Meet Our Team
Our team is the heart of everything we do at Governor Animal Clinic. Serving pet owners throughout San Diego, University City, La Jolla, and Clairemont, our veterinarians and support staff are united by a shared commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.
Our Veterinarians
Our doctors bring a depth of knowledge, experience, and specialized interests that allow us to provide comprehensive and individualized care for your pets. With decades of combined experience, advanced training, and a genuine love for animals, we’re proud to provide trusted veterinary care for every patient who walks through our doors.
Julie Sorenson, DVM
Dr. Julie Sorenson received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis in 1991. After receiving her degree, Dr. Sorenson worked at UC Davis and at private small animal practices in Sacramento for five years. Dr. Sorenson began practicing at Governor Animal Clinic in 1996. Although she engages in general practice, her areas of special interest are dermatology, internal medicine, and preventive medicine. Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Sorenson’s interests are traveling and spending time with her children and family.
Heather Oman, DVM
Dr. Heather Oman comes to us after completing a one-year internship at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, during which she worked with a variety of specialists and practiced emergency medicine. Her personal areas of interest include internal medicine and neurology. Dr. Oman received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1997, then graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine with scholastic honors and awards, and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Dr. Oman shares her life with her husband, veterinarian Daniel Oman, her two boys, Jackson and Carter, their Labrador “Clod”, and cats “Bea” and “Jupiter”.
Kirk Feinberg, DVM
Dr. Kirk Feinberg received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis in 1983. His special interest areas are internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, and ear disorders. He also uses naturopathic medication to augment his Western medicine skills.
Dr. Feinberg joined Dr. Schechter at Governor Animal Clinic in 1987. His outside interests include family time, hiking, sailing, gardening, and camping (almost always with “Daisy” by his side, his Australian Shepherd, who is as cute, sweet, and smart as can be).
Kathy Kaleka, DVM
Dr. Kathy Kaleka earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 1991. Upon graduation, she received the Pfizer Small Animal Clinical Proficiency award. She joined our team at Governor Animal Clinic in October of 2001. Her special interests are anesthesia and feline medicine. She is an instructor at Mesa College’s Animal Health Technology program and participates in various volunteer projects for animals throughout the community. She is very active in sports and outdoor activities. Dr. Kaleka shares her life and her home with her husband Brian, three step kids, three dogs, and two cats.
Steffanie Rowe, DVM
She moved back to San Diego with her husband Justin and her best girl Minnie (a lovable and lazy Pit Bull Mastiff mix). She recently adopted a 1 year old Bassett hound she named Dave. Sweet Dave is lucky he’s so darn cute because he’s quite the trouble maker!
Dr. Rowe is excited to build her roots here and provide compassionate and quality veterinary care to the Governor Animal Clinic community. Her special interest areas are senior/puppy/kitten wellness care, internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery. She is passionate about client education and helping owners make informed decisions regarding the health of their pet.
Dr. Rowe enjoys various crafts, baking, hiking, camping and traveling. Ask her about her latest craft project!
Aimee Bains, DVM
She appreciates the variety and well-rounded care that general practice offers, especially the opportunity to build lasting relationships with pets and the people who love them. While she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, she has a particular interest in internal medicine and ophthalmology.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bains enjoys getting lost in a good rom-com or thriller, trying everything on the menu at new restaurants around San Diego, traveling with her fiancé, Mario, and attempting to master the daily New York Times crossword.
Maddie Steevens, DVM
Dr. Steevens joined the Governor Animal Clinic in 2025. Her outside interests include anything ocean related (surfing and swimming) and spending time with her family.
Business Management
Denice Blue Troncone, Practice Manager
It almost seemed too good to be true when Denice began her employment here at Governor Animal Clinic. Her enthusiasm, great disposition, positive energy, and sweet personality were just what we were looking for! Growing up with a deep-seated love for animals—not just owning them, but caring for them—made her a natural fit for our team.
Denice is one of the rare Southern California girls born and raised in San Diego. After high school, she became a certified riding instructor/horse trainer. Animals are definitely one of her passions, as she has nurtured a wide and varied assortment of creatures over the years: dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, lizards, snakes, ducks, and hamsters, to name a few.
Denice has worked at a few vet clinics before finding her home here with us at GAC. “It truly is a family to me.” Denice lives with her husband, Scott, three boys, and their family of pets (Mina B the Cavalier, Honey and Cinnamon the bunnies, and six chickens). Her current passions are competing in triathlons, teaching Spin, and spending time with the family. We are so proud to share this energetic, intelligent employee with you and your pets! We hope you will come in and meet her!
Irene Martinez
Bio coming soon…
Client Services Team
Our client service representatives are often your first point of contact. They are here to answer your questions, assist with scheduling, and ensure you and your pet feel welcomed and supported.
Leanne Walters
Leanne Walters is a returning employee. A while back, she took some time off work to get her family started, and is now a very proud and happy mommy to Emily! This little red-headed beauty was born on Christmas Eve and is the absolute love of her life!
Leanne is a San Diego native, born and raised here with her older brother, Allen. She is very close to her parents, who live in Point Loma. Leanne lived with Allen before getting married to her husband, Danny. Family remains Leanne’s focus and priority. They have one dog, “Lily.” She is an awesome family dog, best friend, and protector of Emily. When not at work, Leanne loves to walk, read, garden, hike, camp, and do most any type of outdoor activity, especially if it involves her family. She also has a huge heart, and we love that she came back to us!
Nathalie Marquez
Bio coming soon…
Taylor Bispham
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Jessy Olvera
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Madison Lyons
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Kiley Rhoden
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Sam Vecker
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Jessica Olvera
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Outpatient Team
Our outpatient team works closely with veterinarians during exams and routine visits, ensuring your pet receives attentive, efficient care.
Anita Sly, RVT
Anita Sly, RVT, joined our clinic in February 1999. She works in our outpatient nursing area of the clinic, keeping things running smoothly for the doctors and keeping everyone on track.
She enjoys antique collecting, landscaping, animal husbandry, and camping during her free time. Her free time is limited because she keeps very busy with her many dogs, cats, birds, tortoise, fish, and various rescued and rehabilitated homeless animals.
Lena Griffith, RVT
Lena is a registered veterinary technician (RVT), having graduated in 2008. She has been in the veterinary field for over 20 years, beginning with volunteering at the age of 14 at the Humane Society and other local shelters, and working at GAC for over 10 years. She is a very dedicated, easy-going, optimistic, loving, and calm person who enjoys life and lives every day to the fullest.
She is also a single mom to a teenage son, Sebastian, and they share their lives with “Randall,” “Mason,” “Jerry,” and “Micky.” They also have a certified therapy dog by the name of “ChiChi” (“Chiquita”). Lena rescued ChiChi when she was only a day old and weighed 78 grams. She was going to be euthanized due to a cleft palate, so Lena took her in, and for the first 4 weeks of her life, she was tube-fed every two hours and given loads of love and attention. She is truly a little miracle baby, and they are now inseparable! She loves to volunteer with “Chiquita,” providing pet therapy to local hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, and special events. It is SO rewarding to see the joy and smiles that she brings to people’s lives!
Lena loves working at GAC, and she is so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful, caring, and compassionate team. All of the doctors are so dedicated, and everyone is very close, just like family!
Arleen Ramos, RVT
While she loves all animals, cats have undoubtedly stolen her heart. She jokingly says she hasn’t quite reached “crazy cat lady” status after all, she showed remarkable self-control by stopping at nine cats! Her love for felines extends far beyond her own home, as she has dedicated much of her life to rescuing cats and helping them find loving forever homes, a mission that remains one of her greatest sources of pride.
Whether she’s caring for patients in the clinic or advocating for cats in need, Arleen brings compassion, experience, and a genuine love for animals to everything she does.
Sophie Samii, RVT
Sophie has been with Governor Animal Clinic since 2022. She has been working in veterinary medicine since 2016, and has worked almost every position: kennel attendant, receptionist, veterinary assistant, registered veterinary technician, and supervisor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Diego State University in 2020, and went back to school in 2025 to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Sophie is particularly passionate about working with fearful and anxious pets and advocating for Fear Free techniques to make the vet a more positive experience for pets and their people. Watching once nervous pets become happy and confident at the vet has become one of her favorite parts of the job.
Sophie shares her home with her dog (Kate Hudson), her three cats (Matthew McConaughey, Merlot, and Olive), her Russian tortoise (Nimbus 2000), and her avocado puffer fish (Dr. Oman – yes, named after THE Dr. Oman of GAC).
Summer Barrett, RVT
From a young age, Summer has always had a special connection with animals, making a career in veterinary medicine a natural fit. As a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) for just over a year, she has quickly developed a passion for helping pets heal and thrive.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is watching patients recover over time through the care and treatment plans provided by the team. Seeing those positive outcomes gives her a strong sense of purpose and reinforces why she chose this profession. She also enjoys educating clients, helping them better understand their pets’ health while building meaningful relationships with both pets and their families.
Summer loves being part of the Governor Animal Clinic team because of the shared passion and dedication everyone has for helping animals. She appreciates working alongside colleagues who are always willing to support one another and do whatever it takes to provide the highest level of care for every patient.
Angelica Graham
Bio coming soon…
Midori Najarian
Bio coming soon…
Jamari Younan
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Viriliana Guzman
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Letizia Salazar
Bio coming soon…
Danielle Meagher
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Cindy Yepez
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Joaquin Felix
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Bailey Dempster
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Kendall Keller
Kendall joined our Governor Animal Clinic family in June of 2025, with about two years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant. She graduated from UCSD with a degree in Human Biology, and spent several years in Human Medicine throughout Undergraduate School. After volunteering at a Cat Shelter, she felt called to transition to Veterinary Medicine and now aspires to be a Veterinarian. Wish her all the best as she applies to Vet School! Kendall thrives in our busy, fast-paced clinic and you can find her effortlessly multi-tasking throughout the day ensuring all patients receive the care they deserve. When Kendall isn’t keeping us all on our toes at the clinic, you can find her with her best pup, Michi!
Katelyn Black
Bio coming soon…
Michelle Wood
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Marlen Long
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Gina Zapolski
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Inpatient Team
Our inpatient team provides dedicated monitoring and care for pets staying with us for procedures, recovery, or medical treatment.
Susan Stutz, RVT
Sue Stutz has been the head Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) since she came to us in August 1990. Her professionalism is superb, and with her knowledge and experience, you know that your pet is receiving the utmost quality care while under her supervision. Sue is one of the team leads of the inpatient staff. She has many other interests, including surfing, camping, snowboarding, and photography. She shares her home with two German shorthaired pointers, Hanna and Shasta, and a handsome cat, Tristan. The love of her life is her tall, dark, and handsome Arab gelding.
Katherine Wilde, RVT
Kat’s professional passions include anesthesia and dentistry, where she enjoys combining technical skill with compassionate patient care. She also loves building relationships with clients, understanding that it can be stressful when a beloved pet needs medical treatment. Kat takes pride in answering questions, providing reassurance, and helping families feel informed and supported throughout their pet’s care.
After working at three different veterinary hospitals, she joined Governor Animal Clinic in 2009 and quickly realized she had found her professional home. She values the clinic’s supportive team environment and commitment to practicing high-quality medicine, and she can’t imagine working anywhere else.
Nicole Roling, RVT
Over the years, Nicole has developed a special passion for anesthesia and is grateful to work in a clinic that allows them to focus on providing exceptional care for surgical and dental patients. She primarily works with dental cases and enjoys educating clients about the importance of high-quality dental care in helping pets live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Committed to making every visit as positive as possible, Nicole strongly believes in creating a fear-free experience for every patient. She plans to obtain her Fear Free Certification to continue expanding her knowledge and providing the highest standard of compassionate, low-stress care.
Ashley Rojas, RVT
Bio coming soon…
Amanda Meyers, RVT
Bio coming soon…
Cristal Lira
Bio coming soon…
Lynet Artiga
Lynet has been working in the veterinary field for five years, including the past three years as a valued member of the Governor Animal Clinic team. One of the things she appreciates most about the clinic is the strong relationships built with clients and the mutual trust that comes from caring for every pet as if they were her own. She takes great pride in being part of a team that is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.
Lynet’s favorite aspect of veterinary medicine is tailoring patient care to meet the individual needs of each animal. As a Fear Free Certified professional since 2022, she is passionate about creating a low-stress environment and finding the best approach for every patient. Nothing makes her happier than seeing pets excited to visit the clinic and helping make each experience a positive one.
Outside of the clinic, Lynet is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. When she’s not wearing scrubs, you’ll likely find her enjoying the ocean in La Jolla scuba diving, paddleboarding, or snorkeling while exploring her love of marine life.
Sarah Pamoleras
Bio coming soon…
Alejandra Arias
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Melanie Vigliotti
As a devoted pet parent to her two Chihuahuas, Jose and Ladybug, Melanie understands the special bond between people and their pets. She enjoys educating clients about their pets’ health and helping families make informed decisions about their companions’ care.
For Melanie, the most rewarding part of her work is knowing she has helped a beloved family pet receive the treatment, comfort, and compassion they need. She joined Governor Animal Clinic about a year ago and immediately felt at home. She appreciates the genuinely welcoming, kind, and caring doctors and staff, whose dedication to both patients and one another makes Governor Animal Clinic feel like much more than just a workplace.
Michael Leclere
Michael has been working in the veterinary field for five years, gaining experience in emergency medicine, reproductive medicine, and wildlife medicine. These diverse experiences have strengthened his knowledge and fueled his passion for continuing to grow and learn throughout his veterinary career.
His favorite part of working in veterinary medicine is being able to advocate for animals who can’t speak for themselves. Michael is dedicated to providing compassionate care and making a positive difference in the lives of his patients while supporting the families who love them. He is proud to be part of the Governor Animal Clinic team, where he continues to expand his skills and help provide exceptional care to every pet that comes through the doors.
Laboratory Team
Our laboratory team supports accurate diagnostics and timely results, helping our veterinarians make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
Elizabeth Ambrose
Bio coming soon…
A Team You Can Trust
At Governor Animal Clinic, we are more than a veterinary team—we are a group of dedicated professionals who truly care about your pet’s health and happiness. With decades of experience and a shared commitment to compassionate care, we are proud to serve pets and their families throughout San Diego and the surrounding communities.