Juanita Bay Veterinary Hospital | Kirkland, WA
Rachel Martinis didn’t just join Juanita Bay Veterinary Hospital, she chose it.
After starting her career at another practice, she knew she wanted more. More from the level of care, more from the team, and more from the kind of environment she worked in every day. Juanita Bay had a reputation for all of it, and that’s what drew her in. Eleven years later and she’s still there and has helped carry that reputation forward.
Juanita Bay has been part of the Kirkland community for decades. Originally founded by the Clark family, the hospital has a long-standing history of high-quality medicine and strong relationships with both clients and staff. When the Clarks made the decision to retire and sell the practice, it wasn’t something they took lightly. They wanted to ensure the hospital would remain what they had built — a place rooted in trust, consistency, and care.
Rachel remembers how significant that moment was. The transition could have changed everything, but instead, it reinforced what already existed. The hospital remained Juanita Bay – the same culture, the same expectations, the same commitment to doing things the right way. For Rachel, that mattered.
She started as a technician and quickly stepped into a lead role, building her skills in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Eventually, when the opportunity came to move into the hospital administrator role, she took it – even though it meant stepping away, at least partially, from the clinical work she loved.
But for Rachel, leadership didn’t mean leaving the floor behind. She still jumps in wherever she’s needed – helping in surgery, supporting her team, and staying connected to the work that brought her into veterinary medicine in the first place.
That balance reflects how she approaches leadership overall. For Rachel, it’s not about managing from a distance – it’s about understanding what each team member needs to succeed and helping create an environment where they can do their best work. Whether that means supporting work-life balance, encouraging growth, or simply making sure people feel fulfilled in their roles, she sees her job as setting people up to thrive.
She’s especially proud of the culture at Juanita Bay – one that has remained consistent over time. It’s a place where people stay, where relationships matter, and where new hires quickly realize that the team dynamic is real, not just something said during interviews.
Rachel also brings a unique perspective from her clinical experience. She has a particular skill for working with anxious or difficult patients – the ones that require patience, creativity, and a calm presence to turn a stressful visit into a positive one. It’s a part of the job she still enjoys and one that keeps her grounded in the day-to-day impact of veterinary care.
One of the most meaningful experiences in her career came through a volunteer trip with World Vets. Working in a completely different environment – with fewer resources and different standards – challenged her to think differently about care. It reinforced her appreciation for the level of medicine practiced at Juanita Bay, while also reminding her that compassion and adaptability matter just as much as tools and technology.
Looking ahead, Rachel’s focus is simple: keep Juanita Bay exactly what it has always been.
A hospital known for high-quality medicine. A team that supports one another. A place where respect, growth, and learning are part of everyday life. And a clinic that continues to earn the trust of its community, year after year.
For Rachel, legacy isn’t about changing everything – it’s about protecting what already works and making sure it carries on.
