Waka Blair, DVM, CVA, CVBMA, CVFT, CCRP, CVMMP

Owner

Dr. Waka Blair is the owner of Acorn Veterinary Clinic and Oak Tree Animal Rehabilitation. Her journey with Acorn began in 2002 when she joined the practice as a receptionist and volunteer veterinary assistant while pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Before entering veterinary school, Dr. Blair worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician and Small Animal Renal Transplant Coordinator at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She then earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Following graduation, she completed two internships: small animal rotating internship at Texas A&M University and Emergency and Critical Care Medicine internship at her alma mater UC Davis.

Driven by a passion for combining conventional and complementary medicine, Dr. Blair pursued extensive postgraduate training in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) through Chi University while working in a busy emergency hospital. She rejoined Acorn as an associate veterinarian in 2015 and later became the practice owner, continuing the clinic's long-standing commitment to compassionate, relationship-centered veterinary care.

Dr. Blair is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA), Balance Method Veterinary Acupuncture (CVBMA), Veterinary Food Therapy (CVFT) through Chi University, Canine Rehabilitation (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee, and Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation (CVMMP), a gentle hands-on therapy similar to chiropractic care that focuses on restoring normal motion and function of the musculoskeletal system. She has also completed advanced training in veterinary Tui-na (Chinese medical manipulation), palliative and end-of-life care, and other integrative therapies.

Her professional interests include integrative medicine, physical rehabilitation, pain management, geriatric care, and improving mobility and quality of life for companion animals. 

Originally from Japan, Dr. Blair is fluent in both English and Japanese. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their beloved pets. She also enjoys skiing, swimming, practicing Hapkido under Master Rick Schubert, tending her organic vegetable garden, and reading and watching Japanese anime and manga.

Barbara Barajas, RVT

Barbara has been a licensed Veterinary Technician (RVT) since 1982. She worked at Woodland Veterinary Hospital for 18 years after which she spent 19 years working in shelter medicine. Through the combination of both “worlds” she has gained a lot of experience handling dogs and cats of all temperaments. She is excited to be part of the team at Oak Tree Animal Rehabilitation and feels privileged to assist in the rehab center to improve the lives of our “senior” fur kids.

Arlene McKinstry, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVCH (She/her/hers)

Dr. McKinstry received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1994. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian after studying Animal Science at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. Her experience and interests include internal medicine, surgery, geriatric care, physical rehabilitation, and pain management. Her passion is to improve the quality and enjoyment of life for all her patients. She has expanded her general practice experience by furthering her training with an interest in Integrative Medicine. Her certifications include Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) from the Chi University in Florida. She is currently working on obtaining her certification in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time traveling with family and friends, reading, photography, and scrapbooking. Her family includes her husband, children, dogs, and a tortoise.