Staff

Dr. Jen Malter is originally from Southern California and completed her undergraduate education at the University of California, Santa Barbara before moving north up the coast. She spent 12 years at her last practice, both as a licensed veterinary technician, and then as a doctor after graduating from Oregon State University with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She's a true Beavers fan and on any day you might find her wearing an OSU scrub!

Dr. Malter started working in clinics in high school as a volunteer and gradually worked her way through the ranks to become a doctor. Having worked in many clinics in many positions has helped shape her own preferences at Oceanlake Veterinary Clinic. Her primary focus is on patient care, patient comfort, and client satisfaction. Everything in the clinic is designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible. While she loves treating dogs and cats, she also has a special interest in birds and other small mammals.

Outside of the clinic Dr. Malter spends her time with her bouncy yellow Labrador dog Emma, unique puli Nanni and Sweet Pea, a Lutino Indian Ring-necked Parakeet. If she can ever get away from the clinic you may find her walking the beach with Emma, bowling, water-skiing, or watching a Beavers game! Stop by and introduce yourself so she can better get to know you and your furry family.

Dr. Kelsey Merriam, aka OLVC's 'crazy cat lady,' graduated with Honors from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She was raised in the Puget Sound region of Washington State and knew she wanted to stay in the beautiful Pacific Northwest after graduating, but never imagined that she'd end up living a dream come true on the Oregon Coast. She still pinches herself sometimes, and feels so incredibly fortunate to have found such an amazing town and clinic to call home.  Dr. Merriam is passionate about animal behavior and is Fear Free Level 2 certified, so you and your furry family members can have the least-stressful visit possible. She also enjoys cytology (examining cells under the microscope), diagnostic imaging, and preventative medicine, but her favorite thing about veterinary medicine is helping to nurture the human-animal bond. When not in the clinic, Dr. Merriam can be found digging in her garden, perfecting her catio, looking for rocks on the beach, or out hiking. She also enjoys yoga, ice sports (she taught figure skating and played goalie in a hockey league during vet school!), and relaxing with her two purrfect kitties, Ronald and Meeko. 

Dr. Kaitlyn Vander Pas or 'Dr. V' is a local Oregonian from the Portland area whom graduated from Oregon State University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. Some of our long-term clients may remember Dr. V before she became a veterinarian as she has been working with Oceanlake since 2017 as a veterinary assistant! With a love for the Pacific Northwest and the coastal community it was an easy decision to return. While she loves working with various species, Dr. V has special interests in preventative medicine, dentistry, ultrasonography, and nutrition. 'I'm privileged to live my passion for veterinary medicine and I will take great lengths to ensure your pet is given the very best possible care I can provide. I believe that every animal deserves health and happiness, whether they have fur, feathers, or scales.' When away from the clinic, Dr. V enjoys creating traditional artwork, swimming, and spending time with her 2 precious cats Zuko and Maou.

Mary is a fifth generation Oregonian who was born and raised on a wheat ranch in Eastern Oregon. After graduating from Whitman College she attended Boise State University to obtain a second degree. She received her Master degree in Health and Human Performance from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Mary was an Assistant Professor and Head Women's Basketball Coach at Linfield College before moving to the Division I level to coach basketball at University of Idaho, Radford University, and Oregon State University. Following retirement from coaching she was the bookkeeper for Corvallis Cat Care. Currently, Mary is the business manager for Oceanlake Veterinary Clinic. Mary also loves sports, the outdoors, wildlife, bird watching and traveling.

Hi, my name is Diane. I am the Lead Receptionist for the clinic and also trained as a Veterinary Assistant. I love being a part of our team and helping as many animals as we can. This is my husband, Ron, and my dog, Dixi. I also have Joey, Chevy, and Mabel, who are all full of spice!!

Rylee was born and raised in Lincoln City. She grew up around many types of animals and has always wanted to work with them. Rylee has 2 dogs named Tequilla and Shiloh, they are her whole world, and the reason she has such a passion for helping other pets. Rylee is eager to continue learning and growing at the clinic and to meet your beloved pets! In her free time, she loves to explore with her dogs and go scavenger hunting!