Meet Our Team!

Dr. Emily Miller

Owner/Veterinarian

Dr. Emily Miller, affectionately known as Dr. Em, purchased Scotts Valley Vet Clinic from her father, Dr. Charles Miller, in 2018 after 30 years of ownership. Dr. Em is truly honored to follow in her father’s footsteps and carry on the personal, family style of practice our clinic is known for.

Dr. Em received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UC Davis in 2009 and graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She enjoys all aspects of general practice. However, a few of her special interests include behavior, dermatology, dentistry, and surgery. We especially appreciate Dr. Em’s knowledge and experience with ultrasound, digital dental radiographs, and cold laser treatment. Dr. Em strives to build lasting relationships with our clients and their pets. She is always eager to meet new clients and enjoys getting to know all members of their families!

You will likely find Dr. Em enjoying the outdoors with her husband and twin daughters. She has a feisty shih tzu, a loving golden retriever, and a fun bunch of chickens who are a constant source of entertainment. Outside work, she is active and enjoys nature photography, beach activities, water/snow skiing, hiking, and scuba diving.

She is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Monterey Bay Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Olivia Shull

Medical Director/Veterinarian

A Santa Cruz native, Dr. Shull received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at UC Davis in 2012 and graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.

Dr. Shull’s knowledge and compassionate care were welcomed with open arms in August 2019. One of her favorite aspects of being a Veterinarian is getting to know her animal patients and clients and building a positive relationship. She takes pride in playing a role in a patient’s care and helping them grow up healthy and happy! Aside from general medicine, Dr.Shull is particularly interested in ophthalmology and dentistry.

Dr. Shull lives with her scruffy terrier named Lola and her elderly childhood cat, Roxy. When she isn’t caring for pets, Dr. Shull enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking (especially baking), working out, and harvesting vegetables from her backyard garden.

Dr. Shull is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Laura Schwartz

Veterinarian

Dr. Schwartz began her journey toward veterinary medicine by attending Boston University for undergraduate school, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Ecology. After returning to California, she started working as a veterinary assistant at a local clinic and rehabilitating marine wildlife before earning her veterinary degree at the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.

Following graduation, Dr. Schwartz completed a mixed animal internship in rural Texas, where she worked with farm animals and dogs and cats. She continued to work there as a veterinarian for two years. There, she developed a love for emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and goats!

Settling back in Santa Cruz has been an easy transition for her, and in July 2020, she found a home at Scotts Valley Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Schwartz will captivate and comfort you with her smile and warm nature. She believes in patient care and client education and cannot wait to create long-lasting relationships with her clients.

Dr. Schwartz is often accompanied in the office by her spunky terrier mix “Tim,” who she cannot pamper enough. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends while playing soccer and volleyball. You may see her around on frequent walks or runs to the beach and through the redwoods.

Dr. Schwartz is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Jennifer Clift

Veterinarian

Dr. Clift was first exposed to veterinary medicine after volunteering at a local animal shelter, where she fell in love with helping animals. She attended San Jose State University for undergraduate studies while working at multiple small animal hospitals in the San Jose and Sacramento areas. She then pursued her dream and earned her veterinary degree at U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.

She joined the SVVC family in 2021 and has become a pivotal team member. She is caring and compassionate, and ely will take the time out of her dayensuresure. She will answer all of your questions. She has a small Jack Russell terrier mix named Bernie, who lights up her life. She loves hiking, long beach walks with Bernie, and exploring new local restaurants in her spare time.

Dr. Clift is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary Medical Association.

Carol

Office Manager

Carol is our office manager as well as the staff supervisor. She was born and raised in Santa Cruz and has worked in local veterinary clinics since the tender age of 15. In 1982, Carol accepted a manager position at Scotts Valley Veterinary Clinic and has been the backbone of our clinic ever since!

Carol enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her ever-growing family and close friends. She and her husband have three wonderful daughters and are overjoyed to have recently welcomed their first grandchild into the family! Scotts Valley Vet Clinic is grateful to have such a selfless, dedicated individual as our office manager, and we often refer to her as “Mama Bear” due to her genuine care and concern for her “kids” (aka staff).

Dr. Jessica Gutierrez

Veterinarian

We are so excited to welcome the newest member to our veterinary team! A San Jose native, Dr. Jessica Gutierrez is thrilled to join the SVVC family. Dr. Jess grew up around cats and has been surrounded by animals her entire life, which sparked her love for veterinary medicine as a young child. As a teenager up until starting veterinary school, she worked as a veterinary assistant in several companion animal general practices which further solidified her passions.

Dr. Jess received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at UC Davis in 2020 and graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024, after completing her clinical training at Colorado State University. After having lived on the small Caribbean island of St. Kitts for 2 years to complete her curriculum, then moving to Fort Collins, CO to complete her clinical training, she knew she wanted to return to California for the diverse geography and beautiful weather. Her veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery, fear-free practices, and feline medicine. As a new graduate, Dr. Jess is excited to meet the wonderful patients of SVVC and to build lasting relationships with her clients.

During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cuddling her 3 cats, going to the beach, discovering new music, and trying new foods/restaurants. Dr. Jess is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Kathy Martinelli

Veterinarian

A Bay Area native, Dr. Martinelli is thrilled to join the SVVC family after working in Santa Cruz as a vet for over 20 years!

Dr. Martinelli always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. While she grew up riding horses with many pets by her side, it took volunteering at her childhood vet clinic to truly discover her passion. She attended Santa Clara University as an undergraduate and then attended UC Davis Veterinary School, where she graduated in 1993.

She found herself at her childhood veterinary clinic, working for the first time as a veterinarian for seven wonderful years. She moved to Santa Cruz in 2000 and has worked at a local veterinary clinic ever since. She enjoys creating long-term relationships with clients and watching patients grow through all phases of life. She has a special interest in internal medicine and endocrinology. She is married with two wonderful daughters and a grandson, whom she adores. She is a Labrador lover with her yellow lab Chloe and Cash, her Chiweenie; she rounds out the family with a cute kitty, Juno, and six chickens. Her hobbies include hiking, volunteering, beach walks, travel, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Martinelli is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary Medical Association.

Kylie

Head Technician/Registered Veterinary Technician in Training

Kylie grew up in Hollister and moved to our area to attend the University of Santa Cruz a few years ago. After graduating in 2017 with a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, she decided to pursue a career path in animal care. Kylie gained valuable experience working as a Veterinary Assistant for a few years before joining our team. We appreciate her friendly, go-getter personality to take on new challenges! She is constantly finding new ways to expand her knowledge and skills through working with animals of all types. Most recently, she has become a volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where she helps care for the adorable sea otters.

In her free time, Kylie loves spending time with her cat, “Kiarra,” her three fish, and two White Tree Frogs, “Rhubarb and Nimba.” She also enjoys working out, painting/drawing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Mari-Jo

Lead Customer Service Representative

Mari Jo began her Veterinary reception career in 1999 but started with SVVC in 2007. We are fortunate to have her fun personality on our staff, as she always makes her co-workers and clients laugh. She grew up in New Jersey (thus her slight accent!) and then spent 35 years in Colorado, where she worked as a receptionist at a large Veterinary hospital. Mari Jo prides herself on getting to know our clients personally and takes the time to listen and adjust to their needs. Outside of work, the family is her priority, and she delights in time spent with her family, especially her adorable grandson, Lennox.

Jessica

Lead Technician/Certified Veterinary Assistant

Jess, a Las Vegas native, started as a coffee slinger, and over the years, this chapter of her life took her from the hills of New Mexico to Fort Walton Beach, all the way to the northern reaches of Louisiana, ending in Florida. She closed the coffee chapter, proudly earning the title of Starbucks Supervisor, and with a new adventure in mind, Jess and her boyfriend decided to shift gears. Along with their thrill-seeking canine, Indy (aka Indiana Bones), this dynamic trio rode bicycles across the United States! Starting in Florida, this six-month-long journey of a lifetime would eventually lead them to where they reside now, deep beneath the redwoods of Boulder Creek. Jess has always been intrigued by the veterinary world and was excited to join our team as a receptionist in August 2019. Jess has always been intrigued by the veterinary medicine world and wants to learn more. She was excited to join the team as a receptionist in August 2019 and is now overjoyed to move into the veterinary assistant role. When Jess isn’t off traveling, you can find her and her little family enjoying the sunshine at the beach with her doppio espresso in hand!

Cori

Certified Veterinary Assistant

Cori grew up in San Jose, CA, and joined our SVVC family in 2020 as a veterinary assistant. Cori lived in Orange County for about seven years, studying medical assisting and working at Downtown Disney before returning to Santa Cruz. In Orange County, she realized her deep passion and love for animals. Her dream was to combine medical work with caring for animals. She has the gentlest touch and cares for her patients. Cori has a senior lhasa apso gal named Oreo and a sweet little Miniature Australian Shepherd named Archie. In her spare time, she likes to adventure out to the beach with her dogs, spend time with friends exploring the surrounding cities, and be outside in nature. And, of course, whenever she gets a chance, traveling back to OC and going to Disneyland!

Aleah

Registered Veterinary Technician in Training

Aleah is a San Jose native and joined our Scotts Valley Vet family in 2020. Aleah grew up surrounded by cats and exotic pets, with whom she has always felt a special connection. She chose veterinary medicine because she advocates for those who can’t speak for themselves. She is also passionate about education, especially regarding animal care and conservation. Aleah started as a Veterinary Assistant in San Jose when she was 16. She moved to Santa Cruz for college and began studying animal science and biology at Cabrillo College. She spent a few years in Aptos as a veterinary customer service representative; however, with her gentle nature and passion for patient care, she knew there could be more. She then joined our family, where she studied and became a Certified Veterinary Assistant.

She does find some time out of the clinic and spoils her four adult cats and one crazy kitten, a sassy Betta fish, a flirty ball python, and a dwarf hamster. She loves spending her free time in nature: camping, hiking, attempting water sports, and indulging in her creative and artistic hobbies.

Kelsie

Customer Service Representative

Kelsie grew up in Garland, on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas. She has loved animals since she was little and always told her family she would work with animals someday.

While she worked here and there, she finally got her first job at a veterinary clinic and hasn’t looked back. She started as a kennel assistant and worked her way up to a management/reception role. She joined the SVVC family in 2021 as a customer service representative. She is passionate about providing customer service and helping the patients visiting the clinic daily. She cannot get enough of the adorable pets we see daily and will do as much pet-sitting as her schedule allows.

Through the years, Kelsie has been surrounded by various pets, including; dogs, cats (even though she is allergic), snakes, an opossum, a rabbit, a turtle, rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and a hamster. She currently has an adorable golden retriever, Aspen, who frequents a lot of our social media as Kelsie is a very talented photographer. Although some might say Aspen is an equally talented doggy model.

In her spare time, she enjoys photography, outdoor yard games, camping, paddle boarding, hiking, road trips, and anything she can bring Aspen along for an adventure.

Ashley

Registered Veterinary Technician in Training

We are excited to welcome Ashley back to the Scotts Valley Vet family in 2022. Ashley grew up in Los Angeles, spending over seven years as a pet groomer and eventually moving to Santa Cruz. She joined SVVC as a customer service representative in 2019 and enjoyed her role but missed her grooming passion. Having been groomed again for the past few years, she is ready to explore her future passion for veterinary nursing. She rejoined the team in 2022; she is open-minded and eager to learn; she always looks for new opportunities to broaden her skill set working with animals. While you may remember Ashley by her quiet and friendly personality, her true creativity shines through in her grooming experience and technique. When she is not exploring the Santa Cruz area with her boyfriend, Ashley makes a point to spend as much time with her cherished animals as possible. She has two adorable dogs, River and Harley, and a cute little kitty, Cat. Whether she and the dogs are out for a long walk or curled up watching their favorite TV series, her furry family are inseparable companions.

Sierra

Registered Veterinary Technician

Sierra is a Santa Cruz Native and joined our Scotts Valley Vet Family in 2020. Sierra’s family have been long-standing clients at SVVC, and Sierra always attended each appointment with endearing interest. Sierra has worked in the small animal veterinary field for six years. However, she has had extensive livestock and equine medicine knowledge for over a decade. She graduated from Carrington College and received her degree in Veterinary Technology in early 2019. She then sat for her National and State Board exams (VTNE) and received her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license. Sierra is compassionate and knowledgeable and could not wait to find her home at Scotts Valley Vet. Sierra enjoys exploring the outdoors on her days off with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and their four-year-old German Shepherd mix named Rose. They often find hiking the redwoods, at the beach, camping, or at the ranch enjoying their horses. Sierra is constantly continuing her education and attending veterinary conferences to treat her patients better and work seamlessly with the SVVC doctors. Sierra is a CaRVTA member and extensively trained in Fear Free Handling.

Jorden

Veterinary Assistant

Jorden joined our SVVC family in 2023 as a veterinary nurse, but you will also see her frequently welcoming clients in front of the clinic as a customer service representative. Originally from California’s Central Valley, Jorden has always had a soft spot for helping homeless animals. Her parents worked at the local animal shelter in her hometown, and the family constantly fostered cats, dogs, and even a guinea pig or two. Jorden moved to Santa Cruz in 2018 to attend UCSC. She couldn’t bear to leave after graduating with the highest honors in 2020! Since Jorden missed seeing animals every day, she applied for a job at a veterinary hospital on a whim. She has been in the field for three years and channels her love and empathy for animals into work that saves lives. Jorden enjoys the quiet of her home in the Santa Cruz Mountains and cares for two kitties, Bingo and Pluto, and one mild-mannered yet overprotective Jack Russell terrier named Harriet. Her interests include reading novels, watching horror movies, and learning everything she can about whales.

Jessenia

Veterinary Assistant

Jessenia joined the SVVC nursing team in 2023 but had previously worked with Dr. Martinelli. Jessenia is a Santa Cruz native. She started her career in vet med in 2019 at Westside Animal Hospital as a customer service representative. She transitioned to a vet technician assistant role in 2020 and has loved caring for animals ever since. Providing the best care for fur babies is something Jessenia strives for. Whether providing a comfy blanket or cuddling with a fur baby to ease his/her nerves. Over the years, Jessenia has owned dogs, cats, fish, a bearded dragon, and a bird, all rescue animals. Currently has a single kitty and bird, both with lots of personality. In Jessenia’s spare time, she usually provides pet-sitting services and yoga, and you may see her around town walking many dogs.

Maggie

Customer Service Representative

Maggie a Santa Cruz native joined SVVC in 2023. She studied locally at UCSC, majoring in environmental science. She first started in veterinary medicine in 2020, via a happy accident when her own family veterinarian needed a new receptionist. Maggie was thrown into a busy veterinary environment and learned quickly. She took on a role at the local large emergency hospital and became a CSR specialist. Her kind nature led her to seek a more family style clinic and she was overjoyed to discover SVVC. She cannot wait to meet our wonderful clientele and get to know all our doggy and kitty patients. She has 3 kitties (Yoda, Sylvester and Butter) of her owner and in her free time she likes getting outside and listening to music.

Danielle

Registered Veterinary Technician

Danielle joined SVVC in 2023 as a registered veterinary nurse. She was born in Tahoe, but grew up in Santa Cruz. Danielle first joined the veterinary field after her unexpected loss of my her cat Miss Mittens. Danielle wanted to spend time caring for cats after spending years during her childhood caring for her grandparent’s dozens of cats. Her desire was to help those that can’t speak for themselves and she progressed through her experience and became a license nurse. Her pets include my 3 cats; Delilah (aka precious, precious), Daphne, Betty and her spouse’s dog Alice. She is also a barista outside of her work at SVVC, so you may find her excellent latte skills around town. Her hobbies include camping, hiking, seaglass hunting, going to craft fairs, and spending time with my family and pets.

MJ (Melinda)

Registered Veterinary Technician

Melinda (MJ) joined the SVVC team in 2023 but it was hardly her first stop in veterinary medicine. MJ is a Virginia native and move to California in 1989. She has three degrees from UCSC in Studio Art, Philosophy, and Organic Agriculture, but her passion for advocating for animals is what has driven her to continue serving those without a voice. MJ became a registered veterinary nurse (RVT) in 2010, but has been working in the field for much longer. She has worked in all aspects of veterinary medicine including ER, ICU, surgery, specialty, and now general practice. Her belief in empathy and understanding the way animals speak to humans without words has given her years of rewarding experiences serving these furry friends. She is excited to slow from the pace of ER and settle into getting to know the clients and pets who are not in distress. But if you ever have questions about existentialism, or gardening, or need a portrait of your pet, you know who to ask. In her time off she is an avid cyclist, hiker, runner, and gardener- all-around outdoor girl. She has biked all over the world and seen amazing things in Vietnam, Mexico, France, Canada, New Zealand, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and all the great places in California. She enjoys the outdoors with her husband of 23 years and her teenage son. Besides pets, biking, and raising a teenager she enjoys gardening, reading, painting, and playing with her dog Frida and two cats: Joey and Bob Watson. She also enjoys being with her husband when he’s not traveling and climbing windmills.