Meet the Team at Mission Valley Pet Clinic

At Mission Valley Pet Clinic in San Diego, CA, we prioritize delivering compassionate services and top-tier products to our patients. Through teamwork, client education, and innovation, we are dedicated to partnering with you—our valued client—to provide your pet with the highest standard of care, complete with a focus on preventative veterinary medicine.

Meet Our Team Members

Get to Know Our San Diego, CA Veterinary Team

Veterinarians

Karen Klinger, DVM

Karen Klinger, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Klinger came to Mission Valley Pet Clinic in 2006. Dr. Klinger grew up in Ohio and attended Ohio University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in zoology in 1990. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University in 1994. After graduating, Dr. Klinger moved to Washington DC for six years, where she worked with two veterinary practices before moving to San Diego in 2000.

Dr. Klinger shares her home with her husband Michael and three cats. Wally is an orange tabby acquired from Mission Valley Pet Clinic, and Russell is a Norwegian Forest look-a-like who showed up in her front yard. After losing her beloved flame point Siamese, her newest addition is Nigel, the only seal point born in a litter of 5 black cats. Nigel’s now spayed mother belongs to one of our clients.

Dr. Klinger enjoys performing surgeries and loves the variety in her career- each day and each case is different. When she’s not working, Dr. Klinger enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening, and reading.

Anne Herrera, DVM

Anne Herrera, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Herrera was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She grew up with dogs in the family and a love for animals. Dr. Herrera graduated with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles (Go Bruins!). She then went on to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical education at Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since finishing veterinary school, she jumped straight into clinical practice working for a busy small animal clinic in Monrovia, California.

Dr. Herrera recently moved down to sunny San Diego after getting married to her college sweetheart, and they are in the process of adding four paws to their family! When Dr. Herrera isn’t taking care of her patients, her hobbies include visiting new restaurants, hiking, and traveling all around the world.

Kristen Frank, DVM

Kristen Frank, DVM

Veterinarian

Bio coming soon!

Leadership

Melanie, RVT

Practice Manager

About Melanie

Melanie is a native San Diegan. She has been part of the Mission Valley Pet Clinic family since 1998.

She graduated from the University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal physiology and neuroscience. Melanie has been the Head Registered Veterinary Technician for many years and is also the manager of MVPC. Melanie attends continuing education meetings regularly, and her knowledge of veterinary medicine has enhanced the lives and treatment of many patients. She has expertise in many areas, including dentistry, cytology, medicine, nutrition, and behavior.

Melanie discovered her love of animals at a young age and brought home every stray animal that she could find. She has a three-toed box turtle named Catrina (poof-poof), a flame point called Josie, and Millie, an Australian Shepherd mix, both of which she adopted from MVPC. Melanie enjoys working where she can put her love for animals to good use. In her free time, Melanie enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time at the beach.

Technicians

Melissa, RVT

 Lead Technician

About Melissa

Melissa was born in Juneau Alaska but raised in Topeka Kansas. She started at MVPC after leaving her hometown in 2017. She started as a receptionist and quickly worked her way through training and after graduating from the Veterinary Technology Program at Mesa College in 2021, she earned her position as Lead RVT and our Primary Dental Technician. If she isn’t working, then she’s out playing soccer or recovering at home with her 2 cats Cash (orange tabby) and Holly (Long hair tuxedo). She’s dedicated to creating an environment that every pet and owner would be excited to come into.

“Other than being able to work with my best friends, what keeps me at MVPC is our amazing clients. I’ve made long lasting relationships with our clients, and it makes coming to work so much more exciting. I truly enjoy client education and loving their pets like they are my own.”

Janine, RVT

Veterinary Technician

About Janine

Janine is a native San Diegan who started at MVPC in 2024, though she has an outstanding 19 years’ experience. She graduated from Mesa College’s Animal Health Technician program in 2010. She has 2 cats at home, Dasher (Gray and White) and Charlotte (Orange Tabby). She enjoys shopping, going to the movies, and finding new coffee shops. Janine brings a lot of experience and skill to the staff of MVPC. She’s constantly putting in work and helping everyone she can. She’s well relied upon by clients and staff alike.

“I find it extremely rewarding to be a part of a team that helps animals live healthier, happier lives. My favorite part of my job is meeting new puppies and kittens and watching them grow each visit.

Veterinary Assistants

Sarah

Certified Veterinary Assistant

About Sarah

Sarah joined Mission Valley Pet Clinic in 2003 as a receptionist. She took a brief absence in 2006 to travel but couldn’t stay away long. Sarah had planned to study writing and language but has since fallen in love with the veterinary field and decided to become a veterinary technician in 2010. She is now a Certified Veterinary Assistant.

Sarah and her husband have a large furry family consisting of a Lab named Benson, rescued from Labrador Rescuers. They also have four cats, Masen (born to MVPC’s Addie, when she added to the population with eight kittens), Henry, Zelda, and Emmy.

Sarah is a native San Diegan who enjoys cooking, working on her home, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sarah enjoys educating clients, learning, and teaching about geriatric/preventative pet care and nutrition.

Diana

Veterinary Assistant

About Diana
Diana is a native San Diegan who started at MVPC in 2019 as a kennel technician. Diana has trained extremely hard with our technicians and is now a trusted Veterinary Assistant. She plans to continue her education through Veterinary Technology School to earn her RVT license. Diana is known as the sweetheart of the clinic, she’s extremely kind and dedicated to all she encounters and wants to learn everything she can.

Elexcia

Veterinary Assistant

About Elexcia

Elexcia started at MVPC in 2023 after relocating from San Antonio Texas. When she isn’t working, she enjoys riding horses competitively and spending time with her perfect Pitbull, Molly! She has a vast knowledge of veterinary medicine that only continues to grow and shows in her dedication to the job and her team. Her team members would say a day that Elexcia works is a good day with contagiously positive attitude.

“The best part about working at MVPC is how well everyone works together and how extremely supportive everyone is of each other.”

Amber

Veterinary Assistant

About Amber

Amber is a native San Diegan who joined MVPC in 2020. She graduated from SDSU with her bachelor’s in science with an emphasis on Zoology. Amber started in the chaos of COVID, and she thrived. She’s quick on her feet and extremely determined to deliver the best care she can or her patients. When she’s not working, she enjoys crocheting, going to concerts, and spending time with her family. At home she cares for her cats Sparkle (dilute calico) and Boots (tuxedo). She’s been accepted to St. George Veterinary School and will be starting January 2025.

“I’m very thankful for all the learning opportunities that I’ve received from MVPC. I truly enjoy the mentorship from the doctors and cannot wait to use what I’ve learned in my next chapter of Veterinary school, though I’ll miss all the wonderful clients and patients I’ve come to love along the way.

Kristi

Veterinary Assistant

About Kristi

Kristi is a native San Diegan who joined MVPC in 2022. She has an excellent knowledge of dogs, and while she owns too many to count herself, she also regularly works through rescues to help foster and rehabilitate for new forever homes. When she isn’t working with her pups at home, she enjoys cooking, completing DIY projects, and catching the latest movies! While she’s a phenomenal Kennel Technician, she is training as a vet assistant and learning at an exceptionally fast pace. We are excited to see her bloom.

“I love learning everything I can about veterinary medicine. I’m grateful that each day I get to work with animals and that I get to be a part of their care. I also enjoy the relationships we get to form with the families.”

Client Service Representatives

Josie

Josie

Customer Service Representative
About Josie

Josie is a native San Diegan who joined MVPC in 2021. Her hobbies include yoga, hiking, listening to music, and painting amazing pieces of artwork. She has 2 cats, Lilith (black and white DSH) and Kirk (White DSH). You’ll know you’re working with Josie because you won’t be able to contain your smile. She is known for hour incredibly friendly personality and helpful can-do attitude.

“My favorite part of working at MVPC is meeting all the wonderful clients and their equally amazing pets”

Josie

Maria

Customer Service Representative

About Maria
Maria was born and raised in San Diego and is currently studying biology at Mesa college. Maria has plans to transfer to UCSD to complete her undergrad degree before going to vet school to become a exotics veterinarian. She has 2 cats named Fifi and Ziggy and 1 dog named Yoshi. When she isn’t working or going to school, she likes to spend her time trying out new coffee shops. Her favorite thing about working at MVPC is seeing all the animals leave the clinic happy and healthy.
Josie

Celeste

Customer Service Representative

About Celeste
Celeste is currently pursuing her certification to become a veterinary assistant. She has a lively household with 12 animals, including 3 cats (Dixie, Daphne, and Daenerys), a dog named Cappuccino, 3 chickens (Nugget, Poppy, and Panchita), a rooster named Chuy, and 4 quails. This summer, she plans to add 2 goats to her growing animal family. Celeste is eager to meet the wonderful clients at MVPC and feels incredibly grateful to be fulfilling her dream of working in the veterinary field.
Josie

Erica

Customer Service Representative

About Erica
Erica, a San Diego native, and joined MVPC in 2022. She has been passionate about the veterinary field since 2013. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, hiking, and listening to true crime podcasts. When she’s not at the clinic, she loves spending time with her husband and two children.

Kennel Staff

Rylie

Kennel Technician

About Rylie

Bio coming soon!

Josie

Aleyna

Kennel Technician

About Aleyna

Aleyna moved from Orange County to San Diego to study biology at SDSU in hopes of becoming a large animal veterinarian. She has a dog named max. When not in school or at work she enjoys hiking, volunteering and drying new foods. Her favorite thing about working at MVPC is working in an environment that is filled with kind and compassionate people who are all dedicated to serving animals.

Josie

Cassandra

Kennel Technician

About Cassandra
Cassandra was born and raised in San Diego and is currently enrolled in the veterinary technology program at Mesa College to obtain her Registered Veterinary Technician License. She has 2 dogs, a Boston Terrier named Juno, and a greyhound named Gio. She also has 2 cats, Mica (a flame point) and Dulce (a one eyed tortie), and a ball python named Medusa. Her favorite thing about working at MVPC is working with such a dedicated, caring and hardworking team. In her free time, she likes to cook, weightlift and nurture her plants.

Office Staff

Kathy

Office Staff
About Kathy

Kathy has worked with Dr. Green for many years and came with her to Mission Valley Pet Clinic in 2002.

She was born in Ohio and graduated from Green Mountain College. Kathy then studied at the University of California Berkeley before obtaining her teaching credential from San Diego State University. In 1982 she received her Registered Veterinary Technician License from Mesa College.

In addition to helping care for the animals, Kathy functions as the inventory manager at MVPC. She has two cats named OB and Max and a chihuahua mix named PD. In her free time, she enjoys jogging, yoga, tai chi, kayaking, traveling, and visiting her children and grandchildren.