Aleisha Nesset, DVM, MPH
Dr. Nesset was born and raised in the Midwest and received her veterinary degree from Iowa State University and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Iowa. She has served on the Board of Governors with the California Veterinary Medical Association and is always looking for ways to be a better vet! She joined the West Valley team in 2010 and became the “team leader” officially in 2014, and has never regretted it.
On her off time (off time?), she enjoys traveling as well as exploring the Bay Area with her family.
The “Nesset Wild Kingdom” at home currently includes 4 guinea pigs, 2 kids and a husband.
Dr. Nesset’s professional interests: Surgery, dermatology, pocket pets, zoonotic disease and geriatric medicine.
Quote: “If you can learn one new thing, it’s a good day”
Valerie Brons, MRCVS
Dr. Brons earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis and her veterinary diploma from the AVMA- accredited Royal Veterinary College in London, England.
Prior to joining West Valley Pet Clinic in 2008, Dr. Brons worked at a mixed animal practice in Wales, UK and a companion animal practice in Monterey. As a general practice veterinarian, Dr. Brons strives to understand the many factors that contribute to each pet’s well-being – her own pets included. Dr. Brons defines an effective veterinarian-client-pet patient relationship as a partnership that addresses health care issues with a plan that makes sense for the owner’s and pet’s life, beyond our clinic visit. Her professional interests include laser surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and unusual pets.
Read more...
Dr. Brons has served for five years as President of the Santa Clara Valley Veterinary Medical Association. The Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska hosted Dr. Brons several times in taking veterinary care of elite sled dogs mushing from Anchorage to Nome. Dr Brons also serves on the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps in case of wildfire, earthquake or other natural disasters affecting pets.
Dr. Brons was raised in Monte Sereno, California. She resides locally with her family and loves travel, especially birdwatching in the Amazon Rainforest and bargain hunting in a souk in Morocco. She is an advanced open water and rescue certified scuba diver. She has had cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, fish, chinchilla, and various other exotic pets.
Heather Groundwater, DVM
Dr. Groundwater grew up in Southern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona in Animal Science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary science in 2006. She graduated in 2010 with her DVM degree from Washington State University. Dr. Groundwater is also IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) small animal acupuncture certified since March 2021.
After graduation, she worked in Des Moines, Iowa as a small animal veterinarian. She has also worked for two years in Chicago, Illinois suburbs before moving back to Des Moines, Iowa to live with her current partner. In October of 2021 moved back to California starting as a relief veterinarian in San Jose, California. Dr. Groundwater joined West Valley Pet Clinic full-time in January 2022. At West Valley Pet Clinic she enjoys not only her dog, and cat patients, but is starting to see other exotics as well.
Read more...
Dr. Groundwater is greeted with the most exuberant wheeks from her guinea pigs, and has been present for many parakeet conversations at home. She enjoys hiking, bike riding, crafting including sewing (mostly guinea pig hides and bedding) and crocheting (mostly blankets), enjoying time with friends (virtual or otherwise), and sometimes a nice soak in the tub to relax and unwind from the day.
Dr. Groundwater is glad to be a part of the West Valley Pet Clinic team, looks forward to meeting you, and being a part of your pets care.
Elsbeth Kane, DVM, MPH
Dr. Kane grew up in southeastern Connecticut, and then moved to New York City to study Environmental Biology at Columbia University. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. While in veterinary school, she was involved in peer mentorship, helped to staff Cornell’s Pet Loss Support Hotline, and led the public health interest group. Dr. Kane particularly enjoys internal medicine cases, helping patients with neurologic disease, and generally helping owners make empowered, informed decisions about their pet’s health and wellbeing.
Dr. Kane owns a geriatric miniature dachshund (Lilly!) and looks forward to adopting another pet soon. When not at work, Dr. Kane loves to take walks and hikes, enjoy coffee and breakfast, and find dance classes. Most importantly, she prioritizes spending time with her family and loved ones.
