Dr. Malena Arvizu grew up in a rural community outside of Gilroy. Being raised on a farm with rabbits, sheep, chickens, cats, and dogs, a career in veterinary medicine seemed a natural fit for her.  It was a career path which she desired from her earliest of memories.

After high school, she moved to the coast, where she attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, and received her bachelor's degree in biology. During her time there, her passion for veterinary medicine became cemented by working as a veterinary technician for several years with one of the local specialty groups. She learned a tremendous amount by working with them, and eventually submitted her application for veterinary school.

Ultimately, in 2001, she was accepted to Oregon State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Corvallis. She graduated with her DVM degree and received the American Association of Feline Practitioner's Award in 2005. After spending one too many rainy and grey winters in the Pacific Northwest, she returned to the Silicon Valley where she could enjoy the warmer weather, but also be closer to her old friends and family. Soon after her move, she started working at Evergreen Veterinary Clinic!

Shortly after graduating from veterinary school, she married her high school sweetheart, James. They now reside in the rural area of San Juan Bautista.  Together, they have 4 four-legged children: a red-eared slider turtle named Cagey, their old and semi-feral cat named Figgy, a crazy and smart Siamese cross named Nitro, and their newest San Benito county rescue - a goofy but sweet Snowshoe cat. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Arvizu is also very passionate about dance in all of its forms, particularly aerial dance. She can often be found teaching and attending local dance classes. She also enjoys watching her husband race their cars, traveling, and drinking good wine with friends.