Meet Our Staff

Dr. Marci Linett, DVM

Owner

Dr. Marci Linett has always had a deep love for animals and veterinary medicine. Growing up in her father’s veterinary hospital, she knew she would follow in his footsteps and become a veterinarian. Dr. Linett attended UC Davis for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Ethology, the study of animal behavior, and later a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She has experience with a wide range of animals, including small pets, large animals, and wildlife.

After graduation, Dr. Linett moved to Washington to join her father and his two partners in opening and managing two small animal clinics. In 2010, she sold her share of these practices and relocated to the Sacramento area to be closer to family and friends.

In July 2011, Dr. Linett opened Mercy Pet Hospital of Citrus Heights, followed by Mercy Pet Hospital of Fair Oaks in February 2015. She is passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care to the pets of Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and the surrounding communities. Her professional interests include small animal internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, and building long-term relationships with her clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Dr. Linett enjoys spending time with her family and pets, skiing, hiking, kayaking, and other water activities. She is an active member of the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association (SVVMA), California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), and the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Caitlyn Lennon, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Lennon knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from the age of five when she could properly pronounce the word. Growing up in Palm Springs, California, she spent her childhood riding horses and bringing home various stray animals, including dogs, kittens, and even snakes. Dr. Lennon completed her undergraduate degree in Animal Science at UC Davis, where she was active on the Equestrian Team and in the Vet Aide Club. Seeking more experience in a veterinary hospital, she began her career at Mercy Pet Hospital, starting at the front desk on its opening day and eventually becoming a veterinary technician.

Dr. Lennon was later accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. During veterinary school, she developed a passion for shelter and community medicine, serving as president of the student chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. She participated in wellness and preventative clinics in Nicaragua with World Vets and in Mexico. Graduating with honors, Dr. Lennon is thrilled to work at the same hospital where her career began. As the Medical Director, she enjoys developing new and updated protocols and procedures for the clinic.

Her special interests include dentistry and internal medicine. Dr. Lennon has five dogs and three cats and enjoys spending time with her husband and children on their small farm, which is home to horses, goats, chickens, and ducks.

Dr. Emily Kian, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Emily Kian, like many children, grew up with a love for all animals. Born in Northern California, she moved numerous times across the US with her parents but eventually returned to Sacramento towards the end of her high school years. Emily graduated from Chico State, her parents’ alma mater, with a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology. Although she initially considered a career in wildlife medicine, she discovered her true passion for small animal general practice while attending veterinary school at Western University in Southern California.

Emily is thrilled to be part of the Mercy Pet Hospital team, which allows her to work close to her husband. In her free time, she enjoys visiting local breweries, crafting, and spending time with family. Dr. Emily and her husband have two daughters, Lila and Claire. Their family also includes three fur babies: Cory (an Akita mix), Hazel (a doodle mix), and Addy (their “first baby,” a black cat).

Dr. Kelsey Woodson, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Kelsey Woodson grew up in the Los Angeles area and has had a lifelong love for animals. Her family had a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Surrounded by animals, she decided at an early age to become a veterinarian, and that dream never changed. She earned three associate degrees at El Camino Community College before transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. While at Cal Poly, she served as the student manager of the on-site veterinary clinic and worked at the dairy and equine units. This experience led her to pursue a career in small animal medicine, and she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. She has a particular interest in animal behavior.

Dr. Woodson is excited to be part of the team at Mercy Pet Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, and watching movies.

Dr. Amanda Manaster, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Amanda Manaster grew up in Los Angeles with her pet tortoise, Leo (who still resides there), and her childhood dog, Hank. Like many in the industry, she wanted to be a vet for as long as she can remember. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts, where she also played soccer. She then returned to California to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. During vet school, she devoted a significant amount of time to the Student Veterinary Emergency Response Team (sVERT), deploying behind fire lines and to evacuation shelters numerous times to aid in search and rescue and care for both owned and wild animals during the fire seasons of 2019-2022.

Her interests in veterinary medicine include preventative care, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery, but most importantly, building long-term relationships with her patients and clients. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, playing recreational soccer, skiing, and hiking.

Gary Delfino

Practice Manager

As a native Californian, Gary grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area with a love for animals that began in his childhood. His home was always filled with dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and other creatures. From the age of 5, his goal was to work in a veterinary hospital helping all kinds of animals. He has now resided in Colorado for over five years.

Gary’s veterinary career started at the age of 15 as an R.O.P. student in San Mateo. His first opportunity to work on a veterinary team came when he was hired by Crystal Springs Veterinary Hospital as a kennel/assistant technician. He spent eight years working for Dr. Rose, eventually becoming the office manager. Throughout his career, Gary has worked at various hospitals, progressing to the role of practice manager.

Gary has extensive knowledge of all AAHA guidelines and protocols. He is one of the founding members of the Sacramento Valley Practice Managers Association, a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, and a yearly moderator at the Western Veterinary Conference. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jackie, daughters Ashley and Hailey, son Elijah, and their numerous pets. He also enjoys cooking, gardening, sports, computers, trips to the mountains and the coast, and relaxing with his family.

Debbie M.

Office Manager

Debbie was born and raised in Sacramento, CA, where she developed a deep appreciation for the California sun and its stunning beaches. From a young age, her affinity for animals was evident as she was constantly surrounded by dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and more, relishing the responsibility of their care.

Her journey in veterinary medicine began in 2016, shortly after starting her college education. Debbie graduated from Carrington College in 2018 with a degree in Veterinary Technology and pursued further studies in Biology to expand her scientific knowledge.

Throughout her career, Debbie has gained valuable experience in various clinical settings, including mobile, emergency and specialty, and general practice clinics. Her passion extends beyond just caring for animals; she finds immense joy in connecting with pet parents and sharing their devotion to their furry companions. Debbie takes great pride in educating clients and delivering top-notch patient care, always striving to ensure the best possible experience for all.

Outside of her professional life, Debbie loves to travel and has explored destinations such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Portugal, with a keen anticipation of discovering more countries in the future. Accompanied by her faithful Scottish Fold cat named Pai Mae, Debbie enjoys adventures, whether it’s a leisurely car ride around Downtown Sacramento or a visit to her favorite Starbucks.

Now, as a member of Mercy Pet Hospital’s management team, Debbie is eager to contribute her expertise and enthusiasm to the practice and looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Wendy

Inventory Manager

As Inventory Manager, Wendy loves working behind the scenes to ensure our hospitals are organized and well-stocked. She also enjoys helping out at reception and meeting all the different pet personalities! In her free time, Wendy loves going on road trips with her family and creating art. Her studio cat, Rosie, is always by her side, “supurrvising” every project!