Associate DVM
Hi, my name is Dr. Balleras, and I am an Associate Veterinarian at Point Vicente Animal Hospital. I am passionate about providing high-quality care and helping my patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy going to Dodger games, traveling, and doing arts and crafts. I am currently studying Spanish, and I can speak some Japanese.
I have two dachshunds: Dodger Dog, my 14-year-old long-haired miniature dachshund, and Musubi, my 4-year-old dachshund mix. They love going to the dog beach, walks on the esplanade, trips to outdoor fairs, and long naps in fluffy blankets. Dodger Dog is an especially skilled model for photoshoots, and Musubi is an expert at playing fetch with his favorite ball, "Pall."
Education
I earned my Bachelor of Liberal Arts in International Studies/Asian Studies and Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University in 2010. I went on to earn my Associate of Science in Animal Health Technology from San Diego Mesa College in 2013. I then returned to Colorado State University, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2024.
Professional Background
I am proud to have received the Excellence in Dentistry Award from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Memberships
I am a founding member of the Colorado State University chapter of the Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals. I am also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association.
Work History
From 2015 to 2020, I worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician at Point Vicente Animal Hospital, supporting veterinarians and staff with diagnostics and treatments for cats, dogs, reptiles, and birds. My role included administering and monitoring anesthesia, performing comprehensive oral exams, dental cleanings, dental radiographs, and dental nerve blocks with extractions, as well as post-operative care, staff training, and client education.
From 2020 to 2023, I worked as a relief technician at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. I assisted with daily patient care across community practice, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedic medicine and mobility, cardiology, neurology, surgery, and the intermediate care, critical care, and urgent care units. In 2024, I served there as an on-call, after-hours surgical technician, opening and managing the operating room for extended and after-hours procedures in soft tissue surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, and ophthalmology.
From June 2025 to July 2026, I was a rotating intern at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center. I had primary case responsibility for urgent and critical care patients, handling exams, diagnostics, treatments, prognosis, and client education. I also had secondary case responsibility for internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and dermatology patients, where I was mentored by board-certified specialists.