Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. Aupperlee, a New Jersey native, always enjoyed learning about animals. He studied biology at Dordt College in Iowa; however, he did not know where it would lead him. Upon getting introduced to veterinary medicine by a college professor and dairy cattle veterinarian, he decided to make it his career.

After graduating from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Aupperlee spent time as a large animal veterinarian and in a pharmaceutical company in upstate New York. In 1992 Dr. Aupperlee and his wife, Jeany (a dairy farmer’s daughter from Whatcom County), moved from New York and became the owners of Whatcom Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Aupperlee enjoys all aspects of small veterinary medicine and surgery, although delivering puppies or kittens by caesarian section is hard to beat! He sees his role as an educator to clients and staff and always focuses on serving both groups. This enables him to provide the best possible care for his animal patients. Having fun while working hard is his style.
Dr. Aupperlee and his wife, Jeany, have a son and three daughters and are now the proud grandparents of six. They enjoy traveling, photography, and outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and gardening. They are also active in their local church.

Dr. Johnson grew up in Mukilteo, with a veterinarian in the family, so she’s been a part of this profession since before she could walk. Growing up, she was active in 4-H and horse showing and is a 10-year veteran of the Snohomish County 4-H program. After high school, Dr. Johnson attended Washinton State University for undergrad and her DVM degree, graduating in 2003. She spent one year at Colorado State University completing an internship, then moved on to the University of Minnesota. During her time in Minnesota, Dr. Johnson completed a residency in Internal Medicine, a Masters Degree, and a post-doctoral research fellowship. She also spent time teaching in a veterinary technician program and working in private practice.
In 2011, Dr. Johnson and her family moved back to Washington. She worked at a small animal clinic in Skagit County until, in 2018, she decided the drive was too much and joined our team at Whatcom Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Johnson enjoys working with clients to put together a comprehensive preventive medicine plan for their pets, with the goal being to avoid major medical problems. She also enjoys soft tissue surgeries and dental practice, including the use of surgical flaps for major tooth extractions to reduce pain and improve healing for the patient.
When not in the clinic, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband and their son. She enjoys designing and sewing clothes, training for and running half and full marathons, and riding her horses. Her family has two Golden Retrievers, four horses, and a rotating assortment of other farm animals.

Dr. Donaldson grew up in Southern California in a horse community. Animals were part of the family and watching equine veterinarians piqued her interest. It was a long road, though, and it was her husband, Chris, who finally pushed her on the right path. She attended Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and graduated in 1998.
Dr. Donaldson began her veterinary career at an extensive five doctor practice where she received excellent mentorship in canine, feline, and exotic pet animals. Since then, she has worked at a clinic with a special interest in canine reproduction, at an exclusive feline practice, been a relief doctor, volunteered surgical time at the Humane Society, and worked with high volume/high-quality spay and neuter projects.
In 2007, Dr. Donaldson and her family were drawn to the Pacific Northwest for its beauty and lifestyle.

For the past seven years, she has worked at a multi-doctor practice in Skagit County and is Fear Free Certified. Her friendly, confident approach is an excellent asset to our practice. During her time off, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing in the shower, hiking, running, traveling, book club, and baking. She is overjoyed to be joining the Whatcom Veterinary Hospital team!

Dr. Bliss is originally from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where her love of animals began early in life. Her passion for veterinary medicine grew as she shadowed a veterinarian throughout college. She attended Oklahoma State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2017, and then her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. In her free time, Dr. Bliss enjoys spoiling her three pets, hiking, reading, and traveling.

Dr. Waddell graduated from Texas A&M University in 2011 and has been practicing small animal medicine and surgery since. She believes that preventative care is at the heart of what we need to do to keep our pets happy and healthy and she is especially passionate about dental health and medical and nutritional management of chronic diseases. Dr. Waddell is Fear Free and Cat Friendly Certified Veterinary Practitioner and is committed to making every pet visit better than the last.