Meet the Veterinary Team at Tassajara Veterinary Clinic
Our Danville veterinarians and support staff bring decades of combined experience and a genuine love of animals to every appointment, so your pet is always in caring, capable hands.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Jeff Johnson D.V.M.

Dr. Jeff Johnson joined Tassajara Veterinary Clinic in 2015. Growing up in San Ramon, he began working in the veterinary field as an assistant at the age of 15. He continued working at veterinary hospitals in the San Ramon Valley while completing high school and college. He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he received both his undergraduate degree in biological sciences and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He worked for almost 10 years in a newly built practice in the central valley before returning to practice in his hometown at Tassajara Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Johnson has a strong foundation in general medicine and surgery as well as a personal interest in exotic pet medicine. He enjoys the outdoors, running, hiking, and spending time with his family during his time away from the hospital. His wife and 3 boys enjoy a full house with 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 pet rats, a freshwater aquarium, and 2 snakes.
Dr. Jaclyn Miller D.V.M.
Dr. Miller (formerly Dr. Oppenheim) is originally from Southern California. She joined Tassajara Veterinary Clinic in 2019. Dr. Miller studied Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley and continued her education at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with honors in 2018. She has particular interests in dermatology, ultrasound, and Internal medicine. Her experiences as a puppy raiser and volunteer with Guide Dogs of America have taught her about the strength of the human-animal bond, and she strives to support and enhance the bond between her clients and patients. While away from the clinic, Dr. Miller enjoys hiking with her husband and their black Labrador Retriever, Evie. She and Evie are a certified therapy animal team and look forward to volunteering in the greater Bay Area.
Dr. Elisa Dowd D.V.M.
Doctor Elisa Dowd graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 and completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. She has been practicing in Danville since 1989 and has been at Tassajara Veterinary Clinic since 1991. She and her husband, Doug, have two daughters and are active as 4-H leaders in Danville as well as being in the Danville Grange. Dr. Dowd has been a 4-H vet science project leader since 1991.
Dr. Kate Basmadjian, D.V.M
Bio coming soon!
Meet Our Support Staff
Tami V
Receptionist
Tami has been a part of the TVC team since 2007.
Melissa L
Receptionist
Melissa has been working at Tassajara Vet since September, 2009.
Nicole V
Receptionist
Nicole has been working at Tassajara Vet since August, 2008.
Heather S
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
**Coming Soon**
Stacy N
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Stacy has been a full-time RVT at Tassajara Vet since 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Veterinary Team
How many veterinarians work at Tassajara Veterinary Clinic?
Our Danville hospital is staffed by three veterinarians — Dr. Jeff Johnson, Dr. Jaclyn Miller, and Dr. Elisa Dowd — supported by a team of experienced receptionists and registered veterinary technicians.
Does your team have experience with exotic pets?
Dr. Johnson has a personal interest in exotic pet medicine in addition to general medicine and surgery, so reach out to our team if you have questions about a non-traditional pet.
Do any of your veterinarians specialize in dermatology?
Yes. Dr. Miller has a particular interest in dermatology, along with ultrasound and internal medicine.
How long have your veterinarians practiced in Danville?
Dr. Dowd has practiced in Danville since 1989 and joined Tassajara Veterinary Clinic in 1991, giving her decades of experience with local pets and families.
Who will I speak with when I call the clinic?
Our front desk team, including Tami, Melissa, and Nicole, handles scheduling and client questions and can direct urgent concerns to a veterinarian as needed.
What is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)?
An RVT is a licensed veterinary professional trained to assist with diagnostics, treatments, and patient monitoring. Our RVTs, Heather and Stacy, work closely with our veterinarians on every case.
How can I schedule an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
Call us at (925) 736-8387 and let our front desk know which doctor you’d prefer, or mention any preference when you request an appointment.
Have a question for our team? Reach out today.








