Dr. Michael Kirkpatrick

Dr. Michael Kirkpatrick received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the Royal School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was born and raised in Germany and received his undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of San Diego.

His love for animals was instilled in him at a young age by his parents, who always set a good example of caring and being advocates for animals. Dr. Kirkpatrick feels as though veterinary medicine is the perfect situation that allows him to help animals and people alike.

His special interests in veterinary medicine include surgery, pain management, dentistry, and dermatology. He is passionate about treating every pet as though it were his own, giving the best medical care possible by applying his training and knowledge in educating owners on preventative medicine.

Dr. Kirkpatrick is married with two young daughters and has a miniature Dachshund named Sami and an English Cocker Spaniel named Bea. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and likes traveling to different countries. He has a great passion for the outdoors, where he enjoys hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography (some of which you can see around the clinic). Dr. Kirkpatrick is an avid sports fan and former college and professional basketball player who loves staying active.

Dr. Savanna Yager

Dr. Savanna Yager earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, graduating in the top 5% of her class. She has five years of experience in general practice and emergency medicine and is Fear Free certified, CPR certified, and has advanced training in ER/ICU and ultrasound AFAST/TFAST.

Her passion for veterinary medicine began in childhood, her family bred English Cocker Spaniels. She is dedicated to building lasting connections with pets and their families and her clinical interests include reproduction, behavior, and internal medicine.

Outside of work, Dr. Yager enjoys training her dogs for obedience competitions and outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and camping. She shares her home with an English Cocker Spaniel, a Great Dane, a Cane Corso, and a Siberian Husky, and has a special fondness for all giant breeds!

Dr. Samantha Bacong

Dr. Samantha Bacong earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University and has several years of experience in small animal general practice.

Dr. Bacong was drawn to veterinary medicine through her experience growing up with pets, where she developed a deep appreciation for the bond between animals and their owners.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog, often hiking, camping, and visiting national parks.

Dr. Brittany Boitnott

Dr. Brittany Boitnott earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and has several years of experience in small animal general practice. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through Chi University and has additional training in otoscopy, endoscopy, rhinoscopy, and abdominal and thoracic FAST ultrasound. Her clinical background emphasizes comprehensive primary care with a focus on minimally invasive diagnostics and integrative therapies.

Dr. Boitnott’s passion for veterinary medicine began while growing up on a small dairy farm in southwestern Virginia, where she developed a lifelong love of animals. She hopes clients know that her top priority is helping them and their pets enjoy a long, healthy life together.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, trips to the beach, and spending time at the San Diego Zoo with her husband. She shares her home with her dog, Derik and two cats, Jeni and Thad.

Dr. Santiago Laverde

Dr. Santiago Laverde earned his Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris from the University of Pennsylvania. He has experience in small animal medicine and is Fear Free Certified, reflecting his commitment to creating low-stress, positive veterinary visits for pets. He also has advanced training in dentistry and is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Laverde’s passion for veterinary medicine was inspired by witnessing gaps in animal welfare education while growing up, motivating him to improve access to preventive care and client education. He believes pet owners know their animals best and encourages clients to share any changes they notice at home, no matter how small, to help provide the best possible care.

Outside of work, he enjoys supporting and mentoring his teammates, bringing positivity to the workplace, and spending time with family and friends. He shares his home with a tuxedo cat and a Miniature Schnauzer puppy named Luca, who are inseparable companions.

Stephanie Leone

Hospital Director

Stephanie prides herself on bringing experience in emergency and specialty medicine to Jamacha. Her goal is to ensure smooth clinic operations, support the incredible team here, and provide the best experience for both pets and their owners. She and her boyfriend, Scott, have two dogs named Rigatoni and Callie, one special needs tortoise named Colonel Shellington, and nine chickens she is slightly obsessed with.