Honolulu, HI
Team Lead:
Aleisha Swartz, DVM
Dr. Swartz graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She has practiced in small animal private practice, shelter medicine, academia, and field medicine. She has lived in Hawaii for over a decade and her current focus is on increasing equity in access to veterinary care both in Hawaii and across the country. She started the Honolulu SDC team in 2019 and enjoys working with technician students and other volunteers who are all committed to supporting the human animal bond. She shares her home with two dogs and two cats adopted from the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Jerrisa Ching, DVM
Dr. Jerrisa Ching was born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii where she began her veterinary journey while volunteering for an animal therapy program. From this experience, Jerrisa affirmed her interest in veterinary medicine by pursuing more animal opportunities. In 2021, Jerrisa graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University followed by her online Master's of Public Health with a Veterinary Public Health Focus at University of Missouri at Columbia. She is currently a small animal general practice veterinarian at a local hospital in Waipahu. Outside of work, Jerrisa enjoys doing yoga, barre, drinking tea, cuddling with her guinea pigs, and spending time with family and friends. Jerrisa is passionate about providing high quality incremental care to houseless and vulnerable populations using a One Health approach. She started working with the Street Dog Coalition in March 2023 and is looking forward to expanding the organization in Honolulu. As a Co-Team Lead for The Street Dog Coalition, Jerrisa aims to collaborate with health professionals and organizations to best serve pets and people in communities in Hawaii.
