Hello, I'm Melissa!

I started my professional career in animal care at the East Bay SPCA Veterinary Clinic in Oakland. Inspired by the importance of animal welfare, I would complete an eight-week internship at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, where I gained valuable skills in veterinary pre- and post-op care. Following that remarkable experience, I was a veterinary assistant for a holistic veterinarian at a private practice in Lafayette. Later, I returned to shelter medicine as a veterinary technician at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. This span of 15 years allowed me to develop and strengthen my skills and expertise in animal care, specializing in senior dogs and cats.

My innate curiosity and desire to learn have led me on a journey of many professional opportunities. I am a certified medical assistant with experience in neurology. I graduated from Sac State with training in forensic anthropology. And I hold a master's degree in Anthropology from Georgia State University with a concentration in dental disease processes.

I am an active foster parent volunteer for Tulare County Animals Services and an avid plant collector. I have two dogs, Joy and Lil, and a vibrant senior cat named Donovan. My nature is to act with kindness and compassion. I am energized and motivated to return my focus to providing compassionate care to elderly and disabled companion animals.

Pet-focused. Holistic-minded. Easy-going.