Meet the Team

What drew Darlene to this profession was her innate desire to advocate for animals. The deep connection she shares with them is evident in her favorite aspect of the job: witnessing the profound bond between pets and their owners. For Darlene, there’s nothing quite as heartwarming as seeing the love and compassion exchanged between them.

Her journey into the world of animal care truly began in 2004 when she started volunteering at a local animal shelter. It was there that she realized her passion for understanding animal behavior and the ways in which they communicate. This realization solidified her belief that she was indeed in the right profession, as she found immense fulfillment in observing and connecting with animals on a deeper level.

Outside of work, Darlene’s home is a lively sanctuary filled with a diverse array of pets, including her beloved old lady cat, Bean, a Pink Toe tarantula, a bearded dragon, and six zebra finches. When she’s not caring for her furry and scaly companions, Darlene indulges in her diverse interests, ranging from her love for horror movies, Noir, and true crime to her dedication to Pilates and Barre workouts. She also enjoys exploring her passion for beer and attending car shows, rounding out her multifaceted personality and enriching her life beyond the walls of the animal hospital.

Eric knew he was in the right profession when he saw the impact of his presence on both pets and their families. One unforgettable moment was when an injured, nervous dog came in, and he helped reassure both the pet and its owner through the treatment process. Moments like these reaffirm his dedication to advocating for pets and making sure their owners feel supported both medically and emotionally. Even in a behind-the-scenes role, he loves knowing that his efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the animals under their care.

Outside of work, Eric is a devoted father of two and shares his home with his chihuahua, Opal. He enjoys playing basketball, both recreationally and in league play, and is a passionate Boston Celtics fan. He also loves hiking, spending time outdoors, and collecting Pokémon cards—always on a mission to “catch ’em all.” Whether at work or in his personal life, Eric’s enthusiasm, empathy, and dedication make him an invaluable part of the Petsadena Animal Hospital team.

Aj began his career in the veterinary field in 2010, driven by a deep passion for animal care, particularly animal dentistry. His commitment to improving the dental health of pets has made him an invaluable asset to the veterinary community. Aj is double-boarded, allowing him to practice in both Nevada and California, which highlights his extensive knowledge and versatility in the field.

Outside of his professional life, Aj cherishes spending time with his wife and two sons. He enjoys watching his boys grow up and actively supports their interests in hockey and baseball. Aj’s dedication to his family mirrors his commitment to his work, where he continues to make a significant impact on the lives of animals and their owners at Petsadena Animal Hospital.

Paulina’s journey in the veterinary industry began with her first job as a bather at a local grooming shop, where she discovered her love for working with animals. This passion led her to become a daycare attendant and bather in Pasadena, further solidifying her desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She attended Carrington College to deepen her understanding of animals medically, despite initial nervousness, and found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. Paulina enjoys the fulfillment of her career and looks forward to going to work every day.

She knew she was in the right profession when she started to genuinely enjoy waking up every morning to help animals in need and provide guidance to their owners. This sense of purpose reaffirmed her commitment to veterinary medicine.

Outside of work, Paulina shares her home with her mom, dad, and older brother, along with her beloved dog, Cookie, who is always by her side. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, watching horror movies and law and crime shows, and spending quality time with her boyfriend and his dog, Lucy.

From an early age, Arianna was drawn to animals, initially aspiring to become a veterinarian. Her passion for horses, discovered at the age of eight, led her to work as a horse trainer before moving to the U.S. Upon arrival, she found her calling in the veterinary industry, pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant. Arianna finds immense joy in helping animals feel better and improving their quality of life, which, in turn, enriches her soul. A defining moment in her career came during her first emergency—a chaotic yet fulfilling experience that solidified her commitment to this profession. Six years later, she still approaches each day with the same enthusiasm, eager to learn and grow.

Outside of work, Arianna enjoys a fulfilling life in Los Angeles with her husband, their son, their dog Dory, and their recently welcomed daughter. The family loves spending time outdoors, whether at their son’s football tournaments or enjoying beach days with friends. Arianna and her husband also share a passion for cooking, experimenting with new homemade pizza flavors every Saturday. She hopes to instill in her children a deep love for animals and the pursuit of their dreams, just as she has. Arianna remains dedicated to lifelong learning in her field, with aspirations of one day returning to her first love—horses.

Amanda realized she was in the right profession when she found herself eagerly looking forward to work each morning, excited to contribute to the well-being of the pets under her care. Her commitment to her role is evident in her compassionate and attentive approach to patient care.

Outside of her fulfilling work at the animal hospital, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She is an avid explorer of new restaurants and a passionate concert-goer. However, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her beloved corgi, Bonnie.

Before joining the veterinary industry, Esteban worked as a dog trainer, honing his skills in animal behavior and training techniques. This background provided a solid foundation for his current role, where he finds immense satisfaction in helping pets while educating their owners about proper pet care and needs.

Esteban’s favorite aspect of his job is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their owners. He values the unique position he holds, which allows him to bridge the gap between animal health and owner education, fostering stronger human-animal bonds.

A resident of the local community, Esteban is passionate about contributing to the well-being of pets in the area. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable asset to the Petsadena Animal Hospital team.

Alton’s journey in the veterinary industry began during his high school years when he started volunteering at an animal hospital located just two blocks away. His dedication led to a full-time position by his junior year in 2009. He is particularly passionate about diagnostics, including ultrasound, radiology, and hematology, and enjoys interpreting their results.

He realized he was in the right profession when he experienced the satisfaction of both clients and patients after providing education and treatment. This fulfillment reaffirmed his passion for veterinary medicine and inspired him to continue making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners.

Miya’s journey in the veterinary field began in 2018 when she worked in the wildlife department at the SPCA in Monterey County. Her diverse experience includes caring for a wide range of animals, from raptors to baby birds. Over the years, she transitioned from working with wild animals such as coyotes and bobcats to focusing on domestic pets, specifically dogs and cats, which she finds incredibly rewarding.

Outside of her professional life, Miya enjoys spending quality time with her beloved dog, Peaches. Rescued in 2018, Peaches is an integral part of Miya’s life and shares her love for hikes, playing fetch, and watching action movies. Additionally, Miya has a passion for fiber arts and often spends her downtime crocheting and knitting.

Miya’s dedication to animal welfare and her compassionate approach make her a valued member of the Petsadena Animal Hospital team.