We’re one big family.
Our team has one singular goal – to provide the absolute best care to your pet throughout their entire life.
Jodi Woods, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVPP
Medical Director, Practice Owner
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
A native to Southern California, Dr. Woods earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Animal Science from the California State Polytechnic University. Dr. Woods then moved to the Midwest to attend veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.). Following graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Woods completed an internship in general medicine and surgery at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, prior to returning to UW Madison to complete two years of specialty residency training in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. At the end of her surgical training, Dr. Woods spent a year working in an emergency/specialty care hospital in Iowa before returning to her native Southern California, making San Diego her home.
While surgery is her passion, Dr. Woods finds herself drawn to all aspects of veterinary medicine, most notably, the management of acute and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Woods’ commitment to pain management is demonstrated by her numerous accomplishments in this area. Dr. Woods is one of only 136 veterinarians worldwide to hold the Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner title. Dr. Woods is also certified in canine rehabilitation and veterinary acupuncture, making her the only veterinarian in San Diego County to hold all three of these certifications! In addition, Dr. Woods is certified in the PennHip radiographic procedure (an advanced technique to measure hip laxity as a predictor of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis), and also completed certifications in Veterinary Food Therapy (CVFT) and Veterinary Tui-Na (CVTP) through the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Woods’ favorite part of being a general practitioner is the relationships she gets to develop with both her patients and their families. Dr. Woods is known for her exceptional bedside manner and her commitment to providing the best client service and patient care available. This entails taking the time to allow a patient to “warm up” to her – proceeding with diagnostics and treatment at the appropriate pace for the patient and client’s comfort – as well as spending the time needed to ensure that a client understands the treatment options and plan recommended for their pet.
Dr. Woods enjoys spending her time away from work hanging out with her daughter or heading out for a mountain bike ride.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: A mug of hot water!
My super power is: Living life caffeine-free!
Want to learn more? Click the button below to read Dr. Woods’ fun bio!
Melodee Ingram, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ingram is a Cardiff local but began her higher education at Washington State University in Pomona, WA where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. She continued on to obtain a Masters Degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Her veterinary degree was obtained from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA in 2012. Dr. Ingram’s original career path was directed toward equine medicine therefore she completed a large animal internship in Salinas, CA following graduation from veterinary school. Dr. Ingram returned to Southern Californian and practiced locally as an equine practitioner with a specialty in sports medicine and rehabilitation of the elite horse. To better serve her patients, Dr. Ingram is certified in veterinary acupuncture in all species.
Dr. Ingram enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine which directed her career change to small animal medicine. Most notably, Dr. Ingram enjoys the complexities of ophthalmology, internal medicine, pain management but more so, bonding with her clients and their beloved pets.
When Dr. Ingram isn’t at work, she is chasing around her three young boys and her rambunctious boxer, Winston.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Peanut butter and ice cream
My super power is: Knowing where everything is (which is very useful because I’m a mom of 3 boys)!
Want to learn more? Click the button below to read Dr. Ingram’s fun bio!
Jasmine Alam, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jasmine Alam is a Southern California native, born and raised in Orange County. Dr. Alam completed her undergraduate degree (a BS in Wildlife and Fish Conservation Biology) at UC Davis and graduated with honors from Mississippi State University with her DVM.
After convincing her partner, also a veterinarian, that California is the place to be, she found herself back in beautiful Southern California following graduation. While she enjoys many aspects of veterinary medicine, Dr. Alam is especially interested in soft tissue surgery, as well as exotic animal medicine. Dr. Alam is excited to be a part of the Cardiff Animal Hospital team and looks forward to strengthening the human-animal bond between her patients and their owners.
When not at work, Dr. Alam enjoys spending time at the beach, perusing her local Target, and eating all the delicious food San Diego has to offer. Dr. Alam and her girlfriend have two dogs, Pablo (a pug), and Finley (a pit bull), as well as a panther chameleon named Taco.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Pugs
My super power is: Disconnecting luer lock ports on IV lines
Arica, CVT, RVT, VTS (C/F CP)
Registered Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Specialist (Canine/Feline, Clinical Practice)
Treatment Supervisor
Arica has been working in the veterinary field for over 17 years. Having started out as a Technician Assistant, Arica dedicated herself to veterinary medicine and elected to attend and graduate from one of the top veterinary technician programs in the country (the Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology). Arica earned her Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license in 2008, and over the past nine years, Arica has developed a special interest in canine/feline medicine and anesthesia.
Arica is one of only three veterinary technicians in the State of California to have earned the title of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Clinical Practice, the highest professional credential for licensed veterinary technicians in general practice.
Additionally, Arica and Dr. Woods are the only two certified instructors in Southern California for the RECOVER Initiative, the internationally recognized authority in veterinary CPR. Thus, the Cardiff Animal Hospital and Wellness Center is the only hospital to run in-hospital CPR training throughout the year, and keeps ALL team members certified in RECOVER CPR training.
Arica moved to California and joined the Cardiff Animal Hospital & Wellness Center team in September 2016. When not at work, Arica can be found running up and down the coast with her two miniature Australian Shepherds, Oslo and Sidekick.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Hiking. I summited Mount Whitney (highest point in the contiguous United States) AND Mount Elbert (highest point in Colorado) in July ‘22.
My super power is: Relentless determination! Once I put my mind to something, I get it done!
Want to learn more? Click the button below to read Arica’s fun bio!
Madison
Veterinary Assistant
FUN BIO
Veterinary medicine is intermittently endearing, heartbreaking, chaotic, and enigmatic. Believe it or not, things can become stressful! Fortunately, we have Maddie. She is our bastion of tranquility in the trying waters of everyday veterinary medicine. With over a decade of experience in the field, it’s no wonder that you’ll never find Maddi shaken or off-center, whatever the problem at hand may be. The world needs more people like her, but in the meantime, the whole hospital staff benefits from the steadfast constitution of this unwavering hero. Maddie applies this same resilience and strength in all her endeavors, from making jaw-droppingly rad wood burning art, to cultivating Encinitas’ finest sunflower garden. Don’t think Maddie does it all alone, though! Parker, her dauntless rescued terrier, is never far from the action.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Scruffy terriers!
My super power is: Connecting with people
Hannah
Veterinary Assistant
FUN BIO
Hannah spent a decade adventuring with her cats in Portland, OR; and while still relatively new to San Diego, Hannah is no stranger to providing animals with amazing quality care and endless cuddles. Without hesitation, Hannah has evolved into what you would call a Crazy Cat Lady. Between her and her partner, she now has a total of 6 cats (Margot, Lincoln, Oliver, Cali, Joey, and Walter). You will rarely find Hannah in the same place for more than a just moment. She performs best on her feet and thrives in the ever changing world of veterinary medicine.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Cat toe beans!
My super power is: Being even-tempered
Makayla
Veterinary Assistant
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Cats
My super power is: Getting covered in animal hair because I can’t help but cuddle all of the sweet fur babies!
Karen
Veterinary Assistant
Anyone who knows me knows I love: My dogs!
My super power is: Knowing random animal facts — like jellyfish don’t die!
Alexandra
Technician Assistant
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Animals (especially bats)
My super power is: Making friends while traveling
Ruby
Technician Assistant
Anyone who knows me knows I love: D&D as a creative outlet
My super power is: Putting 100% into things I’m passionate about
Sierra
Technician Assistant
Anyone who knows me knows I love: My pig, Biscuit!
My super power is: Finishing all of my homework BEFORE it is due!
Kayla
Client Service Representative
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Crocheting
My super power is: Eating an enormous amount of sugar
Abby
Inventory and Pharmacy Manager
Se Habla Español
Dr. Woods and Abby first met when Abby was completing an externship for the Technician Assistant program she was enrolled in at the time. Dr. Woods immediately recognized Abby’s drive and incredible work ethic and knew that Abby would be an asset to any hospital that hired her. Subsequently, Abby was one of the first two people Dr. Woods brought on staff when she purchased the Cardiff Animal Hospital & Wellness Center in April 2015.
Abby attended and completed both the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician programs offered by the PIMA Medical Institute, and is eligible to take the national exam to earn her State certification and become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
When not at work, Abby can be found studying for her national exam or pampering her beloved Bichon, Snoopy.
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Being a complete mystery to all
My super power is: Juggling everything the hospital throws my way
Want to learn more? Click the button below to read Abby’s fun bio!
Stephanie, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Practice Manager
Anyone who knows me knows I love: Reggae, Frenchies, and Halloween
My super power is: Always knowing what’s going on in the hospital while living and working 2,000 miles away
We have big hobbies!
When not at work, our team loves to explore and do amazing things.
Jodi Woods, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVPP
Medical Director, Practice Owner
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Ever since purchasing the Cardiff Animal Hospital & Wellness Center, Dr. Woods has dutifully manned the helm as both a business owner and practicing veterinarian. Plucky and assertive, Dr. Woods represents a rare intersection of compassion and prudence as she meets the harrowing clinical and administrative demands of her work. With the fire of a honey badger she seamlessly negotiates her wildly varied roles within the hospital, confounding millennials everywhere with her total inability to waste time. Highly motivated and deeply passionate about her work, what this author finds most shocking and alien is her complete abstinence from caffeine! It is unconscionable to imagine cultivating Dr. Woods’ work ethic and intensity without any chemical impetus, making her person all the more mystifying. Her remarkable transitions throughout a typical day between general practice, orthopedic surgery, and childcare, are hardly visible to the novice observer. Beneath her unassuming periwinkle surgical bonnet, Dr. Woods’ razor sharp wit and mordant sense of humor stand at the ready to dispel the intense gravity which frequently accumulates in her line of work. Her wholehearted pursuit of quality medical care is magnetic, inspiring a sincere commitment to excellence from her staff, and expectations to match from her clients.
Melodee Ingram, DVM
Veterinarian
Given her Cardiff origins and light-hearted, laid-back demeanor, Dr. Ingram would at first glance appear to embody everything a stereotypically-inclined read of her would suggest. However, like most stereotypes, they resemble the truth but little. Belying the warmth emanating from her radiant smile, she is a fiercely capable and educated asset to the veterinary staff at the Cardiff Animal Hospital.
Trading the San Diego sunshine for the rain-soaked forests of Washington State to complete her undergrad, Dr. Ingram then earned a master’s degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a focus on animal reproduction. Thus, her familiarity with reproduction is fertile ground for colorful humor if ever one overhears her speaking out of context, and Dr. Ingram is hilarious to this end.
Arica, CVT, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician, Treatment Supervisor
No matter how outlandish, vague or hardly related to veterinary medicine the query, if Arica doesn’t know the answer, Google won’t even know where to start. Need to know the obscure name of an idiopathic oddity with only one recorded case study? Arica’s your girl. The depth and breadth of her knowledge is astounding, and her presence as the hospital’s most experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is impossible to miss. Surpassed in knowledge and skill only by her compassion, Arica is truly a force of nature. So much so, in fact, that she is known fondly as Hurricane Arica! As she unabashedly smashes through levees of ignorance in great torrents of wisdom and know-how, you can always identify Arica by the trail of clutter and supplies she invariably leaves in her wake. When not leading the team in the treatment area of the hospital, Arica can be found roaming the beach or wilderness with her two adoring mini-Aussies, Oslo and Sidekick.
Abby
Veterinary Assistant and Inventory Manager
Se Habla Español
Abby is the hospital’s esteemed jack-of-all-trades. Primarily serving as the Cardiff Animal Hospital & Wellness Center’s Inventory Manager, Abby has an impeccable knack for staying ahead of the hospital’s dynamic and extremely diverse ordering and stocking need. Maintaining adequate supplies of everything from paper towels to pharmaceuticals & orthopedic implants, Abby’s role is as demanding as it is vital. However, she’s far from limited to this already cumbersome duty! You’ll also find Abby working in the treatment area, fearlessly applying her finely honed skills as a veterinary assistant whenever the team needs her. Abby’s expansive skillset rounds out with her ability to lead the client services team whenever necessary, making her an absolutely essential switch hitter in every department of the hospital. Her usual reticence is shattered opportunistically by her side-splitting sense of humor & effortless command in the most chaotic settings. Newcomers to the team learn quickly not to mess with this uncompromising badass, so consider yourself warned!
