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.
Get to Know Our San Diego, CA Veterinary Team
Veterinarians
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
Veterinarian
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
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
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
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”
Maria
Customer Service Representative
About Maria
Celeste
Customer Service Representative
About Celeste
Erica
Customer Service Representative
About Erica
Kennel Staff
Rylie
Kennel Technician
About Rylie
Bio coming soon!
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.
Cassandra
Kennel Technician
About Cassandra
Office Staff
Kathy
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.