and safety to staff training and facility protocols. It’s a distinction we carry with pride, and it reflects the exceptional team members who make that standard possible every day; team members like Megan.

Megan was nominated by Jenny Rowland, Operations Manager, who describes her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support both patients and staff. “She is highly dependable, detail-oriented, and helps maintain efficiency and high standards within the hospital,” Jenny shared. “Her leadership, work ethic, and willingness to step in wherever needed make a meaningful difference to the team every day.”

Megan has been with Anicira for three years and has been in veterinary medicine since 2017. In that time, she has become a steadfast resource for her team — routinely taking initiative in fast-paced situations, supporting training and workflow, and ensuring that every patient receives the high-quality care they deserve.

Megan reflected, “I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of both animals and their families every day. Seeing pets recover and families leave feeling supported is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I chose this profession.”

Megan’s path to veterinary medicine was paved by a lifelong love of animals. Growing up, she was always drawn to caring for them — a calling that deepened after she adopted her rescue dog as a puppy. “Seeing firsthand the impact that veterinary professionals have on the health and well-being of our pets inspired me to pursue a career where I could make that same difference for others,” she says.

Outside of work, Megan spends most of her free time with her rescue dog, who loves beach trips, running in the sand, and a seemingly endless game of fetch. She also enjoys the outdoors, sunny days, and making memories with family and friends.

We are so proud of Megan and grateful every day to have her as part of the Anicira team. This recognition is a true reflection of the heart she brings to her work and the difference she makes — for our patients, their families, and the entire team.

To learn more about why AAHA accreditation is important for your pet, please head to this link.