Meet Our Doctors
We are thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Taemi Horikawa to our Aptos practice! Dr. Horikawa completed her veterinary education at the University of California, Davis, followed by a rotating internship in Pittsburgh, PA and a comparative ophthalmology residency in Rocklin, CA. You can read her full bio here.
Ann Gratzek, DVM, DACVO
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Owner of Ophthalmology for Animals, Inc.
Genevieve Lavallee, DVM, Residency trained in Veterinary Ophthalmology
Resident, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Rachel Rowen, DVM, DABVP, Ophthalmology Resident
Resident, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Our Staff
Rachel, Reception
For Rachel, living in Aptos is the perfect balance of her love for marine life and forest trails. Before moving to Aptos and joining the O4A team, Rachel worked in both community relations and fundraising for the NHL and as the head of patient care at a holistic chiropractic office. On weekends. she loves walking to Rio Del Mar beach with her two dogs Dallas & Dakota, exploring the tide pools in Capitola, creating new succulent and plant arrangements, and volunteering with Native Animal Rescue.
Sue, Registered Veterinary Technician
Sue worked at The Monterey Bay Aquarium with the Sea Otter Research and Conservation group for 13 years. She then was a volunteer supervisor and animal care technician at the UC Davis Oiled Wildlife Care Network. Sue worked at the Monterey SPCA Wildlife Center as their supervisor for 3 years. She then floated between general practice, internal medicine and surgery at a busy practice in Santa Cruz prior to joining Ophthalmology for Animals. Sue has an AS in Veterinary Technology from Hartnell Community College in Salinas, CA and a BA in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz. Sue is an avid hiker, mountain biker, trekker, marathon runner and scuba diver. Sue shares her home with an enthusiastic beagle, a sweet energetic terrier mix and a big fuzzy cat Mina.
Dawn, Registered Veterinary Technician
Dawn has been an R.V.T. for 28 years. She received he AS degree for Animal Health Technology at Hartnell College. Dawn loves to spend her free time hiking with her husband and 3 dogs.
Dawn, Office Manager
Dawn worked for a large emergency clinic for over 20 years working reception, operations, and finance. Dawn studied accounting at Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA. She joined Ophthalmology for Animals, Inc. after taking a break to have a family. Dawn enjoys horseback riding, snowboarding and spending time with her family and friends.
Reyna, Registered Veterinary Technician
Reyna was born and raised in Salinas and has always loved animals. She graduated from Hartnell College and completed the Animal Health program in 2010, then became a Registered Veterinary Technician. Reyna has worked in a small animal general practice since graduating college, and started working with Ophthalmology for Animals in 2018. She is bilingual and enjoys helping people learn and understand how to care for their pets. She has a merle chihuahua named Lucy who is the light of her life and spoiled as can be. Outside of work she loves to travel the world and learn about different cultures.
