Dr. Ken M. Upton, Medical Director
Dr. Upton received his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 1989. He has lived in San Diego since graduating. In addition to providing general veterinary care, his special area of interest is performing soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Upton is a member of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association, California Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
In his spare time, Dr. Upton enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and children, Dylan and Lauren. Dr. Upton, also makes time for boating, surfing, snow skiing, and hiking with his dog “Kirra”.
Dr. Michelle Schexneider, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Schexneider fell in love with Veterinary Medicine while working as a Registered Veterinary Technician in a small animal clinic after college and decided to go back to school to become a doctor. She received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA in 2007. She completed a one-year surgical and medical internship at the Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Irvine, CA and joined the Pacific Pet Hospital team in August 2008. She is inspired daily by her 3 dogs - "LT", a Golden retriever mix; "Evander", a westie mix; and "Bungy", a Cocker Spaniel mix - and her Cornsnake "Bullseye". She loves hanging out with her very supportive husband Will and her adorable new baby who keeps them plenty entertained.
In her spare time Dr. Schexneider enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and boating on the Colorado River with friends.
Kim Beadle, Office Manager
Kim joined the Pacific Pet Hospital team in May of 2008. She began working in the Veterinary field in 2004 after beginning to volunteer for giant breed rescue and the SPCA. It was then that she realized that she was happiest spending her time working with animals and helping them live happy and comfortable lives.
Kim continues to volunteer with giant breed rescue organizations in her spare time. But most of all she enjoys spending time with her husband Aaron; her children, Sandra, Alex, and Hayden; and her English Mastiff, “Zoey".
Alicia Nieto, Veterinary Exam Room Nurse
Alicia first began working at Pacific Pet Hospital in 2003. She chose a career in Veterinary Medicine due to her love and compassion for animals. Alicia enjoys caring for her own pets at home, "Othello"; a Shar Pei mix, "Berry"; a Tortoise, and her two clown fish.
Alicia graduated from Bonita Vista High School in 2001, and then from Pima Medical Institute in 2003. When Alicia is not working with animals, she enjoys going to Disneyland, the Zoo, Seaworld, and spending time with Arlo; her husband, and Isabella and Estafania; her two daughters. Although Alicia has a love for all animals, she has a special love and interest in the almost extinct Sea Turtle.
Vivian Toral, Veterinary Nurse
Vivian, a die-hard Charger fan, has been working at Pacific Pet Hospital since March of 2005. She chose this field because of a deep desire to help injured and homeless animal. She wants to make a difference in their lives.
Vivian graduated from Bonita Vista High School. She completed the Veterinary Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and is currently enrolled in the Registered Veterinary Technician program . She stays busy outside of work with her adorable Shepard Mix, “Malibu”, and many Chihuahuas: Chiquita, King, and Lucy. In her spare time, Vivian enjoys playing pool, going to the dog beach, bowling, playing Texas Hold ‘Em, and “living life in the fast lane."
Amy Garcia, Veterinary Nurse
Amy has been part of the Pacific Pet Hospital team since June 2006. Animals have always been a part of her life and she could not imagine doing anything else with her life. Amy has one pet at home, a Chihuahua named “Biki”.
In her spare time, she loves to read, play video games, and spend time with friends. Amy graduated from Hilltop High School in 2005. She then completed the Veterinary Assistant program from PIMA in August of 2006.
Jason Vang, Veterinary Nurse
Jason graduated from Pima Medical Institute in May of 2009. He became a Veterinary Assistant due to his love of animals and wishes to help them feel better when they are sick. Jason joined the Pacific Pet Hospital team in December 2009.
When he is not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and his dogs "Bankz" and "Jewlz". He also enjoys building drag race cars, and dog shows.
Oscar Rico, Registered Technician
Oscar finished the Veterinary Technician course with Pima Medical Institute in December of 2010 and joined Pacific Pet hospital shortly thereafter in January of 2011. He's always loved animals and being around them. "I like helping animals feels better and it makes me feel good to know that I can make things better for them," says Oscar.
For hobbies, he enjoys exercising--specifically running and usually has his dog Toby, an 11 month old Jack Russel Terrier, accompanying him. Oscar also enjoys playing sports, mainly football, basketball, and soccer with the occasional video game thrown in for entertainment.
Hailey Gregory, Support Nurse/Receptionist
Hailey attended the University of Hawaii-Hilo for one year before moving to San Diego and completing her AA with City College. In May of 2011, she joined Pacific Pet Hospital as both a support nurse and receptionist.
She has a fairly large family including one sister and three brothers, all of whom live back in Idaho where she is originally from. Here in San Diego, she lives with her boyfriend Matthew, Dwarf bunny named Butters, field mouse named Gary, and foster pets who come and go. Hailey describes herself as outdoorsy, loving the beach, hiking, snorkeling, and just laying out in the grass.
Brad Davis, Receptionist/Exam Room Nurse
Brad began working for Pacific Pet Hospital in June of 2009. He had always had a passion for working with people, had always loved animals, so he figured what better career to have than one which combines the two! "Working with pets and their owners is extremely gratifying and rewarding, becuase in some way, however big or small, I feel like I am making a difference."
In his spare time Brad likes to write, dance, and read. He also enjoys music, baseball and football. One day Brad hopes to have a dog of his own to spend time with, and would love either a Great Dane or Chihuahua--or both.
Debbie Whitney, Receptionist
Debbie has been working at Pacific Pet Hospital since 1995. Debbie chose the veterinary field because of the unconditional love she can give and receive from the animals that are hospitalized. Debbie majored in Advertising and graduated from San Diego State University in 1999. In her spare time Debbie enjoys shopping at Macy’s, and spending time with her nephew.
Karla Castaneda, Receptionist
Karla joined the Pacific Pet Hospital team in February of 2010. She has always had the passion to work with kids and animals. After previously working as a receptionist for a pediatrician's office for six years, she decided to cross over into animal healthcare which she greatly enjoys.
She has a husband, Hugo, and two daughters, Kaylin & Kamryn. In her spare time, Karla enjoys reading, going to the beach, bowling, BBQ's, and any quality time she has with her family. Even though she doesn't have any pets at this time, she would one day love to have a Great Dane!
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