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. Serrano has had a special interest in animal welfare and the science behind it since he was a teenager. His first job in a veterinary practice, which wasn’t the great experience he had hoped for. Thankfully, through volunteer work at a humane society and a more positive experience at a different hospital, he realized where his passion laid. After graduating from Veterinary school, Dr. Serrano gained practical experience working at several different hospitals in the L.A. and Orange county areas before moving to San Diego in 1986.

Growing up in the L.A. area, Dr. Serrano spent a lot of time surfing as a kid. After high school, he moved to Washington State to pursue his veterinary degree. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 1983. Dr. Serrano lives in Carlsbad with his wife, Cathy. They share their home with their 2 cats, Stella and Porter. When not seeing pet patients, Dr. Serrano can be found paragliding over San Diego. He also enjoys playing golf, guitar, and drums. He and Cathy spend time hiking, biking, and going on road trips together.

After high school, Dr. Neilson set off east, attending Amherst College for her undergraduate degree. She then went to Tufts University, where she earned a Master’s in Science in Conservation Medicine. Massachusetts apparently was not far enough east for her, so she moved across the pond and attended the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. She graduated in 2019 with her B.V.M.S. (same as D.V.M., only British; just like color and colour.) During her time there, she participated as a student researcher for the Scottish Wildcat Action Plan, a conservation organization working to protect the remaining population of Scottish Wildcats.

Between her experience at the Safari Park and involvement in the Wildcat conservation, Dr. Neilson initially thought she would become a zoo veterinarian. Fortunately, the sweet smiles of small animals beckoned her instead. After spending a year practicing in Phoenix, Dr. Neilson returned to sunny San Diego and joined Academy’s team in August 2020.

Dr. Neilson has two cats, Mobi and Jack. Mobi was born and raised in Scotland and meows with an accent. Jack is as orange as the pumpkin he was found behind as a kitten and has classic second child syndrome (basically, he’s the baby, and he knows it.) In her free time, Dr. Neilson enjoys volleyball, glass fusing, and cosplaying. She views the San Diego Comic-Con as an Olympic sport, and her cosplay talents have been featured on multiple Comic-Con stages.

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).

Misha’s nurturing personality was present even as a child, always caring for younger kids and pets alike. Growing up she had 1 dog, a Briard named Anya, who was her best friend (she would often sneak her sugar cubes!). Originally she planned on becoming a teacher but got sidetracked when she was given an opportunity to learn dog training and behavior. From there Misha took it one step further and entered the veterinary field. She came to Academy in 2007 as a receptionist and has moved to Hospital Manager where she runs the in and outs of the hospital.

Born in the Czech Republic, Misha moved to the San Diego with her parents when she was 5 years old. She met her husband, Bryan, in high school and they have 2 kids, Anicka and Seth. They share their home with their Golden Retriever, Topper, and their black cat, Jack. They enjoy spending as much time in the water as possible, whether it’s on the lake, at the river, or at the beach. They also love going tent camping with family and friends.

MaryJane came to Academy Animal Hospital after 5 years in the pet retail business. She found her passion lies in connecting with owners, their pets, and client education. Her main focus is making sure your visit is positive for both you and your pet. Whether in person or over the phone, her smile is radiant!

Born and raised in Southern California, MaryJane earned a degree in Cultural Anthropology from Willamette University with a music scholarship. She has played the flute for 23 years, including playing in the San Diego Youth Symphony. She lives with her 2 dogs, Marley and Georgie, and kitty, Zaika. Marley is a 6lb Chihuahua princess who enjoys a warm lap to lie on and Georgie, a Corgi-Jack Russell Terrier mix, loves nothing more than a good game of fetch with her favorite tennis ball. During her time off, MaryJane can be found volunteering at a Zebra Rescue in Ramona!

Shea always knew she wanted to work with animals. She grew up in a household full of rescue animals, from cats and dogs to pocket pets and turtles. After gaining experience and working at a rescue organization, Shea joined our team in 2017. She is able to use her nursing skills assisting the doctors, whether in surgery or in an exam room and making sure each pet in her care is treated like one of her own.

Born and raised in San Diego, Shea attended UCSD where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution. She and her husband, Blake, and their son, Finley share their home with their 2 rescue dogs, Blueberry (a 7-year-old Terrier mix) and Thor (a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix). During her free time, she enjoys painting, hiking, and watching movies with her husband, son, and dogs.