Meet our team!
Dr. Kara Havens
Veterinarian
Education: Point Loma Nazarene University, St. George’s University, Washington State University
Pets: “Kasper” (female Basenji), “Nutmeg” (female Doberman/Greyhound island mutt), “Blaze” (male Basenji puppy), Pele (male Schnoodle), and Binx (male Domestic Shorthair island kitty)
I discovered my passion for animals at a young age and decided to pursue a veterinary medicine career at 18 after realizing my affinity for medicine. Born and raised in San Diego, I earned my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology from Point Loma Nazarene University in May 2009. Then, I earned my Master in Public Health (MPH) in December 2012 and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in June 2013 from St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine, in Grenada, West Indies. Going to vet school in the Caribbean was a fantastic experience; I learned surgery skills early on, fostered several stray animals and found their homes, and even brought back a dog and cat for myself!
I spent my clinical year at Washington State University, developing particular areas of interest in oncology, anesthesia, internal medicine, and infectious disease control. Throughout my early career and due to personal health issues of family pets, I deepened my love for geriatric medicine, nephrology, and dermatology.
What I like most about being a veterinarian is seeing sick and injured pets restored to health and forming lasting relationships with pets and their human families. I love being able to share in the joy of a new puppy or kitten, and I delight in assisting pet parents in improving the quality of life of their senior pets.
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our pets, “Nutmeg,” “Blaze,” “Binx,” “Kasper,” and “Pele.” We have regular family dinners in addition to playdates with my brother’s dog, “Winston,” the Shiba Inu. I enjoy playing the piano, Broadway, traveling, outdoor activities, and church in my spare time.
Dr. Deidre Puaoi
Veterinarian
Education: University of Kentucky, Washington State University, Oregon State University
Pets: Shane, Ali, Lucy, Banchee, Cathy (RIP), and Theo (RIP). The first thing you will notice about Dr. Dee is her passion. She truly loves what she does. Most important to Dr. Dee is developing a personal, trusting relationship with her clients and being able to care for animals through every stage of their lives. Dr. Dee believes trust between the doctor, owner, and the patient is essential to successful healthcare.
Dr. Dee strives to provide excellent care for both patients and my clients. She goes above and beyond to provide personalized, high-quality veterinary care and has surrounded herself with a professional staff that aims to meet the same high standards. During her off-time, she enjoys cooking/entertaining, working in the yard, crafting beer, flag football, and my family of pets. When she arrives home, Sr. Dee is greeted by her beloved Cathy-Cat (14 years old with an unclassified heart condition), Lucy, Ali, and Banchee (all cats), an 80 lb. Alaskan Malamute (Shane) and a blue tongue skink (Liz). A California native, Dr. Dee started her professional life (career) in molecular biology (plant and animal), working for The Scripps Research Institute and Oregon Health Sciences University. She has always had my eye on veterinary medicine.
In 1996 Dr. Dee graduated from the joint program between Oregon State University and Washington State University. Soon after, she accepted her first veterinarian position at Golden Gate Fields Race Track in San Francisco. Next, she was off to a mixed animal practice in Angels Camp, California (God’s Country). At the Angels Camp Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Dee gained additional experience with cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and emergency medicine (it was a James Herriot life). For the past 14 years, she has worked in San Diego, refining her skills as a small animal and exotic animal practitioner. She also completed a Don Low Fellowship in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at the University Of California Veterinary School.
Dr. Salvador Flores
Veterinarian
Education: University of Baja California Veterinary School
We are so excited to announce the newest addition to SeaCoast Veterinary Group. You may have already met him, but Dr. Salvador Flores has officially joined our practice, and we are thrilled to have such a wonderful veterinarian on the team.
Dr. Flores knew he wanted to become a veterinarian from a young age. As a child, he was surrounded by farm animals, dogs, and cats. Dr. Flores earned his degree from the University of Baja California Veterinary School.
Early in his career, Dr. Flores worked on a dairy farm for several years before moving to San Diego to pursue his veterinary license. During that time, he worked as a veterinary technician and purchased his practice, which he had developed for 16 years. Since then, he has supported the San Diego community by working in various animal hospitals.
When he isn’t taking care of his patients, Dr. Flores enjoys spending time with his cat and three dogs, one of which is still a puppy! He loves the outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and traveling.
Dr. Flores is looking forward to meeting all our wonderful clients and patients and cannot wait to provide you with exceptional care.
Marissa
Veterinarian Assistant
Marissa has always been interested in science and working with animals as a career. While working towards an Associate’s Degree in Biology, she worked at SeaWorld, San Diego, for four years.
Marissa began to further her education in a Veterinary Assistant program, where she had the fantastic opportunity to complete her externship at Seacoast Veterinary Group. With the help of the great team and my passion for animals, she was hired to join the staff here.
In her free time, Marissa enjoys going to the beach, being at home with her family, and visiting the family ranch in Mexico with many animals. She has a Shar-Pei named Maple and an Australian shepherd named Sin and has owned dogs, cats, and a hedgehog in the past few years.
Brenda
Hometown: Ilinois
Pets: Kona, Kyo, and Jack
Brenda is originally from Illinois and moved to SoCal, as her husband is stationed here in the US Navy.
I chose to be in the vet field because I wanted to give my pets the best life they deserve. I also liked to take on the challenge of having patients that can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel and learning how to take care of them. I love working in the vet field because every day is different & you never know who or what is going to walk in that door. I graduated in 2021 & received my CVT license in Illinois where I grew up. That same year I moved to San Diego and got my RVT licensing. It’s been a fun and different environment working here in California. Although I do miss the Midwest, I have my husband and 3 cats that keep me company and occupied at home. In my free time, I like to go out and try new restaurants or food places since San Diego has so much to offer or relax at home and binge-watch some Netflix.
Laura
Jose
Veterinary Assistant
One day while growing up in Mexico City, Jose found a sparrow in his family’s garden suffering from an injured wing. He fed and nurtured the bird and even applied a tiny splint. It didn’t take long for the sparrow to heal—he can still recall watching it fly away without any trouble! Right then and there, he realized that taking care of animals would be a future career path.
Jose studied animal care at the National Autonomous University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Mexico. He first joined the clinic team when his good friend, SeaCoast Veterinary Group’s very own Armando, told him about an open position. Jose is passionate about surgery, preventative medicine, and client education. If he can impart his knowledge to improve a pet’s life, he knows he had a successful day!
In time away from work, Jose enjoys visiting the beach, playing soccer, and spending time with his family. He and his wonderful wife, Lupita, have an Irish wolfhound puppy named Zales and a French poodle mix named Miro.
Jenny
Practice Manager
Hometown: Indiana
Pets: 2 dogs!
Jenny grew up with dogs and cats and has always had an affinity for animals. In high school, she worked at the county’s Humane Society, helping rescue dogs, cats, and the occasional deer. She got into Veterinary medicine to help as many animals as possible, but snuggling puppies & kittens is a bonus!
Jenny is originally from the Midwest (Indiana-go COLTS!). Her husband is in the Navy, and they moved to San Diego a few years ago. She has two large fur kids, whom she adores so much! She enjoys reading, swimming, kayaking, and all things Disney and Christmas!
Jenny is looking forward to working at Seacoast Vet Group and learning about animals.
Ember
For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a natural passion when it came to caring for animals. I grew up surrounded by cats, dogs and all types of wildlife. As a child I would take in any sick or wounded animal that crossed my path and devote my time and efforts to nursing it back to health. It only seems right to work in an environment where I get to fulfill that passion every day.
Mishel
Technician Assistant
Mishel, her husband, and canine kids have lived in IB (Imperial Beach) for 16 years. They love the small town, chill vibe. Previously, Mishel enjoyed a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, but in 2020, she needed a change. Still wanting to help others, it was an easy decision to upgrade to animal caregiver, as Mishel absolutely adores animals of all kinds! She attended school in 2022 and obtained a Veterinary Assistant Certificate. Mishel loves her position and co-workers at SeaCoast.
Jocelyn
Technician Assistant
Hey! My name is Jocelyn and I am a Veterinary Assistant. I got into the Vet field because I have always wanted to be in the medical field. However, unforeseen life events “pushed” me into Veterinary medicine. I love the veterinary field because I have always wanted to help the underdogs. Animals can’t help themselves and I love helping them out when they don’t feel their best.
Jenn
Lead Receptionist/CSR
Hello everyone! My name is Jennifer and I’m a Veterinary Receptionist at SeaCoast Vet Group. p Animal health is something I have always been interested in and am happy to have joined a staff that wants to keep your pets as healthy as possible. As of now, I have a cat, a horse, a blue tongue skink, and two fish tanks I take care of. Growing up in Los Angeles, I came to San Diego to pursue Wildlife Sustainability at SDSU. My goal is to work with exotic animals and become more experienced. A few years ago I volunteered in Madagascar doing turtle conservation and have worked at the Living Coast Discovery Center with the avian department. Looking forward to meeting your pets!
Hailey
CSR/Receptionist
Hi, I’m Hailey. I’ve grown up around animals my whole life. To me animals are not just pets, they are family. I got my very own fur baby when I was eighteen years old. Not long after I adopted his sibling. Their names are Koda and Cooper. Ever since I got my fur babies, I always knew I would love working with animals. I was lucky enough to come work here with SeaCoast Veterinary Group. Now I am able to enjoy each and every day, seeing and greeting the most adorable fur babies ❤️
Yuliana
CSR/Receptionist
I was born and raised in San Diego. For as long as I can remember I’ve always been passionate about animals. I enjoy coming to work every day and getting to know all the clients and their pets. I like to make them feel welcome and cared for. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and going on road trips. I have a dog his name is Mr. Whiskey, I adore him!