Our Team
Meet Our Doctors
Surgery
Andrew Grange
BSc (Hons), BVetMed, Diplomate ACVS
Dr. Andrew Grange is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and Chief of Staff of OakVet Animal Specialty Hospital. He attended University College London where he received his bachelor’s degree in orthopedic science, and then graduated in 2008 from the Royal Veterinary College in London with a degree in veterinary medicine. Following graduation he completed a rotating internship in Southern California, and a residency in small animal surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA.
His professional interests include the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques (Arthroscopy, Laparoscopy, and Thoracoscopy) in the management of soft tissue and orthopedic disease, and the surgical treatment of cruciate disease, fractures, and Total Hip Replacement.
Dr. Grange’s personal interests include skiing, cycling, ice hockey, and spending time with his wife, Allison (also a veterinarian), children Amelia and Ethan, their dog, Abby, and 5 cats.
Jamie Wignall
BVetMed (Hons), MS, Diplomate ACVS
Dr. Wignall comes from a family of veterinarians in the United Kingdom, and after pursuing veterinary school and a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College in London, he returned home for a year in rural mixed animal practice. Adventure beckoned, and he completed his 3 year surgical residency at Louisiana State University (geaux tigers 1) where he found a southern girl, a love for the New Orleans Saints and a terrier called Maverick. He then worked in Southern California for 4 years where the family expanded to add two more terriers, Biffy and Ziggy. His hobbies include snowboarding, soccer, hiking and spending time with his veterinarian partner and young son.
His professional interests cover all aspects of orthopedics, soft tissue, and neurosurgery, with a particular emphasis on the upper airway and minimally surgical techniques (Arthroscopy, Laparoscopy, and Thoracoscopy) and the surgical treatment of fractures and cruciate disease with TPLO.
John Haburjak
DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Dr. John Haburjak graduated from UC Davis Veterinary School in 1993 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. He practiced for 5 years before returning to academics to complete a combined surgical residency program in San Diego and the University of Illinois.
Dr. Haburjak is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons his clinical surgical interests include surgical oncologic procedures of the face, head and neck, corrective orthopedic procedures, and disorders of the canine stifle. Finally, he has dedicated most of his post-graduate emphasis on minimally invasive procedures including: laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and interventional radiology (urethral and tracheal stenting).
Dr. Haburjak’s hobbies include singles tennis, Oakland A’s baseball, riding with his kids and cooking (not to mention eating, too!). He shares his life with his wife, Aimee (also a veterinarian), daughters Eva & Emery and sons Ian, and Isaac – along with Addison (bubble-headed Japanese spaniel), Poppy (a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a freckled nose!), Pixie (mutant Chihuahua) – some Guinea Pigs and a Cat named Ginger Cookie.
Luis Perez
DVM
Dr. Perez was born in Southern CA, and was raised in Phoenix, AZ. He attended Arizona State University where he received his Bachelor Degrees in Kinesiology and Biology. He initially intended to pursue a career in human medicine, but found his calling in the veterinary field. After working as a veterinary technician for a few years in San Diego, he left for the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis to pursue his veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
After his academic training was completed, he finished his clinical training at the University of Tennessee (UT). During his time at UT, he was involved with their rehabilitation service, and became certified as a canine rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP). Following a year in Tennessee, he moved to the east bay area where he completed a one-year rotating internship at Ironhorse Vetcare with emphasis on surgery, emergency and internal medicine. It was here where he would meet his future fiancée, and became a proud owner of a well-behaved German Shepherd (Zeus).
His travels would not end there, as he traveled to Malvern, PA to complete a three-year surgical residency at Hope Veterinary Specialist. There his family would expand as he and his fiancée rescued a senior pug (Frank). He has returned to the East Bay to be reunited with Ironhorse Vetcare as a surgeon. His professional interests cover all aspects of orthopedics, soft tissue, and neurosurgery, with particular interest in wound management, surgical oncology, and cruciate disease. Dr. Perez’s personal interests include snowboarding, basketball, football, and spending time with his Fiancée, Dani, their two dogs, and his cat (Captain Kirk).
internal medicine
Silvia Funes
DVM, Diplomate ACVIM
Dr. Silvia Funes is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She is from Spain where she went to veterinary school graduating in 2012. After veterinary school she moved to the U.S. and worked at Ohio State University and a private hospital in Florida. Dr. Funes completed a medical and surgical internship at Oregon State University. She continued at Oregon State University where she finished a 3-year Internal Medicine residency program and became board certified in 2017. After completing her residency she moved to the Bay Area where she has been practicing as an Internal Medicine specialist since then.
Her clinical interests include gastroenterology, endocrine, renal and autoimmune disorders as well as endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Funes works closely with her team to provide the best case for her patients. Her favorite aspects of internal medicine are being able to create treatment plans for complex cases and help families understand their pet’s conditions.
Outside of work Dr. Funes enjoys hiking, cross training, outdoor adventures and spending time with her husband and kids. She has a gorgeous orange cat called Mouse King and two dogs – Peluso and Felix.
Cardiology
Justin Williams
DVM, Diplomate ACVIM/Cardiology
Dr. Justin Williams completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Los Angeles before obtaining his veterinary medical degree in 2007 from Colorado State University. He then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in the Denver metropolitan area. Dr. Williams finished a three-year cardiology residency at the MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, and earned board certification in cardiology from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2011. Originally from Arizona, he enjoys the outdoors alongside his wife, Emily, and their three children. His hobbies include fly-fishing, hiking, photography, drawing, and ice hockey.
Oncology
Jason Kidd
DVM, Diplomate ACVIM/Oncology
Dr. Jason Kidd received his DVM from the University of California, Davis in 2007. He completed an internship at Colorado State University in 2008 and a small-animal medical oncology residency at North Carolina State University in 2011. Dr. Kidd focuses on maintaining quality of life for his patients and helps owners to make the most informed decisions possible for their beloved pets. His clinical interests include histiocytic cancers and metronomic chemotherapy.
Dr. Kidd was born and raised in the Bay Area and currently lives in Berkeley with his wife, Katherine (also a veterinarian), daughter, and their pointer mix, Fintan. When not working, he loves spending time with his family, traveling, surfing, snowboarding, and seeing live music.
Dentistry
Armeti Aghashani
DVM
Dr. Armeti Aghashani is residency trained in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery. She attended University of California, Santa Barbara where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2008. She completed her veterinary education at University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Following graduation, she completed a 1-year rotating internship at VCA PetCare East Veterinary Hospital in Santa Rosa, CA. She returned to her alma mater in 2018 to complete a Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery Residency at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Aghashani will sit for her specialty examinations for the American Veterinary Dental College in 2022.
Dr. Aghashani’s personal interests include gardening, trying new recipes and spending time with family, friends, and her 2 cats.
Da Bin Lee
DVM
Dr. Da Bin Lee is residency-trained in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery. Dr. Lee is South Korean but was born and raised in Thailand. After graduation from high school, she moved to the US to pursue her goal of becoming a veterinarian. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Iowa State University, and then completed her veterinary studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Lee completed a 1-year rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at University of Tennessee. She then completed a 3-year residency in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery at UC Davis.
Outside of work, Dr. Lee enjoys many sports, including golf and tennis, playing and listening to music, and savoring authentic Asian food.
Emergency & Critical Care
Danielle Pollio
DVM, Diplomate ACVECC
Dr. Danielle Pollio graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. After veterinary school, Dr. Pollio completed a small animal rotating internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and went on to pursue a three-year residency in emergency and critical care medicine at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida. She practiced at a large specialty hospital in the Pacific Northwest until moving to the Bay Area in 2020. Dr. Pollio is passionate about all aspects of emergency and critical care medicine and is particularly interested the treatment of polytrauma and sepsis. In her free time, Dr. Pollio enjoys jogging around Lake Merritt, baking for coworkers, and spending time with her husband and pets.
Robin McIntyre
DVM, Diplomate ACVECC
Dr. Robin McIntyre is originally from Southern California, where she completed her undergraduate education. She knew by second grade that she wanted to become a veterinarian, and in the fourth year of veterinary school she decided to become a critical care specialist. Having graduated magna cum laude in 2010 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, she completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania in 2011, and an emergency and critical care residency at the University of California Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2014.
Dr. McIntyre has been living in the Bay Area since finishing her residency. When not at the hospital, she enjoys reading, swimming, rock tumbling, musicals, caving, urban exploration, and hip hop dancing. Her family includes her husband Johnny, their teenage daughter, their high-speed toddler, and a cat named Sampson.
Dr. McIntyre’s critical care interests include acid base and electrolyte abnormalities, hypoxemia, cavitary effusions, sepsis, shock, and CPR.
Erin Updegrove
DVM
Dr. Erin Updegrove graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and pursued an emergency-focused internship outside of Washington, D.C. She has been practicing emergency medicine in the Bay Area since 2011. Outside of the ER, she is passionate about volunteering her time to underserved communities across the United States and internationally. Dr. Updegrove works with several organizations that provide free veterinary care for the public, as well as training for new graduate veterinarians and students. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and enjoying the Bay Area while sharing her home with an energetic pit bull named Riza.
Caroline Li
DVM
Dr. Caroline Li graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at Oklahoma State University. She completed a small animal rotating internship at East Bay Veterinary Specialists and Emergency in Walnut Creek and has practiced in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2013, ranging from general practice, emergency and high volume spay neuter. Dr. Li has come full circle and returned to one of her first passions in emergency medicine and is proud to serve the Oakland/East Bay community. Outside of work she enjoys outdoor activities ranging from cross country skiing to training for triathlons. She shares her home with her “coconut retriever” Daphne and is owned by her two young cats Owl and Klay.
William Joglar
DVM
Dr. William S. Joglar Medina was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He obtained his DVM from Tuskegee University of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. After graduating he completed a small animal rotating internship in San Francisco. Since then he as been working Emergency & Critical Care. Some of Dr. Joglar’s fields of interest are Emergency & Critical Care and Internal Medicine. In his free time, Dr. Joglar enjoys hiking, backpacking, traveling, cooking and spending time with his dog Ika.
Josh Van Geem
DVM
Dr. Josh Van Geem is a Northern California native growing up in the foothills in beautiful Gold Country. As a second-generation veterinarian he has spent the majority of his life in and around veterinary hospitals and was fascinated by the quality of care veterinarians can provide for our beloved animal companions. Josh attended UC Santa Cruz for his undergraduate degree in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, during which he spent a semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in the medical sciences department. Following undergraduate he spent a year as a veterinary assistant/mentee at his father’s veterinary practice prior to attending UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine for his veterinary degree. He went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists and then worked in general practice in Oakland and Grass Valley. Josh enjoys the dynamics of veterinary practice and working with a diverse group of people for the sake of our animal friends.
Outside of work Josh is an avid musician (guitar, bass, trumpet, keys) and enjoys attending shows. Any given day you may find him cruising around on his bicycle in Oakland, San Francisco, or the North Bay or holed up at a café reading a book. He is sad that his miniature Australian Shepherd, Frankie, cannot be in the Bay Area with him (severe separation anxiety) but loves to go home to the foothills to his parents’ “Dog Ranch” where he and Frankie can go out to the river and appreciate nature. Now that the rigors of school and internship over Josh is looking forward to being able to travel abroad and get back into scuba diving.
Eric Nickerson
DVM
Dr. Nickerson was born and raised in Orange County, California. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego where he studied Ecology, Animal Behavior, and Evolution. He spent a semester in Australia studying the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef. He also spent a year of research at the University of California, San Diego Medical School investigating the effects of hypoxia on gene expression and regulation in the brainstems of mice. He then attended UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to complete his DVM. While in veterinary school he received the national Dr. Jack Walther Leadership Award and represented UC Davis at the national level as a delegate of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. He also completed research investigating the heritability of Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) in Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands and Rottweilers. He graduated with high honors and was inducted into the Phi Zeta National Honors Society. He then left for a rotating internship at Purdue University in Indiana with a specialized interest in cardiology and emergency medicine. He has a particularly strong interest in cardiac emergencies. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and hiking with his dog, Pebbles (who has mild SAS).
Koko Shishida
DVM
Dr. Koko Shishida is a 2010 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She worked as a small animal general practitioner in the Bay Area and Sacramento before a rotating internship at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. Since 2015, she has worked as an emergency veterinarian in the East Bay as well as at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. When not working, Dr. Shishida enjoys travel, hiking, podcasts, tacos and surfing.
