Alexis Kessler, DVM
Medical Director
Dr. Alexis Kessler grew up in New Jersey and moved to Philadelphia where she obtained a bachelor’s degree from Temple University. Following graduation, and after a brief stay in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles where she attended Western University for veterinary school – while working full time at ACCESS Specialty Animal hospital in Los Angeles as a veterinary technician. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 and went on to complete her Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at VCA West Los Angeles. After her internship she returned to ACCESS, where she has been working as an Emergency Staff Doctor.
Her professional interests include all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine, although building strong and lasting relationships with her clients is the most fulfilling aspect of her career. Dr. Kessler has an incredible capacity and willingness to better the lives of all people and animals that she meets.
Outside of work, Dr. Kessler enjoys living in Long Beach and spending time with her human and fur baby family, while taking in all the natural beauty that California has to offer.
Emily Miralaie, DVM
Dr. Emily Miralaie, originally from Iowa, relocated to the Central Valley of California where she resided until college. She played collegiate soccer and obtained her bachelor’s degree from CSU San Bernardino. After graduation, she worked as an emergency veterinary assistant prior to vet school. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Dr. Miralaie is deeply passionate about providing education alongside high-quality preventative medicine, while also attending to any urgent care needs that may arise. She strives to provide comprehensive care for all patients, with a focus on improving the well-being of both pets and their owners. Outside of work, Dr. Miralaie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and Lab mix, Ember.
Amanda Muñoz, DVM
Dr. Amanda Muñoz is a Southern California native, but is new to the Long Beach area. She grew up in Santa Clarita and earned her Bachelors degree in Biology from Loyola Marymount University. She went on to graduate with Honors from veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences. Following graduation, she completed an internship at Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital, where she expanded her knowledge and experience with small animals and exotic pets, and has continued to work with these species as a general practitioner and urgent care veterinarian in the greater Los Angeles area. She has a special interest in internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine and enjoys learning new skills and teaching her colleagues as well.
Dr. Nicole Buzinski
Dr. Nicole Budzinski grew up in Pennsylvania but spent a large portion of her childhood overseas in Saudi Arabia, where she discovered her passion for travel. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology at the University of Miami in sunny Coral Gables, Florida.
Following graduation, Dr. Budzinski moved back to the Northeast where she earned her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. She then received advanced training through a rotating medical and surgical internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey. Drawn to the sunshine and abundance of outdoor activities that California offers, Dr. Budzinski completed the trek cross country, and moved to Los Angeles in 2015.
Dr. Budzinski then worked as an emergency doctor at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital for over 8 years before making the move to LBC Vets. Her primary interests are in emergency and critical care medicine, endocrine emergencies, ultrasound and surgeries.
In her spare time, Dr. Budzinski enjoys traveling, hiking, playing tennis, rock climbing, and spending time with her wife, Lauren, and her adorable dogs, Kaya, Charlie, and Taz.
Dr. Jefferson Rubio
Dr. Jefferson Rubio was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UDCA in Colombia. His passion for animals began in childhood, growing up with a variety of household pets, and he has always been a strong advocate for animal welfare.
Dr. Rubio has extensive experience in emergency and surgical care, having worked as a veterinary technician in these fields before becoming a veterinarian. After gaining experience in specialty hospitals, he pursued certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) He is deeply committed to continuous professional development, ensuring he provides the highest standard of care for his patients.
Dr. Rubio is excited to build meaningful connections within the local pet community and looks forward to contributing to the health and happiness of pets and their families.
Outside of his profession, he enjoys exploring coffee shops, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.
Dr. Priscilla Marroquin
Dr. Priscilla Marroquin is a Los Angeles native who grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She obtained her B.S. in Animal Science with an emphasis in livestock and dairy from UC Davis. After graduation, she worked as a veterinary assistant for three years before moving to Wisconsin for veterinary school. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and completed an emergency and surgical internship at Madison Veterinary Specialists following graduation.
After pursuing and accomplishing her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Marroquin moved back home to Los Angeles after 12 years. She worked as an emergency doctor at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital in Los Angeles. While she loves emergency medicine, she is thrilled to now be at LBC Vets, where she can also practice other aspects of medicine she enjoys, such as surgery.
When she’s not at work, her interests include visiting national parks, snowboarding, enjoying a good mosh pit, celebrating all things Halloween, and spending time with her fur babies—Vincent Price, Floyd, Autumn, and Katara.
Andrew Pongyan
Practice Manager
Drew, a California native, began working with companion pets in 2008 where he quickly learned that he has a natural passion for the veterinary field and veterinary medicine. It is this passion and a propensity for leadership that led Drew to further develop in his career, and to take on more challenging roles. He started in the field as a veterinary technician and has since managed large and dynamic general practices and emergency clinics – concentrating on developing the next generation of veterinary leadership. Drew will become eligible this year to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manger.
Drew Loves spending time with his family here in Long Beach and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities. He also loves to read and finds enjoyment in furthering his education.