Our Trusted Team

Meet our Doctors

Dr. Cindy Karlberg

Dr.  Karlberg decided to become a veterinarian as a young girl; she even wrote her 6th grade career report on becoming an animal doctor!  She received her Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biological Sciences and Animal Sciences from California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo.  She then did her doctorate work at Iowa State University, graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.  She moved to San Diego and worked for ABC Veterinary Hospitals for 8 years before purchasing the El Cajon location in 2004. She changed the hospital name and has owned Care & Comfort Veterinary Hospital ever since.  She is married to her husband, Steve Brentnall, and has two beautiful and active children, Piper and Finn.  Two cats, a turtle, and salt water fish currently finish her family.  Dr. Karlberg loves to read, camp, fly fish, travel, ride horses and spend time with her family.

Dr. Melody Aitchison

Dr. Aitchison always had the plan of attending veterinary school. She shadowed at her father's veterinary hospital in Lakeside from a very young age. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from UC Davis, then went on to recieve her doctorate in veterinary medicine from UC Davis in 2005.  Following veterinary school, Dr. Aitchison pursued an internship at the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center which included advanced training in emergency medicine, internal medicine and surgery.  She joined the Care & Comfort family in 2006.  She truly enjoys practicing family medicine for dogs and cats.  At home she a cat named Sam and a rescue dog, Rita.  Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, sailing, and spending time with her family. 

Meet Our Staff

Hospital Practice Manager, Jennifer Toups, RVT

Jennifer has worked with Dr. Karlberg for over 10 years as her practice manager, and is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of Care & Comfort. Jennifer has a AA in Health Care Administration and is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She strives to motivate the client care specialists as well as the nursing staff to provide the exceptional veterinary care and customer service that is our hospital goal.  She is married to her husband, Josh, and has two beautiful children, Ashley and Cameron.

Hospital Assistant Manager, Breanna Turk, CVA     

Breanna has extensive experience in veterinary medicine and customer service.  She joined our team in 2006 and has advanced her technical nursing skills as well.  She has a lovely new baby, Ellie Rose.

Client Care Supervisor, Leandra Garcia, CVA             

Leandra is our front office queen.  She has been with the practice since 2006 and continues to astound us with her customer skills, multi-tasking, and staff training.  She has a delightful son, Matteo.

Lead Veterinary Technician, Arisa Apodaca, RVT      

Arisa heads our technical nursing staff with diligience and precision.  She has been a part of the Care & Comfort family since 2004.  She has a special interest in denistry with specialized dental technical training while living in Okinawa.  Arisa is bilingual in English and Japenese.  She is happily married to her Navy husband, Angel, and has 3 daughters, Aszia, Azumi and Angelica.

Yolanda Gibson 

Yolanda has been a vital part of our practice for over 20 years. She handles all our patient update and surgical calls.  If your pet comes to see us, you will definitely talk to her soon. 

Kindra Nutt, CVA                                                          

Kindra is a Certified Veterinary Assistant through PIMA college and has been a member of our team since 2010.  She is also the opening star of our website video!

Tiarah Chavez                                                              

Tiarah finished an ROP internship and was hired on the spot for her sweet smile and hard work ethic.  She has been with us since 2010.

Amanda Welch, CVA                                              

Amanda is an experienced Pet Groomer who is in her senior year at UC San Diego.  Amanda provides  exceptional haircuts and really enjoys the art. She is also fluent in French.

Pat Polak

Pat has been a part of our team since 2004, and recently completed her taining as a Certified Pet Groomer. She has a natural artistic talent, and enjoys painting, sewing, camping, and spending time with her family.

Lauren Robledo, CVA

Lauren came to us as an ROP student in 2009. We hired her after her externship because of her hard work ethic. She is a recent graduate of West Hills High School and plans on attending college to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

Orlando Melchor, CVA                                                  

Orlando is a Certified Veterinary Assistant through PIMA college and has been with us since 2009 after completeing his externship. He is bilingual in English and Spanish. Orlando enjoys surfing, playing guitar and spending time with friends and family. He is the only male on our staff...bless his heart!

Sarah Moxley, CVA                                                     

Sarah is a Certified Veterinary Assistant and has completed the Registered Veterinary Technician Program through PIMA college. She has wonderful technical nursing skills and is an asset to our hospital.

The Care & Comfort Team

Client Care Team

Our client care team consists of a smart group of women with advanced training in pet care and customer service. Many of our staff our bilingual in English, Spanish and French, so please ask when you call if you would like to speak to someone in your native language.

Customer Care Team
(Amanda, Leandra & Kindra)