Our Team

Dr. Nichole Weinstein – DVM, Medical Director

A California native, Dr. Nichole Weinstein graduated with her pre-veterinary degree from Cal Poly, Pomona, California. She then earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of the Philippines. She obtained her license to practice in the US at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She then went on…

Dr. Samantha Musa, DVM

Dr. Samantha Musa brings more than 30 years of veterinary expertise to our practice. Before relocating to California, she served the Chicago area with dedication and compassion. According to family lore, her lifelong passion for veterinary medicine began at the age of four during an unforgettable visit to the zoo—and…

Dr. Jacob Ruiz, DVM

We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Jacob Ruiz, who has been a valued team member at our hospital since 2016. This year, he graduated with high honors from the esteemed Western University College of Veterinary Medicine and passed his national boards early and with excellence. Dr. Ruiz brings a superior…

Dr. Bruce Barrett – DVM, Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Barrett is our orthopedic surgeon on-call who performs quality orthopedics at a reduced or discounted price when compared to specialty hospitals. His patients have excellent outcomes with less pain and faster healing. He is a great asset to our team!

Maria, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician, Room Supervisor

Maria received her RVT license from Carrington College, following the completion of her Bachelor's degree in Zoology from Humboldt State University.

As the supervisor of our veterinary assistant team, Maria leads with exceptional care, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to mentorship and teamwork. She plays a vital role in supporting our doctors across many facets of patient care, and her communication with clients is consistently clear, compassionate, and informative.

Maria’s love for animals and passion for veterinary medicine have been lifelong. She finds deep fulfillment in helping pets feel better and more loved. One of her most memorable experiences was helping a long-term patient recover and ultimately find a forever home after an extensive treatment journey.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys visiting amusement parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios. She also has a love for classic horror films and collects vinyl records as a personal hobby.

Ashley

Veterinary Assistant

Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and sharp intuition to her role as a Veterinary Assistant at Arrow Dog & Cat Hospital. With an Associate’s Degree in Animal Science from Platt College, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to animal care and professional growth.

Exceptionally intelligent and quick to learn, Ashley often solves problems before they even arise—her proactive approach and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of our team. Her natural leadership and efficiency enhance the daily operations of the hospital and contribute meaningfully to patient care.

Ashley’s love for animals began in childhood, growing up surrounded by chickens, rabbits, and dogs. These early experiences fostered a lifelong dedication to the well-being of animals and gave her a well-rounded, hands-on perspective on veterinary care.

She is the proud pet parent of Luna, a clever 5-year-old Chihuahua mix with an impressive repertoire of tricks, and Saltine, her energetic and lovable canine companion.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her family, hiking in nature, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of music festivals. 

Alejandra

Veterinary Assistant

Alejandra joined the Arrow Dog & Cat Hospital team in August 2023, bringing with her a cheerful attitude and a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine. It all began when she was just eight years old and accompanied her family dog to its first veterinary visit.

She earned her Associate Degree in Veterinary Assisting from Platt College and plans to continue her education to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

While Alejandra is known for her warm and sweet demeanor, don’t mistake it for anything less than the highest level of professionalism. She approaches every task with precision, accuracy, and a strong commitment to patient care. Her thoughtful and dependable nature makes her a trusted and valued member of our team.

Alejandra shares her home with three cats and two dogs, including a black-and-white cat named Cookie—so named because her coloring resembles an Oreo.

In her free time, Alejandra enjoys attending music festivals, hiking, and camping with her family, embracing both adventure and quality time outdoors.

Cecilia

Veterinary Assistant

Cecilia is a valued member of the Arrow Dog & Cat Hospital team, bringing a strong sense of purpose, attention to detail, and a deep respect for both patients and clients. She graduated from the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) program at Mt. San Antonio College, building on her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cal State University, Fullerton.

Cecilia’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a desire to find daily joy and meaning in her work. Starting as a kennel attendant, she worked her way up through determination and a sincere passion for animal care. She continues to grow her clinical expertise and plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and respectful communication style, Cecilia ensures that every pet parent and furry patient is treated with precision and empathy.

She is the proud pet parent of two terrier mixes, Uriel and Anakin, who bring energy and joy to her everyday life. Outside of work, Cecilia enjoys hiking scenic trails and spending time with her family, friends, and furry companions.

When you visit Arrow Dog & Cat Hospital, be sure to say hello—Cecilia's calm presence and dedication to animals make a lasting impression. 

Beysa

Vet Assistant

Beysa joined our team as a Veterinary Assistant in January 2025. Currently pursuing her Animal Science degree at Cal Poly Pomona with plans to attend Western University's veterinary program, Beysa's passion for animal care began when she started caring for neighborhood cats - a calling that grew stronger over time.
 
When she's not assisting with patient care, Beysa enjoys baking (especially her specialty, beignets!), watching movies, spending time with family, traveling, and playing volleyball. She shares her home with her cat Ollie, who loves to watch her bake in the kitchen.

Olivia

Veterinary Assistant

Future DVM – Class of 2028, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Olivia Hanley has been a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Arrow Dog and Cat Hospital since June 2022. A proud Upland native, Olivia is currently completing her B.S. in Animal Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with graduation expected in March 2024.

Her lifelong passion for animals was inspired by growing up alongside her own twelve beloved pets. That passion guided her into the field of animal science in 2020 and included hands-on experience through an equine internship in 2021. Olivia thrives on building meaningful connections with both pets and their owners, finding deep fulfillment in supporting their healing and wellness.

A defining moment came after a particularly long 13-hour shift, when Olivia realized she couldn’t wait to return to work the next day—affirming her calling in veterinary medicine. That commitment has now come full circle: Olivia has been accepted into the Class of 2028 at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine! We are so proud of her and can’t wait to welcome her back as Dr. Olivia Hanley in the near future.

Outside of the hospital, Olivia enjoys movie nights, writing film reviews, and spending time with her close-knit family, including her two younger brothers and parents. At home, she lovingly cares for a lively group of pets including two rabbits, three dogs, seven tortoises, and a vibrant collection of fish.

Osmara

Customer Service Representative

Osmara has been volunteering in animal hospitals since 2015 and began working in practices full-time in 2019 after earning her AA in Animal Science. Osmara is also a certified dog groomer. Osmara has loved and lived with animals her entire life, so a career in the veterinary field was a natural fit! She joined the Arrow Dog & Cat Hospital team this year! Osmara’s critter crew include two dogs, one cat, one rabbit, and two desert tortoises. In her free time, she enjoys grooming dogs, spending time with her animals, reading, and listening to audio books. 

Krystal

Receptionist

After an impressive 18-year career in law enforcement and over 25 years in customer service, Krystal followed her lifelong passion for animal care by joining our team as a Receptionist in January 2025. As she puts it, while she loves many things in life, her true passion has always been animals - not just loving them but caring for them, too. Having always had pets, Krystal considers it a dream come true to work in an animal hospital.
At home, she's surrounded by her beloved pets: a Husky named Hunter, a Golden Doodle named Mocha Frappe, and two cats—a Persian named Miso Soup and a Himalayan named Sushi Roll. Krystal enjoys taking Hunter on runs, hikes, and walks in her free time.

Tina

Practice Manager

Tina has always been a lover of animals, and being able to work with dogs and cats every day is a dream come true for her. She enjoys getting to know the different personalities and breeds of animals, as well as learning about diseases and treatments. Tina knew that working at Arrow Dog and Cat Hospital was the right profession for her when she started seeing all the dogs and cats that come in for care and got to know their owners. She also values the knowledge she gains from the doctor and staff that helps her take better care of her own pets.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, four adult children, and two dogs. She also likes traveling, quilting, and doing crafts in her free time.