Meet Our Veterinary Team
Woodland Veterinary Hospital is united by a shared commitment to exceptional veterinary medicine and lasting relationships with the families we serve. For more than 50 years, pet owners throughout Woodland, Davis, and beyond have trusted our team to provide thoughtful, personalized care.
Our Veterinarians
Our hospital is home to an experienced team of general practice veterinarians, veterinary specialists, rehabilitation professionals, and dedicated support staff who work together to help pets live healthier, happier lives. Whether your pet is visiting us for preventive care, surgery, diagnostics, urgent care, rehabilitation, or boarding, we’re committed to delivering high-quality care with empathy, communication, and professionalism at every step.
Ellie Johnson, DVM, Practice Co-Owner
DVM, Practice Co-Owner
One of Dr. Ellie Johnson’s fondest childhood memories is of Dr. Ernie bumping down their New England farm driveway in his El Camino. As the farm’s vet, Dr. Ernie was a regular visitor who primarily cared for the horses, but also was kind enough to care for Dr. Johnson’s pet ladybug (yes, an actual ladybug) when she wouldn’t roll over. She was probably 4 or 5 at the time and thought the bug was just sick. Ellie looked up to Dr. Ernie, and she knew he could fix her pet, so when he had to take her back to his office for proper treatment, she was very grateful! At that young age, Dr. Johnson decided that she wanted to be just like Ernie – El Camino and all!
And here she is now, living the dream! Of course, she didn’t end up with an El Camino (and she is okay with that!), but she’s still so glad that she pursued her dream to become a veterinarian. Dr. Johnson moved out here from the East Coast to attend UC Davis and fell in love with California, so she stayed. She’s been here at Woodland Veterinary Hospital for almost 2 decades now! One of the things she finds most rewarding about her work is helping BOTH the patients AND their owners. The way she sees it, veterinary medicine is not just about taking care of animals; it is about helping people, too. Her goal for every appointment is to try to meet the needs of patients and their owners.
After that first ladybug, Dr. Johnson has had many wonderful personal pets. Currently, she has a dog named “Emmelie”, a 2-year-old Whippet who always makes her laugh! She also has a very special horse named “A la mode.” They’ve been together since the moment she was born. Dr. Johnson is a dressage rider, and she also enjoys natural horsemanship. A la mode is a great partner for both of these disciplines. Dr. Johnson hopes to someday be able to perform at the highest level with her, but no matter how far they get, it has been a wonderful journey.
When Dr. Johnson is not in the office, she’s at home running her small farm with Emmelie’s help.
Keith Rode, DVM, Practice Co-Owner
DVM, Practice Co-Owner
Dr. Keith Rode grew up wanting to be a veterinarian since before he could even remember (according to his mom), and while many kids want to be a veterinarian but ultimately change their minds, he never moved on from the dream. While he’s not sure what it was that specifically sparked his interest, he knows that there were plenty of life experiences along the way that helped solidify it: going with his childhood pets to their veterinary exams, reading (and re-reading) all of the James Herriot books, taking pre-veterinary courses at the farm at Vintage High School in Napa, and watching a presentation by the first veterinarian in space, to name a few.
Because of his interest in becoming a veterinarian, pursuing college at UC Davis made perfect sense for Dr. Rode. As an undergraduate there, he majored in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior; but beyond that, he wrote a weekly column for the student newspaper, sang in the University Chorus and the Liquid Hotplates a cappella group, acted in a production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, found a nerdy interest in linguistic anthropology, and met the woman who would become his wife. He went straight from undergrad into veterinary school at UC Davis, where he graduated in 2006.
Dr. Rode started working at Woodland Veterinary Hospital just after graduation, and he is so pleased to have called Woodland Veterinary Hospital his work home ever since. He believes in Woodland Veterinary Hospital so much that he became a co-owner in 2012. His work interests include surgery, dentistry, and endocrine diseases, and he especially enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and pets throughout the Woodland community.
Outside of work, Dr. Rode enjoys sports, reading, travel, trivia, and community service. He has been actively involved in the Woodland Sunrise Rotary Club and veterinary leadership organizations throughout California, including serving as president of the California Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Rode and his wife, Jen, have two children and two cats, Apollo and Dobby. He truly hopes that his excitement for his career shows in his interactions with each patient and client.
Leslie Holeman, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Leslie Holeman grew up in a small, semi-rural town near Fresno, CA, with a variety of pets (hamsters, rats, fish, frogs, birds, cats, and dogs). Like many young girls, she dreamed of being a veterinarian because she loved animals, loved science, and wanted to save every lost or injured creature that came her way.
After initially pursuing molecular biology and working in biotechnology, Dr. Holeman realized that veterinary medicine offered the perfect opportunity to combine her love of science, animals, and people. Her goal with every patient visit is to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make the best decisions for their pets and families.
Dr. Holeman appreciates the variety of general practice veterinary medicine, from puppy and kitten care to surgery, emergencies, and preventive medicine. She’s proud to call the Davis area home and loves being part of the Woodland Veterinary Hospital family.
Jill Mikovich-Haight, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jill Mikovich-Haight discovered her passion for veterinary medicine while working at a feline research colony during college at UC Davis. Her interests include dermatology, internal medicine, feline medicine, and preventive care, and she values building collaborative relationships with pet owners through education and communication.
She believes strongly in a team approach to veterinary care and strives to ensure clients understand every step of the diagnostic and treatment process. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, movies, and spending time with her husband and their dogs and cats.
Taylor Wright, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Originally from Woodland, Dr. Taylor Wright knew from a young age that veterinary medicine was the right path for her. After completing her undergraduate studies at Colorado State University and earning her veterinary degree from UC Davis, she returned home to care for pets in the community she loves.
Dr. Wright has a special interest in surgery but enjoys all aspects of general practice and the variety of cases she sees each day. Outside of work, she spends time with her three dogs—Rufus, Maible, and Reba—and enjoys exploring Woodland’s local restaurants and community spots.
Crystal Hart, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Originally from Santa Barbara, Dr. Crystal Hart’s interest in veterinary medicine was inspired by her childhood cat’s recovery after emergency surgery. She attended UC Davis for both undergraduate and veterinary school and worked as an assistant at Woodland Veterinary Hospital before joining the team as a veterinarian.
Dr. Hart especially enjoys ophthalmology and the diversity of general practice medicine. She values connecting with Woodland-area pet families and helping pets through every stage of life. Outside the clinic, she spends time with her two cats and French Bulldog.
Natalia Pau, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Born and raised in Chile, Dr. Natalia Pau combines her passion for veterinary medicine with advanced training in diagnostic imaging, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. She recently completed her Master of Veterinary Science in Advanced Clinical Practice through the University of Edinburgh.
Dr. Pau values compassionate communication and enjoys helping pet owners feel informed and supported throughout their pet’s care journey. Outside the clinic, she enjoys gardening, wildlife photography, biking, birdwatching, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Wolfgang.
Vietchi Rodriguez, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Vietchi Rodriguez began her veterinary journey as a technician assistant in San Jose before earning her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She enjoys both surgery and internal medicine and values building trust with pet owners through clear communication and collaborative care.
Her career eventually brought her back to Woodland Veterinary Hospital, where she first worked as a kennel technician while attending UC Davis. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, baking, escape rooms, breweries, and spending time with her dog, Rocky.
Sarah Tucci, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
After beginning her career in human medicine, Dr. Sarah Tucci realized her true passion was helping animals and their families through veterinary care. She earned her veterinary degree from UC Davis after previously graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in molecular and cell biology.
Dr. Tucci enjoys connecting with both pets and owners while combining science, medicine, and compassionate care. Outside the clinic, she enjoys hiking, reading, baking, music, puzzles, and spending time with her rat terrier, Stella.
Sarah Kay, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Sarah Kay’s journey to veterinary medicine included years of experience as a veterinary technician before fulfilling her lifelong dream of attending UC Davis Veterinary School. Her professional interests include pain management, preventive care, dermatology, surgery, and internal medicine.
She strives to ensure every client feels heard, respected, and actively involved in their pet’s care plan. Outside the clinic, Dr. Kay enjoys endurance running, hiking, and spending time with her husband, dogs Ripley and Hobbes, and their three-legged cat, Koosh.