Dr. Cheryl Gunderson

Medical Director

Dr. Cheryl Gunderson, also known as “The Cat Whisperer,” has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 20 years. Born and raised in Ohio, Dr. Gunderson has been helping animals even before she became a veterinarian. She says helping those pets who are most deserving is what makes being a vet so rewarding. Exciting news, Dr. Gunderson is Fear Free and Certified Cat Friendly!

After graduating from Ohio State University for undergrad and veterinary medicine, Dr. Gunderson traveled to Southern California in 1996 to do an internship with Animal Specialty Group and has continued her veterinary career in San Diego ever since.

When she’s not busy saving lives, Dr. Gunderson spends time gardening, reading, practicing yoga, and indulging in animal life at home with her Chihuahua, Nisha, and her five adorable cats: Malaki, Simone, Lila, Trizy, and Captain Jack.

Dr. Christy Walker

Veterinarian

Bio Coming Soon!

Lillian Page

Hospital Manager

Lilly is a San Diego native minus her 8 years of living in San Francisco. She graduated from tech school in 2017 and earned her RVT license shortly after. From reception to assistant and from lead RVT to manager, she knows the ins and outs of client and patient care. On her off days, she enjoys going to restaurants and concerts with her husband and exploring parks in San Diego with her daughter. She has 2 pitbull mixes Rizzo and George and a kitty named Lucifer.

Dani

Lead Technician

Dani is one of our amazing veterinary technicians! She graduated from the vet tech program at San Diego Mesa College in 2020. She has been working for Balboa since 2017 and has enjoyed every minute of it. She has met wonderful clients and patients that make every day a new adventure. Her passion for animals began when she was a child, and she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else but caring for your four-legged friends.

Nory

Lead Technician

Meet Nory! She has been working at Balboa since 2016. Nory enjoys working with all the pets that visit Balboa. Her love for her animals started when she was very young and continues since then. She hopes to continue her education and get her RVT license. She currently has a 12-year-old chihuahua named Ziggy and 2 cats named Sombra and Luna (both brought into Balboa as rescues). On her off days she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and taking trips to visit her family in the Imperial Valley.

Lily

Veterinary Assistant

Lily started as a kennel tech in 2016 and worked her way up to vet assisting. She plans on furthering her education to obtain her RVT license. She was born and raised in San Diego and has 2 dogs and 3 cats. She also works on her small business trying to incorporate candles, anime, oddities, and other goods. She loves watching anime, cosplaying, and being creative with art and anything to do with skating.

Alexius

Veterinary Assistant

Alexius is originally from Dallas Texas and has been stationed on both ends of the coast in the military. She graduated from Pima Medical Institute in 2019 where she earned her vet assistant certificate. When she is not working, she is exploring San Diego with her husband, their two toddlers, and their two huskies Alana and Milo.

Mikala

Veterinary Assistant

Mikala is one of our newest veterinary assistants. She graduated from PIMA Medical Institute from the Veterinary Assistant Program in 2021 and from the Veterinary Technician program in July 2023. We are rooting for her to take her VTNE soon to become a part of the veterinary technician community. She has a Shiba lnu named Sparda (you’ll see him in the front from time to time welcoming you). Mika la has already had an impact with us sometimes going above and beyond to help our clients. She was able to assist a client making sure her cat received all of his medical needs while she was away; she’s always willing to step up. Before coming to work with us Mika la served in the United States Navy for 13 years; we appreciate her service! She has always had a love for animals and has stated she is happy to finally live her dream. During her personal time she likes to watch animal, spend time with her fur baby, friends and family.