Dr. Grace F. Bransford, D.V.M.

Overview:

Fulfilling Her Dream:

Additional Professional Accreditations and Recognition:

• In 2008, Dr. Bransford was the only practicing veterinarian selected by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to serve on the Admissions Committee to select the class of 2012. Working closely with the school's top faculty and administration, she reviewed and helped select the 131 candidates offered admission, out of over 1200 applicants.
• Dr. Bransford funded an annual scholarship award given to the most promising UC Davis vet school student specializing in oncology.
• She has been actively involved in both state and national veterinary organizations, including: member of the AVMA Leadership Conference Planning committee, chairperson of the AVMA Council on Public Relations committee, and Chairperson of the CVMA Public Relations/Human-Animal Bond Committee.

Personal Background:

Dr. Kennedy first developed her love of animals while growing up in a Michigan farming community. Her interest in the sciences led her to pursue a career as a research scientist, and she earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Northwestern University, followed by a master's degree in biology from MIT. Dr. Kennedy continued her research interests by working at a biotechnology company, but was drawn back to working with animals. She pursued her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and graduated from Tufts University in 1998.

Since graduation, Dr. Kennedy has worked as a small animal practitioner. She equally enjoys medicine and surgery and has a special interest in dentistry. More than anything else, she values having the time to interact one-on-one with animals and their families.

Dr. Kennedy resides in Novato with her husband, Brian, two sons (Cole and Austin), and two cats (Bamboo and Copper).

She is very devoted to caring for people and animals beyond her work, and volunteers for several human and animal welfare groups including Remote Area Medical, a non-profit organization that provides free medical services to disadvantaged people and animals globally.

She is a member of the Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT), a national group supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association whose members are trained to act as first responders to assist animals in the event of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or acts of terrorism. Dr. Kennedy is also a co-founder of Nuvita Animal Health, a company focused on developing products for nutritional management of diseases in dogs.

Maria has been with Ross Valley Vet for years, both as a client and as one of our friendly staff. She brings a warm and welcoming ambiance to Ross Valley Vet with seasonal decorations and information boards and her calm and helpful manner.

The boards she creates inform clients of seasonal considerations for pets. For instance at Christmas time, clients will find tips for keeping pets comfortable when the home is busy with guests and a list of foods not good for or dangerous to pets. Maria wants all our patients to be well, and the information boards is just one of the ways she can help accomplish this. Take a moment to look at this season's board during your next trip to see us.

Maria is originally from Miami and moved to Marin County in 2005. Before becoming a Practice Manager for Ross Valley Veterinary Hospital, she worked for eight years as a Banking Officer at an international bank in Florida. Maria has always had a love for animals and feels like she has been blessed to be able to work with them every day.

Maria's hobbies include hiking, traveling, yoga, pilates, reading, and spending time with animals. Maria has a Catahoula dog named Waveland. His mom was rescued from Hurricane Katrina and brought to Marin County where she had her puppies; Maria was fortunate to have rescued him, and Waveland thinks so too.

I was born in San Francisco, California. Having lived in scenic Marin County since age three—and we always had pets when I was growing up.

I've grown to appreciate the beautiful kingdoms of plants and animals we've been blessed with—here and worldwide.

I've been working at Ross Valley Veterinary Hospital since August, 1993.

I was born in the Midwest and came out to San Francisco to visit a friend many years ago, and I was amazed by the expansive rolling hills, the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. I never take the beauty of the Bay Area for granted. We live in paradise!

I am a licensed veterinary technician (RVT). My last volunteer work was done at the old Wildlife Center in San Rafael. It was a great experience. I loved working with the hawks, owls and “Goldie,” the golden eagle.

I grew up loving animals and always wanted a pony. My uncle had a farm and several times a year my siblings and I would drive out to the country for a visit. I would help with the cows and play with the kittens and dogs. We were not allowed to have a dog of our own, but growing up we did have cats. Currently I have no pets, but my last pet was a Border Collie mix whom I adopted when he was 4 months old. I named him Tyler. When he came running to see you, he pranced like a pony. He was very sensitive and extremely smart. I had him for 17-1/2 years.

In my spare time I love to hike, listen to music, play guitar, read and enjoy the company of my friends. I enjoy taking classes in spanish, guitar, art, geology, etc. I would love to be a ‘professional student.’

I have been in the Veterinary field for over 25 years.

I have shown my dogs, a cairn terrier, a rescue doberman and a border terrier in obedience and confirmation.

I currently own a border terrier "Cozy" and a mini long haired dachshund "Deuce".

I enjoy walking my dogs, playing tennis and doing my artwork which includes Garden and Renaissance mosaics.

I was born in Newport, Washington. Over the years, I kept moving south and eventually ended up in California. My dream is to eventually live in Nicaragua.

I have an AA degree in nursing. I also volunteered for six months at the San Francisco Zoo. I worked with autistic children for five years. I went to massage therapy school. As a child I always wanted to be a vet so I jumped at the chance to be a vet tech over seven years ago and have been in and out of the field ever since.

I currently have two dogs, a black lab named Teddy who loves to carry around the biggest stick he can possibly find. Let's not forget to mention Miss Roxie, my golden retriever, who is a sock thief and also a certified varmint control specialist. In my spare time, I make soaps and sell them at farmers markets and festivals. I also enjoy sewing, gardening and decorating.

Matt is new to California and began working at Ross Valley Veterinary Hospital in an effort to gain more knowledge and hands-on experience before he applies to veterinary school.

Originally from Michigan, Matt obtained his B.S. in Biology from Grand Valley State University. He has worked in the laboratory industry, volunteered with a wild animal rehabilitation project in Guatemala, a non-profit veterinary clinic and adoption center in Ecuador, and recently completed a marine conservation project in Honduras.

Matt enjoys cycling, running, traveling, and a good road trip. He lives in San Anselmo with his wife, Joanna, and their dog, Bean.

As receptionist, Christian works to make each client's experience as enjoyable and effortless as possible.

Prior to joining the Ross Valley Vet team, Christian worked as consultant and organizer on numerous social change campaigns related to sustainable agriculture and U.S. foreign policy.

He is grateful for the opportunity to work with RVVH and share his life-long love for animals with its wonderful community.