Veterinarians

Ashley Amaral

DVM

Dr. Amaral grew up immersed in a Central Coast ranching family. Her early exposure to animals shaped her future career path. After graduating from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, Dr. Amaral started her career in an ambulatory equine practice. She then made the switch to small animal medicine and has not looked back. Dr. Amaral has a special interest in emergency medicine and dentistry, and believes that veterinary care should not be intimidating. She believes that strong relationships between veterinarians and clients enable the highest quality care to be provided, and she strives to create a comfortable setting for both animals and clients alike. Dr. Amaral and her husband Luis have three sons. She enjoys horseback riding, hiking and weekend trips to the family ranch.

Alexandra Eastman

MS, DVM

Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Eastman grew up in Hollywood, CA and spent weekends and summers in the Sierra Foothills on her family cattle ranch. She developed a love for horses and riding which took her and her horse to The Thacher School in Ojai, CA, where she rode and showed horses both in Western classes, gymkahana and 3-day events. She also took "Intro to Vet-Med," a year-long elective which secured her interest in veterinary medicine. Alex met her husband Dr. Tim Eastman in veterinary school; they were married in 1998; and today are co-owners of Steinbeck Country Small Animal Clinic and Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics. In addition to seeing patients and running three busy practices, Dr. Eastman serves on the boards of several organizations. When not working, the Eastmans enjoy spending time with their four children, and Alex occasionally gets a chance to borrow her daughter's 3-day eventing horse.

Background:

2002 joined SCEC
2000-2002 Portola Animal Hospital, Salinas
1997-2000 Kasper & Rigby Veterinary Associates, Magnolia, TX, Associate Veterinarian
1997 UC Davis, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
1993 Cal Poly, Pomona, Masters of Science Program, Equine Exercise Physiology
1991 Colby College, BA Biology

Board of Directors:

Agricultural Advisory Board of Monterey County
Past President: Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners
Past BOD Member: Carmel Valley Chapter of the California Dressage Society
Past BOD Member: Hope, Horses and Kids Therapeutic Riding Program

Professional Service:

Veterinary Managers Group 8 Member (2015 – present)

Consulting Veterinarians

Steinbeck Country Small Animal Clinic maintains ongoing consulting and referral relationships with board-certified veterinary specialists in:

Cardiology
Dentistry
Dermatology
Internal Medicine

Oncology
Ophthalmology
Physical Therapy
Surgery