Meet Our Veterinarians
KELLY ZEYTOONIAN
Owner | DVM, CERP, MBA
Takes appointments on the Peninsula and in East Bay
Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian moved to the Bay Area in 2009 after earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Zeytoonian has a special interest in lameness and diagnostic imaging as well as preventative medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), The Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners (NCAEP) and The International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP).
Kelly has participated in a number of equine disciplines, including: trail riding, fox hunting, endurance, and currently hunter/jumpers. This variety has led to her interest in performance horses and sports medicine. Kelly is proud to serve on the Menlo Charity Horse Show Committee, Woodside Livestock & Equestrian Heritage Committee, NCAEP and serves as a board member of B.O.K. Ranch. She is also an instructor for Foothill College's Veterinary Technology Program. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking, and skiing along with any other outdoor activities she can do with her husband and dogs.
Kelly has participated in a number of equine disciplines, including: trail riding, fox hunting, endurance, and currently hunter/jumpers. This variety has led to her interest in performance horses and sports medicine. Kelly is proud to serve on the Menlo Charity Horse Show Committee, Woodside Livestock & Equestrian Heritage Committee, NCAEP and serves as a board member of B.O.K. Ranch. She is also an instructor for Foothill College's Veterinary Technology Program. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking, and skiing along with any other outdoor activities she can do with her husband and dogs.
KRISTY MODING
Associate | DVM
Primarily takes appointments on the Peninsula
Dr. Kristy Moding grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado riding in the Hunter-Jumper show circuit. Kristy graduated from North Carolina State Veterinary School in 2011 with a focus on equine medicine. She completed further training after vet school under the guidance of a board-certified internal medicine specialist. Her focus has been on performance horse soundness including working with farriers to optimize hoof care and improve performance. She also has a special interest in ophthalmology and dentistry.
Kristy is passionate about travel and the welfare of working equids and has participated in yearly veterinary volunteer trips to provide free care to horses in Nicaragua. She also continues to ride in the jumper ring in her spare time.
Kristy is passionate about travel and the welfare of working equids and has participated in yearly veterinary volunteer trips to provide free care to horses in Nicaragua. She also continues to ride in the jumper ring in her spare time.
KELLI MATHENY
Associate | DVM, MS
Primarily takes appointments on the Peninsula
Dr. Kelli Matheny is originally from Hebron, Indiana where she grew up camping, trail riding, and participating in her local 4-H club. While studying Animal Sciences at Purdue University, Kelli enjoyed showing in the intercollegiate hunter-jumper circuit for the Purdue Equestrian Team. Kelli then obtained a Masters in Animal and Dairy Science at Mississippi State University. When she wasn’t doing research in equine reproduction, Kelli participated as a teacher’s aid for several undergraduate equine courses. Kelli then moved to Southern California and completed her veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences. Following the completion of a post-graduate rotating equine internship, Kelli joined the Starwood Equine team. Her career interests include sports medicine as well as primary and emergency care.
Outside of work, Kelli enjoys hiking, exploring Northern California’s beautiful wine country and beaches as well as spending time with friends and family.
Outside of work, Kelli enjoys hiking, exploring Northern California’s beautiful wine country and beaches as well as spending time with friends and family.
BRIGID MCCARTHY
Associate | DVM
Primarily takes appointments in East Bay
Dr. Brigid McCarthy grew up in the small central California town of Ojai. While attending Stanford University, she was very involved in riding and leadership on the Stanford Equestrian Team. Brigid then spent two years performing autism research at UCLA prior to returning to the Bay Area for a post-baccalaureate program. Brigid began working for Starwood Equine in early 2014 as a veterinary assistant, gaining invaluable experience both in the field and in the office. Brigid then began Veterinary School at UC Davis in Fall 2016, focusing on equine medicine and actively volunteering with the veterinary emergency response team deployed during fires and other large scale disasters. Brigid has a special interest in equine internal medicine and diagnostic imaging. Dr. McCarthy is excited to return to the Starwood team as she begins her veterinary career!
Outside of work, Brigid enjoys everything outdoors: running, hiking, skiing, and exploring Northern California with her Australian Shepherd, Madison.
Outside of work, Brigid enjoys everything outdoors: running, hiking, skiing, and exploring Northern California with her Australian Shepherd, Madison.
MICHELLE LAIOLO-DIBBLE
Associate | DVM
Primarily takes appointments in East Bay
Dr. Michelle Laiolo was raised in Tracy, California. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Biochemistry and Philosophy. While at LMU, she actively participated in animal behavior and ecological research. Michelle graduated from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 with honors focusing on equine medicine. As a veterinary student, she acted as student liaison to the Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners and was an active member of UCD’s veterinary emergency response team. Her career interests include emergency medicine, reproduction, sports medicine, and preventative care.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends and any activities involving her dog (Jax) and cat (Annie). She is excited to return to the East Bay and serve the area!
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends and any activities involving her dog (Jax) and cat (Annie). She is excited to return to the East Bay and serve the area!
ERIN CRAWFORD
Relief | DVM
Primarily takes appointments in East Bay and provides Chiropractic and Acupuncture Services
Dr. Erin Crawford graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2000 with a degree in Biology and received her DVM from Colorado State University in 2006. During her college and vet school years, she worked for a dude ranch outfitter in Wyoming, looking after their horses and mules and spending time on the trail. She also spent several winters driving draft teams at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson.
Following graduation from CSU, she spent a year as an intern at Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Oklahoma. After her internship, Dr. Crawford joined Sawtooth Equine Service in Sun Valley, Idaho, a primary care clinic that also served as a secondary referral facility. Dr. Crawford completed the Acupuncture for Veterinarians course at CSU while in vet school and then pursued additional training for chiropractic work. Dr. Crawford completed the training in Animal Chiropractic in 2017. She also completed and maintains her International Veterinary Chiropractic Association certification. Dr. Crawford strives to treat the whole horse, incorporating acupuncture and chiropractic along with cutting-edge and modern therapies. Her professional interests include general medicine, reproduction, general dentistry, and most things horse.
When not at work, she is at home exploring the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, with her husband on their horses and their small pack of mostly well-behaved dogs.
Following graduation from CSU, she spent a year as an intern at Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Oklahoma. After her internship, Dr. Crawford joined Sawtooth Equine Service in Sun Valley, Idaho, a primary care clinic that also served as a secondary referral facility. Dr. Crawford completed the Acupuncture for Veterinarians course at CSU while in vet school and then pursued additional training for chiropractic work. Dr. Crawford completed the training in Animal Chiropractic in 2017. She also completed and maintains her International Veterinary Chiropractic Association certification. Dr. Crawford strives to treat the whole horse, incorporating acupuncture and chiropractic along with cutting-edge and modern therapies. Her professional interests include general medicine, reproduction, general dentistry, and most things horse.
When not at work, she is at home exploring the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, with her husband on their horses and their small pack of mostly well-behaved dogs.
Meet Our Field Team
SUE NOVIK
Field Manager, RVT
Sue is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, and American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians.
She grew up in upstate New York where she started riding at 7 years old. Her family moved to southern California where she continued riding and was a member of 4-H and IEL in high school. She attended UC Davis and received her BS in Animal Science with Equestrian Emphasis while also working at the Equestrian Center. In her free time, Sue enjoys playing with dog Winston, arts and crafts, and recreational sports. Sue is thrilled to be a part of the Starwood Equine Team and to continue learning about her favorite field. |
RACHEL BONSALL
RVTRachel was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA, where she found her passion for horses. In Bozeman, MT, she earned her BS in Animal Science, emphasizing Equine Sciences, along with a minor in Business Administration at Montana State University. While attending school, she leased a thoroughbred, Percheron, Trakehner cross named Enzo, who carried her through Rocky Mountain trails and over jumps looking over the Bridger Mountain Range in Bozeman.
Post-graduation, Rachel worked at a small animal clinic and animal nutrition store in Montana. She joined the Starwood Equine team in 2021, after moving back to the area. In 2024, Rachel completed her schooling to become an RVT! Outside of work, you can find Rachel riding, hiking, camping, and doing anything that gets her out with her beloved chocolate lab, Wesley. |
ELENA CHACK
Veterinary AssistantElena was born in Khabarovsk, Russia but grew up in San Jose, California. She recently graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at Foothill College and is currently preparing for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Elena started riding at three years old on her aunt’s ranch and immediately discovered her passion for horses. Prior to coming to Starwood, she worked at a small animal clinic and held an internship at a local equestrian center.
In her free time, Elena enjoys playing with her Maltipoo named Crystal, hiking with her family, and riding her horse named Beauty – who looks just like “Black Beauty” from the novel. |
JULIANNE WHITESIDE
Veterinary AssistantJulianne Whiteside was born and raised in Piedmont, CA, and grew up riding horses. She competed on the hunter circuit for a few years but now events her seven-year-old Westphalian while her sixteen-year-old draft cross enjoys retirement. Before joining Starwood, Julianne worked at Dover Saddlery, where her love for horses and involvement in the equestrian community grew. She is very excited to be a part of the Starwood team and learn as much as she can.
In her free time (when not at the barn), you can find Julianne in the gym, watching sports, or spending it with her two rescue dogs, Topaz and Coco. Julianne plans on attending school in the spring to become a registered veterinary technician to expand her knowledge to the fullest extent. |
ANNIKA SCHNEIDER
Veterinary AssistantAnnika was born and raised in Redwood City, California, where she began riding horses by the age of 9. Throughout middle and high school, she began competing in hunter/ jumper shows, where her passion for horses grew. She owned and leased various horses from warmbloods, quarter horses, and thoroughbreds. Annika attended Colorado State University for her undergraduate degree in Equine Science. While in college, she had a young off-the-track thoroughbred which she trained through classical dressage.
Along with her work at Starwood, Annika also works in a research lab in South San Francisco. In her free time, Annika can be found taking her deaf border collie named Daisy out for adventures on the trails. |
ANNALIESE MAGOWAN
Veterinary AssistantAnnaliese was born and raised in Half Moon Bay, California. She began riding at seven when her parents took her to pony camp one summer, and she was hooked.
She attended UC Davis, earning her Bachelor's in Communications in 2018. Shortly after, she found a way to merge her passion for horses and communication skills and enrolled in the Foothill Veterinary Technician Program. She is graduating from the program this summer and working towards taking the national exam to earn her registered veterinary technician license. When she isn't at school or work, you can find her with her horse, Apollo, or at home with her three cats. |
Meet Our Office Team
Danielle Knotts
Office Administrator, CVTDanielle grew up in Northwest Oregon, where her passion for horses began through local 4-H groups and her high school equestrian team. She competed in timed gaming events, drill, and team penning with her heart horse, Stoney. With over 23 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Danielle became a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in 2010 and is an active member of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. In 2022, she expanded her expertise by completing the Veterinary Practice Management program at Penn Foster. Danielle has a special interest in emergency triage and equine nutrition, always striving to provide the best care for her patients.
Danielle has a particular fondness for Paints, having bred and raised three of her own—Roo, Midori, and Ashkai. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time in nature and with her animals: Bodhi, 10-year-old Australian Cattle Dog; Autumn, 11-year-old smoked tortoiseshell cat; and Midori, 16-year-old Paint mare. |
Trisha Chieh
Office AdministratorBorn and raised in California, Trisha grew up riding Arabians and Quarter horses. When she left for college to pursue her Human Development and Early Childhood Education degree, she never thought she would get back into equestrian sport. However, in 2000 Trisha's daughter was born, and her first word was "horse." Six years later, Trisha struggled to find a lesson program for her daughter, so she helped build one. Through this process, she managed a full staff, worked as the program manager, taught lessons, and oversaw the care of the horses in a still thriving lesson and training barn in the East Bay.
Trisha is excited to be working with Starwood and enjoys the challenges of working in a fast-paced office environment and furthering her knowledge of equine medicine. |
Emma Cooper
Office Administrator | Veterinary Assistant - East Bay
Emma Cooper is from Detroit, Michigan, where she grew up riding horses. She went to college at Louisiana State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and competing for the LSU Equestrian team. She has a soft spot for off-the-track thoroughbreds, enjoys working with green horses, and has recently started taking dressage lessons in the East Bay Area.
In her free time, Emma enjoys fostering kittens, reading, and writing. She is excited to be a part of the Starwood Equine team and to pursue a career in the equine veterinary field.
In her free time, Emma enjoys fostering kittens, reading, and writing. She is excited to be a part of the Starwood Equine team and to pursue a career in the equine veterinary field.