Executive Director
Amber Andersen obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Science in 2009, and Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While in vet school she worked with multiple species spanning from African Elephants and Lions to Beluga Whales. Based on her diverse experiences, she was offered a unique role developing the animal services program for a proposed multimillion dollar public education center in Los Angeles by an esteemed philanthropy. She achieved student loan forgiveness through the PSLF program after working for a decade in the nonprofit sector. She expanded her clinical and business acumen to become a practice owner at the age of thirty one. Dr. Andersen is a Certified Veterinary Journalist and has worked as a spokesperson and consultant advising the media, business/industry and philanthropic entities on numerous topics. Dr. Andersen channels her versatile expertise as the Executive Director of PPIVC, driving the organization's mission forward with passion and leadership. She continues to support doctors in clinical practice through relief services and serves pet owners in her mobile practice.
Director of Strategic Growth
Shauna Benjamin is a veterinarian passionate about providing exceptional, warm, and tender-hearted care. Originally from Los Angeles, she earned her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. In 2011 she obtained her master's in Veterinary Science–Immunology working with the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Aquatic Animal Health Research division. She began her career and Public Service Loan Forgiveness journey as a Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. She then transitioned to full-time small animal practice serving in roles as both Medical Director and Chief of Staff. She is excited to join PPIVC as a relief clinician where she focuses on building strong bonds between pets, clients, and veterinary teams. In her additional role with Uplift.Vet she works outreaching to hospitals and veterinarians to promote the wellbeing of the veterinary profession and educating doctors about the benefits of PSLF. Dr. Benjamin enjoys spending time outdoors in the sun with her husband, two children and their boxer/ridgeback mix Simba.
Advisory Board Member
Carolyn Bower is a dedicated practice owner and neurophysiologist who partners closely with surgeons to provide intraoperative monitoring for complex and high-stakes procedures. Her commitment to healthcare excellence and patient outcomes led her to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) in 2025. Dr. Bower is passionate about supporting veterinarians and independent practice owners, advocating for the growth and sustainability of private practices. Outside of her professional work, she is a devoted pet parent to Ben, her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog.
Advisory Board member
Kristal Salcido is deeply committed to public service, having held advisory roles with several local nonprofits including the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation Board. She currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney for Santa Cruz County and as a City Council Member of Watsonville, California. In 2023, Kristal achieved Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through her dedicated government service. She is a strong advocate for protecting the PSLF program and is passionate about helping others burdened by student debt find a path to financial freedom.
Lead Veterinarian and Team Manager
Dr. Marie Zafra is a dedicated veterinarian who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines in 2019. She began her career as a Roving Veterinarian with the National Dairy Authority, providing technical health advice to dairy cow farmers to improve production efficiency. After three years in government service, she rediscovered her passion for small animal medicine and served as a resident veterinarian at the University of the Philippines Veterinary Teaching Hospital. There, she trained junior and senior clinician students in small animal care. With her broad experience, Dr. Marie is the lead veterinarian and team manager of Pet Parents for Independent Veterinary Care. She is deeply passionate about helping doctors and students achieve success in the profession.
Veterinary Outreach and Media Manager
Cat Landry is passionate about supporting animals and the veterinarians who care for them. A graduate of the Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design (OTIS), she brings her creative graphic design and marketing expertise to clients across a wide range of industries through her graphic design studio. Cat has expanded her talents to include developing educational media that highlights the benefits of working with Uplift.Vet and accessing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for veterinarians. She resides in the scenic desert community of Yucca Valley, California, where she enjoys life with her beloved dog, Joc.