Meet Our Team

Dr. Barry J. Santero, D.V.M: Owner/Veterinarian

Barry Santero was born in Cotati, California to Barney and Evelin Santero. He lived and worked on an active egg ranch for most of his childhood. He went to local schools and was in the first graduating class of Rancho Cotati High School. Barry then attended Santa Rosa Junior College for 2 years, completing his general education requirements. He then transferred to the University of California at Davis in 1970 where he majored in Avian Science. He graduated in 1972, and was accepted into the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He studied all sorts of animals there, but had a special interest in small animal medicine. He graduated in 1976 and began working at Brandner Veterinary Hospital in July of 1976. He became an owner in 1981. Barry met his wife Lois, at Davis while she was studying to become a teacher. They live in Penngrove. They have 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 5 cats, 1 dog, and 5 chickens. 

Dr. Karlton H. Pfann D.V.M: Veterinarian

Karlton Pfann was born and raised in Ithaca, New York.  He attended Cornell University where he met his wife Michelle who was raised in Oakland, Berkeley, and Forestville. After graduation in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree, the Bay Area was a natural destination. After a detour in the field of Biotechnology, he attended UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.  There he discovered his love of rabbits, and ever since he has devoted a big portion of his life promoting the proper care of these wonderful creatures.  He received his DVM degree in 1998, and he has been practicing small animal medicine in Sonoma County ever since. Karl Pfann has been with Brandner Veterinary Hospital since 2000.  He lives in Forestville with his wife, 2 children, 3 indoor cats and 7 indoor rabbits.

Dr. Diana K. Phillips D.V.M: Veterinarian

Diana Phillips received her Bachelors of Science degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. Over her many years of practicing veterinary medicine she has become quite involved in the animal community. Not only has she been a member of such associations as AVMA & CVMA but she is the Founder of Bel Marin Animal Hospital in Novato. Her involvement in the animal community spans over past director positions at such places as Marin Humane Society and Wildcare of Marin. She has volunteered her time to many efforts including: Native American Reservation spay/neuter clinics in Nevada, assisted in the Katrina disaster, and was the primary organizer for the treatment of animals injured during the infamous Mount Vision fire. Her focus in animal care is helping provide pet owners with up to date and accurate preventative health care information and educating on how to manage chronic health problems. During her free time she enjoys traveling and herding sheep with her 3 border collies.

Kelly: Office Manager

Kelly began working at Brandner Veterinary Hospital in November of 1999 as a part-time receptionist and veterinary assistant.  She became a full-time veterinary assistant in 2002, and in 2006 became the office manager.  She lives in Petaluma with her husband and two children. She currently has one kitty named Gizmo.

Patty: Bookkeeper/Manager

Patty began working at Brandner Veterinary Hospital in September 2001 as a full time receptionist, then in 2004 was moved to Bookkeeper/Manager position.  Patty lives in Petaluma with her husband Dave and has two adult children and 2 grandchildren.  Patty has many wonderful indoor only cats and a St. Bernard/Akita dog named Andy.

Serena:  Receptionist

Serena is one of the friendly faces you see when you walk through the door. She joined the Brandner family in August of 2007.  She was born and raised here in Petaluma.  Serena's passion for animals makes her a joy to work with, and she's always a friendly voice on the phone.  She has a bull mastiff named Duke, and a kitten named Jolene.

Denise grew up in Mill Valley with her brother, mom and dad. She has many years of experience working with animals.  She joined Brandner Veterinary Hospital in 1993 as a kennel attendant/groomer.  Denise helps in many ways here at Brandner's. Her commitment to her job and love of animals is a great asset. She has a fox terrier named Dixie, a cat named Max, a beautiful Moluccan cockatoo, a cockatiel, and an Appaloosa named Libby.

Tori:  Receptionist

Melody: Receptionist

Melody is currently working as a receptionist and has been employed since July of 2006.  She enjoys playing with her kittens that she rescued and bottle fed.  Soon, Melody hopes to further her education and continue to help rescue animals in need.   

Nikita: Veterinary Assistant

Nikita is currently a veterinary assistant and recently finished college. She has been employed here at Brandner Veterinary Hospital since December of 2008.  At home she has two cute kitties that she adopted. 

Brittany: Assistant / Weekend Kennel Attendant

Brittany is our weekend kennel attendant and assistant. She joined our team in December 2009, and she cares for the animals that are boarding or hospitalized over the weekends and holidays.

Jenni: Veterinary Assistant

We would like to welcome our newest addition Jenni who just joined us in Fall 2011. She is currently working part-time here at Brandner and is also going to college for the Veterinary Technician Program. She has a very cute dog named Little Boy.

Mystic: In House Kitty

Mystic works hard by hardly working and that is how we like it. She is a love and a joy to have as a part of our family here at Brandner.