Veterinarians
Ashley Amaral
DVM
Dr. Amaral grew up immersed in a Central Coast ranching family. Her early exposure to animals shaped her future career path. After graduating from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, Dr. Amaral started her career in an ambulatory equine practice. She then made the switch to small animal medicine and has not looked back. Dr. Amaral has a special interest in emergency medicine and dentistry, and believes that veterinary care should not be intimidating. She believes that strong relationships between veterinarians and clients enable the highest quality care to be provided, and she strives to create a comfortable setting for both animals and clients alike. Dr. Amaral and her husband Luis have three sons. She enjoys horseback riding, hiking and weekend trips to the family ranch.
Jimmy Holtschlag
DVM
Dr. Jimmy is originally from Quincy, Illinois where he developed his love for animals. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science while playing football at Western Illinois University. He then attended the University of Illinois to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2019. There he met his wife who convinced him to move to California and he has been practicing in Monterey County ever since. He has a passion for interacting with patients and clients with compassion while providing comprehensive care. Dr. Jimmy enjoys surgery and continuing education in all areas of veterinary medicine. When not in the office, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping with his wife, Morgan and spending time with his dog, Felix and cats, Kip and Flea.
Katie Anderson
DVM
Becoming a veterinarian was a lifelong dream for Dr. Katie Anderson, who grew up in Plano, Texas. When she was little, she told her parents that she wanted to be a “pet-erinarian” because she thought the job was petting animals all day. As she grew up, her love for science and medicine made her realize that a career as a veterinarian would indeed be the perfect fit. Katie earned a BS in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M, then worked in veterinary emergency medicine before returning to pursue her DVM. “I truly love my job,” says Katie, “And count myself lucky every day that this is what I get to do.” Her professional interests range from emergency medicine to surgery, ophthalmology, and cardiology, but enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. Katie’s husband Josh is active-duty Navy, so they have lived all across the U.S., most recently in Florida. They have a toddler named Caleb and a chihuahua-terrier mix named Maggie. Katie says that her family is her world. When they are not working, you can find them outdoors, or exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Katie also enjoys reading, gardening, and baking.
Alexandra Eastman
MS, DVM
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Eastman grew up in Hollywood, CA and spent weekends and summers in the Sierra Foothills on her family cattle ranch. She developed a love for horses and riding which took her and her horse to The Thacher School in Ojai, CA, where she rode and showed horses both in Western classes, gymkahana and 3-day events. She also took "Intro to Vet-Med," a year-long elective which secured her interest in veterinary medicine. Alex met her husband Dr. Tim Eastman in veterinary school; they were married in 1998; and today are co-owners of Steinbeck Country Small Animal Clinic and Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics. In addition to seeing patients and running three busy practices, Dr. Eastman serves on the boards of several organizations. When not working, the Eastmans enjoy spending time with their four children, and Alex occasionally gets a chance to borrow her daughter's 3-day eventing horse.
Background:
-
2002 joined SCEC
-
2000-2002 Portola Animal Hospital, Salinas
-
1997-2000 Kasper & Rigby Veterinary Associates, Magnolia, TX, Associate Veterinarian
-
1997 UC Davis, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
-
1993 Cal Poly, Pomona, Masters of Science Program, Equine Exercise Physiology
-
1991 Colby College, BA Biology
Board of Directors:
-
Agricultural Advisory Board of Monterey County
-
Past President: Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners
-
Past BOD Member: Carmel Valley Chapter of the California Dressage Society
-
Past BOD Member: Hope, Horses and Kids Therapeutic Riding Program
Professional Service:
-
Veterinary Managers Group 8 Member (2015 – present)
