San Diego Team
Cate is the visionary force behind the Anicira Veterinary Centers, serving as its founding CEO since January 2005. With a deep passion for improving the well-being of pets and their families, Cate has dedicated herself to transforming accessible high-quality veterinary care. Under her leadership, the veterinary hospitals have experienced major growth both in the number of non-human family members served and the range of services provided. Cate received an MS in public policy and animals from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and a BA in government from the University of Virginia. Cate is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) and a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). She shares her life with her spouse, daughter, and three mixed-breed adopted dogs Bernadette, Liliana, and Louie.
Dr. Oelstrom has been involved with Anicira Veterinary Center since October 2013. She started as an associate veterinarian at the Manassas hospital helping the practice to grow and helping countless pets and their families. She now serves as the Chief Medical Officer overseeing all of the Anicira hospitals.
Megan received a BA in biology from the University of Virginia in 2005 and earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Virginia.
She has exhibited a passion for surgery and helping animals in need since veterinary school. During that time, she volunteered with the Rural Area Veterinary Service providing spay/neuter and vaccine clinics in remote areas of the United States.
Megan feels blessed to be able to help animals in her community by providing affordable surgical services.
When not in the hospital, Dr. Oelstrom enjoys many outdoor activities (beach-going, skiing, camping) with her spouse, two children, and her “Mississippi mutt”, Obi.
When Dr. Holly was a kid, she constantly brought stray animals home. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Holly attended the University of Tennessee to obtain her bachelor’s in animal science and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine to obtain her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After being out of school for several years, Dr. Holly attended the University of Missouri, where she received her Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in veterinary public health. Working at Anicira, Dr. Holly enjoys providing much-needed dental care for pets and working at an organization whose mission is to provide affordable care to help animals live healthy lives.
Outside work, Dr. Holly loves spending time with her spouse, friends, and dog. She enjoys reading financial, personal development, or adventure books. When Dr. Holly feels energetic and adventurous, she enjoys being active outdoors. Dr. Holly is always down to try something new. She enjoys visiting national parks and traveling to experience different cultures.
In 2022, Dr. Holly traveled to Romania to help pets at the Ukrainian border. She was humbled by this experience and met people from around the world who were passionate about helping refugees.
Felicia finds joy in the constant excitement and variety that veterinary medicine offers. She is particularly passionate about improving pets’ quality of life through her work in veterinary dentistry. Graduating with honors from Platt College in 2019, she has extensive experience in shelter medicine, general practice, and emergency care.
Felicia’s love for animals began in childhood when she often pretended to be a veterinarian. Today, she takes pride in advocating for animals and ensuring they receive the best care. Felicia is committed to making pets comfortable and treating them as her own.
Outside of work, Felicia enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old son, going to the beach, reading, watching movies and TV shows, and practicing archery. Her pets include Mystique, a 10-year-old calico cat found as a stray; Raven, a 4-year-old Shepherd mix adopted from a shelter; and Captain Jack Sparrow, a 3-year-old tuxedo cat she bottle-fed from a day old.
Jenny is a friendly and compassionate Registered Veterinary Technician. She is a passionate advocate for pets and loves being able to be a voice for the voiceless. Jenny studied business at Coastal Carolina University and animal health technology at San Diego Mesa College. She enjoys working at Anicira because of the fast-paced, constantly changing work day and because Anicira can help pets who might not receive care elsewhere. Outside of work, Jenny likes traveling, hiking, yoga, and spending time with her boyfriend. She recently adopted a puppy named Levi from a rescue that works closely with Anicira.
Holly Wilson is a passionate and dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician who has been with Anicira since February 2023. Holly’s educational journey took her to Mt. San Antonio College, where she completed the RVT program and obtained an AS degree. Holly’s interest in working with animals stemmed from a lifelong passion. She finds immense joy in witnessing the unique personalities of each pet and strives to create the best possible experience for them during their visits to the Anicira.
Holly has extensive experience in veterinary medicine. Sharing her knowledge with colleagues and watching them learn and grow brings her great satisfaction, solidifying her dedication to her craft. At Anicira, Holly has found a nurturing environment to expand her expertise. She cherishes the opportunity to perform dental procedures and has acquired invaluable knowledge from the exceptional doctors she works with.
Holly’s unwavering passion for helping pets is rooted in her desire for them to experience the best lives possible. Above all, she wants pet parents to know that she treats each and every animal as if they were her own. Holly is committed to providing the best possible care and ensuring that every pet’s experience is exceptional.
When she’s not providing exceptional care to her patients, Holly enjoys indulging in her hobbies, such as quilting, spending quality time with friends and family, and nurturing her deep love for dogs. You’ll find a delightful array of furry companions in Holly’s home. She shares her life with four dogs, a cat, and three Crested Geckos.
Marissa’s gentle approach and genuine affection for animals are evident in her work. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing the happy tail wags of the pets she helps. Marissa wants pet parents to know that their animals are in compassionate and capable hands, cared for by someone who is as passionate about their well-being as they are.
A proud mother, Marissa cherishes the accomplishment of raising her daughter. Her kind and caring nature defines her both personally and professionally. Outside of work, Marissa enjoys spending quality time with her family, delving into books, and exploring the great outdoors through hiking. She shares her home with two beloved dogs, Ripley, a Staffordshire Terrier, and Winston, a Lab mix, as well as two domestic shorthair cats, Lucy and Neville—all of whom were adopted from shelters.
Megan Simmons is a compassionate veterinary nurse with a deep love for animals.
Megan obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Oregon. At Anicira, she finds joy in offering affordable care options to pet parents. Her passion lies in giving animals a second chance at life.
Overall, Megan’s mission is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals by providing them with the care, love, and compassion they deserve. She finds fulfillment in being a part of their journey and aims to be a trusted partner for pet parents in promoting their pets’ well-being.
Megan shares her life with her rescue German Shepherd/Border Collie mix named Loki. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places, taking her dog Loki for hikes or to the beach, and spending time with her loved ones.
Jackye’s profound love for nurturing creatures in need began at a young age. From bottle-feeding kittens and puppies to volunteering at shelters, her affinity for animals blossomed into a career. Her favorite aspect of working with animals lies in her profound connection with them, which transcends language barriers to foster understanding and compassion.
As a veterinary nurse, Jackye finds fulfillment in the dynamic nature of her work. She appreciates the opportunity to learn and make a tangible difference in animals’ lives. At Anicira, she is driven by a sense of purpose in serving her community and advocating for the well-being of pets. Describing herself as confident and approachable, Jackye exudes a sense of assurance in her work while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for clients and colleagues alike.
Among her proudest accomplishments is her previous role as an animal trainer. She has worked with a diverse array of species, including dogs, cats, birds, camels, and more.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jackye leads a vibrant life outside of work, embracing both quiet moments of relaxation and adventures exploring the world. Whether binge-watching shows or embarking on outdoor escapades with her boyfriend and dogs, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Having pursued her education at the University of California, Riverside, Jackye majored in Theater with a minor in Dance, reflecting her multifaceted interests and talents.
In her home, Jackye shares her life with a menagerie of beloved pets, including four cats—Jinkies, Jafar, T’Challa, and Harley Quinn—two dogs—Jessie Mae and Jay—a red-eared slider named Jazz, and a ball python named Jolie. Each pet holds a unique story of rescue or adoption. Through her warmth and dedication, Jackye seeks to not only enrich the lives of her own pets but also to foster a sense of community and compassion among fellow pet parents.
For Courtney, every day provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals. Driven by a passion for providing excellent care, Courtney takes pride in her ability to instill comfort and trust in pet parents. She understands the apprehension that can accompany leaving a beloved pet in someone else’s hands and strives to alleviate it through her compassionate and caring nature.
Courtney finds fulfillment in advocating for the voiceless and offering empathetic care. Working at Anicira, Courtney enjoys working closely with rescue pets – a group that holds a special place in her heart. She also appreciates the focus on providing affordable veterinary surgery.
Outside of work, Courtney spends her time at the beach, hiking, doing yoga, and experimenting with new recipes. She shares her life with two rescue pups: a 4-year-old pug mix, rescued from a dumpster two years ago, and a 10-year-old American Bully, saved from the brink of euthanasia.
Sarah has always loved spending time with animals. As a Certified Veterinary Assistant at Anicira, she enjoys learning about animal health and behavior. Sarah is a deeply caring and empathetic person who treats each pet like they are her own. Outside of work, Sarah spends time working out and riding bicycles and motorcycles with her spouse. She has three cats and three snakes.
