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Meet Our Veterinary Team

At Top Choice 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 Top Choice 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 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), and Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA).

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, her chihuahua-terrier mix Toby, and three cats: Ash, Matches, and Blazey. With an unwavering commitment to veterinary medicine and caring for animals, she was thrilled to opened Top Choice Animal Hospital in July, 2025.  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. Stephanie Gross

Veterinarian

Dr. Stephanie Gross grew up in the beautiful state of Minnesota and received her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Her interest in aquatic animals brought her to Long Beach, California where she worked for several years at the Aquarium of the Pacific, prior to transitioning full time to general practice.  Her special interests include exotic medicine, ophthalmology, surgery and pet nutrition. She currently resides in Long Beach with her husband, young son and a sassy chihuahua-mix named Sophia. She enjoys spending her free time in the great outdoors while kayaking, camping, swimming and gardening.

Practice Manager

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.

Registered Veterinary Technicians

Ai

Ai

Lead RVT

Ai is a Registered Veterinary Technician 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.

Receptionists

Jordan

Amanda

Jordan

Lead Reciptionist

Jordan is an enthusiastic member of the Top Choice 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.

Amanda

Receptionist

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!

Vet Assistants

Tina

Laura

Tina

Vet Assistant

Ever since she was young, Tina always knew she wanted to work with animals. From a small Betta fish to her ninety-one pound Lab mix, Tina has always had a companion by her side. She is a veterinary assistant now, and has been in the field for 7 years. Tina is also working towards becoming an RVT and is excited to continue growing and further her knowledge of animal care. Outside of work, she enjoys reading novels, watching movies, writing, playing video games, and cuddling with her three-year old Lab mix, Rex!

Laura

Vet Assistant

Laura was inspired to work in the veterinary field at a young age. Her parents were animal lovers, and always brought home animals in need of a home. She had a variety of pets ranging from dogs to cats, and pocket animals such as guinea pigs, and varieties of farm animals such as geese, goats, and chickens. Laura is a veterinary assistant and has been in the vet field for 4.5 years. Laura is planning on going to school in the near future to obtain her RVT certification.
In her free time she loves to spend time with her son adventuring new places, cuddling with her three cats Princess Leia, Alice, and Figaro. Laura expresses her creative side through crafting, painting, drawing, and singing.

Kennel Attendants

Yessie

Angelica

Yessie

Kennel Attendant

Yessie is a 3rd year student at Cal State University of Long Beach, majoring in zoology with hopes of becoming a veterinarian.

She has a Schnoodle named Joker, a leopard gecko named Chuu, and a snake named Pricilla. Yessie loves spending time with her family, drinking diet Dr. Pepper, and shopping.

Angelica

Kennel Attendant

Angelica is a brand-new veterinary assistant thrilled to begin her journey in the world of veterinary care. Working with animals has been a lifelong dream of hers, and she feels incredibly lucky to turn that passion into a career. Angelica brings a positive, caring, and sweet energy into the clinic every day—whether it’s helping comfort nervous pets or supporting our veterinary team. She is eager to keep learning and growing in this field, and cannot wait to meet all the amazing animals (and their humans!) who come through our doors.
During Angelica’s free time she loves to go to the movies, go to concerts, and try out different boba spots!