Meet the Team

Dr. Krishna Bhatt is an experienced veterinarian, who has practiced veterinary medicine in Canada, the USA, and Nepal. After graduating from the Veterinary School in Nepal in 2011, Dr. Bhatt moved to Canada to pursue his graduate degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences (VMS) from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada. Dr. Bhatt was practicing in Brentwood, California before joining our team at Santa Rita Animal Care Clinic in Pleasanton. Bhatt enjoys working with small animals and is passionate about providing premium quality animal care. He believes in consistent learning and applying new and advanced techniques to improve the quality of care for our furry friends. He is trained and proficient in small animal Emergency and critical care, surgeries, dentistry, and internal medicine. Dr. Bhatt is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Board, American Veterinary Medical Association, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. When not busy caring for our furry friends, Dr. Bhatt loves spending time outdoors with his family along with their diluted orange tabby Cat named Mimi. He also loves playing Squash, badminton, and Tennis.

Dr. Mandeep has been in small animal practice since 1998. He graduated from Punjab Veterinary College, India. Then he completed a one-year clinical rotation program in Alabama. Dr. Mandeep completed his Masters in preventive medicine and parasitology in 2000. He is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Mandeep has a special interest and experience in preventive health care, internal medicine, geriatric health and screening, routine and complicated surgery. He also has special interest in Laser Surgery and orthopaedic surgery. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife & kids.

Dr. Kumar earned his veterinary degree in India before relocating to the United States, where he completed the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) at Oklahoma State University. His professional interests include small animal surgery, internal medicine, and diagnostic ultrasound.

Alyssa was born and raised in Marin County and recently moved to the Central Valley. When she is not working, she enjoys the company of her fur babies —Noah her cat and Maci her golden retriever who are her absolute world. She loves traveling especially trips to Tahoe, hanging out with family and friends, spending the day at the beach with Maci and staying at home cuddling with Noah.

With ten years of experience in veterinary medicine, Alyssa is passionate about caring for animals and ensuring their well being. After working as an overnight technician in a busy ER and Specialty Vet Hospital she very briefly left the field for a corporate office job. After a few months she quickly realized vet med was exactly where she was meant to be and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

Hello, my name is Gabriella. I have currently made the change to Santa Rita Animal Care as a Veterinary Assistant. Before this change, I worked in upholstery for 10 years, but due to my love for animals, I made the move over to the vet field 3 years ago! My goal for this field is to work my way up to a specialty hospital for cardio or dental work. My hobbies are working on cars, sewing, cooking, and going hiking/camping with my 2 human babies and my 2 fur babies.

Hi, my name is Leslie. I’m someone who finds joy in creativity and the outdoors—I love hiking, crocheting, drawing, and painting. I’ve also recently joined the Santa Rita team, and it’s been an exciting journey so far. I’m learning a lot every day and know there’s still so much more to take in. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and contribute as part of this amazing team.

Hello there! My name is Vanessa! I am a level two Fear Free Certified veterinary assistant who has been in the veterinary field since 2018. I started as a Certified Personal Trainer while I went to college in Napa, California, for Mathematics and Natural Science before relocating to the East Bay and diving into the veterinary field. I plan to go back to school and obtain my RVT in the Fall of 2025. I have a special interest in animal dentistry and behavior, and would love to aim my focus on learning more techniques and strategies on ensuring our patients have an enjoyable and fear-free experience and the highest quality care while in our hospital. I also have a passion for teaching and love educating owners on veterinary medicine so they can make the most informed decision for their pet's medical care. I have three cats and two dogs of my own. I love spending my free time with my fur babies, hiking, lifting weights, plant shopping, and playing video games. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and meeting you and your furry and/or non-furry friends!

My name is MJ. I was born in Korea and have been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember, thanks to my father, who is a dedicated veterinarian. Growing up in that environment inspired a deep love and respect for animals that has guided my life and career. I moved to this country on my own and later married someone who shares my love for animals. Together, we care for a lively household that includes three friendly dogs, several cats, and a variety of reptiles such as snakes and geckos. Our home is a reflection of the compassion and dedication we have toward animal welfare. Choosing to enter the veterinary medicine field was a natural step for me. I wanted to expand my knowledge and actively participate intreating and caring for animals in need. Every day in this field reaffirms that decision—there is nothing more rewarding than being part of an animal's healing journey. Outside of work, I enjoy snowboarding during the winter and spending quality time with my scaly snake companions. These personal passions keep me balanced and continually connected to the animals I love.

Hello! My name is Lais Talita, and I’m a veterinarian from Brazil. I’ve loved animals since I was a kid, and pursuing this path is something that I know would make that little version of me proud. I earned both my Veterinary Medicine degree (2020) and my Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2023) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Throughout my journey, I’ve gained experience in molecular biology, clinical practice, and animal health, working with small animals, birds and cows. I’m now working toward starting the process to become a licensed veterinarian in USA. I’m a big science enthusiast and love learning newthings that help me grow both personally and professionally. Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies and shows, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends. Caring for animals truly makes me feel complete, and I’m excited to continue this path, making a positive difference wherever I go.

Hello! My name is Jazmin. I am currently in school to become a veterinarian assistant. I have worked as an animal companion for over a year, taking care of small animals, reptiles, and birds. My previous experience was as a pharmacy technician filling medications. Not only do I love animals in general, but I also love caring for and working with them. I have 7 cats at home and 2 dogs that are part of my family. I enjoy cooking, reading, going on hikes, and spending time with my kids.

I’ve been a Certified Veterinary Assistant since 2023, and I truly love what I do. I’m passionate about providing gentle, compassionate care and helping create a positive, stress-free experience for both pets and their owners. I’m currently continuing my education in college to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), and I’m excited to keep growing in the veterinary field. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending quality time with my dog—going on hikes, trying new adventures, or staying home cooking new recipes and creating fresh juices.