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.

Keith Farquhar, DVM & Maggie

Dr. Farquhar was born and raised in Montana and has been living in the north Bay area since 2009. He joins Alderbrook Pet Hospital after 4 years with the San Francisco SPCA. He studied sociology and political science at Montana State University, and earned his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 2002. Dr. Farquhar has special interest in surgery, pain management and emergency medicine but enjoys all aspects of companion animal care. He lives in Petaluma with two orange cats (Teton and Glacier) and a scruffy terrier (Walter) that all came to him through the SPCA. In his off-time Dr. Farquhar enjoys trips to the coast, learning photography, reading and keeping Walter entertained.
Photo credit goes to Maggie, a yellow lab whom his step-daughters have claimed as their own.

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.

Lee W. Thorne, DVM & Cashew

Relief DVM, Founder

​Dr. Lee Thorne graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1973.
In 1990, he and his wife Annie founded Alderbrook Pet Hospital.  
He is enjoying family time and adventures with Annie, their adult children, grandchildren and pets, Jackson (Chihuahua mix) and Cashew (Tortie). He loves coming back to see us and his long time clients.

Angelise Alexander​, RVT

Practice Manager

Angelise has been working in the veterinary field since 1997 and, after moving to Sonoma County in 2000 from Southern California, she has worked at a handful of hospitals as both a veterinary nurse and practice manager. She is very excited to help lead the Alderbrook team as we continue to provide personalized, compassionate veterinary care. In her time away from the hospital, Angelise teaches future veterinary technicians at Santa Rosa Junior College. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is helping enhance and prolong the bond between owners and their pets.  When she’s not at work, she’s busy keeping up with her two teenage sons, a Chihuahua named Dino, and a Rottweiler named Luca.  

Alexandra Palmigiano & Gretchen

Lead Customer Service Representative

Alex has lived in Rohnert Park since 2000.  Her prior experience includes volunteering at the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter for 3 years, plus an internship at a veterinary hospital.  Alex is a huge animal lover, her favorites being her rescue Chihuahua's Gretchen and Tina. She loves spending time with her family and pets.  

Abrina Wilder, RVT & Toothless

Abrina started working with us in the summer of 2011.  Originally going to the Santa Rosa Junior College to transfer as a genetics major, she learned about the availability of the Veterinary Technician Program.  This rekindled her dream of helping animals!  She has spent weekends volunteering at a local wildlife rescue helping care for injured and orphaned wildlife.  Abrina is an equine lover as well.
Abrina is pictured with Toothless, named after her favorite dragon. Toothless was rescued in January of 2012 and enjoys chasing laser pointers, and stealing treats and catnip when no one is looking.

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. 

Additional Supportive Staff

Kasey Perry (CSR)
Nora Fitch (RVT)
​Shealynn Fess (Vet Assistant)
Andrea Hansen (Vet Assistant)