A native of beautiful Southern California, Dr. Marina Yamate has grown up with a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. She was always taking care of a stray litter of kittens and making habitats for all her critters. At 5 years old, on her first visit to a vet hospital, she was able to hold her kitty in her lap after being told she was very ill. This moment was also an impactful moment of meeting the kindest most compassionate Vet who patiently explained to young Dr. Yamate that everything they were providing at the hospital was a way of helping to relieve pain and suffering.
This Vet significantly influenced her experience of what could have been tragic or frightening into an encouraging, meaningful moment full of love. From there on out, her elementary school years had evidence of, “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?” projects that had “Vet” written all over them. At the early age of 15, she had the unique opportunity to begin volunteering at a local animal clinic and through the years worked her way up through nearly every position within the hospital setting, including veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, and supervisor roles at general practices, private and corporate-owned as well as large emergency and specialty practices across Los Angeles
Dr. Yamate received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Graduate Degree from Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2005 and shortly thereafter earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona in 2011. She went on to practice her discipline as a general practitioner and emergency medicine doctor in the North Orange County and San Bernardino County regions.
Dr. Yamate’s special interests include minimally invasive surgery techniques, osteoarthritis multimodal pain management, senior wellness, and urgent care. She is passionate about helping clients understand how best to care for their pets and loves that she’ll also extend that emotional connection to help owners as well. The human-animal bond is to be cherished and an understanding of how to enhance it through preventative medicine and comprehensive medical care, working together with pet parents to achieve the best quality of life and fear-free experience for all involved is why she feels lucky to get to do what she loves every day.
When Dr. Marina Yamate is away from the hospital, she loves spending quality time with her husband, Nacho, two young children Mateo and Enrique, as well as her puppy dog Khloe and Bengal kitty Chomper. She adores being a mother who can often be found at her children’s sports/extracurricular activities such as Karate, Swim, T-Ball, or BMX racing events. Camping and traveling with family and friends are events she looks forward to each year.
At home, Kirsten is accompanied by two beloved companions – Dora, an enthusiastic Belgian Malinois, and Cornelius, a charming Orange Tabby cat. Outside of her veterinary duties, Kirsten finds joy in camping, diving into a good book, visiting Disneyland for a touch of magic, and expressing her creativity through drawing.
What truly drives Kirsten in her role is the profound satisfaction of aiding sick animals. Witnessing their recovery and observing their true personalities emerge brings her immense fulfillment. For Kirsten, the unconditional love animals offer is a constant reminder of the meaningful impact she can make in the field of veterinary care.
Meet Phoebe, an invaluable member of the Aloha Veterinary Hospital team, serving as a dedicated Veterinary Assistant. Originally from Rowland Heights, Phoebe earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the prestigious University of California, San Diego, providing her with a strong academic foundation.
With a passion for helping animals, Phoebe has been a veterinary assistant specializing in dogs and cats since 2022. Her expertise and love for furry companions shine through in every aspect of her work. At home, Phoebe shares her life with a lively bunch of pets: Dohzhu, her spirited Shiba Inu, Sparky, a delightful chihuahua/dachshund mix, and Moon, her cherished feline friend.
When she’s not providing top-notch care to our furry patients, Phoebe enjoys staying active through powerlifting and unwinding with arcade and computer games. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious, and her dedication to her craft is unmatched.
Phoebe’s true passion lies in bringing joy to both clients and their beloved pets. She finds fulfillment in continuously expanding her knowledge of veterinary medicine, ensuring that every animal receives the highest standard of care. With her warm demeanor and genuine love for animals, Phoebe is an invaluable asset to the Aloha Veterinary Hospital family.
Introducing Jeff, he brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a Veterinary Assistant at Aloha Veterinary Hospital. Originally from Morelia City, Michoacán, Mexico, Jeff now resides in La Habra, CA, where he continues his passion for animal care.
Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and has furthered his expertise with a certificate in Kennel and Veterinary Attendant training from OCVAS of Garden Grove. His professional journey includes valuable experience gained through a veterinary attendant program, hands-on externships, and his role as a Veterinary Technician Assistant.
At home, Jeff is a proud pet parent to Nana and Kuma, his two beloved dogs, and Jackson and Keily, his affectionate cats. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys a range of hobbies including playing video games, watching movies, reading books, and hitting the gym. He is also passionate about dog training.
What Jeff loves most about working in veterinary care is the opportunity to continually learn and grow in the field. He finds great satisfaction in witnessing the recovery of pets and the heartfelt gratitude expressed by their owners. Jeff’s commitment to animal welfare and his caring nature make him an invaluable member of our team.
Meet Nacho, our dedicated Hospital Administrator at Aloha. A proud graduate of the West Coast Ultrasound Institute of Beverly Hills, Class of 2003, Nacho brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fear-free veterinary practices to our team.
Nacho’s journey in the medical field began with a focus on ultrasonography, where he honed his skills and knowledge. With over 20 years of experience, his expertise has been shaped by roles such as Technical Director Lead Administrator for the Vascular Lab at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. This background not only provided him with a strong foundation in human medicine but also allowed him to seamlessly transition back to veterinary medicine.
Nacho’s early career in veterinary medicine began with a mobile ultrasound vet, showcasing his commitment to providing specialized care to animals. His journey continued as a vet tech in the early 2000s, and over the years, he found his way back to the veterinary field, driven by a genuine love for animals.
Currently residing in Placentia, Nacho finds joy in contributing his extensive knowledge to our local, privately-owned veterinary hospital. As a Fear Free Certified Professional, he is dedicated to ensuring that our feline and canine patients receive care that is not only medically sound but also considers their emotional well-being.
Beyond the hospital walls, Nacho is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a diverse range of hobbies. Whether he’s cycling, road/mountain biking, hiking, camping, snowboarding, or scuba diving, Nacho embraces the adventure and thrill of various activities. What he loves most about working in the veterinary field is the seamless transfer of his ultrasound expertise to benefit our animal companions. Nacho takes pride in contributing to the provision of specialty care at Aloha Veterinary Hospital, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of compassionate and fear-free treatment.
Meet Roberta Jaime, our dedicated Client Service representative who brings a wealth of experience and a warm, welcoming spirit to our veterinary practice. Born and raised in Fullerton, California, Roberta is a proud alumna of Cal State Fullerton, where she earned her degree. Prior to joining our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team, she spent nine enriching years at the Walt Disney Company, honing her skills in guest services and cultivating a commitment to creating magical experiences for others.
Roberta’s dedication to ensuring stress-free experiences for our furry friends is highlighted by her Fear Free Certification. This special training allows her to approach every interaction with a gentle and calming demeanor, creating a positive atmosphere for pets and their owners alike.
At home, Roberta shares her life with an energetic Chihuahua named Bailey. Their bond is a testament to her genuine love for animals, and she understands the importance of pets as cherished family members.
When she’s not assisting pet owners at our hospital, Roberta finds joy in attending concerts, exploring new destinations through travel, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Her vibrant personality and love for life extend beyond the hospital walls.
What Roberta loves most about working in the veterinary field is the opportunity to connect with pet owners, contribute to the well-being of their beloved pets, and be a vital part of a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional animal health care. Her genuine care and empathetic approach ensure that every pet and their owner feel valued and supported throughout their veterinary journey.
Meet Geneva, our dedicated Veterinary Client Concierge at Aloha Veterinary Hospital, bringing a unique blend of enthusiasm and expertise to her role. Born and raised in Huntington Beach, where she continues to reside, Geneva’s journey in veterinary care began with her education at the United Institute of Education (UEI).
With a year of experience as a veterinary assistant and receptionist, Geneva also holds certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), which enhances her capability to provide exceptional client support. Her love for animals extends to her own pets, which include Hades, her loyal dog; Aphrodite and Frankie Rue, her affectionate cats; Chaos, her charming bunny; and several reptiles.
Outside of work, Geneva leads an active lifestyle, combining her passion for nature with her fitness goals. She enjoys morning runs with Hades, as well as hiking, camping, and fishing. Looking ahead, Geneva is excited to start nursing school in the spring, furthering her commitment to helping others.
What Geneva finds most rewarding about her role is the opportunity to assist clients and their beloved pets while continuously learning and growing in the field. Her dedication and passion make her an invaluable asset to our team at Aloha Veterinary Hospital.
Introducing Carolina, an aspiring veterinary professional currently enrolled in the RVT program at Mt. San Antonio College. Hailing from the heart of Fullerton, California, Carolina brings both academic prowess and hands-on experience to our dedicated veterinary team. Carolina is passionately pursuing her dream of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at Mt. San Antonio College. Her commitment to continuous learning reflects her dedication to providing top-tier care for our animal companions. With two years of experience as a veterinary technician, Carolina boasts a diverse skill set, having worked with exotic species for a year and small animals for another. Her expertise spans the unique needs of various animals, showcasing her versatility in the field.
At home, Carolina’s heart belongs to two loyal companions: Hades, a spirited Pitbull/Lab mix, and Cerberus, an endearing German Shepherd. Her love for these furry friends underscores her genuine passion for the well-being of animals.
When not immersed in veterinary care, Carolina indulges in her love for literature, spending quiet moments absorbed in books. She also finds joy in the cinematic world, enjoying movies that capture the imagination. Of course, playful interactions with Hades and Cerberus, as their energy and enthusiasm bring immense joy to her life.
Carolina’s dedication extends beyond technical skills; she values her role as a voice in our patients’ healthcare. What she loves most about working in the veterinary field is the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our furry friends and actively participate in decisions that impact their health.
Veterinary Hospital
