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Team

Meet Our Veterinary Team

At Hawaiian Gardens Animal Hospital, our experienced veterinary team brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to your beloved pet’s corner. Our team will take the time to break down what each of our services entails and strive to help you and your pet feel at ease during your visit. Whether you’d like to protect your pet with vaccinations or if they are dealing with a chronic illness, you can rely on our staff. Our team members regularly work with cats and dogs at all stages of life. We look forward to helping your pet for years to come.

Keep reading below to learn more about our skilled and respectful veterinary team!

Dr. Jennifer Self​

Veterinarian

Dr. Self is the proud owner of Hawaiian Gardens Animal Hospital. With over two decades of experience as a veterinarian, she has spent her career gaining extensive expertise in dog and cat medicine and surgery. After graduating from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, Dr. Self developed a special interest in internal medicine, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Self is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).

Outside of work, Dr. Self is a dedicated mother of two college-aged daughters, Tessa and Talia. She is a passionate animal lover, sharing her home with her pit-bull mix, Stormy, and three cats: Ash, Matches, and Blazey. With an unwavering commitment to veterinary medicine and caring for animals, she strives to provide the highest standard of care. Known for her kind and compassionate approach, Dr. Self prioritizes each pet’s well-being as if they were her own, building meaningful relationships with clients and ensuring their cherished companions enjoy long, healthy lives.

Dr. Melissa Zukle

Veterinarian

Dr. Melissa Zukle was born and raised in California and attended college at Cal Poly Pomona before making the journey to Kansas State University to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. She holds a love of all animals and a drive to provide compassionate care to as many as possible. She has a wide variety of interests, including dentistry, feline medicine and urgent care. A number of creatures reside with Dr. Zukle, including two cats named Little Bear and Toast. When not at work, Dr. Zukle spends her time exploring Disneyland, crafting, reading or trying new restaurants.

Practice Manager

joni

Hospital Operations Lead

Jordan
Amanda

Technician Manager

Ai

Receptionists

ROSA
Stephanie

Vet Assistants

Daizy
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joni

Joni

Practice Manager

Joni holds a BS in Health Education and brings over 20 years of experience as a Practice Manager. She has built her career around creating environments where both teams and patients thrive and is excited to bring that passion to Top Choice Animal Hospital. She is proud to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team. Animals have always been a big part of Joni’s life. Over the years, she has shared her home with rabbits, birds, cats, a tortoise, and fish. Today, her little shadow is Walter, an adorable Maltese mix who keeps her on her toes. Outside of the clinic, Joni enjoys playing pickleball with friends, spending time at the beach, and relaxing in Palm Springs with her husband and daughter. She looks forward to getting to know clients and their furry family members and is grateful to call Top Choice her new home.
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Jordan

Jordan

Hospital Operations Lead

Jordan is an enthusiastic member of the Hawaiian Gardens Animal Hospital team. With seven years of experience in the veterinary field, Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to animal care.


Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time at the beach, hanging out with friends and family, and skating. At home, Jordan shares her life with a sweet senior cat named Lucky, a true bundle of love.

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Amanda

Amanda

Hospital Operations Lead

Amanda is the warm, welcoming voice and smile behind the front desk at Top Choice Animal Hospital. With over six years of experience in the veterinary field, she brings both knowledge and kindness to every interaction. Getting to know each pet and their owner is her favorite part of the job. Whether you’re calling to schedule a visit or stopping by for a checkup, Amanda makes sure you feel right at home the moment you walk in.
Outside of work, Amanda loves relaxing at the beach, watching scary movies, and hanging out with her two beloved fur babies, Kane and Churro — a pair of playful Husky-Pit mixes who always keep life interesting!

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Ai

Ai

Technician Manager

Ai is a Technician Manager with over thirteen years of experience in the veterinary field, including the last eight years as a licensed technician. Originally from the East Coast, Ai brings a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a calm presence to every patient she cares for. Ai has a strong passion for veterinary dentistry and takes real pride in helping improve her patients’ oral health and overall well-being. Whether she’s assisting with complex procedures or providing routine care, her attention to detail and genuine compassion always come through. At home, Ai shares her life with a sleek black cat named Ashton and a spirited mini schnauzer named Riley. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys staying active — whether it’s watching or playing sports — and spending time outdoors enjoying nature.