Our Team

Melissa Hart, DVM

​Dr. Hart joined Arroyo VH Corp in 2017. She co-owns and practices medicine at Arroyo Veterinary Hospital of Sonoma and Alderbrook Pet Hospital. Before moving to Northern California in 2012 she lived in upstate New York where she practice full-time for two years as an associate veterinarian at a busy multi doctor AAHA accredited small animal practice and part time at a local emergency clinic. In addition she volunteered weekly at the CNYSPCA to perform spays and neuters and to provide wellness care for shelter animals. Dr. Hart graduated from University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and is highly skilled in diagnostics, emergency medicine and surgery. She resides in Santa Rosa with her husband Michael and two sons Quincy and Emmett. Her four-legged family includes her canine kid Emmy and several feline kids.

Sara Ratekin, DVM

Dr. Ratekin graduated from Washington State University in 1987 and has since worked for veterinary hospitals across California and Idaho. She has a passion for helping animals in need and, in addition to her work at Alderbrook, works closely with animal shelters and welfare groups by providing care and services to animals who might otherwise go without.  She is an active volunteer with disaster response groups and has assisted animals during incidents such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent California fires. In her (little) free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her friends and animals.

​Thomas Mason, DVM

Relief DVM, Director of Veterinary Care

Dr. Thomas Mason is the Veterinary Director for our Curo Pet Corporation and Arroyo VH Corp. On occasion he will fill in at our hospital for relief work when our other Veterinarians are out. He brings energy, strength and care to the team.

Alexandra Palmigiano & Gretchen

Practice Manager

Alex has spent the majority of her life in Sonoma County and has been with Alderbrook since August of 2015. She is a huge advocate for senior pet adoption and can usually be seen carrying around a geriatric chihuahua or two. Some clients may even remember her favorite 4 lb, toothless dog,  Gretchen who spent her golden years at the front desk with Alex. In her spare time she loves spending time with her boyfriend, their three fur kids and various foster pets.

Paige Hansen, RVT & Piccolo

A native Santa Rosan, Paige attended Santa Rosa High School where she participated in FFA.  She joined our team in early 2012, and has recently become a Registered Veterinary Technician.  Both fostered by her, Paige enjoys a special bond with her two tuxedo kitties, Piccolo & Boyd (attempts to get both to look at the camera were unsuccessful - next time Boyd!).  The family also includes Hank, a handsome McNab.  In her spare time, Paige is a regular "cat cuddler" for Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County.