Meet the APH Team

Veterinarians

Laura Wagner, BVetMed, MRCVS
I was born and raised in San Francisco and moved to Alameda twelve years ago with my husband, a native Alamedan. We have two young boys, a lab-pointer cross named Cash, and a geriatric cat named Herc. I received my degree in veterinary medicine from the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London in 2005. I love spending time outdoors. In years past, I was part of a collegiate rowing team. These days, I spend my free time hiking and exploring the Bay Area. I have three 14’ers under my belt: Mt. Shasta, Mt. Whitney, and Mt. Langley. And, I hope to do more! I became the owner of Alameda Pet Hospital in 2020, and I thoroughly enjoy my role serving our amazing clients and patients.

Karen Buchinger, DVM
I sold Alameda Pet Hospital to Dr. Wagner at the end of 2020, after owning it for 23 wonderful years. Now I can focus on being a general practitioner to help all the dogs and cats that need us, and in my new spare time I plan to resume hobbies long-forgotten. I grew up in California and have always had animals around me. It seemed natural I should become a veterinarian. I enjoy spending time with my partner, playing with our dogs and cats, and being outdoors. I also love to travel and see new places.

Holly Trief, VMD
I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian at a very young age. I was a collector of unwanted animals, having two dogs, a cat, a duck, a turtle, and three parrots at one point. More than 30 years after receiving my veterinary degree, it is still the career that I love. I attended the University of Pennsylvania for both my undergraduate and veterinary degrees and eventually made my way west. I love the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoy hiking in my spare time. It is with great pleasure that I am joining the Alameda Pet Hospital team.

Sooah Goo, DVM
I was born in South Korea and raised in La Crescenta, a small town north of Los Angeles. I spent my undergraduate years at UC Irvine and earned my veterinary degree at Western University in 2015. Afterwards, I completed an intensive one-year internship at VCA West Los Angeles before moving up to Oakland and working in both emergency medicine and general practice. After spending the last year in Orange County, my husband Brian and I decided to move back to the East Bay. We live in Alameda with our geriatric Cavalier (Mr. Darcy) and two foster-failed sibling kitties (Oliver and Zoey). During my free time, I enjoy bicycling, crafting, gardening, loving on our four-legged kids, and trying all of the delicious foods the Bay Area has to offer. I am excited to serve Alameda and its neighboring communities and look forward to caring for your beloved pets as I would for one of my own.

Customer Service/Reception Staff

    Rebekah, Hospital Manager
I grew up in Alameda and love being a part of this community. When I’m not working I love to take my dog hiking in the Oakland Hills or to the dog park in Alameda. If you see us be sure to say “hi!”

    Christine
I have been living in Alameda for many years. Part of my family are three young kitties who turn my house upside down and my Greyhound Darcy. In my free time Darcy and I go on long walks and road trips. I enjoy being around cats and dogs and working at APH.

    Peg
After working in architectural and interior design in the Bay Area for 30 years, I decided to expand my knowledge and work with my second love, animals! Already knowing a bit about the architecture and design of buildings, I would now explore the architecture and design of dogs and cats at Alameda Pet Hospital, and I hope to do so for many years to come.

    Chelsea, CSR
As a proud East Bay native I am honored to serve the community I grew up in. In my freetime, I enjoy taking my cat Tucker on leashed walks around my neighborhood and thrifting. I frequently stop mid-conversation to point out the beautiful dogs or cats I see. I love working with people and their animal friends alike. I started my journey working with animals by volunteering at the Humane Society and I am excited to continue growing and learning at Alameda Pet Hospital.

    Shawna, CSR

    Kenndra, Veterinary Rooming Assistant

Kennel Staff

    Rosa
I have worked at APH for over 17 years. I also teach music at Fun Time Daycare in El Cerrito. I have my own Afro-Peruvian band. We perform a variety of Latin and Afro-Peruvian music at restaurants, private parties, and other venues, including El Mono Fresh Flavors of Peru restaurant every Saturday 6-9 pm. And I’m an active member of the Sanctuary Felicedad in Peru, where I help raise funds to rescue, feed, and treat homeless dogs and cats. My love of animals, though, always brings me home to my dog, Guapo.

    Michael
While I’ve been working at the hospital for a while now, I have been around pets and animals for most of my life. I enjoy meeting and taking care of all the different dogs and cats that come to stay with us. Making connections with the animals in order to make their stay more pleasant and building relationships with their owners gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I have three cats at home that act like a pack of rascals, but I love them so much I wouldn’t have them any other way.

Veterinary Nursing Staff

    Cory
I’ve been working at Alameda Pet Hospital for almost 18 years now, and I am proud to be a veterinary technician. I consider myself to be a cross between Ace Ventura and Dr. Doolittle, due to my humorous personality and love for all animals. No job is better than mine; I get to play with everyone’s pets all day. When I’m not at work, I’m out enjoying life with my family and friends.

    Deb
I’ve been a vet tech since I was 15½ years old—and I’m old now. I love being a tech because it’s a great job. I’ve worked in emergency clinics to day practices, and I’ve learned a lot of things from each one. I’ve also been to school throughout the years. I have one dog, a Pit Bull named Sparta, and a Thoroughbred named Baby Root. I think APH is by far the best place I’ve been a tech at yet. I’ve been here 13 years. Still one of the best vet hospitals ever.

    Sara, Veterinary Assistant