Meet Our Team

Dr. Jolene Pflaum

Owner and Veterinarian

Dr. Jolene Pflaum co-owns Island to Island Veterinary Clinic. She’s not just a veterinarian; she’s a creature repair expert. Dr. Jolene performs surgeries, see patients in appointments, and helps when your pet is needing to come in after hours. She loves the quality of medicine that we perform here at Island to Island. Dr. Jolene shares her home with her two pups Ades (a female lab), Kerberos (a male dachshund), and her fiancé Felix. On her days off, Dr. Jolene enjoys swimming, running, biking, baking bread, remodeling her home, and snuggling up with her pups. A fun fact about Dr. Jolene is that she loves playing music. While in undergraduate she received a degree in trombone performance and she plays as often as she can in the community.

Madi Pope, LVT

Lead/Licensed Veterinary Technician 

Madison serves as the Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic, overseeing various medical procedures with expertise and compassion. She finds fulfillment in working alongside a team of dedicated women passionate about veterinary medicine. At home, Madison shares her space with her husband and three cats, enjoying coaching the High School Dance Team or simply relaxing with her feline companions.

Rachael Nebl

Veterinary Nurse Assistant 

Rachael was born and raised in Ketchikan and the surrounding area. She has spent most of her adult life working in child care and teaching preschool. Rachael has always loved animals and is excited for all of the opportunities that come with working at the clinic as a veterinary nurse. She loves to see the relationships that clients share with their animals and enjoys learning something new each day. She thrives on the challenges of anesthesia, appointments, and patient care. Rachael lives with her husband Larsen and their dog Beau. In her free time Rachael loves to take Beau hiking, spend time with family, and work on perfecting her green thumb.

Charish De Mello

Veterinary Nurse Assistant 

Charish is a Veterinary Nurse Assistant at Island to Island, fulfilling her passion for caring for animals. Her role includes lab work, x-rays, pharmacy tasks, and assisting the doctor. She loves interacting with pet owners and their companions. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, music, and spending time with loved ones. At home, she’s accompanied by a sheepdog, two cats, and a cockatiel.

Jessica Mateer-Olson

Veterinary Nurse Assistant

Jessica is a Veterinary Nurse Assistant who makes sure the boarders are well taken care of, both physically and emotionally. She assists in surgeries, appointments, and dental procedures with precision and care. She enjoys meeting all the animals and getting to know their personality. She also likes learning new things.

Jessica’s family jokes that her house is a carnivorous zoo because she has three cats and two dogs (a German Shepherd/Husky mix named Zev and a German Shepherd named Neika). Fun fact: Neika may have flunked service dog training, but she’s still a cherished member of the family. Outside of work, Jessica likes community events (such as the Blueberry Arts Festival) but she spends most of her free time at the beach with her dog, often photographing the sunset or sunrise.

Aliyah Pipal

Owner & Practice Manager

Aliyah Pipal is the co-owner of Island to Island Veterinary Clinic, where she manages day-to-day operations and partnered up with Dr. Jolene to purchase the clinic in late 2023. She values the camaraderie among her team, striving to provide quality compassionate care to patients and clients. Outside of work, she shares her home with her partner, John Byron, and their fur babies Lola, Danah, Spruce, and Phoebe. On her off days, Aliyah enjoys hiking, quilting, and indulging in books or TV shows, admitting a talent for unintentionally nurturing plants.

Chelsea Kelly

Bookkeeping & Administrative Assistant

Chelsea, originally from Massachusetts, moved to Seattle in the fifth grade and later relocated to Ketchikan in 2018 with her partner. What started as a move for love turned into a life rooted in community, where she and her husband now enjoy a mini homestead. Though she didn’t initially plan to work in veterinary medicine, her love for animals led her to apply for a job at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic. What began as a job close to home quickly became a place where she felt truly at home. Chelsea knew she was in the right profession when she discovered that her emotional nature—often expressed through tears—was seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Outside of the clinic, Chelsea is pursuing a degree at the University of Alaska Southeast with the goal of entering the mental health field. She lives with her husband, two cats named Sam and Dean Winchester, a snake, and a lively flock of chickens. Her free time is spent walking around Ward Lake, cooking and baking (she once ran a French macaron business), reading, watching horror movies, and enjoying time with friends in the Soup Club she co-founded. Chelsea’s compassion, attention to detail, and love for animals and people alike make her a vital part of the Island to Island team.

Brittney Marr

Inventory Manager

Brittney is our incredible inventory manager and one of her main duties includes, ordering and receiving supplies needed for the clinic! Brittney believes the animals are the best part of everyday life. She also looks forward to seeing our clinic cat Patrick, he brightens everyone’s day.  Brittney really enjoys working with such an amazing team as well! Outside of work, Brittney lives with her husband and fur babies: Aries, Ruby and Arby. On her days off, she mostly enjoys hanging out at home, watching her favorite shows or movies. She also loves spontaneous adventures, seeing friends or going on long drives. She is a BIG collector of coins, stamps, and anything considered vintage!

Emily Estrada-Gager

Administration/Support Staff

Emily’s role as support staff at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic goes beyond administrative tasks; it’s about ensuring every patient receives compassionate care. Her love for her job is matched only by her love for her family, including her three canine companions: Millie, Auggie, and Rory, two of which she brought home while her husband was away on business trips. Emily’s passion for helping animals extends to her leisure time, where she enjoys fishing and hiking in the stunning landscapes of Alaska.

Cathy Wolk-Nelson

Bookkeeper

“Mathy” Cathy’s role as the bookkeeper at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic blends her love for numbers with her love for animals. She finds fulfillment in the camaraderie of her colleagues and the joy of working with pets every day. At home, Cathy’s life is enriched by her family (including her Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Badger and Olive, and kitties Mordecai and Pita) and her passion for reading. Her dedication to her job and her love for animals make her an integral part of the clinic’s success.

Katori Young

Customer Service Representative

Katori is a dedicated Customer Service Representative at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic, where they’ve been part of the team since May 2021. A lifelong resident of Ketchikan, Katori brings a deep-rooted love for the community and a warm, welcoming energy to the clinic. They’re drawn to the supportive, close-knit atmosphere of the veterinary field and especially look forward to seeing Elsa girl on Mondays. With a genuine appreciation for their coworkers and the leadership team, Katori thrives in an environment where compassion and teamwork are at the heart of every day.

Outside of work, Katori enjoys a peaceful and active lifestyle with their partner, their parents, and their beloved pets—cat Iroh and dogs Zuko and Tylee. When not at the clinic, you’ll likely find them hiking local trails, tending to their garden, curled up with a good book, or enjoying quality time with friends and family.

Danice

Customer Service Representative

Bio coming soon!

Melanie

Customer Service Representative

Melanie is a lifelong resident of Ketchikan, Alaska, and a 2021 graduate of Revilla High School. She joined the veterinary field to expand her knowledge of animal care while building meaningful relationships with both clients and coworkers. As a Client Service Representative at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic, she takes pride in creating a welcoming environment and enjoys brightening the day of clients and colleagues with her kindness and humor. Her favorite part of the job is connecting with people—whether it’s supporting her team or sharing a laugh with a pet owner, she finds fulfillment in the daily interactions that make her role so rewarding.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring photography. She shares her home with her boyfriend, two six-year-old dogs, Sumner and Hayley, and a two-year-old cat named Bagheera.

Emilie

Customer Service Representative

Emilie is a dedicated Client Service Representative at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Anthropology with a minor in English from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX—Pony up! Her passion for the veterinary industry stems from her deep sense of compassion and desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and their owners. She finds immense fulfillment in knowing she plays a role in providing pets with the care they deserve. For Emilie, the best part of the job is not only helping animals but also working alongside a fantastic team that shares the same dedication. She knew she had found the right profession when she realized that, in veterinary care, empathy is a strength.

Outside of work, Emilie enjoys spending time with her amazing partner, Avery, an officer on the USCGC Bailey Barco. They share their home with two beloved rescue cats, Mousse and Fudge—littermates who are only sometimes spicy. In her free time, Emilie loves going to the beach, hiking, taking photos, reading, painting, and enjoying cozy nights at home with her feline companions and wonderful life partner.

Alyssa

Customer Service Representative

Alyssa joined Island to Island Veterinary Clinic as a Customer Service Representative in September 2024. Originally from outside the area, she moved to Ketchikan a year ago and quickly fell in love with both the town and a local—joking that she “came to Ketchikan, caught a man, and decided to stay.” Alyssa brings warmth and enthusiasm to the clinic front desk, where she loves being part of a dedicated team, working with animals, and learning something new every day.

Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys a full and joyful life with her boyfriend Ben and her two wonderful bonus daughters, Emma and Luna. Whether she’s curled up with a good book, enjoying family time, or soaking in the natural beauty of Ketchikan, Alyssa finds happiness in both quiet moments and outdoor adventures.

Ryleigh Dever

Lead Kennel Attendant

Ryleigh serves as the lead kennel attendant at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic, overseeing the well-being of boarded pets and maintaining a clean environment. She treasures the connections she makes within her community and enjoys spending quality time with her family and pets. Ryleigh’s indoor hobbies include writing, drawing, and caring for her pets.

Jordyn Smith

Lead Kennel Attendant

Jordyn, a proud Ketchikan native, serves as the Lead Kennel Attendant at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic. With a strong sense of community and a deep love for animals, Jordyn brings compassion, dedication, and a strong work ethic to her role each day. After earning her high school diploma, she chose to remain in her hometown to contribute to the care and well-being of pets in need.

Jordyn was drawn to the veterinary field by her desire to help animals and support their families. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the joy on pet owners’ faces when they reunite with their beloved pets after boarding. She finds satisfaction in ensuring every dog and cat receives love, attention, and top-notch care while their owners are away. Whether it’s feeding, cleaning, playing, or lending a helping hand to the clinic’s nurses and doctors, Jordyn takes pride in her work and soaks up every bit of knowledge she can along the way—including the oddly satisfying task of entering patient notes.

When she’s not at the clinic, Jordyn enjoys the company of her vocal and playful cat, Bonsai, who eagerly greets her at the door after a long day. She loves relaxing with a good TV show or movie, hanging out with friends, going on scenic drives, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Jordyn’s blend of warmth, reliability, and passion makes her a valued member of the Island to Island team.

Zoe McAlister

Kennel Attendant

Zoe is a Kennel Attendant at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic who brings curiosity, compassion, and a strong interest in healthcare to her role. Currently training to become a nurse, Zoe finds fulfillment in understanding the minds and behaviors of animals, which inspires her work every day. Her favorite part of the job is forming connections with the pets she cares for and learning how they communicate, making sure each animal feels safe and seen.

Outside of the clinic, Zoe shares her home with her husband, Jacob, and their Dane mix, Goose. She enjoys staying active through hiking and running, spending time in the kitchen baking, and constantly challenging herself by learning new skills. Zoe’s passion for both animals and people makes her a valued and well-rounded member of the Island to Island team.

Romel Del Mundo Jr.

Kennel Attendant

Romel is a Kennel Attendant at Island to Island Veterinary Clinic, where he ensures every pet receives top-notch care and plenty of affection. A graduate of Kayhi, Romel grew up in the area and still resides locally with his parents and older brother. His strong ties to the community and love for animals make him a natural fit for the clinic’s caring environment.

Romel was drawn to the veterinary industry because of his genuine joy in spending time with animals. He makes it his mission to ensure all boarders and patients are comfortable, eating well, using the bathroom regularly, and—most importantly—having a fun and loving experience while in his care. Whether it’s playtime or simply providing a comforting presence, Romel takes pride in creating a positive atmosphere for every pet.

Outside of work, Romel enjoys expressing his creativity through guitar playing, art, and cooking. He also shares his passion for wrestling by volunteering as a coach in the community. He and his best friend Seth are proud pet parents to two cats, Butch and Sundance. Romel’s compassionate nature and dedication to animal care make him a valued member of the Island to Island Veterinary Clinic team.

Amanda

Customer Service Representative

Amanda is a Customer Service Representative and Technician in Training at Island to IslandCraig Pet Boutique. She originally earned a degree in Early Childhood Education but discovered a passion for animal welfare through her volunteer work with the GoodFix Veterinary team and PAWS animal welfare group. These experiences inspired her to transition into the veterinary field, where she enjoys building connections with the community and their pets while providing compassionate support.

Outside of work, Amanda lives in Craig with her husband and their nine beloved cats. Her six children frequently stop by—mostly for food and laundry services. She enjoys cozy days at home with her feline companions, painting with watercolors, and, while currently taking a break, is also a professional photographer.

Dr. Patrick Biscuit

Resident Clinician Kitty

Dr. Patrick Biscuit, aka Dr. B or Peebs, is our most highly paid (in cookies) and important doctor, as well as being in charge of office morale. He attended medical school at CBIT (Cute Boi Institute of Technology) and has an advanced degree in Biscuit Massage Therapy. He enjoys eating other pets’ food, laying in sunbeams with a breeze coming in from an open window, and catnip bananas. The doctor prefers to spend his time in the upstairs office area these days, so he can concentrate on his work (laying in the sun or near a heater, ideally both at once). Rest assured he is still being spoiled with treats, constant snuggles, and catnip toys.

Ford

Resident Clinician Kitty

Ford, aka Bubby, is a 15 year old polydactyl cat, who is living his best life indoors with fellow clinic cat; Dr. Patrick Biscuit. Ford has learned to love lounging around in bed, catching some sun through the window, chasing his favorite toys & demanding food, even if he doesn’t actually want it; he likes knowing he is in charge. His favorite things to do are sleep, eat, play and do it again the next day. Most times you will find him in his favorite spot, eating his favorite snacks – or trying to find the sun beams to get a little color to his fur. His favorite office human is Brittney and he hangs by her as much as possible.