Our Staff and Partners
AWAP Owner and Director of Animal Rehabilitation and Veterinary Care
Dr. Ilana Strubel
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Ilana Strubel, MA, DVM, CVSMT, CCRT, CVAT
A Well Adjusted Pet My pets: Pinky, Ziggy, LadyBird Viola, Lila – my goofy pups What I do for fun: (Work and volunteering -just kidding!) Walking my dogs, Sea Kayaking, SCUBA diving, Snorkeling Read more about Dr. Ilana |
AWAP Medical Team
Dr. Laurie Pearlstein
Dr. Laurie Pearlstein, DVM, CCRT, CVA
Dr. Pearlstein was born in Washington D.C. but has lived all over the country since then. Most recently she lived in Boston/Cambridge until moving out here to the 'left' coast a few years ago. While it's true that she misses going to the open lectures at MIT, the abundance of fresh produce and outdoor beauty here have her delighted.
Her extra training is in emergency medicine, physical rehabilitation and acupuncture/TCVM (traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) from Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Canine Rehabilitation Institute and Chi Institute (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist). She is very pleased to offer so many aspects of training and experience, and a practical but creative nature to care for and treat patients. "Our animal friends give us so much, it is a pleasure to be able to help them to feel and function their best."
Dr. Pearlstein was born in Washington D.C. but has lived all over the country since then. Most recently she lived in Boston/Cambridge until moving out here to the 'left' coast a few years ago. While it's true that she misses going to the open lectures at MIT, the abundance of fresh produce and outdoor beauty here have her delighted.
Her extra training is in emergency medicine, physical rehabilitation and acupuncture/TCVM (traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) from Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Canine Rehabilitation Institute and Chi Institute (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist). She is very pleased to offer so many aspects of training and experience, and a practical but creative nature to care for and treat patients. "Our animal friends give us so much, it is a pleasure to be able to help them to feel and function their best."
Ella Woods
Ella Woods, DAOM, Dipl. OM, LaC
My Pets: 3 kittens as of early 2018 - Marilyn, Isabella, Ivy
What I do for the Team: Acupuncture; including acupuncture and electrical-acupuncture when appropriate, and Traditional Oriental/Chinese Medicine, including prescription herbs
What I do for Fun: bike riding all over the place and especially through the City, walking/hiking, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Ji and Qi Gong
My Pets: 3 kittens as of early 2018 - Marilyn, Isabella, Ivy
What I do for the Team: Acupuncture; including acupuncture and electrical-acupuncture when appropriate, and Traditional Oriental/Chinese Medicine, including prescription herbs
What I do for Fun: bike riding all over the place and especially through the City, walking/hiking, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Ji and Qi Gong
Dr. Elena riding her horse
Dr. Elena Chatcuff
Dr. Elena Chatcuff graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. Animal Science in 2009 and a D.V.M. from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. After spending 2 years in small animal general practice she felt there had to be more to medicine than surgery and pharmaceuticals, and became interested in integrative medicine. She completed the Mixed Animal Acupuncture course at the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) Chi Institute in Fall of 2016 and completed the TCVM Advanced Small Animal Acupuncture course in Fall of 2018. She became interested in canine physical therapy while doing an internship at CARE -Canine Animal Rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles with Dr. Kelly Fishman. Dr. Elena Chatcuff mainly works at VCA San Carlos and other community practices in the bay area. She has 3 pets, a cat named Tuck, a dog named Bradley, and an ex-racehorse named Haku. She enjoys horseback riding, surfing, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Chatcuff considers AWAP to the epitome integrative veterinary medicine and feels fortunate to be a part of the team!
Dr. Elena Chatcuff graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. Animal Science in 2009 and a D.V.M. from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. After spending 2 years in small animal general practice she felt there had to be more to medicine than surgery and pharmaceuticals, and became interested in integrative medicine. She completed the Mixed Animal Acupuncture course at the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) Chi Institute in Fall of 2016 and completed the TCVM Advanced Small Animal Acupuncture course in Fall of 2018. She became interested in canine physical therapy while doing an internship at CARE -Canine Animal Rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles with Dr. Kelly Fishman. Dr. Elena Chatcuff mainly works at VCA San Carlos and other community practices in the bay area. She has 3 pets, a cat named Tuck, a dog named Bradley, and an ex-racehorse named Haku. She enjoys horseback riding, surfing, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Chatcuff considers AWAP to the epitome integrative veterinary medicine and feels fortunate to be a part of the team!
Valerie Starr
Valerie Starr
My Pets: Riley - originally just a "foster" pup after Hurricane Katrina, she stole my heart and we have over 12 years together now
What I do for the Team: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant
What I do for Fun: Walk/hiking, reading, kayaking and planting flowers
Year Canine Rehabilitation Assistant Certification Completed: 2014
My Pets: Riley - originally just a "foster" pup after Hurricane Katrina, she stole my heart and we have over 12 years together now
What I do for the Team: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant
What I do for Fun: Walk/hiking, reading, kayaking and planting flowers
Year Canine Rehabilitation Assistant Certification Completed: 2014
Robin Byas
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Robin Byas
My Pets: 5 cute kitties (Son 12, Chatter 15, Wile E. Coyote 7, Blackie Chan 7 , and newest addition Buddha aka Sir Bunnyman 5) What I do for the team: Veterinary tech/ assistant with 12 years of professional experience and counting What I do for fun: I love music and play Guitar, percussion and most recently have been working on learning to play the Cello. |
I've lived in Pacifica all my life. I enjoy music and camping and backpacking, searching for cool antiques, doing fun art projects and DIY projects at home, baking and party planning. Graduated from C.E.E.P (Community Environmental Education Program) aka Wilderness in 2002, located in Daly City. I have volunteered and worked for local summer camps as a Rock climbing instructor, archery and environmental educator and youth counselor and cabin leader from 1998-2005. I'm an avid gardener and enjoy spending time with my 5 kitties and teaching them new tricks.
I have worked at a pet clinic in Pacifica for 12 years as a vet tech and the last 4 years as a tech supervisor and was the lead tech for the walk-in vaccine clinic for the last 10 years. I have extensive knowledge of vaccines, medications prescription food and general knowledge of pet care. I have worked with many types of animals; cats, dog, rabbits, birds, rats, hamsters, ferrets as well as a variety of reptiles. I love helping pets and owners become more educated about pet products and how to best care for our furry friends.
I have worked at a pet clinic in Pacifica for 12 years as a vet tech and the last 4 years as a tech supervisor and was the lead tech for the walk-in vaccine clinic for the last 10 years. I have extensive knowledge of vaccines, medications prescription food and general knowledge of pet care. I have worked with many types of animals; cats, dog, rabbits, birds, rats, hamsters, ferrets as well as a variety of reptiles. I love helping pets and owners become more educated about pet products and how to best care for our furry friends.
Katrina with the her very intelligent boy Bailey
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Katrina Billote
My pets: Bailey What I do for the team: Veterinary Assistant (summers since 2017) What I do for fun: eat, travel, go to concerts, take pictures of my pup I was born and raised in Daly City, and recently graduated with my Bachelor's from UC Davis, this June 2019. Currently I'm in the middle of trying to gain more experience and I'm currently applying to vet school. |
Diana Mojica
Diana Mojica
"I have been working with animals since 2004 and have never been happier on my life path. I got introduced to Holistic Vet Medicine in 2010 and it has become a passion. I took the Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine for technicians program at the Chi Institute in 2012. I learned basic TCVM technician procedures such as Tui-na and food therapy. I Applied the Tui-na that I learned at the holistic medicine practice that I worked at for 5 years in Sacramento. I decided to move to the Bay Area and expand my holistic knowledge. I am currently working on getting my RVT license in order to pursue more education opportunities. I work Full time at an Integrative Practice in Oakland. I am very happy to be a part of the AWAP team and hope not only to be an RVT but also become certified in animal rehabilitation. I currently live in Oakland with my 13 year old terrier/chihuahua mix and partner. When I'm not in the office I am also pet sitting my beloved clients. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my puppers and enjoying life with my Partner."
"I have been working with animals since 2004 and have never been happier on my life path. I got introduced to Holistic Vet Medicine in 2010 and it has become a passion. I took the Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine for technicians program at the Chi Institute in 2012. I learned basic TCVM technician procedures such as Tui-na and food therapy. I Applied the Tui-na that I learned at the holistic medicine practice that I worked at for 5 years in Sacramento. I decided to move to the Bay Area and expand my holistic knowledge. I am currently working on getting my RVT license in order to pursue more education opportunities. I work Full time at an Integrative Practice in Oakland. I am very happy to be a part of the AWAP team and hope not only to be an RVT but also become certified in animal rehabilitation. I currently live in Oakland with my 13 year old terrier/chihuahua mix and partner. When I'm not in the office I am also pet sitting my beloved clients. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my puppers and enjoying life with my Partner."
AWAP Client Services Team
Julie Stiefel
Julie Stiefel
My pets: Kenny & Navarro (energetic! boy cats) and Arnold (my Muttville rescue)
What I do for the team: Client Services Manager
What I do for fun: take pictures, volunteer at Muttville, play poker, ride my bike, travel to Hawaii
My pets: Kenny & Navarro (energetic! boy cats) and Arnold (my Muttville rescue)
What I do for the team: Client Services Manager
What I do for fun: take pictures, volunteer at Muttville, play poker, ride my bike, travel to Hawaii
Shawna Anderson
Shawna Anderson RVT
What I do for the team: Client Services liaison, working with Julie to help with scheduling, medication refills and all client concerns
My Pets: A cat named Scuttle and a Golden Retriever named Molly who is in training to be her son’s Autism Service Dog.
What I do for fun: spending time with family and friends in the mountains, camping, stand up paddle boarding and hiking. Advocating and creating resources for autism and special needs families.
Shawna received her Registered Veterinary Technician credentials in 2003 in California. She worked in several specialty clinics across the Bay Area focusing in Emergency & Critical Care and Internal Medicine until 2009 when she moved to Colorado. She continued her work in Emergency & Critical Care until 2011 when she changed career direction and started working at OrthoPets Veterinary Orthotics & Prosthetics. She started as a fabrication team employee completing adjustments and worked her way up to Case Management and eventually the OrthoPets Supervisor & Operations Manager from 2013 to 2017. She enjoyed gaining experience in rehabilitation and mobility as well as helping pets worldwide gain their active lifestyles back via the use of rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics.
What I do for the team: Client Services liaison, working with Julie to help with scheduling, medication refills and all client concerns
My Pets: A cat named Scuttle and a Golden Retriever named Molly who is in training to be her son’s Autism Service Dog.
What I do for fun: spending time with family and friends in the mountains, camping, stand up paddle boarding and hiking. Advocating and creating resources for autism and special needs families.
Shawna received her Registered Veterinary Technician credentials in 2003 in California. She worked in several specialty clinics across the Bay Area focusing in Emergency & Critical Care and Internal Medicine until 2009 when she moved to Colorado. She continued her work in Emergency & Critical Care until 2011 when she changed career direction and started working at OrthoPets Veterinary Orthotics & Prosthetics. She started as a fabrication team employee completing adjustments and worked her way up to Case Management and eventually the OrthoPets Supervisor & Operations Manager from 2013 to 2017. She enjoyed gaining experience in rehabilitation and mobility as well as helping pets worldwide gain their active lifestyles back via the use of rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics.
Beth Crittenden
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Beth Crittenden
What I do for the team: Business Manager. Tracking how we’re doing in order to keep the focus on the business being fun, sustainable, and successful. Keeper of the checklists. What I do for fun: Hike around my home in the redwoods of Marin, play tennis (sometimes in San Quentin prison), go salsa dancing, and petsit in Marin to get my furry love fixes. |
A Well Adjusted Pet would like to express its gratitude to the amazing support from our team and partners. Most of all, we want to thank YOU, our clients, who inspire us every day and provide great reviews and referrals.
AWAP Partners
The Rex Center
The Rex Center staff provides great resources for therapeutic swims, swim coaching, and canine massage. Meet their great staff here: www.therexcenter.com |
Bay Woof
Dr. Ilana is a regular contributor to Bay Woof’s “Ask Dr. Dog” feature section, providing useful advice for dog care and health. To see past contributions, check out our “Ask Dr. Ilana” page or visit www.baywoof.com. |
OrthoPets San Francisco
Dr. Ilana will head up OrthoPets San Francisco, offering new and innovative solutions for patients’ mobility problems in the San Francisco Bay Area where she currently owns and operates A Well Adjusted Pet – an Integrative Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation and Aquatic Fitness Center, in Pacifica, CA, just 10 minutes south of San Francisco.
www.awelladjustedpet.com/OrthoPetsSF/orthotics
Dr. Ilana will head up OrthoPets San Francisco, offering new and innovative solutions for patients’ mobility problems in the San Francisco Bay Area where she currently owns and operates A Well Adjusted Pet – an Integrative Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation and Aquatic Fitness Center, in Pacifica, CA, just 10 minutes south of San Francisco.
www.awelladjustedpet.com/OrthoPetsSF/orthotics