Maplebrook Pet Care Center

Dr. Kristina graduated from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. In the spring of 2012, she realized her lifelong dream of opening her own practice, Maplebrook Pet Care Center. She lives in Brooklyn Park with her family and a houseful of furry kids. Her menagerie includes a pack of Dachshunds, a retired Seeing Eye guide dog named Sonny,a special needs Persian cat and a beautiful tabby cat, Clover, that runs the show. She has always been passionate about rescuing animals and you will often find several foster pets staying at her house while waiting for adoption. Dr. Kristina manages her patient’s care with the same compassion and expertise with which she cares for her own loved ones. Her philosophy embraces a strong belief in forming a close partnership with her clients to provide optimal pet care. She truly loves her chosen career and looks forward to caring for you and your pets for the next 30 years!

FUN FACT: Dr. Kristina loves opposums!

Dr. Amberleigh joined our team as a doctor and co-owner in 2014. She grew up in Roseville, MN and completed undergraduate studies at Hamline University in St. Paul. She obtained her degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Fort Collins, CO. She began her career in Colorado but after several years returned to practice veterinary medicine in the land of 10,000 lakes. Dr. Amberleigh brought with her Max, a Dachshund, and Ginger, an Australian Cattle dog. Her family has since grown to include Sierra – a yellow Lab, Julian – a white and orange tabby cat and Masja, a beautiful rescued pit bull puppy.

Although they keep her busy she still manages to find time for her favorite activities- boating, traveling, reading, and gardening. Dr. Amberleigh believes in partnering with her clients to provide their pets with optimal care. Her philosophy fits perfectly with our mission here at Maplebrook Pet Care Center. After all, they are family!

FUN FACT: Dr. Amber wants to have a hobby farm – and she achieved that goal in 2022!

Dr. Sarita Patel joined the team in September 2013.

She started here as a kennel assistant and then achieved her dream of attending Veterinary School, joining the Maplebrook team as a doctor in 2018. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also holds an Animal Science degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

She was born and raised right here in Maplewood, MN. Her special interests include exotic animal medicine, preventative medicine, geriatric care, and surgery. Dr. Sarita is very passionate about partnering with her clients to provide high quality veterinary care for all furry family members. When not in the clinic, she very much enjoys outdoor activities, DIY projects, traveling the world, eating delicious desserts, needle arts, and spending quality time with her family including her daughter Lucy, partner Damien, rescue bunnies (Alby, Mira, Francois and Iris), pups (Lily and Mimi), kitty (Peachie), and Hedgehog (Jules).

Dr. Sarita adores all her current patients, and can’t wait to meet you and your family pets!

FUN FACT: Dr. Sarita is a tea fancier and brews homemade chai just about every morning.

When Maplebrook offered then-technician AJ a position as an Associate Veterinarian after getting his Doctorate, his answer was “ABSOLUTELY YES!”

Dr. AJ first joined the team in May of 2019 as a Veterinary Assistant. While working here, he excelled in his academics and obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2021 from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

At home, he cares for 4 furry pals, Rooney, Max and his two kitties, Charles and Wumbo. He also recently acquired two chickens named Blanche and Rose. In his free time, you will find him camping, hiking, or playing soccer! He is also a regular participant in the World Axe Throwing League.

Dr. AJ has a special interest in both feline and internal medicine. “My mission is to ensure that all patients receive the best possible medical care, and there is no place that I would rather be pursuing this goal than at Maplebrook with the amazing staff, wonderful clients, and fantastic pets.”

Dr. AJ looks forward to growing bonds with current and new clients/patients!

FUN FACT: Dr. AJ was born in California!

Dr. Alyssa Ziche joined Maplebrook in January of 2024.
She studied at the University of Minnesota, earning her Veterinary Degree in 2014. She also studied Animal Science at UW - River Falls. Dr. Alyssa has a special interest in Dentistry. She is driven by her passion and love for animals, and looks forward to helping people strengthen the bond with their pets and being a part of their healthcare journey.

Drawn to Maplebrook by the location and inviting atmosphere, Dr. Alyssa brings with her several years of experience and a menagerie of pets - Olive, her beautiful Golden Retriever; Kate, her beloved Appendix Quarter Horse; and two goldfish, Goldie and Snowflake! She resides with her husband Ryan and daughter Addy here in the St Paul community.

When she is not busy taking care of patients, Dr. Alyssa enjoys hiking, baking, horse-back riding, and participating in Dock Diving with Olive. And if the season is right, you can almost hear her cheering on the Green Bay Packers!

Welcome to the MBPCC Family, Dr. Alyssa!

FUN FACT: Dr. Alyssa has a twin sibling!

Carlie joined us as a Veterinary Student/Assistant at the end of December 2020.
Local to the area, she grew up here in Maplewood, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Animal Science. This year, Carlie graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and is officially Maplebrook’s newest Veterinarian! We are so very proud of her huge accomplishment! She will start seeing patients here beginning June of 2026.

She has a menagerie of pets at home, including her Shepherd Mix Nala, three cats (Cleo, Tippy, and Frito) and some assorted fish and snails (too many to name them all!)

When she isn’t working (which is almost never), her favorite things to do include traveling, going to concerts, and going up to her family cabin on Bone Lake.

Carlie came to us with the desire to grow her knowledge in veterinary medicine and gain more experience within the field. She has done all of that and more, and is excited to start her new chapter as Maplebrook’s newest Vet, striving to strengthen the human-animal bond and to share her passion with others!

We are so happy to have you at MBPCC, Carlie!

FUN FACT: Carlie has gone snorkeling with sea turtles, sting rays, and sharks!