About Our Staff

Robin San Carlos Animal HospitalRobin

Hospital Manager, R.V.T.

My name is Robin and I am a registered veterinary technician and the hospital manager here at San Carlos Animal Hospital. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Acosta since 2008, when he was practicing in Ocean Beach. That's also where I met my husband. I am originally from Toledo, Ohio. I grew up with cats and dogs and my grandma had a farm full of sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and horses. I loved helping her take care of all of her animals and always wanted to learn more about them. One day I saw a commercial for a veterinary technician program and it hit me, that's what I was going to do. I got my first job at an animal hospital back in 2001 and have never considered doing anything else. I've heard the saying, if you love your job then you'll never work a day in your life. Well, that's not entirely true in this field. I do love my job, but it's hard work. It can be stressful, tiring, happy, sad, exciting, challenging, and incredibly demanding. It's an emotional rollercoaster on some days. I wouldn't change a thing. Not many can say they love their job, even less can say they love their boss and co-workers, but I can. Where else can you play with puppies and kittens, help bring a dog back from near-death and watch them walk out the door later that day, monitor anesthesia during a routine or incredibly interesting surgery, get peed on, express anal glands, clean up vomit, and get to know some really great people who truly love their pets? There is nothing more rewarding than saving a life. For me, there's no better job than being a vet tech.

JoshJosh San Carlos Animal Hospital

Lead Veterinary Assistant

My name is Josh, and I was lucky enough to have grown up in the mountains of northern California, where we had cats, dogs, pigs, horses, cows, and chickens. My love for animals started at a very young age, and I even started my own dog walking and pet sitting business when I was 12 so I would be able to spend time with other people’s pets, and not just my own. Now being able to care for pets as an everyday job is a dream come true. It is so rewarding not dreading to work, but rather to be excited to see what the day will bring; from puppies and kittens to emergencies and sad days, every day is exciting and you can never anticipate what the day will bring. I get a kick out of the daily sniff-down I get from my two dogs at home after a dog-filled day at work. They get so excited to smell what I did all day. I feel very lucky to have such an amazing job and to have great coworkers is just icing on the cake.

Mac San Carlos Animal HospitalMac

Surgery Assistant

My name is Mac, and I was born in New Jersey, where my family always had pets around the house. I grew up around dogs, fish, lizards, rabbits, and even had a chinchilla for a while. It wasn’t until I saw “Animal ER” on Animal Planet that I really began to think about getting into the veterinary field, but at the time it wasn’t a true serious thought. However, in 2009 I realized how passionate I was about animals. While visiting the new elephant exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, the keepers were talking about the care that it takes to maintain the elephants, and it made me realize that I wouldn’t mind working with animals. Thankfully, a friend that I had who was working with Dr. Acosta was about to move away for college, so a position was available working under both Dr. Acosta and Dr. Altman. Since then, it has been an exciting few years learning and growing under them and being able to apply the knowledge I obtained while getting my bachelors degree. I never expected to have a job that I am excited to go to, much less so early in life, but every day I wake up excited to see not only the people I work with, but also the smiling faces and wagging tails that the day will bring.

JanelleJanelle San Carlos Animal Hospital

Receptionist

Hi there, I'm Janelle. Born and raised here in sunny San Diego. I started my amazing journey into the veterinary field my senior year of high school. I completed some courses and volunteered at a couple hospitals. Right then I knew I found my passion. I have been a customer service representative and veterinary assistant for almost 15 years now and I couldn't be more happy enjoying what I do! Being part of such a wonderful hospital, helping out people and their fur babies is such a great, rewarding feeling and I look forward to it each and every day. In my free time I love spending time with my family, friends, my four legged feline child Spike. Going to concerts, amusement parks and participating in 5k Runs all around beautiful San Diego.

Somer San Carlos Animal HospitalSomer

Veterinary Assistant

Hello! My name is Somer, yes it is pronounced like the season :). I was born and raised here in San Diego. I graduated from El Cajon Valley High. I only left San Diego to attend College- I came back as soon as I could! I went to California Polytechnic University, Pomona for four years and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Animal Science- Pre- Veterinary Science/Graduate School option. Man that is a mouth full I know. My passion for animals began very young. I rescued my first cat at the age of four when I begged my mom for the cutest black kitty ever; she had been living in the laundry room of the apartments I was living in at the time. It all started with the little black kitty named Leona, I owe my passion for animals to her. Since Leona I have rescued over ten animals, most of which I ended up keeping. I currently have five cats (yes I know five is a lot), four of which are rescues from the street and the animal shelter. During my summers off while I was in college I also spent a lot of time volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society, the El Cajon Petco location and some hours in the veterinary office downtown. I have currently accumulated over one hundred hours and can’t wait until I can continue my work there; it is the most rewarding feeling to work for a non-profit. I also interned at another local non-profit, the San Diego Zoo. I was a hospitality intern and I learned so much about the Zoo and everything they are doing to help end extinction. All of these experiences have lead me to become the cat crazy animal loving woman that I am today. I can’t wait to meet and love on all your fur babies! Sorry my bio is so long! I get a little carried away, but I hope you enjoyed the read.

Danielle San Carlos Animal HospitalDanielle

Veterinary Assistant

Hello, my name is Danielle, and I am a crazy cat lady! I live in Ocean Beach with my boyfriend and our two black cats, Onyx and Maye(and their best friend next door, Noodles!) I graduated from Point Loma High School, and enjoyed playing Varsity Field Hockey. I knew my entire life that I wanted, and needed to be around animals. I started off as a kennel technician, and then worked with the kittens at the Humane Society. I am the type of person who will look for the pets at a people-party! In my free time I enjoy spending time in the sunshine, exploring new restaurants, and listening to live music. I am grateful for all the blessings in my life, and excited for a new adventure at San Carlos Animal Hospital!

Lily San Carlos Animal HospitalLily

Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Lily and I'm from Escondido. I travel 45 minutes to get to San Carlos and I truly believe that the drive is worth it. I’ve worked with animals before as a Kennel Technician. I was not getting much out of it so I found something more fulfilling as a Vet Assistant. I was lucky enough to land at San Carlos where I get to work with all types of breeds of cats and dogs and get closer to my dream of becoming a Veterinarian. I have always loved animals, but I did not really fall in love with the medical aspect of it until my little husky/pit bull mix Itchigo got sick with the Parvovirus. I was told he was not going to make it, but I did not give up on him. The doctor gave me fluids to give him subcutaneously and I kept watch of him for 2 weeks and kept him hydrated and now he’s perfectly healthy. I guess you could say I’m that crazy dog lady, in total I have 5 dogs, a bulldog/schnauzer named BMO, my big monster Chompers the pit bull/german shepherd mix who was abandoned. Molly who I share with my boyfriend, she’s a Shiba Inu, lastly the new member Sir Buttermilk Waffles a golden retriever puppy, and of course Itchigo . It’s not always cuddles and kisses but the hard work always pays off!