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Background and Education

Veterinary School: Oregon State University
Anesthesia Residency: North Carolina State University
Board Certification: American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (1989)
Postdoctoral NIH Fellowship: North Carolina State University
Certification: PhD – Pulmonary Physiology (1992)

Dr. Kris Kruse-Elliott is SAGE’s anesthesiologist. Dr. Kruse-Elliott is a board-certified veterinarian specializing in anesthesia (delivery of drugs to keep patients immobilized, pain-free and comfortable during procedures and surgery) and analgesia (management of acute and chronic pain). An Oregon native, Dr. Kruse-Elliott earned her B.S. in General Science and her Veterinary Medicine degree at Oregon State University. She started her career as a veterinary practitioner, but was always interested in heart and lung physiology and how anesthesia could be used safely in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. She pursued her passion, completed a residency and became board certified in anesthesia, and followed with a postdoctoral fellowship and Ph.D. in Pulmonary Physiology from North Carolina State University.

Before moving to the Bay Area, Dr. Kruse-Elliott was on faculty at the University of Wisconsin where she taught anesthesia and ran the anesthesia service, providing clinical anesthesia to a wide variety of species. She has run her own active federally funded research program and served on research teams that have received federal and private support to study animal disease and treatments, including management of post-surgical pain in cats and dogs. Her published work is vast and includes co-authorship of a 2015 manuscript in Science about how algae toxins can impair sea lion memory and hippocampal connectivity and lead to the animals being stranded. Dr. Kruse-Elliott has also been involved with The Marine Mammal Center of California and their work to study the effects of algae toxicity—the project has been documented by National Geographic.

Dr. Genevieve Luca is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and anesthesiology professional who provides anesthetic management to canines, felines, equines, and other companion domestic exotic species.

 Dr. Luca dedicates her career to alleviating animal pain and suffering by using her anesthesiology specialty as her primary contribution to advance the veterinary profession which results in consistent focus and optimized patient well-being and outcomes.

 She enjoys the technical aspects, dynamic nature, and the intellectual challenge associated with preoperative case management. She has particular interest in acute and chronic pain, including individualized pain assessments, ultrasound-guided locoregional anesthesia, and determining the best analgesia plans to optimize patient comfort and quality of life in clinical and home-based settings.

 A highly active participant in the veterinary industry, Dr. Luca is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA), and a Member of the Association of Veterinary Anesthetists (AVA) as well as a Member of the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society (NAVAS).

 Dr. Luca earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Montreal and successfully completed the Anesthesiology Residency at University of California, Davis. Additionally, Dr. Luca was a Companion in the Animal Rotating Internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College of the University of Prince Edward Island.

 Dr. Luca is an enthusiastic salsa and zouk dancer and is a Jazz and Progressive Metal super fan. In her free time, Dr. Luca enjoys scrapbooking, traveling, hosting friends for games, and spends time with her stubborn yet lovable Tortoiseshell cat—Midna.

Background and Education

Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Pet Specialists of Monterey

Dr. Mila Golovko was born and raised in Siberia. Her first encounter with the United States was in San Francisco where she got her start with animals while volunteering at the local animal shelter. She then moved to Davis where she continued to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Golovko received B. S. in Animal Biology and M. S. in Comparative Pathology, both from UC Davis. In May 2016, she graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Golovko went on to complete a small animal internship, focused primarily on Emergency Medicine, at the Pet Specialists of Monterey. Prior to joining SAGE Veterinary Centers, Dr. Golovko worked at United Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital and was a relief ER veterinarian at multiple hospitals in the Bay Area.

In her free time, Dr. Golovko loves running, traveling, spending time with her friends, and of course hanging out with her boyfriend and their cat.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

Dr. LeAnne Jain is a graduate of the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, she completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University, receiving dual degrees in English and Chemistry. Dr. Jain joined SAGE in 2016, after completing a small animal rotating internship at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin. Dr. Jain enjoys the pace and variety of cases seen in emergency medicine. She first became interested in veterinary medicine while in college and seeking care for her own sick cockatiel.
When not practicing medicine, LeAnne enjoys cooking, going on trips, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She’s the proud owner of two cats and two cockatiels.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis

Dr. Lisa Kim graduated from UCLA with a BS in Biology (Marine Emphasis), along with a minor in Scandinavian Studies. She worked as a veterinary technician until she started vet school at UC Davis, earning her DVM in 2003. Dr. Kim spent her first three years out of school working in mixed-animal medicine, treating cats and dogs, as well as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and an occasional pot-bellied pig.
In 2006, this country mouse moved to the city, where Dr. Kim worked as a general and emergency veterinarian at a fast-paced hospital in San Francisco. She has particular interest in trauma and acute illness and finds that the most rewarding aspect of emergency medicine is being there for owners in a time of need. Dr. Kim enjoys spending time off with her husband, two daughters and son. They have two cats, Lisle and Bea, and a rescued labradoodle, Grizz. Once everyone is fed, walked, and put to bed, she enjoys crafting and even sells some of her goods at a local shop.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: San Francisco Veterinary Specialists

Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Kollar is a graduate of UC Davis, where she earned a BS in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. She received her DVM from UC Davis as well in 2005. Following veterinary school, she completed a small animal rotating internship at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists (2006). Dr. Kollar came to SAGE from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a post-doctoral fellow at the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Kollar was an emergency clinician at Greenback, VCA Brookline, and North Shore Animal Hospitals.
Dr. Kollar particularly enjoys the challenges of emergency medicine and surgery. When not practicing, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter doing outdoor activities like hiking or biking. They also travel around the world for scuba diving vacations and bike trips. She is the proud owner of two dogs, Merlin and Bodhi, and a cat, Princess Buttercup. Beth was drawn to veterinary medicine by both her interest in science and love of animals.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: California Veterinary Specialists

Dr. Kelly Lin is a graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (2012). Following veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship at California Veterinary Specialists in Southern California, where she worked closely with specialists in nine different fields. Prior to joining SAGE in 2016, Dr. Lin was working as an emergency clinician at other practices in the Bay Area.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: St. Matthew’s University
Internship Training: Emergency Animal Clinic; Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. Amy Mayfield is a graduate of California State University, East Bay where she earned a BS in Biology. She received her DVM from St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (2012), and completed a clinical year at Purdue University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Mayfield also completed a rotating internship in small animal internal medicine and surgery at Emergency Animal Clinic in Phoenix, AZ (2013).
Dr. Mayfield particularly enjoys the challenges of treating trauma and intensive critical cases. When not practicing, Amy enjoys camping and hiking with her dogs. Dr. Mayfield was drawn to veterinary medicine because it combined her love of science and medicine and her love of animals.

Background & Education
Veterinary School: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Internship Training: PetCare Veterinary Hospital, Santa Rosa, CA

Dr. Shyla Myrick, DVM found her way to veterinary medicine via neuroscience, biotechnology, and business. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior from UC Santa Cruz. After several years of working as a research assistant in Oregon and Santa Cruz, she headed to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, where she simultaneously earned her Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Through her schooling she worked for several years as a Veterinary Emergency Nurse for an emergency and specialty care hospital, in addition to contributing to multiple research programs at CSU. Upon graduation, she moved to the Bay Area where she completed a rotating internship at PetCare Veterinary Hospital in Santa Rosa, CA. She stayed on after her internship and worked for several years as an ER and Critical Care Unit veterinarian.

Shyla is passionate about areas of veterinary medicine that include translational and clinical research, surgery, trauma, and ultrasonography.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, reading and drawing.

Background and Education
Veterinary School: Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pomona, CA
ER Internship Training: University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Residency Training: University of Georgia, Veterinary Medical Center, Athens, GA
Certification: Diplomate ACVECC (2017)

Dr. Christine Wong’s work with animals began in 2003 when she took a job as a veterinary assistant for an emergency clinic in Fresno, CA. The following year, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at CSU Fresno and then headed south to veterinary school. She has literally cared for animals from one end of California to the other, working in shelters, humane societies and veterinary hospitals.

Christine has published her research on urinary tract infections in dogs – these articles have appeared in journals that educate and inform Emergency and Critical Care veterinarians. Her veterinary interests include polytrauma and acute kidney injury. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, snowboarding, cooking and spending time with her pit bull Charlie.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: University of Minnesota
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2012)

Dr. Ryan Garcia grew up outside of Atlanta, and attended the University of Georgia and UCLA for his undergraduate studies. He attended veterinary school at UC Davis, graduating in 2008, and was awarded a medal given to the top student in each graduating class. Following veterinary school, Dr. Garcia completed a one-year rotating internship at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. He then returned to UC Davis for a three-year residency and received his board certification in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2012. Dr. Garcia has been practicing in the Bay Area since completing his residency training. His special interests include gastroenterology, infectious disease, and minimally invasive therapies.
Ryan shares his life with his wife, Catherine (also a veterinarian), two children, a three-legged English setter (cancer survivor), two cats, an African Grey parrot, a Ball python and a rescued Lion-headed rabbit. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and mountain biking through the redwoods with his family.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Illinois
Internship Training: Kansas State University
Residency Training: University of Minnesota
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2013)

Dr. Catherine “Katy” Rivara is a 2003 graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where she earned a BS in Chemistry. Dr. Rivara received her DVM degree from the University of Illinois (2008) and completed her residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center (2012). Prior to beginning her residency, she completed her small animal rotating internship at Kansas State University. Dr. Rivara became board certified in internal medicine in 2013. She enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, but has a special affinity for all things urinary.

When not practicing medicine, Katy is a classical music aficionado as well as an avid runner. She is the proud owner of three dogs (two Jack Russells and an Australian shepherd) and a Siamese cat. Her passion for veterinary medicine was first stoked as a 14-year-old during a summer job working at a veterinary hospital.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Cornell University
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (1998)

Dr. Andrea Struble is a graduate of UC Davis, where she earned a BS in Biology, a Master’s inPreventive Veterinary Medicine, and her DVM (1994). Following veterinary school, Dr. Struble completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Cornell University (1995), before returning to UC Davis for a small animal internal medicine residency. She became board certified in internal medicine in 1998.

Dr. Struble particularly enjoys the challenge of endocrinology and performing gastrointestinal endoscopy. When not practicing, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, reading, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her young son. Andrea has also completed two marathons for Team in Training supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. She is the proud owner of a rescue dog named Midas and a fish named Draco.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Missouri
Internship Training: North Carolina State University
Residency Training: University of Missouri
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) (2009), Neurosurgery Certificate (2011)

Dr. Christina Vitale attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her DVM from its School of Veterinary Medicine (2005). She completed a rotating internship at North Carolina State University, and then returned to the University of Missouri to complete her residency in neurology and neurosurgery. Dr. Vitale became a board certified neurologist in 2009. In addition, Dr. Vitale has the distinction of being one of the few recipients of a Neurosurgery Certificate, signifying that she is qualified not only in medical neurology, but also in both routine and non-routine neurosurgical procedures.

Partially due to her deep love of dachshunds, Dr. Vitale particularly enjoys the challenges and rewards of doing acute disc rupture surgery. She also has a passion for all types of spinal surgery, as well as brain surgery. When not practicing, Christina is an avid runner, having finished several half-marathons and a triathlon. She also loves to cook and enjoys yoga. She also enjoys spending her free time with her husband and her beloved pets (an English Pointer, a Terrier mix, and a cat).

Radiation Oncologist (PetCure at SAGE Campbell)

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Arkans received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Franklin & Marshall College before attending veterinary school back in his hometown at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation he stayed on the east coast, performing a one-year rotating internship at a large, multi-specialty practice in Red Bank, New Jersey, followed by a residency in Radiation Oncology at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. His residency program involved joint study with both the Duke and UNC Chapel Hill Medical Schools, including didactic training and participation in comparative and translational oncology studies. After completing residency and achieving board certification, Dr. Arkans practiced for a year in Sacramento, California, before moving to Chicago, Illinois where, in addition to running a busy clinical practice, he served as the Specialty Leader of Radiation Oncology across the entire nation-wide organization [for MedVet-Chicago].

In clinical practice Dr. Arkans has experience with and expertise in a wide array of radiation treatment modalities, including image-guided, intensity-modulated, and stereotactic radiation therapy (including stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and dynamic adaptive radiotherapy). His clinical interests include neuro-oncology (treating tumors of the nervous system), incorporation of a multi-specialty and mult-modal approach to cancer patient care, adaptation of progressive radiotherapy techniques to unique veterinary challenges, injectable radiotherapy treatments (including I-131), and techniques for cancer screening and early cancer detection in the veterinary world.

When not at work, Dr. Arkans enjoys spending time with his family: his wife, Elaine (a veterinary surgeon and his personal career hero), young son, and ill-behaved lab mix Lord Eddard Stark (AKA Eddie).

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Cornell University
Internship Training: Garden State Veterinary Specialists, New Jersey
Residency Training: Cornell University
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2008)

Dr. Kiselow is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he earned a BS in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Mike received his DVM from Cornell University in 2004, and subsequently completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Mike then returned to Cornell to complete his medical oncology residency, and became board certified in Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2008. He joined SAGE Centers that year.

Dr. Kiselow enjoys collaborating with other SAGE specialists in order to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment for patients with complex diseases. When not practicing, Mike enjoys many activities including hiking, triathlon, snowboarding, yoga, cooking, and live music. Dr. Kiselow’s passion for veterinary medicine also includes volunteer work: while in veterinary school, he traveled to multiple locations in the U.S. and Central America with Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), providing medical attention to pets in underprivileged communities.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Cornell University
Internship Training: Oradell Animal Hospital, New Jersey
Residency Training: University of Georgia
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2013)

Dr. Rebecca (Beki) Regan is a graduate of Cornell University, where she completed both her undergraduate studies and veterinary school. After veterinary school, Dr. Regan completed a 1-year rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. She then completed a 3-year residency in oncology at the University of Georgia. Board certified in 2013, Dr. Regan spent several years practicing in Georgia before joining SAGE as a staff oncologist in 2016.

Dr. Regan has a particular interest in palliative care, helping ensure that patients are comfortable and allowing pets and owners to make the most of their time together.

When not at the hospital, Beki enjoys horseback riding, eating Asian cuisine, and catching up on TV shows. She is the proud owner of two dogs, two birds, and a cat.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group, Ventura, CA
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2009)

Dr. Stephen Shaw is a graduate of UC Berkeley, where he earned a BS in Molecular and Cell Biology, and UC Davis, where he received his DVM (2004). Dr. Shaw completed an internship in small animal internal medicine, surgery, and radiology at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura, CA, as well as a residency in medical oncology back at UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine. He became board certified in internal medicine, specialty of oncology in 2009.

Dr. Shaw is also a co-founder and partner of VetPrep, the first Internet-based veterinary board review site for students taking the national veterinary licensing board exam (www.VetPrep.com). When not practicing, Steve enjoys international and domestic travel, exploring new restaurants in the area, and spending time outdoors with his two rescue dogs: a shepherd mix named Brutus and a yellow lab named Sachi. Steve was drawn to veterinary medicine by his love of animals coupled by his strong interest in science and medicine.

Dr. Pham graduated with both her DVM from Colorado State University and CCRT (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2020. She obtained her CVAT (Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2021. Her interest in rehabilitation began before veterinary school and stemmed from researching complementary therapies for the management of cruciate ligament disease in her geriatric Shih Tzu since they were not offered by her veterinarian at the time. She has an interest in Fear Free practice and in the treatment of geriatric pets.

Background and Education
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis

Dr. Danna Breinberg received her DVM from the University of California, Davis (2010), having previously graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a BA in Biology. For several years in between, she worked as a medical researcher at biotech companies and universities, and did wildlife conservation research in South Africa.

After vet school, Dr. Breinberg worked as a general practitioner veterinarian for 10 years at various hospitals in the Bay Area, handling preventative care, emergency care, and general surgery. She loves working with animals, making a difference in their quality of life, and easing pain.

When Dr. Breinberg is not treating patients, she enjoys spending her time with her husband, two kids, and two cats. She also enjoys singing, dancing, and musical theater. She feels most at home outdoors, whether camping, hiking, gardening, bird watching, or just listening to the waves at the beach.

Background and Education
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis

Dr. Catherine Garcia received her DVM from the University of California, Davis (2007), having previously graduated with high honors from the University of California, Davis, with a BS in Animal Science. Dr. Garcia has been in the veterinary industry for 20 years and started as a veterinary assistant.

She enjoys working with pet parents and helping improve the lives of pets. Dr. Garcia is particularly interested in forensic veterinary medicine.

When she is not treating animals, you can catch Dr. Garcia homeschooling her children or enjoying some time her time with her husband who is one of SAGE Campbell’s Internist, Dr. Ryan Garcia. She also enjoys knitting, hiking, and triathlons. Dr. Garcia loves animals! Her house is full of different types animals: two labs, two cats, four Nigerian dwarf goats, two horses, a flock of chickens, ducks, a lion head, African grey parrot, and a ball python.

Veterinary School: University of California, Davis 
Internship Training: Animal Specialty Group 

Dr. Johanne Lu obtained her DVM degree from the University of California, Davis in 2004. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Animal Specialty Group (Los Angeles, CA). She went on to practice general and emergency medicine at a 24-Hour hospital in Los Angeles. She recently relocated to Northern California and joined Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital in 2017. Her professional interests include surgery and emergency medicine. In her free time, Dr. Lu enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue dog, Einstok. She enjoys hiking, pottery, snowboarding, scuba diving, and travel.

Residency-trained in Small Animal Surgery

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Pennsylvania
Internship Training: University of Missouri 
Residency Training: Iowa State University 

Dr. Scott Christopher attended Rutgers University where he earned a degree in molecular biology and biochemistry. During that time, he became actively engaged in cancer research in humans and progressing to bone marrow transplants and gene therapy in dogs.  This love for science and medicine which when combined with a love for animals naturally led to a career in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Christopher received his veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania.  He went on to complete his internship at the University of Missouri.  During that time, he also completed his certification in physical rehabilitation.  Following time in private practice focusing on canine sports medicine and physical rehabilitation, he completed an orthopedics fellowship at University of Florida working with stem cell therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis followed by residency at Iowa State University.  Surgery provides an ideal combination of working with both your hands and your head to help our patients in every way possible.  It allows a clinician to think outside the box to find new ways to work with clients to give their pets the best life possible. 

His areas of interest include wound management, oncologic surgery, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation as well as orthotics and prosthetics.  Dr. Christopher has published several papers on topics such as stem cell therapy and development in dogs, cancer biology, and orthopedic disease and outcomes. 

Outside of work, Dr. Christopher can be found spending time with his family, cycling, swimming, and enjoying time with his two dogs and three cats. 

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: University of Pennsylvania
Residency Training: University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Christine Hsueh received her DVM from the University of California, Davis (2014). She then went on to complete her small animal rotating internship and her specialty residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (2016) and became board-certified in March 2020.

Dr. Hsueh was originally wanting to go pre-med until a high school trip to Costa Rica convinced her that she wanted to work with animals instead. Dr. Hsueh chose surgery as her specialty because she loves to work with her hands and fix things, especially when it comes to our four-legged friends because she knows how important pets are to their pet-parents and vice versa. 

Her specific areas of interest are minimally invasive surgery including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy; microvascular and ureteral surgery; canine cruciate disease; fracture healing and advanced fracture repair techniques; neurologic surgery.

When Dr. Hsueh is not treating patients, you can catch her snowboarding, playing soccer (she is an avid Philadelphia Union Fan), woodworking, cooking, and hanging out with her three cats: Bella, Chimi, Mr. Luna and her Sourdough Starter, Charles. Fun Fact: she is a black belt in taekwondo and was All-American Pistol Shooter in college!