Meet Our Team

Melanie is a Southern California native. She spent 30 years in human medicine as an EMT, and in 2023 she leaped to veterinary medicine to pursue her dream of working with animals. She attended PIMA Medical Institute where she graduated with honors as Valedictorian. She joined the AAH team in 2024 and has become a valued member of the AAH family committing herself to the compassionate care standard of AAH. Melanie’s interest is in anesthesiology, surgery, and wound management because she loves the nursing aspect of those disciplines. She also has a passion for cranky kitties and will always try to work with our ‘extra’ feline friends. When her schedule allows, she volunteers at the Humane Society Trap-neuter-release program.

Melanie’s quirky animal: “Socks,” one of her cats, drools when he purrs. A lot, like enough to make a big puddle!

Melanie’s thoughts on AAH: “When we say compassionate care, we mean it.  It is an absolute joy to work with a team of doctors, nurses, and staff who are SO committed to the loving care of animals.”

Kaila is a Southern California native and started her career  in Veterinary Medicine in 2014 at the San Diego Humane Society. She obtained her Veterinary Assistant (VA) certificate from Animal Behavior College and is attending Penn Foster to complete her RVT training.  From an early age, Kaila was inspired by Steve Erwin to help animals. She enjoys surgical assisting and routinely 'sits along' on dental procedures to get a jump start on her training. She loves the tremendous health benefits for the animals and the rewards of looking at a clean mouth!

Kaila's quirky fur baby: 'Dynamight,' a Doberman-Dutch Shepard mix, chases lights and her shadow, making everyone laugh.  When needed she also donates blood to critical patients in need!

Kaila's thoughts on AAH: 'We have an amazing team devoted to patient care, safety, and standards. We really care about our patients' overall health and comfort.'

Jesus is a Fallbrook native. Before joining the AAH team he volunteered at VSH. Realizing he loved working with animals, he joined the AAH team in 2023 as a kennel assistant. Jesus has always loved animals and loved the work in the Animal Lodge. After helping in the hospital a few times with lifting, holding, and comforting animals, he joined the hospital team in 2024. He received on-the job training here at the AAH to become a Veterinary Assistant. He attends Palomar to continue his education in animal sciences. He exemplifies the standard of care we strive for at AAH. After joining the hospital staff, Jesus became passionate about running laboratory tests. He enjoys the process because examination of blood, urine, and feces gives answers to patient problems, allowing treatment to be started.
Jesus’ quirky animal: Sol, his cat once broke his sink trying to catch a mouse!

Jesus’ thoughts on AAH: “Dr. Nissian is smart and hardworking.”

A Fallbrook native, Mirna has always loved animals and wanted to turn that passion into a career.  Mirna has a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in zoology. After finishing her bachelor’s, Mirna realized she wanted more “hands-on” with animals. She attended PIMA Medical Institute to complete her Veterinary Assistant training and graduated in 2025. She joined the AAH team in 2024 and is excited to be a part of our team. Mirna’s passionate about blood tests because “We can learn so much about the health of our patients and underlying conditions that can be treated.” She personifies the standard of compassionate care we strive for at AAH.

Mirna’s quirky animals:  'Perro'. Her rescue kitten, who's name means 'dog' in Spanish!

Mirna’s thoughts on AAH: “All the staff are exceptional and knowledgeable. Everyone has a strong passion for animal care and at Avocado we’re all family!”

Jen a CA native, is from Temecula. She has a BA in Sustainability from SDSU. She has been a volunteer at AFV and has experience with animals, fish, and plants. She joined the AAH team in 2023 and loves handling, helping, and caring for our dog and cat guests. Specifically, Jen enjoys comforting and caring for our lodgers and patients. Inspired by helping at the hospital, she has finished her training as a Veterinary Assistant and is now joining us on the 'hospital side.' Her emerging interests are the technical aspects of running laboratory tests and nutrition.  Jen has found interest in the way nutrition can affect the health of an animal. She is problem-solving oriented and will tell you, “Nothing really fazes me.”

Jen’s quirky animal: “Callie,” her goober dog, runs around everywhere with her rainbow dash toy and loves everyone.

Jen’s thoughts on AAH: “All of us have our own pets so we understand what it's like to be a pet owner and need care for your animal. The staff genuinely care about every animal that comes in and will care about your pet like it’s our own.”

Denisse is a Fallbrook native who joined the AAH team and veterinary medicine in 2019.  The career change happened while she was looking for a variation from her previous job.  Denisse brought community engagement skills with her and received further training here at AAH. Fortunately for us, the trial and error period of learning client care didn't dissuade her and she is the smiling face to greet you when you arrive.  Denisse's goal is to ensure everyone is satisfied; no matter if it is getting questions answered, providing discharge instructions, or helping the staff, she always gets things finished!  Denisse delivers a steady and calm energy that is loved by our staff and clients.  She is an avid reader and uses that passion to learn and educate those around her.

Denisse's quirky fur baby: 'Oso,' looks like a cute bear, but is, 'literally a terror' (sometimes), but as a senior citizen he gets a pass!

Denisse's thoughts on AAH: 'Dr. Nissan is amazing. We are all friendly, and we always try our best to provide the best care to both the pet and pet parent.'

Stayce is originally from Dana Point. She started with AAH in 2003 as a receptionist and we have never let her go! She received her initial training here at AAH and receives continuing education from a variety of vendors serving the Veterinary community.  She describes her transition from reception to management as “being a similar trek to the Oregon trail.” Don’t let that fool you, her tenure at AAH has provided a loving foundation for all the staff and she keeps us running smoothly and cohesively.  When asked, Stayce will tell you she has joined the Veterinary Medical profession because she has always loved animals, and she realizes this is a close second to her dream of having a farm.

Stayce’s quirky animal: “I am the animal, ask my Mom!”

Stayce’s thoughts on AAH: “Best Vet ever, best team ever.”

A local, Gen not only helps us, but she’s here too, in her own words, “Pet all the animals!” Gen will tell you she’s “just” our bookkeeper, but don’t let that fool you, she also keeps our tech running as smoothly as possible. Gen joined the AAH team in 2016 and received her training locally. A bookkeeper since 2004 we are grateful for her 21 years of expertise.  This talented woman also gets the title of; ‘emotional support human,’ for animals and staff alike.  If the staff requires a helping hand, Gen is there.  If an animal is nervous or wants more love from the staff, you can bet Gen will be there. Gen's calm and steady compassion radiates throughout all her work bringing joy to staff and animals alike.

Gen’s animals: “They are my babies, what can I say.”

Gen’s thoughts on AAH: “Dr Nissan is genuinely dedicated to providing exceptional care for each patient. Our team prioritizes patient care and is devoted to meeting the needs of every patient.”

Kyah is from Fallbrook and started with the AAH team in 2016 as a Kennel Assistant. Kyah loved the hands-on with animals and began training to be a Veterinary Assistant. That training took her to the San Diego Humane Society, where she attended classes on dog and cat body language. In addition to working with animals, Kyah also worked in admissions with the SDHS. She came home to the AAH team in 2025 as a client care specialist and considers this a different but important way to help animals (and their pet parents). Kyah’s happy and helpful nature will greet you when you walk through our door. Her love for animals is reflected in the joyful and patient attitude she brings to her work.

Kyah’s quirky fur baby: “Chewy” is a goofy dog who’s like a bull in a China shop, but he’s a super happy boy!

Kyah’s thoughts on AAH: “The staff is great; Dr Nissan is great! I would recommend AAH to anyone, even when I wasn’t working here!”

Cash is a native of Fallbrook, CA. His lifelong dream is to be a veterinarian. After seeking advice from other veterinarians, Cash is working his way through the vet ranks- VA, RVT, and then DVM, to increase his level of understanding of animal care and get a jump start on skills. Cash describes his role in the kennel as learning. Not just to be around animals, but to read their body language. His love of animals shows in his work. Cash is currently attending Mira Costa College to start his Veterinary Sciences studies!

Cash’s quirky animal: “Clyde,” his dog, is a big baby and likes to try to be a lap dog even though he is a fully grown German Shepard Dog.

Cash’s thoughts on AAH: “Everyone here is nice and loves animals.”

This Fallbrook native is currently attending San Diego Mesa College to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Ashley joined the AAH team in 2025 and has also been a volunteer at the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary. She has wanted to work with animals since she was a girl. A lifelong animal owner, Ashley loves caring for animals. She sees her role as a Kennel Assistant as an important foundation for animal care and loves, “being with the babies, it’s what I look forward to.” When she’s not caring for the (fur) babies here at AAH, you can find her reading or painting.

Ashley’s Quirky animal, “Luna,” her Rottie, is a big baby and loves to give hugs. He will bring his bone to you to share.”

Ashley’s thoughts on AAH:  “They take great care of the animals. They ALWAYS make sure the animals are taken care of.”

Josie is a native Fallbrookian and joined the AAH team in 2025. Having grown up on a ranch with animals, she realized how important it is to support and be there for animals. She sees working in the kennel as a foot in the door for creating a foundation for her VA training.  Josie wants to build on her passion for animal care and appreciates how she gets time to work with many breeds of dogs and cats and really ‘be’ with the animals in the kennel. While she’s training, Josie makes her way up to the hospital side of AAH to observe and learn so she can complement her school training with hands-on training.

Josie’s quirky animals, “Jack” and “Dexter,” both Chihuahuas, know parkour. You can always find them jumping on everything!

Josie’s thoughts on AAH: “We’re not just a small animal hospital. We have the best co-workers, great resources, and connections!”