our pets are our family

Dr. Kari Moore

Medical Director

Dr. Moore grew up in Kansas City and has lived in Colorado and Oregon before making her way to Seattle. She began working in veterinary hospitals in 2000 before eventually deciding to become a veterinarian, and graduated from Oregon State University in 2015. She has been practicing Small Animal medicine in Seattle since that time. Her interests involve feline/canine preventative health, internal medicine, and soft tissue surgery/dentistry, but her true passion is working to help animals who have historically had stress or anxiety around veterinary visits. She is Fear Free certified and continues to receive training on new techniques and ideas to facilitate gentle, safe and cooperative patient handling. She finds balance outside of work with a variety of interests including seeing live music, running, hiking, snowshoeing, gardening, and cheering on the Seattle Storm and Reign!

Dr. Marianne Youngstrom

DVM

I’m Marianne Youngstrom, originally from Seattle, with a lifelong passion for animal behavior and welfare. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, where I had the opportunity to work with a variety of species, including elephants, birds, bats, and zebrafish. While I initially pursued animal behavioral research, I soon realized that my true calling was veterinary medicine, where I could make a more direct impact on the health and well-being of animals. I went on to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University, focusing on feline medicine, with special interests in internal medicine, dentistry, and behavioral health. I am trained in Low-Stress Handling and am a Cat-Friendly Certified Veterinarian through the Feline Medical Association, committed to making vet visits as stress-free as possible. At home, my husband, Eric, a motion designer at Microsoft, and I share our lives with three beloved pets: Axel Whitepaw, our 8-year-old adventure-loving mixed-breed dog, and two charismatic and mischievous cats, Mr. Bojangles (15 years young) and Penelope Margaret (about 1.5 years old). Outside of veterinary medicine, I love long-distance cycling, trail and road running, hiking, and camping—taking every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Whether I’m on two wheels or curled up by a campfire with a great (but slightly cheesy) thriller novel, I’m always looking for new ways to stay active and connected to nature. My favorite food combination? A peanut butter and pickle sandwich.

Dr. Kristin Cairns

DVM

Dr. Kristin Cairns spent most of her childhood in the Seattle area. She completed her undergraduate degree in Physiology at the University of Washington. She then went on to Iowa State University to complete her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Driven by a commitment to animal health, Dr. Cairns returned to Seattle to bring her passion for internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and preventive care to her community. She has a special interest in helping pets lead longer, happier lives using a proactive approach working closely with pet owners to address their animals’ unique needs. She is also fear free certified to ensure the visit is as positive as it can be for our animal companions. Outside of the clinic, she loves spending time with her husband, her beautiful dog, Sylvi, and her cat, Izzy. An outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Cairns enjoys skiing, hiking, and staying active in the beautiful PNW landscape.

Samantha Heath

Hospital Director

Samantha Heath has been working in veterinary medicine for over seven years and brings a deep passion for both pets and the people who love them. She joined Cara in 2021 and was part of the original team that proudly opened Phinney Veterinary in 2024.

What inspired Samantha to work in veterinary medicine is the unique bond between pets and their families; seeing animals treated as true members of the family is what drives her every day. In her role as Hospital Director, she is especially focused on client satisfaction and believes that exceptional care means making sure pet parents feel heard, supported, and cared for just as much as their pets.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys exploring small towns throughout Washington and soaking in the beautiful nature the Pacific Northwest has to offer. At home, she’s kept company by her black cat, Thackery Binx.

Kim N.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Animals have always played a significant role in my life. I grew up with a fun, free-spirited, animal-loving father and a mother whose caring, detail-oriented nature ensured that every being she looked after received the best life possible. Together, they sparked my lifelong love for animals and their well-being.

I explored a few different paths before finding my way to veterinary medicine, but once I did, everything clicked. I graduated from PIMA Medical Institute, earned my veterinary technician license, and—for the first time—felt that my work was more than just a job; it was a true career. Nothing makes me happier than seeing how much love and dedication pet parents pour into their companions. I adore hearing stories about the fun quirks and unique personalities pets show at home, and then connecting those stories to their health and care. For example, my own cat’s unusual love for chewing on metal often sparks conversations about the importance of dental health.

Since joining Phinney Veterinary in 2024, my knowledge and passion for this field have only continued to grow. Outside the clinic, I’m happiest relaxing with the people I love, crocheting, and discovering delicious food.

Lauren F.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bio Coming Soon!

Brittany H.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Brittany Houseman, LVT joined Phinney Veterinary in September of 2025. I have been working in animal care since 2016, inspired by a love for animals that began when I was young. I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after adopting my first dog. She was quite sick when I brought her home, and I wanted to understand how to help her—not just what to do, but why it would or wouldn’t work. That experience motivated me to return to school to become a licensed veterinary technician, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. In many ways, I changed my career path because of my dog. I love working with every kind of animal and making them feel better. I really like running anesthesia and helping with dental procedures. My other interest (which I know is going to sound gross) is helping with any kind of abscess. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Auburn University and went on to obtain my Licensed Veterinary Technician degree from Pima Medical Institute.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time in the mountains. I really enjoy hiking, camping, mountaineering, and rock climbing. My dog also comes with me on all of my adventures. When I’m not in the mountains, I enjoy reading at home, playing volleyball, spending time with family and friends, and taking my dog on fun walks. I have one dog, Daisy, who is truly my entire world. Though she weighs just four pounds, she is incredibly brave, sweet, and loving. Daisy enjoys napping, snacking, playing fetch, going on adventures, and—most of all—following me everywhere I go. She’s my constant companion and often joins me at the clinic, where she loves coming to work with me. A fun fact about me is that I used to work with exotic animals such as kangaroos, sloths, alligators, large birds of prey, and tamanduas. Working in veterinary medicine has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Being able to help pets each day brings me so much joy, and I can’t imagine myself in any other career.

Lochlynn C.

Veterinary Assistant

Lochlynn has spent the past five years working in veterinary medicine and found her true calling in general practice, where she loves building lasting bonds with pets and their families. Creating a gentle, fear-free experience is her top priority—helping every visit feel calm, comfortable, and even fun! Lochlynn is currently studying to become a licensed veterinary technician, with the goal to become licensed by 2026!

When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll usually find her soaking up the sun at the beach or relaxing anywhere near the water. Ask Lochlynn about her cats, she’ll be happy to share all of the funny pictures and stories!

Jasmine T.

Veterinary Assistant

Jasmine Torres, a Veterinary Assistant at Phinney Veterinary, joined the clinic in February 2025 but has been involved with various Cara Veterinary locations since she was 18 years old. Her journey in veterinary medicine began at age 16 as a volunteer at a small clinic in Al Hassam, Bahrain, after moving there in 2017 and rescuing numerous stray animals, which sparked her passion for animal care.

Jasmine enjoys the constant learning and problem-solving involved in veterinary medicine, especially the creativity required when working with a variety of species. Though she started in emergency care, she has come to love the relationship-building aspect of general practice and appreciates the meaningful bonds between pets and their owners. She is currently studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, with the goal of earning a Veterinary Technician Specialty in wildlife medicine or emergency care.

Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys hiking, reading, tide pooling, rock hounding, and studying for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. She shares her home with three cats—Mike Itten, Jimmy Dean, and Skunch. All adopted unexpectedly via the “cat distribution system.” Jasmine once lived in New Zealand and worked for an Australian wildlife rescue organization. She takes great pride in the quality of medicine practiced at Phinney Veterinary and is grateful for the kindness and support of the clinic’s clients.

Makayla B.

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!

Emily B.

Veterinary Assistant

I joined Phinney Veterinary in March 2025, and I’ve been working in veterinary medicine for about two and a half years. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career in animal care, I was the kid who stopped to greet every dog on the sidewalk, spent weekends watching nature documentaries, and tried to “help” any injured animal I found. My love for animals has only grown with time, and working in veterinary medicine feels like a natural extension of that lifelong passion.

Helping animals and supporting the people who love them is incredibly meaningful to me. At the clinic, I especially enjoy supporting anxious patients, my own dog, Bentley, gets nervous at the vet, so I understand how overwhelming it can be for both pets and their families. I’m passionate about fear-free care and making every pet feel safe and welcome in what can be a new and scary environment.

I earned my Biology degree from Drury University and continue to enjoy learning and growing in the field to provide the best care possible. My approach centers on compassionate handling, low-stress techniques, and partnering with pet parents every step of the way.

Outside of work, I love hiking, reading fiction, traveling, and going on adventures with my dog Bentley, a Catahoula Leopard Dog mix and my favorite trail buddy.

Fun fact: I never miss a chance to explore a new trail or outdoor spot, preferably with my best buddy by my side.

I feel grateful every day to be part of the Phinney Veterinary team and to support our wonderful patients and families. I look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!

Moriah W.

Client Care Services

I am a homeschooling mom to three teens (14, 16, and 18), I balance work, life and adventure on a lively little homestead—home to dogs, cats, quail, chickens, ducks, and other exotic animals. As an outdoors enthusiast, I have visited 12 national parks with my children and find joy in horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and relaxing at the beach during my downtime.