Dr. Ashley Atkin grew up in San Francisco and volunteered at the Marin Humane Society in high school, where she decided she wanted to become a veterinarian. She received her B.S. in Animal Science in 2005 and her DVM in 2010 from U.C. Davis. She and Dr. Helms were in the same veterinary class! She then completed her internship at PetCare Veterinary Hospital in Santa Rosa. She went on to practice in the East Bay for 6 years. She and her family moved to Petaluma where she practiced in Sonoma for 2 and a half years before joining CAH. Dr. Atkin and her family have a Dachshund Mix, Harley and a trouble making kitty, Maggie.

Degrees

• B.S. in Animal Science in 2005
• Received her DVM in 2010 from UC Davis

Fun Facts

• Loves the outdoors
• Donut enthusiast
• Boy mom! 

Dr. Carter loves to be outdoors.  He is always active in various community groups and events and especially enjoys volunteering alongside his spouse Jennifer with the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club. He has been known to play the violin, help with local harvesting to make various beers and wine, ride his bike in numerous fundraising events and spend time futilely trying to create amazing meals. He joined Central Animal Hospital in April of 2002 and lives in Petaluma with his wife Jennifer and twin daughters Lillian and MaryBeth. The Carter's also share their home with Mylo the cat, Elsie and Alice the dogs, Sugarbomb the rabbit, and a few chickens and fish.

Degrees and Achievements

• DVM - UC Davis Veterinary School of Medicine 1995.
• He has worked in hospitals in London, England; the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley of California.
• Past President of the Redwood Empire Veterinary Medical Association.

Fun Facts

• Loves road biking
• Enjoys volunteering 
• Great with the grill

Dr. Helms grew up in San Diego, and then spent 11 years in Davis, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in 2004 and DVM in 2010. In 2003, he received All American honors while racing for UC Davis, placing fourth in the 3000 meter Steeplechase at the 2003 NCAA National Championships. He currently races off road triathlon and cross country mountain bike races. His first 4 years in the profession were spent in Mendocino County, practicing all aspects of Veterinary Medicine due to the rural nature of the area. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing with his son and any outdoor activity with his family. Dr. Helms professional interest lies in surgery, specifically Orthopedics. Dr. Helms lives in Santa Rosa with his wife Jessica and their three children, Jackson, Ryder and Maeanna. 

Degrees and Achievements

• DVM - UC Davis Veterinary School of Medicine 2010.
• He conducted research at UC Davis and was published in JAVMA in 2009.

Fun Facts

• Enjoys abalone diving/spear fishing
• Avid runner and trail biker
• Has a pet snake, Havoc