Meet The Team
Dr. Ellen Grygotis, DVM
Practice Owner- Dr. Ellen Grygotis graduated from the University of Florida and moved to Tucson with her husband Dave in 1997. She moved to Benson after purchasing Benson Animal Hospital in 2012 and much prefers small town living.
“Dr Ellen” has a special interest in animal behavior as well as educating clients on the importance of wellness and preventive medicine for their four-legged family members. She also has a strong interest in animal rescue and welfare, often volunteering her time to help the community in this area.
Outside the clinic, Dr Ellen enjoys horseback riding, is an avid gardener and loves spending time at home with Dave and the many critters that are all a part of her family.
Barbara
Clinic Manager/Technician- Barbara is originally from St. David and grew up in the area. Barbara is one of our technicians as well as our Clinic Manager and has been with our clinic for almost 11 years. She has 2 dogs and a tortoise she loves. Outside of work she enjoys sending time with her family and cooking.
Samantha
Technician- Sam was born in Tucson, but grew up here in the Benson area. She currently resides in St. David with her 2 dogs. Sam is one of our technicians and also helps in our surgery department and has been with our clinic for the last 13 years. Her passion in this field is in surgery and anesthesia. Outside of work her interest include photography, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Lee Roy
King Lee Roy, The Clinic Cat-
This is " Lee Roy". He was found out in the rain here in our backyard one night. We put food out for him and we were able to catch him a few days later. With the generous help from the Helping Hands Fund, we were able to administer antibiotics for his battle wounds, run lab work to make sure he had no health concerns, neuter, deworm and vaccinate him. He has made it clear that he wants nothing more than everyone's love, food, and attention. He is a real cuddle bug!
Savanna​
Lead Surgery Technician-
Savanna is originally from Benson, AZ. She is a Certified Vet Assistant who graduated in 2013 from Carrington
College. She has a lot of hands-on training in Emergency & Critical care. Savanna prides herself in providing
great nursing care to your fur babies. She has three dogs and two cats of her own. Her hobbies are singing, volleyball, and diamond painting.
Angel
Technician-Angel came from a small town in Mimbres, New Mexico and joined the team in May 2024. She grew up on a farm taking care of her great-grandpa's sheep and cows, also riding horses and working with them. She's always had a passion for working with animals and this is how she knew she wanted to work in the veterinary field. Angel loves her job and loves to take care of your fur babies.
Chelsea
Accounts Receivable/ Receptionist-
Chelsea originally lived in California and in 2021 moved to Arizona. She joined the team in February 2022 and enjoys coming to work every day prepared to greet you and your pet with a smile. She has 2 children along with 2 cats and 2 dogs. Friends and family occupy her time outside of work.
Jessica
Receptionist/Assistant-Jessica is a receptionist/vet tech assistant here at Benson Animal Hospital. She is married and has 3 children. She owns a homestead in J6 and has 4 dogs, 4 cats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and sometimes goats and turkeys! She really takes pride in treating every animal and human like family. She loves helping our clients and their humans in making sure that everyone is healthy and happy. It really brings her joy to see everyone and their smiling faces before and after their appointment.
Dr. Nancy Leverenz
Veterinarian- Dr. Nancy Leverenz graduated from Cornell Veterinary College in 1992. She is certified in Acupuncture and Chiropractic care. She also previously owned a local
mixed-animal practice for 20 years. She currently has a private mobile practice doing body work on horses, as well as working at Benson Animal Hospital.