Meet Our Veterinary Team

Mikaela

Registered Veterinary Technician

Mikaela grew up in San Diego County and began her career in the veterinary field in 2019. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology and is now a licensed RVT. Mikaela is excited to be a part of the Moonlight’s amazing treatment team!

Mikaela cares for her cat named Figgy, whom she adopted when he was relinquished after ingesting 30 hair ties. Mikaela had the opportunity to help with his surgery, recovery, and becoming his forever home. When she is not working, Mikaela enjoys reading, listening to music, playing with Figgy, and exploring new restaurants with her husband.

Cheri

Registered Veterinary Technician

Cheri grew up in Escondido and holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from UC Davis as well as an Associate of Science in Animal Health Technology. She has worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) for over 12 years.

Outside of work, Cheri enjoys beach walks, park hikes, horseback riding, and spending time at the Del Mar Racetrack. She shares her life with her daughter, Sierra, and her cat, Spice—a tortoiseshell she rescued during the 2007 wildfires.

Dr. Laura Halsey

Practice Owner & Medical Director

Dr. Laura Halsey grew up in San Diego and was inspired to become a veterinarian as a way to combine her love of animals and science with her passion for wanting to create positive change. After graduating UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 she returned to San Diego to complete a rigorous internship in emergency and specialty medicine. She has been in practice around San Diego, working in both general practice and emergency settings. Dr. Halsey seeks to evaluate the patient as a whole and has a special interest in surgery, pain management, ultrasonography, and emergency medicine.

Dr. Halsey shares her home with her husband, two human children, three dogs (Huxley, Nellie, and Quila), and a 21-year-old cat (Annie) who is credited with inspiring Dr. Halsey to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Lindsey Hackett

DVM & Medical Director

Dr. Hackett has been practicing veterinary medicine in the San Diego area since 2007. Dr. Hackett grew up in Colorado surrounded by dogs, cats, bunnies, and a box turtle she rescued after it was run over by a tractor. She dreamed of becoming a veterinarian as a young girl. Now that she has realized this dream, she understands the human-animal bond and focuses her efforts on optimizing her patients’ health and quality of life. Dr. Hackett has a special interest in preventive care, dentistry, surgery, urgent care, and internal medicine (especially diabetes). After graduating from Colorado State University, Dr. Hackett moved to San Diego to fulfill an internship with VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center. Here, she gained vital experience in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and soft tissue surgery which she uses every day in urgent care to safely care for her patients.

Dr. Hackett loves the outdoors. When she’s not surrounded by animals, she’s in the ocean, the trails, or in the mountains. She’s also incredibly attached to her cat Nelson.

Dr. Karen Soares

DVM

Originally from Miami, Dr. Soares graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Following graduation, Dr. Soares completed a rotating Internship focusing on Internal Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at VCA Emergency and Referral Center in San Diego where she was intern of the year! Since then, Dr. Karen Soares has worked as an emergency clinician at a Specialty Referral/Emergency Hospital and as a general practitioner at busy general veterinary practices. She understands that your pets are family members and is dedicated to providing compassionate care. She is also a fan of Thrive Animal Rescue and enjoys that Moonlight works with select rescues to contribute to the community’s greater good. Outside of her veterinary work, she enjoys being active and takes “playing” seriously whether it is learning to skateboard, going to a concert, or jumping in the water.

Dr. Shannon Henry

DVM

A Southern California native, Dr. Henry knew from a very young age that she wanted to be involved in emergency medicine.

She started her career in Colorado as an emergency medical technician and then as a paramedic working on ambulances, helicopters, and Learjets.

After more than a decade, Dr. Henry decided she wanted to do more and combined her love of emergency medicine with her love for animals, pursuing her veterinary career at Ross University in St. Kitts, West Indies. Dr. Henry completed her clinical year at the University of Illinois before returning home to California. She worked in primary care medicine for a year until she felt the call to return to her emergency medicine roots.

Dr. Henry enjoys playing softball, golf, scuba diving, and reading in her spare time. She shares her home with a standard dachshund named Dodger.

Dr. Sharon Paz

DVM, Tell-Tail’s Certified Veterinarian Sonographer

Dr. Paz graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 and has been in California ever since. After years of experience in general practice and emergency medicine, she became certified in veterinary ultrasound and has dedicated the last 4 years of her career to this unique focus.

In her free time, Dr. Paz loves hiking, swimming, and playing tennis. She is also very musically inclined, with her most recent interest in learning to play piano. Her furry family consists of 2 dogs, Ziggy and Heidi, 4 cats, Soosie, Tiki, Tzifi, and Cookie, and one green-winged macaw named Emily.

Isabelle

Veterinary Assistant

Isabelle grew up in Carlsbad and is currently enrolled in an RVT program to earn her license.

When she’s not at work, Isabelle enjoys going to the beach and hiking. She has a cat named Iris who loves to boss her family around.

Alex

Veterinary Assistant

Alex grew up here in Encinitas. She joined the veterinary field in 2020 and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She hopes to become a veterinarian someday and has a special interest in urgent care cases and continued care.

When she’s not at work, Alex enjoys trying new restaurants, watching movies, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. She has two cats; Harold, a fluffy orange cat, and Beep, a Domestic Long Hair.

Enrique

Veterinary Assistant

Enrique was born and raised in Autlán, Jalisco, Mexico, where his passion for animals was inspired early on by his father, a veterinarian. He pursued his veterinary degree at the University of Guadalajara and gained invaluable experience working at the National Center for Genetic Resources in Mexico, the University of León in Spain, and various clinics in Texas and California. Enrique is now in the process of validating his degree in the U.S. to achieve his goal of becoming a licensed DVM.

Outside of work, Enrique enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, and their playful dachshund, Kona, whom they adopted 8 years ago. He loves discovering new restaurants, cooking, and watching movies—Guardians of the Galaxy is his favorite, and he often listens to its soundtrack on his way to work.

Katie

Veterinary Assistant

Katie was born in Colorado and spent much of her childhood in Beijing, China, after moving there at the age of seven. She returned to California at 17 and has been working in the veterinary field since 2016. Katie earned her Veterinary Assistant degree from PIMA Medical Institute in 2018 and has held a VACS permit since 2020. She is currently continuing her education through the Penn Foster RVT program.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, snowboarding, playing video games on her PC, and reading. She shares her home with Bailey, her 16-year-old dog whom she rescued as a five-week-old puppy from the streets of Beijing.

Jessica

Veterinary Assistant

Jessica grew up in Poway and brings over a decade of experience in the veterinary field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and an associate degree in Math and Science. Currently, she is continuing her education through the Penn Foster RVT program, working toward becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys staying active through gym workouts, Zumba, hiking, and spending time in nature. She especially loves being around animals of all kinds, with a special fondness for horses and large animals. At home, Jessica shares her life with her daughter, Jillian, her two cats, Komi and Wisteria, and her dog, Blossom.

Jasmine

Veterinary Assistant

Jasmine grew up in Temecula, CA, and has been working in the veterinary field for several years. She is preparing to take her Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in March 2025 and is also pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Passionate about continuous learning, Jasmine is always eager to expand her skills and knowledge.

Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys hiking, baking bread, and reading. She is a proud mom to three kids and shares her home with three beloved pets: Bones, a 9-year-old pitbull; Pickles, a 3-year-old mini poodle; and Moonie, a playful 3-month-old kitten.

Tiffany

Customer Service Representative
Tiffany was born in Arizona but grew up in Scripps Ranch. She has over 25 years of experience in the veterinary field, starting as a kennel assistant and advancing to technician and supervisor roles. For the past decade, she has specialized in emergency medicine and has recently transitioned into more customer service-focused roles.

Outside of work, Tiffany is an avid football fan and was a long-time season ticket holder for the Chargers. Her furry family includes Charly, a dramatic Shih Tzu; Chola, an intelligent but anxious Chihuahua mix; and Noodles, her beloved cat.

Sarai

Customer Service Representative

Sarai is a North County San Diego native and a proud Encinitas local. She began her journey in veterinary medicine in early 2020 and completed her veterinary assistant course in March of that year. Sarai finds joy in both day practice and urgent care settings, and is excited to apply her skills and compassion as a part of the Moonlight team.

Outside of her professional life, Sarai enjoys watching anime and reading manga. She loves visiting bookstores and exploring new places, often getting delightfully lost in her adventures. Her furry companion, Arishi Neko, a senior dog with an adorable underbite, holds a special place in her heart. His name translates to Mr. Cat, reflecting his unique charm.

Eder

Animal Care Attendant

Eder grew up in sunny San Diego county. He has 5 years of experience in the veterinary field and recently joined the Moonlight team to further his experience in emergency medicine and urgent care. As one of the first friendly faces you’ll encounter at the clinic, Eder is always ready to assist both pets and their families with a caring touch.

When he is not at work, Eder enjoys hiking, walking on the beach, trying new restaurants with his husband, and traveling to Mexico. He currently does not have any pets of his own but is hoping to eventually adopt a few canine companions.

Juliette

Registered Veterinary Technician

Juliette grew up in Orange County, California, and has dedicated 34 years to veterinary medicine as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). She also holds a graphic design certification from MiraCosta College and is Fear Free Certified.

In her free time, Juliette enjoys participating in dog agility activities such as barn hunts and lure coursing. She also loves hiking, paddleboarding, photography, graphic design, and video gaming. Her diverse pet family includes Oswyn, a pitbull mix who loves lounging on the couch; Finley, a rescue rottweiler with a heart of gold; Nixie, a sweet and quirky border collie mix; her cats Bruce, Leo, Shy Guy, and Pixel; and three fish tanks full of aquatic friends.

Claudia

Registered Veterinary Technician

Claudia was born and raised in San Marcos and started her journey in the veterinary field in 2011 as a receptionist. From there she trained to become a veterinary assistant before moving to Denver, CO to attend Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She earned an AAS degree and her RVT license in 2017 and gained experience in shelter medicine before deciding to expand her knowledge into the urgent care sphere with us at Tell Tail Moonlight Veterinary Center.

With her family scattered throughout California, Claudia enjoys road tripping to spend as much time with them as she can. When she is not traveling, Claudia spends her free time reading, journaling, watching shows and movies, hiking, cooking, doing puzzles, and self care. She currently does not have any pets of her own but believes that this gives her even more love to give to her patients.

Maggie

Registered Veterinary Technician

Maggie was born in Tijuana, Mexico but spent her childhood in Vista, CA. When she was in high school, her passion for animals led her to an internship at a cat hospital, jumpstarting her 10 years of experience in the veterinary field. In 2023, Maggie pursued the alternate route and passed her VTNE becoming an RVT.

Maggie is a proud single mother to her son, Darien, and her cat, Artemis. Outside of work she enjoys taking her family to the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios. She also enjoys painting, reading, and playing video games.

Stephanie

PR & Growth Consultant

Stephanie relocated from Portland, OR to San Diego in 2006 and quickly began working for a veterinary hospital where she became the Hospital Director. After many years in the field, she joined a local non-profit organization as the Executive Director. In 2023, missing many factors of the veterinary industry, she decided to return to the veterinary industry with Moonlight Veterinary Center. Stephanie has a passion for keeping veterinary care accessible, maintaining a healthy workplace in which a work-life balance is valued, and ensuring a positive and calm experience for clients and furry family members. She loves people and community just as much as animals and currently serves on the FACE Foundation Board of Directors and supports Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas.

Stephanie has been married for 20 years. She and her spouse have a daughter (Ella) and share two dogs named Dave and Piggie. Dave is a black labrador and Piggie is a chihuahua mix that was rescued from Rosarito, Mexico. When she is not working or volunteering with animals, she is an accomplished musician, travels frequently to the Pacific Northwest to hike and tend to her friend’s farm, loves new restaurants, fishing and cooking.

Tina

Hospital Director

Tina comes from Orange County and spent many years in the California Desert before finding comfort in Hawaii and settling in San Diego. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Health Science, reflecting her dedication to caring for animals. This commitment expands with a Master’s degree in business.

Tina has had a career in the animal field for over 23 years.   She has been an animal control officer at a California shelter and an Animal Care Manager for the Humane Society in Hawaii. Tina’s journey shows a deep dedication to making life better for all kinds of creatures. Throughout her journey, Tina has managed numerous veterinary hospitals, seamlessly blending her compassion for animals with astute and strategic thinking.

Tina’s happy place isn’t just her house; it’s the love she shares with her husband and her sweet Olde English Bulldogge. This loyal pup made the journey with her all the way from beautiful Hawaii. When she’s not busy with work, Tina enjoys keeping it simple—going to concerts and festivals, catching professional baseball games, and spending quality time with her furry friend.

Tess

Brand & Media Designer

Tess grew up in rural Jamul, California. She spent her childhood participating in the local chapter of the 4-H Horse and Pony club, participating in shows and competitions all over San Diego county. She graduated from UC San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution before entering the veterinary field in 2020. Although she didn’t start her career in veterinary medicine, her experience in the field has ignited a strong passion for educating the public about the medical aspects of pet ownership.

Outside of work, Tess spends most of her time-making art, hitting the gym, and hanging out with friends and family. She is the proud mother of a Baja rescue pup named Franny as well as a 5 ft long ball python named Kronk.