Meet the Team

Originally from Seattle, Dr. Houghtaling earned his undergraduate degree in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington. During college, he researched striped bass otoliths from California’s San Joaquin Delta and completed a wildlife rehabilitation externship, gaining hands-on experience with harbor seals, bald eagles, raccoons, and more. He went on to earn his DVM from Washington State University, where he developed a strong interest in small animal medicine—especially dentistry and the business side of veterinary care.

Dr. Houghtaling began his veterinary career on Oahu, Hawai’i, at a large VCA clinic, where he practiced general medicine, urgent care, and advanced dental procedures. His time there deepened his passion for delivering high-quality, compassionate care, and laid the foundation for his leadership in veterinary practice.

Outside of work, Dr. Houghtaling enjoys life with his wife, Priya, a watercolor artist, and their two cats, Shasta and Bindi. He’s a dedicated fan of the Seattle Seahawks, UW Huskies football, and women’s college volleyball. In his downtime, he enjoys playing sports, drumming, cooking seafood, riding motorcycles, and gaming.

Dr. Greenwood attended the University of Georgia for undergraduate studies from 1980-1984 and for her veterinary medicine degree from 1984-1988. She moved to California in 1988, and worked at Hamilton Animal Hospital 1988 through 1991 and retuned to work with Dr. Love in 2002.

Dr. Alkofer graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. He has lived and worked all over the United States including North Dakota, Upstate New York, and Eastern Washington before moving to Southern California.

He started working at Hamilton Animal Hospital in 2004 and has a special interest in internal medicine cases and working with geriatric patients.

When not at work, Dr. Alkofer spends time at home with his wife, two children, and a varying number of cats over the years. He also enjoys traveling to new destinations with his family.

Dr. Landesfeind originally started with Hamilton Animal Hospital as a kennel attendant when she was a teenager. She continued to work here during summer breaks while she earned her bachelor's degree at the University of CA, Davis, and again when she earned her DVM at the same university. It was clear we weren't going to get rid of her easily, so when she graduated in 2007 we let her come back as a vet! She and her patient husband live with an assortment of weird little dogs, and look forward to acquiring more.

Dr. Francesca Moreno is a true Orange County native with a heart for animals. Her path to veterinary medicine was a unique one, starting as a vet tech and hospital manager, which gave her invaluable experience in all aspects of animal care. Now, as a veterinarian, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion to her work.  She completed her undergrad degree at UC Davis, went to Ross University in St. Kitts for Vet school and completed her Clinical Year at Texas A&M University.

Dr. Moreno’s special interests are diverse, including preventative care, cardiology, and urology, with a particular expertise in bladder stones. If you’re a Schnauzer owner, you’ll be in good hands – she has a special place in her heart for the breed and understands their unique health needs.

"For me, veterinary medicine is about more than just treating animals," Dr. Moreno says. "It's about building relationships with their humans and supporting them through every stage of their pet’s life."

When she’s not caring for her patients, you can find Dr. Moreno enjoying live music, swimming, camping, getting lost in a good book, or tackling a challenging puzzle. She also loves hiking with Dr. Alkofer and spending time with her own furry family: Diego, her 9-year-old miniature Schnauzer, and Shrimp, her playful 4-year-old Island "coconut retriever."