Meet the Team at Academy Animal Hospital

Our devoted team at Academy Animal Hospital in Solana Beach, CA is committed to delivering state-of-the-art and compassionate care for your pets. From skilled technicians to a supportive staff, each member is vital in providing excellent veterinary services that prioritize your pets’ well-being.

Get to Know Our Solana Beach Veterinary Team

Veterinarians

Dr. John Beccari

Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Beccari's Bio

Dr. Beccari’s passion for animals developed at an early age. He grew up in a large family but never owned a dog or cat of his own. He turned to the wildlife that frequently visited his backyard to see what he could keep. Feeding and taming toads, tree squirrels, and random tortoises never really worked out. Eventually, a pair of gerbils, named Rocky and Adrian, made a home in the Beccari household. Family and friends nearby offered Dr. Beccari the opportunity for additional interaction with pets. Being greeted every morning on the way to school by a neighbor’s Shih-Tzu named Mopsy was a big highlight in Dr. B’s day.

Realizing his passion for science and his to desire to own pets really shaped his future in becoming a veterinarian. During college breaks, he worked in a small animal emergency hospital fortifying his decision to become a veterinarian. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1995.

During his time at Cornell, he met his wife, Justie. They married in 1995 and headed west to escape the freezing cold in search of a new home and career.

They purchased AAH in 1999 and welcomed 2 additional partners in 2007. He wears many hats around the hospital including handyman and computer guru. His greatest passion lies in examining pets and getting to the bottom of what ails them. Ultrasound, dental procedures, intestinal surgeries are just a few of Dr. Beccari’s skills.

Dr. Beccari now has a large family of his own, most members being animals. He has 2 beautiful daughters, Madeleine and Alexandra and 8 pets collectively (not including the koi fish in their pond at home). In his time off Dr. B enjoys being with his family, hiking, traveling, camping, and exploring new places. He is also learning to play the guitar.

Dr. Justie Reimann

Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Reimann's Bio
Dr. Reimann grew up in a very outdoors-loving family, always doing things like camping, swimming, boating, and gardening. They always had cats and other small animals like gerbils and fish. When one of her fish got sick, Dr. Reimann remembers wanting to do everything she could to fix him. Even though he didn’t make it, she learned to really appreciate the importance of an animal’s life. Becoming a veterinarian was a way of combining her love of animals and desire to have an interesting, successful veterinary career.

After graduating high school in New York and McGill University in Montreal, Canada, she attended Cornell University Veterinary School, where she graduated in 1994. She met her husband (Dr. John Beccari) at Cornell and together they decided they were done with freezing cold weather and headed to California in 1995, cats, dog, and bird in tow. After working in other private practices, they bought Academy Animal Hospital in 1999 and have been proud to call it a family-owned practice since.

As an owner and partner at Academy Animal Hospital, Dr. Reimann enjoys putting her people skills to work by talking with pet owners about their pets’ health as well as getting to know pet owners on a personal level. She strives to make visiting the vet a positive experience for both the pet and owner. Always up for a challenge, she loves the investigative side of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Reimann and her husband, Dr. Beccari, have 2 daughters, Madeleine and Alexandra, who share in the passion for animals, always wanting more pets. They share their home with 2 Dachshunds, Rocket and Sebastian; 1 Yorkie-Poo and coyote-attack-survivor, Bella; and 5 cats: Otto, Dixie, Toby, Pierre, and a crazy Bengal named Briar. Outside of veterinary medicine (does that ever actually happen?) Dr. Reimann and her family love hiking, camping, skiing, traveling, and yoga.

Dr. David Zanders

Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Zanders' Bio

Dr. David Zanders (Dr. Z) grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kansas. He frequently visited his friend’s family farm where he developed a caring connection with dogs, cats, horses, and other farm livestock. He made his decision to become a veterinarian after his personal horse broke her leg and, in spite of veterinary care, had to be euthanized. It was at that moment that he learned that veterinarians not only care for animals but for the people who are committed to those helpless creatures.

After only 2 years of undergrad, Dr. Z was lucky enough to get accepted into the veterinary program at Kansas State University, where he received his degree in 1976. Shortly after graduating Dr. Zanders decided to escape the cold and moved to San Diego to begin his career as a small animal veterinarian (he saw and treated large animals for 4 years too!).

Dr. Zanders is a partner at Academy Animal Hospital. His true passion lies in providing excellent preventative care for his patients. He treats all his clients like family (he has been known to call on weekends and holidays) and his patients like one of his own pets.

Dr. Z shares his home with his wife, Lyn, 1 dog (Eli), 2 cats (Trudy and Stuart), and 15-year-old goldfish named Guy. He has 2 daughters, Sophie who lives in Los Angeles, and Jennifer, a child psychiatrist in San Diego, and a grandson, Eli. During his spare time, Dr. Z enjoys playing his banjo and guitar with his band, playing golf, and visiting family. He served on the board of the Escondido Humane Society for 14 years and was president of the board for 2 years. He was also involved in the Spay/Neuter Program of San Diego for low-income households.

Dr. Erica Ellis

Veterinarian

Dr. Ellis' Bio
Dr. Ellis had a diverse upbringing that took her to various locations across the country. She pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota and later attended vet school at the University of Tennessee. In her leisure hours, Dr. Ellis finds solace in reading and bouldering. Interestingly, her roller derby name was Hermione Danger.

Presently, Dr. Ellis resides in Oceanside, where she shares her life with her husband, their daughter, a rescue mutt named Waffle, and a rescue bunny known as Professor.

Leadership

Alyssa Osborne

Practice Manager

Alyssa's Bio
Alyssa was born and raised in San Diego. In 2005 she moved to Escondido, Ca where she met her Husband in 2006. Alyssa still lives in Escondido with her Husband Jon, her 9-month-old daughter named Gabrielle, and 4 year old cat named Scar. Alyssa began her adult career as a Childcare Worker for New Alternatives Inc. at a Group Home for foster youth when she was 19 years old, during her time as a childcare worker Alyssa mentored and supervised up to 8 teen girls ranging in age from 12-18 years old. After 6 years in childcare, Alyssa decided to get onto a new career path. She was introduced to Veterinary Medicine and began her career at a privately owned clinic as a receptionist. Alyssa joined the Academy Team in January of 2022, and is excited to be a part of this exceptional veterinary care team at Academy Animal Hospital.

Technicians

Danny Navarrete

RVT

Danny's Bio

His interest in science and medicine combined with his passion for animals naturally drew Danny to the veterinary field. He grew up with pocket pets, but could often be found pet sitting for his neighbors. Danny started at Academy at the ripe old age of 16 and has never left! He has truly dedicated his life to making pets as comfortable and healthy as possible. Danny can be found assisting the doctor, making sure our systems are working properly and engaging with clients.

Growing up right here in Solana Beach, Danny first started his journey helping out and learning as much as he could. Through his time and experience, Danny became a veterinary assistant and eventually was able to achieve his RVT license. He currently lives with his girlfriend, Debbie, and their daughter, Lily (who shares her dad’s passion for animals.) Together they enjoy going to the beach and the San Diego Zoo. Their four-legged family members include 2 cats, Raziel (who will steal your food), and Ariel (who is constantly begging for food) and 1 dog named Louie (who has perfected the art of begging).

Jeremiah Rosales

RVT

Jeremiah's Bio
Jeremiah was born in Burbank but spent most of his life growing up in Georgia. He always had an interest in animals growing up but his parents didn’t allow him to have pets. However, that didn’t stop him from bringing home critters of all shapes and sizes into the house to his mother’s dismay. He now has a dog (Tobi Wan Kenobi), a cat (Mac), and a snake (Luci).

After moving to San Diego, he started as a veterinary assistant at Academy in 2022 and at the same time was studying to get his RVT license at Pima. In 2023 he achieved his licensing and graduated valedictorian of his class at Pima.

When he’s not working, he enjoys skateboarding, live music, hanging out with friends, and video games.

Veterinary Assistants

Tracy De La Vega

Veterinary Nurse

Tracy's Bio
Tracy had the joy of growing up with an assortment of pets. From dogs and cats to turtles and chickens, she wanted to make sure each pet lived a long and comfortable life. She came to Academy in 2007 to pursue her passion for taking care of pets. As a veterinary nurse, she can make a difference in a pet’s life through kindness and a gentle touch.

Born and raised in El Centro, Ca, Tracy attended Pima Medical Institute and got her certification as a Veterinary Assistant. She lives with her boyfriend, Hector, and their son, Christian. Tracy has 2 cats, Vasily and Suki, both of whom are rescues, and Coco, a cockatiel. She is passionate about her favorite sports team, the San Diego Padres, and loves watching and attending sports events. She has played the clarinet, bass, sax, and guitarron in various bands of different genres over the years including jazz, rock, and mariachi.

Mickey Revis

Veterinary Assistant

Mickey's Bio
For as long as Mikella can remember, she has had an immense love for animals, often bringing home a variety of strays throughout her adolescence. Growing up in Los Angeles, California she had two cats, two parakeets, a hamster, an assortment of beta fish and two dogs.

During the pandemic, Mikella’s continued passion for animal science lead her to enroll at PIMA where she obtained her certificate in Veterinary Assistance. Her favorite things to do in a hospital setting include monitoring surgeries, performing routine dentals, placing intravenous catheters and drawing blood.

She currently resides in Ocean Beach, San Diego with her Dalmatian Hellboy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The two of them enjoy hiking, camping, skating and hanging out at the beach.

Angie Tornel

Veterinary Assistant

Angie's Bio
Angie was born in Baja California, Mexico and moved to the United States with her family. She is a recent graduate of Pima medical Institutes graduate program and received her Associates degree in Veterinary Medicine. Currently she is studying to receive her license to become a Registered Veterinary Technician and someday reach her goal to become veterinarian! She is well versed with companion animals but has a lengthy background with livestock through FFA/4-H and exotic pets. Fun fact! She currently owns 9 pets! (Including French fry in her portrait)

Sarah Davis

Veterinary Assistant

Sarah's Bio
Growing up in San Diego surrounded by pets, Sarah like many young kids, knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. Sarah was a volunteer at Academy in high school and went on to major in Zoology at UCSB before eventually returning to work as a veterinary assistant at Academy while applying to vet school. As a lover of the outdoors especially the beach Sarah can often be found with her two dogs along the north county coastline.

Victoria Alvarez

Veterinary Assistant

Victoria's Bio
Victoria was born and raised in San Diego. She currently works as veterinary assistant on our team and has previous experience working with shelter animals, livestock and exotics. Victoria studied at UC Davis where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Animal Science, and contributed to various research studies in the field. In her free time she enjoys traveling, drawing/painting, and volunteering at an animal sanctuary.

Client Service Representatives

Jae Gibbons

Lead CSR

Jae's Bio
Jae was born in Montreal, but has lived in San Diego for most of her life. She has always had a love for animals and has enjoyed her time working with them for the past 4 years! She currently lives in North County, and has 2 cats- Juju and Beans, and a Sharpei Mix named Kirra. In her spare time, Jae enjoys snuggling her sweet fur babies and playing video games.

Yaritza Gainsbrugh

CSR
Yaritza's Bio

Bio coming soon!

Academy Animal Hospital

Come Join Our Family

This isn’t just a job for us, it’s our way of life! We’re always looking for outstanding people to join our team. If you’re passionate about pets, people, and fun, we welcome you to browse our current openings and apply.

Drop us a line!

Please complete the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as quickly as possible. If this is an emergency situation, please call us at 858-755-1511.

Contact Us

We treat your pets like the valued family members they are.

Location

741 Academy Drive
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Click here for directions.

Hours of Operation

Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed from 12pm-1pm for lunch
Sat: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Closed from 12pm-1pm for lunch

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Contact Info

Phone: 858-755-1511
Fax: 858-755-1511
Email: academyvets@hotmail.com