Dr. Jennifer Dietz Kumar,
VMD
Dr. Karen Kaplan grew in Torrance, CA. She obtained degrees in Animal Biology in 2004 and Veterinary Medicine in 2009 at U.C. Davis, then did a veterinary rotating internship in Walnut Creek, CA. She worked in the Bay Area for several more years before moving down to Orange County. Dr. Kaplan specializes in the care of small mammals, in addition to dogs and cats. She loves reading (usually fantasy novels) as well as exploring botanical gardens, going for hikes, and visiting aquariums. She enjoys spending time with her husband, their young child, two cats, and two lizards named Jack and Link the Skink.
Dr. Karen Kaplan,
DVM
Dr. Sydney Barloon,
DVM
Dr. Ayaka Barias (Dr. Aya) is a first-generation Japanese from Irvine, California. She has been living in Irvine since Middle School. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with a Chemistry major and a minor in Biology. After graduating from UCI, she went on to obtain her registered veterinary technician (RVT) license at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in Walnut, California. Upon completion of her RVT program, she attended Western University of Health Sciences for Veterinary School in Pomona, California as the graduating class of 2017. Aside from her veterinary license, Dr. Aya has a motorcycle license and a license to teach Japanese Calligraphy. She loves exercising such as playing basketball and loves spending time with her family.
Dr. Ayaka Barias,
DVM
Ilana Zlotnik-Gebura
Veterinarian (DVM)
Dr. Ilana Zlotnik graduated with a bachelors in biology from Hunter College (CUNY) before completing her didactic training at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, and clinical training at Cornell University. A born and bred New Yorker, Dr. Zlotnik left one coast for another in search of sunny skies and warm weather. She is passionate about caring for all creatures small and smaller, from cats and dogs to exotic companion mammals and reptiles. In her free time, Dr. Zlotnik enjoys painting, swimming, and cuddling her warm and cold-blooded pets.
Fueled by coffee and dog hair, Kevin brings more than 25 years of experience in animal welfare, rescue, and humane education to Baker Bristol Pet Hospital. Having served in a variety of nonprofit and professional roles, he’s known for building strong relationships and programs ensuring top-quality care and embracing the human animal bond. Kevin is a trusted advocate for both pets and their people. Outside of work, you’ll find Kevin cycling, gardening, or out adventuring with his wife and their lively pack of Siberian Huskies.
Kevin Marlin,
Hospital Administrator
Melissa McGuire,
Front Office Manager
Melissa has been working in the veterinary field since 2008. That same year, she had started volunteering at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach, which led to her becoming a satellite rehabilitator in 2009 and spent 5 years rehabilitating hummingbirds. At home, she currently has a dog named Finnegan and a cat named Lucky. Outside of work, she enjoys being an aunt, photography, and traveling.
Elena was born and raised in Russia until her family relocated to Southern California in 1998. She is currently applying to veterinary school after having finished her Bachelors in Biology at UC Irvine. She lives with her shepherd mixed dog Mila and her 11 lb rabbit, Rodia, both of which govern her days. She has worked in the animal field for 10 years and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Elena Latycheva,
Lead RVT
Elena was born and raised in Russia until her family relocated to Southern California in 1998. She is currently applying to veterinary school after having finished her Bachelors in Biology at UC Irvine. She lives with her shepherd mixed dog Mila and her 11 lb rabbit, Rodia, both of which govern her days. She has worked in the animal field for 10 years and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Elena Latycheva,
Lead Veterinary Assistant
