Gentle Care Veterinary Hospital Veterinary Team

Working with animals has always been a source of passion and fascination for me. I find joy in delving into the intricacies of their bodies, learning how they function, and applying that knowledge to make a positive impact. Every day, I feel a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I am not only contributing to the well-being of my pet patients but also making a difference in the lives of their human families.

Dr. Dukwon Yoon, a licensed veterinarian in California, brings two decades of practice experience to his role. His journey began with training and graduation from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and Seoul National University. Dr. Yoon has been dedicated to the practice since 1988 and has been running his own successful clinic in Dublin, CA since 2001. He has expanded his commitment to pet care by opening Gentle Care Veterinary in Hayward, CA, serving a diverse range of pet patients in the East Bay.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Yoon is a loving parent to two children and a cherished dog named Apricot, who holds a special place in his heart. Driven by a genuine love for animals and a commitment to exceptional veterinary care, Dr. Yoon is devoted to making a positive impact on the lives of both pets and their human companions.

D.V.M.

Dr. Laurie McKinney graduated from the Veterinary School at the University of California at Davis in 1986.  She worked as an associate at numerous small animal hospitals over the course of ten years before taking on the leadership of her own practice in Half Moon Bay.  There she owned and operated the hospital for 22 years before “retiring.”  Dr. McKinney has continued to work in small animal medicine while interspersing her work with travel opportunities which have taken her to China, Europe, Africa and most recently, Borneo. These journeys have allowed her to enjoy her interest amateur wildlife photography.

Dr. McKinney sees one-on-one communication with the humans who seek our services as key to providing quality care for the animals presented for medical concerns.  Reducing fear and providing information enhance the experience and improve the outcomes.  Dr. McKinney embraces the role of a General Practitioner using her skills in medicine, surgery, and dental care to address medical concerns of a broad range of patient profiles.

Practice Manager

Saleda’s career in veterinary medicine began at an emergency clinic at night, while she attended college during the day. Emergency veterinary medicine is where she honed her skills working closely with veterinarians and skilled technician during the graveyard shifts. This experience provided her with one-on-one training, which provided a strong foundation that would shape the rest of her career.

Her passion for anesthesia and surgical procedures blossomed during a brief stint at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital as a surgical technician. This exposure fueled her desire for more hands-on experiences in the field. An opportunity to join a small team of laboratory animal veterinary professionals came her way, and she eagerly embraced it. Over the course of 12 years as a registered veterinary technician (RVT) for laboratory animals, she dedicated herself to ensuring the welfare and care of various species, contributing to the advancement of modern medicine.

At UCD, Saleda not only held the title of Registered Veterinary Technician but also became a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATg). She also obtained an MBA to further understand the place where business and veterinary medicine intersect. Her educational pursuits allowed her to actively participate in a team of veterinary professionals dedicated to enhancing the lives of both animals and humans through the development of treatments, procedures, and medical devices.

Saleda’s commitment to her family is as unwavering as her dedication to veterinary medicine. When her husband was stationed in Japan, she saw it as a golden opportunity. The entire family, including their furry family members, relocated to Japan for four years. Her time there was marked by travel, adventures, and an increased love for sushi and ramen. Now back in the United States, she continues to practice Japanese, enjoys cooking, plays the Sims, real estate investments and growing her medical apparel business.

After a four-year hiatus, Saleda is thrilled to rejoin her beloved veterinary community. Her enthusiasm shines through as she looks forward to meeting clients and their pets at Gentle Care Veterinary Hospital. Her rich experiences, both professionally and personally, contribute to her well-rounded approach to veterinary care.

Veterinary Technician

Julie has been dedicated to the veterinary field since the year 2000, embarking on her journey with a traveling mobile pet vaccine clinic, where her love for the profession was ignited. Despite initial challenges securing work in a hospital setting due to lack of experience, Julie’s determination led her to attend Western Career College, now known as Carrington College. Completing their Veterinary Technology program, she aimed to garner more expertise in a veterinary hospital.

For 15 years, Julie contributed her skills to a hospital in Dublin, CA, honing her passion for dental procedures and educating clients about long-term chronic conditions, including chronic kidney disease, adrenal diseases, diabetes, and obesity/weight management. Seeking a new chapter, she transitioned to Gentle Care Veterinary Hospital, bringing her wealth of experience and dedication.

Julie takes pride in her role as the owner of a dogue de bordeaux named Bolt. Recently, a stray orange tabby, affectionately named Garfield, found a loving home with Julie and her family. Beyond her professional life, Julie cherishes moments with her family, enjoys beach outings, hiking adventures, and engages in softball games.

Excited about the prospect of caring for your pets at Gentle Care Veterinary Hospital, Julie’s wealth of experience, love for animals, and commitment to client education make her a valuable asset to the team.

Veterinary Assistant

Anahi’s journey is marked by determination, hard work, and a profound passion for the well-being of animals. As a first-generation college graduate, she has broken barriers and is pursuing her dream career as a veterinarian. Anahi’s dedication to the field is evident through her extensive experience working at various hospitals, where she has honed a diverse set of skills.

Her commitment to healthcare and animal welfare has become a driving force in her life. Anahi’s experiences have inspired her to devote her career to the noble cause of ensuring the health and well-being of animals. Her work at Gentle Care is not just a job but a manifestation of her deep-seated passion for veterinary medicine.

Currently utilizing her Bachelor of Science degree, Anahi is embarking on the next chapter of her journey by applying to veterinary school. This decision reflects her pursuit of higher education to further enhance her knowledge and skills in the field.

Remarkably, despite the demands of pursuing advanced education, Anahi continues to fulfill her duties and passions at Gentle Care. Her ability to balance academic pursuits with hands-on experience in the clinic showcases her exceptional work ethic and dedication to the well-being of animals.

Anahi’s positive and giving nature extends beyond her work with animals; she is a supportive teammate. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she embodies the spirit of teamwork at Gentle Care. Her presence is not only an asset to the clinic but also a source of inspiration for those around her.

As Anahi continues on her path towards becoming a veterinarian, her story serves as a testament to the impact of hard work, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. The veterinary community is undoubtedly gaining a compassionate and dedicated professional in Anahi.

Veterinary Assistant

Ariana is a compassionate and determined individual whose love for animals blossomed from a young age. Growing up surrounded by horses throughout her childhood has instilled in her a profound passion for large animal medicine. Currently, she is dedicated to pursuing her license to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), driven by her commitment to providing care and support to animals, especially those in the realm of large animal medicine.

Veterinary Assistant

From a young age, Linda harbored a deep fascination with animals—observing their lives, growth, and the responsibilities that come with caring for them as loyal companions. With over 8 years of experience in the veterinary field, Linda’s journey has been a rich exploration of understanding our furry friends. This experience has not only imparted valuable knowledge but has also deepened her compassion for all creatures and their devoted owners.

Linda takes great joy in educating everyone she encounters, whether they are new pet owners navigating the world of animal care or experienced individuals facing unique and unexpected circumstances with their beloved animals. Her commitment extends from routine vaccines to surgeries and beyond, as she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of both pets and their owners.

Beyond her dedication to animal care, Linda is also fluent in Spanish further enhancing her ability to connect with and assist a diverse range of pet owners. Linda looks forward to the opportunity to help you and your furry friend, ensuring that their health and well-being are prioritized every step of the way.

Lead CSR

Betty has been the Lead Customer Service Representative at Gentle Care Veterinary Hospital since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role. Over the past decade, Betty has collaborated closely with Dr. Yoon, our esteemed medical director, learning extensively about veterinary medicine under his guidance.

As a devoted pawrent herself, Betty takes pride in caring for her four cats and two dogs, forming a deep and loving connection with each furry family member. Her genuine love for all animals is evident in her meticulous attention to details and compassionate care for every patient that walks through the hospital doors.

Betty eagerly anticipates the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you at our beautiful hospital. With her extensive background in veterinary medicine, dedication to exceptional customer service, and a heart full of love for animals, Betty is committed to ensuring both you and your pets receive the highest quality care and attention.