SAGE Dublin Veterinary Team
Anesthesiology
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.
Background and Education
Veterinary School: University of Guelph (2004)
Anesthesia Residency: University of Wisconsin (2013)
Board Certification: American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (2013)
Dr. Odette O graduated from the University of Guelph (2001) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College (2004). After a number of years spent in small animal general practice, Dr. O completed her residency in Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and became board-certified in anesthesia and analgesia (2013).
Dr. O believes Anesthesiology is as much as it is an art, as it is a science. Being able to assess each patient individually and formulate a plan that best suits their specific needs is both the challenge and the beauty of Anesthesiology. The chance to be an integral part of the care team to support both the needs of the patient as well as fellow specialists is truly rewarding to her.
Her anesthesia-related interests include the practical aspects of clinical anesthesia and pain management, as well as anesthesia of unusual species and acupuncture. She prides herself in optimizing patient care and also enjoys teaching anesthesia-related topics to students, technicians, and fellow veterinarians. Dr. O is also an active member of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) including serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Abstract Coordinator, and numerous other committees over the years.
Awards
Bayer Small Animal Resident of the Year, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2013)
Smiths Medical American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists Resident Abstract Award (2012)
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Student Award (2004)
Emergency/Critical Care
Background & Education
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Dr. Zuhal Elhan started her veterinary career in 2003 at UC Davis’ Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Facility, where she worked for several years managing the herd and educating the public. Several years later, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at UC Davis and began working as a veterinary technician. In 2012, she earned her DVM at UC Davis, and she has worked as an emergency veterinarian at regional hospitals ever since.
Zuhal likes the fast pace and variety of emergency care; other areas of special interest include dermatology and neo-natal care. She has cared for and fostered hundreds of kittens and “bottle babies” over the years and is very well-versed in the different treatment strategies that help these animals thrive.
Zuhal also has a passion for volunteerism and helping people and animals in need. Her volunteer experience includes working in a children’s orphanage in Costa Rica, assisting World Vets in Nicaragua and serving as an intake coordinator at a regional clinic for the homeless. Since 2008, she has worked with Fix Our Ferals and other organizations that spay and neuter cats.
In her free time, Zuhal enjoys tennis, salsa dancing and hiking. She also enjoys skijoring with her Malamute. Skijoring is fun for Zuhal and her dog (who has been trained to mush). He pulls her while she skis behind him. Zuhal’s pets include another dog and two cats, and many foster kittens. She has a kitten room in her home that is dedicated to helping kittens get the best start possible.
Dr. Randi Frankle graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, then completed a
rotating small animal internship at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. Originally
from New York, she earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the State University of
New York at New Paltz and her Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law. After
practicing law for several years, she decided to change careers in order to pursue her
passion for veterinary medicine — as well as move to California to pursue her passion for
better weather! She loves emergency medicine, particularly toxicities, cardiac emergencies,
and emergency procedures. Randi practiced emergency medicine in the Bay Area for
several years prior to joining SAGE and is excited to be a part of the collaborative team at
SAGE Dublin.
In her free time, Randi enjoys all things outdoorsy, especially trail running, hiking,
backpacking, and skiing. She shares her home with her partner, spending much of her time
hanging out with their chihuahua Gizmo and trying to keep their cat Stan out of trouble. She
also enjoys wine tasting and is on a personal quest to find the perfect slice of pizza in the
Bay Area
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Dr. April LeBlanc attended Mount Holyoke College, earning her BS in Biology with a minor in Studio Art (bronze sculpting). After graduation, Dr. LeBlanc spent time studying depression in economically challenged communities and the positive effect that pet ownership can have on those residents. Dr. LeBlanc received her DVM from UC Davis (1992). Prior to joining SAGE, Dr. LeBlanc worked for several years in the San Francisco Bay Area, beginning her career with the SF SPCA Animal Hospital, before turning her focus to emergency medicine.
When not practicing, April enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, good food, and motorcycles/cars. She is also the proud owner of two cats (Mildred and her sister Abigail) and two dogs (Frida and Chester). April knew that she was going to pursue a career in a veterinary medicine by the time she was seven years-old, and even told her mother so.
Residency-trained in Emergency/Critical Care
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Veterinary Internship Training: VCA, West Los Angeles
Diagnostic Pathology Graduate Training: University of Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Residency Training: Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Angell Animal Medical Center
Dr. Beth Lieblick has worked in many facets of veterinary medicine, starting as a kennel assistant at a specialty hospital on the East coast when she was in high school. Her focus eventually shifted to pathology, and she spent several years assisting veterinary pathology residents in diagnostics at the University of Connecticut. From there, she moved to general practice, where she worked as a veterinary technician while earning her B.A. in Biology and Microbiology at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. She continued working as a veterinary technician while earning her M.S. in Pathology and Veterinary Science at the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Lieblick later moved to California, where she earned her DVM at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. She stayed in California for several years, working in emergency hospitals and veterinary referral centers in Norwalk and Los Angeles. In 2015 she returned to the East coast to complete her Emergency and Critical Care Residency at Angell Animal Medical Center, a branch of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In her free time, Dr. Lieblick enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and enjoying the great outdoors with her dogs Ty and Poppy. She has two other pets – a tabby named Sharkbait and a turtle named Louie who has been in her life since she was nine years old.
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Michigan State University
Dr. Bob Lukas graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1982. Born and raised in Detroit, Dr. Lukas returned there after veterinary school to practice for six years, the first two in general practice. Then he discovered the complexity, and the intensity of emergency veterinary work.
Dr. Lukas’ last position in Michigan was as Chief of Staff for an emergency practice. He moved to California in 1988 where he worked as a co-manager of an emergency practice in San Leandro for sixteen years. Dr. Lukas then came to Concord to co-manage Contra Costa Veterinary Emergency Center (now part of SAGE Concord) from 2004 until the end of 2007, when he became a partner in SAGE Veterinary Centers and helped establish a veterinary emergency facility in Dublin.
Bob has been a Tri-Valley resident since the early 90s with his wife, two kids, an English bulldog named Mabel, a French bulldog named Stitch, and guinea pigs named after various Star Wars characters (no cats due to family allergies for now). He is a booster for the Danville Mustang Fury soccer team and can be seen at area youth track meets and football games.
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Tufts University
Internship Training: Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, MA
Dr. Lynne E. Morris attended the University of Maine where she earned her BS in Animal Science with a minor in Zoology. She graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990, and then completed an internship in medicine and surgery at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, which is part of the MSPCA. The next 20 years were spent living a somewhat nomadic existence accompanying her Navy husband from duty station to duty station. Fortunately, she was able to practice emergency medicine almost everywhere they called home. Prior to joining SAGE in 2012, Dr. Morris practiced emergency medicine at the Veterinary Emergency Referral Center in Pensacola, Florida. After her husband’s retirement from the Navy, Lynne and her family spent a gap year traveling in Asia, South America, and Europe. They have settled in the Bay Area, and plan to make it their last move!
When not practicing, Lynne enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, cooking, and reading. Besides two boys and a husband, the family includes a chocolate Labrador mix, Samwise Gamgee the Brave; terrier mix Blondie; and a tabby cat named Woody.
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, Minnesota and St. George’s University, College of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s, Grenada
Internship Training: BluePearl Veterinary Partners, New York
Dr. Gurdip Singh started his career in veterinary medicine working with cats and dogs at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and eventually landed at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley where he primarily rescued avian species. He finished veterinary school in 2016 and moved into general practice, where he provided preventative care to animals. In June 2017, he began a Medicine and Surgery internship with a veterinary group in New York City, where he focused on emergency cases and stabilizing patients in the Intensive Care Unit. He enjoys the challenge and variety of cases in emergency medicine. Dr. Singh also appreciates the opportunity to stabilize patients, move them towards recovery, and help them return to their families.
Upon completion of the program in New York, Dr. Singh moved back to California to be closer to his family and friends.
In his free time, Dr. Singh enjoys many pastimes, including visiting with family, running, camping, dancing, and spending time with his Pit bull-Boxer mix, Johnny
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Saint Kitts
Dr. Ryan Wheeler is a residency trained emergency & critical care veterinarian and always knew he wanted to practice veterinary medicine. He graduated from Chico State University in Chico, CA, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. He attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Saint Kitts to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Dr. Wheeler completed his clinical rotations at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN and was the first non-University of Minnesota student to receive the emergency and critical-care award. He pursued further training by completing a small animal emergency and surgery internship at Angell Animal Medicine Center in Boston, MA. He completed his residency in emergency and critical care at Four Seasons Animal Hospital in the East Bay.
Dr. Wheeler’s medical interests include fluid, and electrolyte therapy, acid base analysis, the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock, the treatment of traumatic injuries and point of care ultrasound (POCUS) . He has co-authored a chapter in the book “Monitoring and Intervention for the Critically Ill Small Animal: The Rule of 20” and enjoys lecturing and teaching.
Dr. Wheeler’s favorite part of practicing veterinary medicine is taking care of critically ill and injured animals in their time of need and supporting their owners through that difficult time.
When not caring for patients, Dr. Wheeler likes to be active and outdoors. He enjoys CrossFit, fly fishing, obstacle course racing, and walks with his dog Jax.
Internal Medicine
Background & Education
Veterinary School: Colorado State University
Internship Training: Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2018)
Dr. Moria Borys is a board-certified internist who was drawn to veterinary medicine through her experiences with her own pets growing up. Her sister, Teresa, also a veterinarian, offered plenty of encouragement, too. Moria started her veterinary career at Colorado State University, where she earned her DVM degree in 2010. She then completed a rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. In 2012, she moved to Ames, IA, where she worked as a resident and an adjunct instructor of veterinary microbiology at Iowa State University. Moria received her Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine in 2014 and eventually found her way to California, where she completed a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis.
Moria enjoys all aspects of Internal Medicine but is especially interested in treating gastrointestinal and infectious disease, as well as managing renal issues and other chronic conditions. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, crafting, and seeing all of California’s many sites. She and her partner are the proud owners of a sweet, shy kitty named Ruby Vroom and an outspoken, energetic Chihuahua named Mayday.
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Louisiana State University
Internship Training: Auburn University
Residency Training: Oklahoma State University
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2010)
Dr. Ensley was born and raised in southern Louisiana and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Louisiana State University. Following graduation, she completed a one-year rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Auburn University in Alabama. Dr. Ensley then was accepted to and completed a three-year small animal internal medicine residency at Oklahoma State University. She completed all requirements and achieved diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in July of 2010. Prior to moving to the East Bay, Dr. Ensley worked in private practice in Anchorage, Alaska and Naples, Florida.
Dr. Ensley’ main interests include gastroenterology, endocrinology, hematology, and endoscopy. In her spare time, she is an avid runner, cyclist, and aspiring cook. She lives in Walnut Creek with her two very opinionated but lovable tortoiseshell cats, Katie and Torti. Dr. Ensley was drawn to veterinary medicine at a young age due to her love of animals and strives to provide her patients with the best possible care and compassion.
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Colorado State University
Internship Training: All-Care Animal Referral Center, Fountain Valley, CA; North Carolina State University
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2006)
Dr. Jennifer Strasser is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, where she earned a BS in Biology. She received her DVM from Colorado State University (2001). Dr. Strasser completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at All-Care Animal Referral Center in Fountain Valley, CA (2002), as well as an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at North Carolina State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine (2003). Dr. Strasser also completed an internal medicine residency at the University of California, Davis (2005). She became board certified in internal medicine in 2006. Just recently, Dr. Strasser became certified in veterinary acupuncture (2020) which brings an added advantage to her treatment planning by enhancing recovery and managing pain of her patients.
Before joining SAGE, Dr. Strasser spent several years in private practice in Albuquerque, Seattle, and the SF Bay Area.
Dr. Strasser particularly enjoys the challenges of gastrointestinal, endocrine, and urinary tract diseases, and the diagnostic capabilities of endoscopy and ultrasound. When not practicing, Jennifer enjoys yoga, sailing, camping, skiing, and spending quality time with her family. She is the proud owner of one chocolate lab and one yellow lab, who also happen to be her favorite hiking companions.
Oncology
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Washington State University
Internship Training: North Carolina State University
Residency Training: North Carolina State University
Dr. Ashley Bennett received her DVM from Washington State University (2011). She went on to complete her small animal rotating internship and her three-year Medical Oncology residency at North Carolina State University (2015).
Dr. Bennett has always been drawn to animals from a young age! She enjoys how Oncology combines the best of two worlds. It allows her to be a part of an ever-changing field of cancer biology and also provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with her patients and their families. She feels lucky that she gets to focus on the quality of life of her patients every day in the clinic.
Her clinical interests include novel therapeutics, clinical research, and hematologic malignancies.
When Dr. Bennett is not seeing patients, she loves spending time with family, doing Pilates, and snuggling with her Shepherd Mix: Poppy, Golden Retriever: Penny, and her cat: Lu. She looks forward to exploring all that the Bay Area has to offer!
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: University of Missouri-Columbia
Residency Training: University of Missouri-Columbia
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2008)
Dr. Wendi Rankin is a graduate of UC Davis, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science (2002) and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2004). She completed her Master of Science degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences (2008) for researching a protein in canine bladder tumors at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Rankin also completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship and oncology residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia (2008). She was board-certified in Medical Oncology in 2008 and joined SAGE that year. She has published several research articles on canine bladder tumors, as well as a chapter on drug interactions in a veterinary oncology textbook.
Dr. Rankin enjoys many aspects of oncology, and has a special interest in electrochemotherapy to treat various tumor types (including sarcomas, melanomas, mast cell tumors, oral tumors, and more). She was the first oncologist to use electrochemotherapy for veterinary patients in California and has been doing so since 2013. While she is very interested in the science of Oncology, above all, Dr. Rankin’s favorite aspect of oncology is being able to give treatment options so clients feel comfortable with their treatment decisions to improve and maintain their pet’s quality of life.
Residency-trained in Medical Oncology
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Internship Training: VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center
Residency Training: Tufts University
Dr. Chantal Tu grew up in California and earned a BS in Animal Biology from the University of California, Davis. Prior to starting veterinary school, Dr. Tu worked for one year at Davis as a post-graduate researcher studying feline genomics. Dr. Tu received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She then returned to California to complete a small animal rotating internship at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center (SVRC). Following an oncology residency at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Tu returned to California to work in private practice at VCA SVRC for several years and is now excited to join the SAGE team.
Dr. Tu prides herself on being able to provide various treatment options that are specifically tailored to a family’s goals while providing compassionate care. Maintaining a good quality of life is a cornerstone that she emphasizes.
When not practicing, she enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, and spending quality time with her husband and sweet mixed-breed rescue, Maggie. Dr. Tu’s interest in veterinary oncology blossomed during her internship after seeing how much a pet’s life could be improved and she is excited about the treatment options available in this cutting-edge field.
Urgent Care
Dr. Olincy is former attorney-turned veterinarian who has been working in a general practice clinical setting since starting in the field nearly four years ago. Despite her first career being in law, animals have been a huge part of life since the day Dr. Olincy was born. She grew up with cats, dogs, horses, chickens, a pet duck, and many more. While she practiced law, Dr. Olincy devoted her free time to non-profit animal rescue work—with a special interest in and focus on the medical aspect of animals. Her volunteer work during this period inspired her to follow her true passion and become a veterinarian.
Dr. Olincy loves the challenge of working with a variety of pets and conditions and helping make a difference. She tirelessly strives to communicate with clients in a wholesome and compassionate manner, listening to and understanding their concerns with the utmost empathy that helps provide the best possible medical experience.
In her free time, Dr. Olincy enjoys hiking, discovering new places, trips to the mountains, beach, skiing, and spending time with friends. She has chihuahua mix named, Nilla.
Dr. Olincy is a graduate of Stanford University, University of San Francisco, and UC Davis where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She is Fear Free Certified and an active Member of the AVMA, CVMA, and CCVMA.
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Western University of Health Sciences Veterinary School
Natalia Pfaff, DVM, is originally from the Bay Area, California, and is excited to be working in the East Bay! She studied Neuroscience at UCLA for her undergraduate degree, and received her DVM from the Western University of Health Sciences Veterinary School. She completed her small animal rotating internship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is particularly interested in internal medicine, and also enjoys neurology, radiology, and research. Her main research has focused on measuring adrenocortical activity in sheltered feral cats involved in Trap-Neuter-Release programs in hopes of identifying an evidence-based need for anti-stress interventions. Natalia’s favorite part about being a veterinarian is bonding with her patients and collaborating with an amazing team to help pets feel better.
Outside of practicing medicine, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and playing with her orange tabby, Bear. She also enjoys playing the flute and tuba in her spare time.
Surgery
Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: University of Missouri
Residency Training: Oregon State University
Dr. Ree is a California native and received her DVM from University of California, Davis in 2011, where she solidified her passion for surgery. She continued to her rotating internship at the University of Missouri and researched resurfacing options for hip replacement surgery in dogs. In Yonkers, NY, Dr. Ree developed her surgical skills during her surgical internship at VCA Animal Specialty Center before starting her surgical residency at Oregon State University in 2013. Her special surgical interests are in orthopedic surgery, minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy, thoracoscopy, and laparoscopy), as well as emergency surgery.
When Dr. Ree is not working, she enjoys cooking, watching movies with her dog and boyfriend, and spending time with her nephew in the Bay Area.
Background & Education
Veterinary School: School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (1985); American Veterinary Medical Association, Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (1991)
Residency Training: Small Animal Surgery, University of California, Davis
Fellowship: Don Low California Veterinary Medical Association Practitioner Fellowship, Anesthesia and Pain Management, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Certification: Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons (2003)
Dr. Celia Valverde’s passion for healing animals has taken her to every corner of the globe. She earned her DVM degree at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of São Paulo, Brazil in 1985.
Since 1991, Dr. Valverde has worked with primarily with small and exotic animals’ species at veterinary hospitals across the United States, including the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis where she was on the faculty in various positions from 1990 to 2013. She also completed her Small Animal Surgical residency at UC Davis and received extensive training in soft tissue, orthopedic and oncological procedures, as well as minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Valverde became a board-certified surgeon in 2003. She has lectured widely across the United States, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, and South Africa on topics ranging from minimally invasive surgery, wound management and bandaging to wildlife medicine rehabilitation.
Dr. Valverde’s volunteer efforts have been extensive and global. Early in her career, she volunteered as a field biologist and data collector in the Cantareira Rainforest State Park in Brazil, where she identified avian species across the coastal rainforest. Her rehabilitation work with avian species continued for years in Brazil, as well as in Alaska, where she studied breeding biology of Pacific White-fronted geese. During her years in Alaska, Dr. Valverde also served as a wildlife veterinarian working with seabirds and the Bald Eagle Recovery Program following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. During breaks from her day job, Dr. Valverde traveled to Honduras to volunteer as a wildlife veterinarian in charge of rehabilitating endangered parrots and macaws. She has also been a veterinary volunteer with the Alaska Iditarod dog sled race and more recently during the Camp Fire rescue effort in Northern California.
Dr. Valverde is deeply committed to providing less invasive surgical options, exceptional pain management, and compassionate care to all her patients. When she’s not practicing medicine, she enjoys rowing on a team, ice climbing, fly fishing, kayaking, cycling, cooking, bird watching and gardening. Her pets are chickens who give her fresh, organic eggs!
