Our Careteam

Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team!

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Arroyo Veterinary Clinic in San Lorenzo! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

Please call us at 510-278-8440 to speak to one of our caring veterinary team members!

Dr. Pavneet Mavi
Veterinarian

Education:
BVSc & AH – Punjab Agricultural University
ECFVG – Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine

 Growing up in an agricultural area of India, I worked with all sorts of farm animals from a young age.  I attended veterinary school and began working as a veterinarian for large animals and companion pets in nutrition and development.  Knowing I could do even more, I moved to Indiana where I returned to veterinary school at Purdue.  I learned so much working at a combination emergency/specialty/general practice in Indiana, there is where I developed my special interests in dermatology, dentistry, pain management, joint diseases and regenerative medicine.  I still felt a drive to do more, that drive brought me to Arroyo!  The small town, warm, and welcoming community on the beautiful San Francisco Bay stole my heart!  I purchased the practice in 2011 and since then have been proud to serve the pets and pet owners of San Lorenzo!

My goal walking into each visit is to understand both the pet’s and owner’s needs.  I am your pet’s advocate, I am here to help you understand your pet’s needs even when they cannot express those needs themselves.  Identifying your concerns and collaborating with you is how I am able to provide your pet with the best possible care!

Outside of the clinic I love to spend my time with my family.  My amazing, supportive wife, two sons and UV (the Boston Terrier)!  UV in particular is very spoiled, his name in our native Indian language means “the Prince”!  We live active lives, playing sports, dancing, keeping up on the latest films from Bollywood, and lots of walks to burn the endless terrier energy in UV!  I enjoy participating in marathons as well!  Having achieved my goal of completing a full marathon, my next goal is to continue running in half marathons to raise money to support various causes and charities!  I love all sorts of new gadgets and technology including my kid’s toys! 

I am grateful to my family, team, and the community for supporting me and trusting me with the care of their best friends and promise to always practice good, honest, quality medicine in the pursuit of keeping your best friend happy and healthy!

Dr. Barbara VanGilder
Associate Veterinarian

Education:
B.S. Zoology – The Ohio State University
DVM – UC Davis

Certifications:
Low Stress Handling Certified Silver
Animal Neuromyofascial Release
AAHA Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

Practice Philosophy:

As a chronic disease patient, myself, I have spent significant time as a patient as well as a doctor. I make it a point to bring my experience as a patient – learning from the negative and embracing the positive – to the care I provide for my own patients. It is important to me that not only are my patients’ medical and physical needs met, but that they are treated with respect and dignity and that they have agency in their own care. I want tails wagging coming in AND going out!  I have a particular interest in working with patients who have fear and anxiety, to find a way to meet their needs on their terms and alleviate their fear as much as possible. It is also crucial to me that clients feel that they are listened to and that their concerns are addressed.

I have particular interests in pain management, eldercare, dentistry, soft tissue surgery and exotics medicine including care of reptiles, rabbits and other small mammals.

Family:
Husband Jon
Cats – Grace and Steven
Tortoise – Po

Dog – Jeff, our newest family addition.

Our animals are a part of our family in every sense. We love that we can provide them with the loving and comfortable homes they deserve and in return they bring us joy, comfort and comedy whenever we need it.

When not working, I enjoy printmaking, sewing, yoga and stand up paddleboarding.

Dr. Steve Kornfeld
Associate Veterinarian

Since 2017, Dr. Kornfeld has been providing advanced dental services at Arroyo Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Kornfeld completed a 6-year alternate path residency in veterinary dentistry. He operated a mobile dental clinic for ten years, offering advanced dental services to numerous clinics around the Bay area.  His advanced dental care includes, but is not limited to, bone augmentation, crowns and root canals, which makes it possible to save more teeth than ever before!

Dr. Kornfeld also has a degree in professional and business coaching.

He is the author of four veterinary business books, focusing on personal development for veterinary teams and on providing outstanding veterinary care to pet owners.

Dr. Diane Royalty
Associate Veterinarian

Educations: B.S. in Genetics with Honors UC Davis 2011

D.V.M UC Davis 2017

Dr. Royalty’s interest in veterinary medicine began when she was a high school student in 4-H, where she discovered a love for caring for animals and learning about science and medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Genetics with Honors from UC Davis and continued there to earn her veterinary education.

Since graduating from UC Davis, Dr. Royalty has worked in the San Francisco Bay area providing care to dogs and cats. Her areas of interest include feline medicine, internal medicine, dentistry, anesthesia and dermatology, and she believes that veterinary medicine exists to improve our patient’s quality of life by preventing pain and stress. She also believes client education is an important component of patient care and strives to help clients understand their pets’ health and needs.

Dr. Royalty currently lives with her two cats, Haupia and Pilar. While not working, she enjoys staying active and creating positive life experiences through traveling, dancing the Argentine tango, and yoga.  She is very excited to be joining Arroyo Veterinary Clinic and looks forward to working with all of our great patients and clients!

Dr. Sara Andre
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Andre attended college at UC Berkeley, where she majored in Molecular Environmental Biology with an emphasis in Animal Health and Behavior.  While at Berkeley, she researched and later published a scientific paper investigating fungal infections in the endangered native mountain yellow-legged frog. Dr. Andre then went on to get her veterinary degree at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating at the top of her class!

After veterinary school, Dr. Andre completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship. She has worked at several Bay Area practices, before starting at Arroyo Veterinary Hospital in 2022. While most of her patients are dogs and cats, she is happy to treat other small mammals, reptiles, and birds, and especially enjoys the opportunity to form long-term relationships with her patients and their families. She is proud to be fear free certified and has an interest in sonography and internal medicine.

When not at work, Dr. Andre spends time relaxing with her family, reading science fiction, gardening, exploring new places, and playing with her fluffy cat, Emily. She is very happy to be joining the Arroyo Family!

Paula,
Practice Manager

Bio coming soon!

Jessica,
Clinical Team Manager, Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

I have always had pets in my family and felt a close connection with animals!  I enjoy the challenge of trying to understand their wants and needs.  Having been in the veterinary field for several years now, I’ve found the joy of giving a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves!  I thrive while acting as the liaison between owners and their pets!  Being able to remedy an owner’s concern and a patient’s medical condition simultaneously is very rewarding.

Being the Technician Supervisor means that I have the opportunity to support my whole team in their common goal of providing the best possible care for you and your pet.  Some of the ways I like to support the team is by ensuring our laboratory diagnostics and equipment are running optimally, keeping team members up to date on the latest medical information, and supporting team members as they tackle new challenges to grow themselves as veterinary professionals and community members!

As a Registered Veterinary Technician in the State of California, I have a long list of technical skills that help me provide the best possible medical care for your pets while treating them as if they were my own!  I have four dogs (Kota, Ollie, Little Dog, and Bandit) as well as 3 cats (Norma, Tama, and Momo)!  They range in age from 1 year to 16 years giving me hands-on experience with all life stages, making it second nature for me to customize my care to each patient from puppies and kittens to seniors.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my pets, fiancé, step-daughter, and family.  I love to escape into books and video games as well as take in musicals in the City!

I am happy to be a part of the Arroyo Vet Family and to have the opportunity to help you and your pet live a longer, healthier life together!

Tina
Customer Service Specialist Supervisor

I joined the Arroyo Veterinary Team in June of 2016 and I am so glad I did! 

After raising two amazing young men with my husband and sending them off to college, I was looking for my next adventure!  I had recently lost my beloved dog, Chulo, to congestive heart failure (CHF) at 9 years old.  Though we miss him dearly, battling his disease was such an eye opening and educational experience.  Armed with little information from the emergency center where he was diagnosed, I set off to learn everything I could to keep him comfortable and happy as long as possible.  Though we only had a few more months with him, and my experiences with several cats and one spunky iguana, lit a spark in me that fueled my curiosity about veterinary medicine! 

I love my job!  Our team is just the best, most compassionate people I could have hoped to work with!  Being able to connect with other pet owners and help them using the things I have learned from my own pets, and during my time with the Arroyo Family, is such a rewarding experience!  Each day is different, with new challenges and new pets to help! 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, two and four-legs alike!  My husband and I have 3 dogs, Leia, Pita, and our newest addition Rosi!  They keep every day interesting and there is no shortage of trouble at our home! 

Eren
Client Service Representative

I am a Bay Area native from Oakland. Growing up, I always had a passion for animals, big and small. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my senior fur baby, Chowder, and traveling. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your fur babies soon!

Tamara,
Veterinary Technician Supervisor and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

I started with Arroyo Veterinary Clinic just one day a week in May of 2016.  I was working full-time at another veterinary clinic but was looking to expand my experience as a recently graduated veterinary technician.  Within a year I took on a full-time position and have been part of the Arroyo Family ever since! 

Initially, when I began college, I was aiming to become a human nurse.  It wasn’t until I was ready to enter the program that I realized I wanted to work with animals instead!  I have always loved animals and wanted to be able to give back for all the love I have received from my pets over the years.  I really enjoy being able to give a voice to the voiceless, help pets recover from procedures and illness in comfort, managing pain, and keeping healthy pets healthy!  I love the team I get to work with everyday and work hard to keep both my team and our clients happy!  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to care for your best friend!

Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my family.  I was raised in Oakland surrounded and supported by 3 generations of my family!  I now live with my fiancé, our two dogs, Nalah and Goten, and our bearded dragon Iroh.  We are sure to make plenty of time for family activities!  I also enjoy watching anime, reading, karaoke, and food is LIFE!

Danielle,
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

My undying passion for the veterinary field started at a young age after my childhood pet lost his battle to a mysterious disease. Our family never received answers for what his disease was, and after this event, I vowed that I would do whatever I could to prevent another pet or family from having that experience.

My veterinary journey started right here at Arroyo Veterinary Clinic as an intern. I attended Animal Behavior College to gain certification as a veterinary assistant, and shortly after, I decided to go to college to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. I unfortunately had to leave Arroyo to devote all my time to school, but after three and a half years at Foothill College, I received an Associates in Science degree, my RVT license and many great memories and lifelong friendships.

After finishing college, I started working in the veterinary field and developed an interest in nutrition, breeding and dentistry. Unfortunately, I experienced the infamous burnout and took a step back from veterinary medicine to pursue other passions, landing a position at a crafting store where I could explore my more creative side. But, after just one conversation with Dr. Mavi, my passion for veterinary medicine was rekindled and now I am so excited to be working at Arroyo Veterinary Clinic again. I can’t wait to get reacquainted with all of Arroyo’s great pet parents and fur babies, and I promise to treat each one as if they were my own.

In my spare time, I sew and craft, watch ghost shows, explore the Bay Area with friends, play video games and care for my growing family. I live with my husband, two kittens, one bouncing Husky and some sweet rats.

I hope to bring nothing but joy, happiness, and health to everyone at Arroyo Veterinary Clinic!

Aylin
Veterinary Assistant

I joined the Arroyo Family unofficially when I interned here through my ROP class in my junior year at San Leandro High School!  The next year I stuck with veterinary medicine and interned at a veterinary clinic in Castro Valley where they employed me for a while after graduation.  I missed my Arroyo Family too much!  We still brought our dog, Fluffy, to Dr. Mavi as he has been a long-time patient, I just had to come back!  I love our team and our patients!  Some of my favorite parts of working here are socializing puppies and kittens, working with exotic animals, and helping to nurse sick pets back to health!  Ultimately, I would like to attend veterinary technician or veterinary school!  Every pet I get to work with reinforces my passion for veterinary medicine!

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and enjoying the outdoors.  I live with my mom, dad, two sisters, and older brother.  We also have two dogs, Fluffy and Chica, and a 17-year-old Amazon Parrot named Wilbur! 

Kristen
Veterinary Doctor in 2024

As a San Lorenzo Local, born and raised, it was important to me to combine my passion for animals and love for my community!  While attending UC Merced to earn my B.S., I became one of the founding members of the University’s Pre-Veterinary Club. It was an incredible experience and solidified my passion for veterinary medicine and animal welfare. I began my clinical work during the summer of 2012 as a volunteer at Arroyo Veterinary Clinic. It did not take long before I was offered a part-time position in between my studies!  During academic recesses, I would come home to spend time with my family, our Jack Russell Terrier, Skip, and my Arroyo Vet Family!  I was fortunate to work full-time at AVC between 2016 and 2018 and learned more clinical skills and connected on a deeper level with our amazing clientele and their pets. I am so thankful for Dr.Mavi and the vet staff for welcoming and teaching me. Arroyo Vet will always have a special place in my heart.

Next, I pursued a master’s degree in laboratory animal science at Stanford University. Although a different context, it broadened my knowledge of veterinary medicine and elucidated that research is an area that I am also passionate about. I studied immunology, and more specifically ways to enhance barrier function. I hope to apply the knowledge and critical thinking that I learned in graduate school as a future clinician. In the fall of 2020, I started veterinary school and am currently in my final year! I look forward to the future, learning from my colleagues and our clients, and working with patients. I will do my best to continue to work with integrity and compassion.

Outside of the veterinary field, I enjoy connecting with nature while spending time with my loved ones.  Hiking, camping, and exploring are my favorite things to do!  I once trekked 15 miles in Bolinas County, such an amazing experience that I will never forget!  I believe that all nature and animals deserve kindness and respect, and I am so thankful to all our pet parents for allowing us to provide that for their loved ones!

Alexis
Veterinary Assistant

I first joined the Arroyo family through an externship I applied for. Working here has expanded my love for animals and helped me find my passion for this profession. I will ultimately like to attend veterinary school to pursue my career! Being a veterinary assistant has been such a blessing because I am able to help all these animals who can’t speak for themselves. Every day is a new day and I’m constantly on my toes, which keeps things very exciting! Animals were introduced late in my life, but it was better late than never!

I have a Pitbull named Cooper and two bunnies named Buttercup and Sky. Outside of work, I love hanging out with friends, staying busy and having fun. I am so thankful to have found Arroyo Veterinary Clinic and am able to work with such caring, compassionate animal lovers!

Stephanie
Veterinary Assistant

I have always loved and felt connected to animals. My journey into veterinary medicine began 6 years ago while caring for my dog Tracker. He was diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis at age 12. After he had the LARPAR surgery, which stapled one of his epiglottis folds open, I began my self-education in postoperative and senior care.

 Tracker lived to the ripe old age of 16–ancient for a Great Dane mix! I was hired by his veterinarian a year later and have loved every moment in this field.

 I am grateful to the Arroyo team for giving me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and professionalism. I am excited to be of service to both the patient and the human Arroyo family.

Jessica
Veterinary Assistant

I’ve been with Arroyo Veterinary Clinic officially since my junior year of high school, but my family and I have been coming here since before I was able to see over the counter. In my few years working here, Arroyo has given me the opportunity to learn and grow while doing something I love. I’ve always been passionate about helping animals, but since working here, it has solidified my choice to work in the veterinary profession. I’m currently in school studying to become an RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) and thanks to my co-workers turned family, I have all the support I need to make my goal a reality. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to do what I love.

Outside of work I enjoy going out with my family and catering to all my fur baby’s needs, which includes our 90lb dog Oliver who still believes he is a 20lb puppy and my three kitties Milo, Lola and Kiko.

Bernadette
Veterinary Assistant

Joining the Arroyo Veterinary family has introduced me to a world filled with new opportunities, lessons, and adorable fur babies. Although I just started my journey in the veterinary profession in December 2021, I am so grateful to work alongside amazing mentors that help me work towards my goals in this field of work. I am currently enrolled in a veterinary technician program at Carrington College in hopes of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

 Growing up in a big family ensured that there was at least one family pet to help keep my siblings and I both occupied and out of trouble. Ever since I was a young girl, I had always felt like I had a deeper connection with the dogs in my family compared to the rest of my family members. Noticing my newfound interest of trying to help and understand the dogs that we had over the course of my childhood, my family introduced me to the idea of becoming a nurse, but for animals.

Jordan
Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Melissa
Jr. Veterinary Assistant

I’ve dreamt of becoming a veterinary technician since I was a little girl. My love for animals keeps me growing and learning. I joined the Arroyo family in February 2023.

I have a dog name Cappy and he is an 8 year old terrier mix (8 different breeds) and is the love of my life. I can assure you that I will treat your pet as if it is my own.

Catherine
Jr. Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Andrea
Jr. Veterinary Assistant

I am currently a college student hoping to one day study to become a veterinarian. I’ve always grown up with animals, such as dogs/cats, so to be able to work around them and for them is like a dream come true! I especially knew it was something I wanted to do after volunteering at a mobile clinic for a few days. I look forward to meeting different cute pets and fellow animal lovers!

Currently, I am lucky enough to be living with two cats, Cosmos and Pluto and Chips who is a bully breed whom we’ve had for a year. Together they make our home lively and we enjoy spending our days with them.