Veterinarians
Steve Mira, DVM
Dr. Steve Mira grew up wanting to be a veterinarian. "It was something I always wanted to do as far back as I can remember," he said. He not only fulfilled his dream of becoming an animal doctor, he is now the co-owner of Animal and Bird Hospital of Del Mar along with Dr. Layne Havens Fournier. They purchased the practice in January of 2012.
Dr. Mira grew up in Harrison Township, Michigan and earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University in 1998. He then was awarded his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002.
"My very first day at my internship after graduating from veterinary school was one of his most memorable," he said. "It was a very busy emergency hospital. I think I came close to 15 emergencies during my first few hours. It was overwhelming but a great way to start my career." Dr. Mira completed his internship in medicine, surgery and critical care at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center in San Diego.
Dr. Mira is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the San Diego Veterinary Medical Association, and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. He has professional interests in soft tissue surgery, medicine, dentistry and preventive care.
Dr. Mira relaxes by mountain climbing, hiking, snowboarding and traveling.
Layne Fournier, DVM
For as long as she can remember, Dr. Layne Fournier has been surrounded by animals. Her parents' love for animals "clearly rubbed off". Dr. Fournier, who grew up in Richmond, Virginia, "had the best of both worlds". She lived in the suburbs but went to the family farm on the weekends. "I loved going to horse shows and cattle auctions with my dad. I had the best pony, he was a stubborn little Welsh pony named Petey. I would ride him all over the farm with our Springer Spaniel, George, following close behind.
Dr. Fournier earned her undergraduate degree in biology from University of Mary Washington in 2004, where she was a member of the Intercollegiate Equestrian Team. She then was awarded her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Following graduation, she made the move to San Diego where she completed a one year rotating internship in internal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego. After living and working in San Diego, she fell in love with the town and decided to make it home.
When asked what she likes about being a veterinarian, Dr. Fournier answered, "Who wouldn't look forward coming to work and being with animals every day? But it's not just the animals, I also feel lucky getting to know the people. The unique bond between pets and their owners is amazing. I enjoy helping to keep that bond viable for as long as possible."
Dr. Fournier has professional interest in internal medicine, ultrasound, and soft tissue surgery. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.
Dr. Fournier shares her home with her husband Mike, her dog Bueller, and her cat Sloan. She and her husband have two children, Greyson and Riley.
Sheila Ditsche Grimsley, DVM
Growing up in Phoenix, Maryland, Dr. Ditsche's household was always filled with her "adopted animal friends". She had a plethora of cats and fondly remembers making many visits to the veterinarian with her mother. "One of my favorite memories was when I was able to go 'behind the scenes' and view my cat's ear mites," she says. "What might have been an insignificant event to others left an indelible mark on me and made me curious about how I could learn all that I could about animals."
Dr. Ditsche earned her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Delaware in 1998. While there, she was recognized as a Science and Engineering Scholar and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. After her undergraduate studies, Dr. Ditsche earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She joined our veterinary staff in January 2014.
When asked what motivated her to become a veterinarian, Dr. Ditsche candidly responds, "It's simple- veterinary medicine is my calling. Animals are my passion." This passion helps her embrace all aspects of small animal care and she proclaims herself a true generalist- a veterinarian who really enjoys all areas of veterinary care. However, she recognizes that she has a special professional interest in surgery, internal medicine, integrative medicine and acupuncture. And, as of late, she even enjoys expanding her interest and work in pet dentistry.
Dr. Ditsche is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. "Integrating eastern and western medicine after taking the International Acupuncture Society course has been enlightening to me," she says. "I love being able to think outside the box. Incorporating acupuncture into practice has improved many of my patients overall quality of life- and that is awesome."
When not at home, Dr. Ditsche likes to relax with her husband, their two daughters and their "fur family" that includes Pink, her black labrador retriever and Knuckles, her big red Maine Coon cat. She enjoys recreating outdoors, going to the beach, cooking and yoga.
Cory Scholl Greenfield, DVM
Wisconsin native Dr. Cory Scholl Greenfield 're'-joined the team at Animal and Bird Hospital of Del Mar in 2015. Dr. Greenfield originally practiced at the hospital in 2010 and the new ownership is thrilled to have him back. He has been practicing for over 10 years, but his time in the industry stretches back over 20 years, with stops as a veterinary assistant, a veterinary technician, and even a volunteer dog walker at the local humane society. As Dr. Greenfield explains, his appreciation for living things began in early childhood.
"My mother was kind enough to allow me to bring home any and everything that crawled, walked, slithered or flew," Dr. Greenfield remembers. "Having experience with so many kinds of living creatures allowed me to live, think, and learn vicariously through them. Those experiences, some good and some bad, allowed me to care and appreciate all living creatures and the roles they play in keeping the Earth alive."
He received his undergraduate degree in Zoology/Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his doctorate in veterinary medicine - at the top of his class - from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include Dermatology, Dentistry, Preventative, Internal Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery.
"I believe humans have so much to learn from animals on how to cope with illness and keep moving forward with a wagging tail, even in what seems to be the worst of times," Dr. Greenfield says. "It feels so rewarding to be able to practice all disciplines of medicine and go home at the end of the day knowing you've done good for another living soul."
In his free time, Dr. Greenfield enjoys going on adventures with his wife Julia, and two sons ("My best buddies!" he says) Gavin and Griffin. He also enjoys ice hockey, soccer, travel, motorcycles, concerts, boating, and surfing. Dr. Greenfield and his family have a Berger Picard - a rare French herding breed - named Isla, who loves dog beaches and boat rides. They also have an orange tabby cat named Jouvert and a rescue dog from Mexico, named Cali.
Kyra Littel, Associate Veterinarian
Associate Veterinarian Kyra Littel joined our team in July of 2021. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She is excited to join the team and is looking forward to starting her veterinary career with so many great people!
At home, she has two brown Tabby cats – Beans who is 9-years-old and Tessa who is 8-years old. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, hiking, traveling, cooking, rock climbing and spending time with her friends and family.
Marlye Triggs, DVM
Associate Veterinarian Marlye Triggs has been a member of our team since September of 2023. She has an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. Prior to becoming a vet, she worked in Marine Animal Rehabilitation in her home state of Florida. At Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Marcos, CA, she completed a Veterinary Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. Currently, Marlye is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is Fear Free Certified in Companion Animal and Avian.
Marlye has a special interest in preventative and geriatric medicine, ultrasound, and exotic animal husbandry. Moreover, she strives to help animals live happy and healthy lives while strengthening the human-animal bond.
“I am excited to be welcomed into the ABH family and share my love of exotic medicine.”
She has a six-year-old Silken Windhound named Maisy and has a soft spot for all sighthounds! In her free time, Marlye loves baking, hiking, spending time at the dog beach, playing board games, watching college football (Go Gators!), listening to music, and exploring San Diego.