About Trail Breaker Veterinary Services
Trail Breaker Veterinary Services started as a partnership between 2 Alaska buddies dedicated to promoting animal and human health throughout remote areas of this amazing state. The team has evolved over the last 2 years, and we've been so lucky to work with amazing animal care professionals from around the country. Trail Breaker now has a core team that is dedicated, skilled, and adventurous. We all share core values of compassion, integrity, sustainability and adventure.
Meet Our Team
Care That Meets You Where You Are
Dr. Emily Iacobucci DVM, CSA
Veterinarian, Practice Owner
Dr Iacobucci has been practicing general and emergency veterinary medicine in remote Alaska since 2018. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Certificate in Global Animal Health from Washington State University in 2018. She completed training in veterinary Acupuncture through Chi University in 2022. She completed a BA in Biology with a specialization in Ecology and Conservation from Boston University in 2008. Dr. Iacobucci skipped her undergrad graduation to fly to Alaska for her first job in the state, to work with sled dogs in Denali National Park. She quickly fell in love with the culture and beauty of Alaska and the endless opportunities for adventure and learning. She worked as a ranger in Denali for 6 years before going to veterinary school, and rushed back to AK as soon as she graduated.
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Dr. Iacobucci now lives in Anchorage with her family of humans and animals. She lived and practiced in Kodiak for 6 years before starting Trail Breaker and moving to the mainland to prioritize the remote practice. She works part time at Alaska SPCA, providing low cost community services and high volume spay/neuter surgery. She has had the immense privilege of working with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network on large whale necropsies since 2018. She is passionate about work in the realm of One Health - which acknowledges the connection between animal health, human health and environmental health.
She loves spending time outside, or cozy inside, with her family in Alaska. She also loves enticing her New England family to come to Alaska as often as possible.
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Charlene Woodward
Licensed Veterinary Technician
I'm a licensed vet nurse with more than 20 years of experience. I started my career in Florida, and eventually reached Alaska about 7 years ago.
My work experience spans small‑animal medicine, surgery assistance, emergency and critical care, as well as team mentorship. What guides me is simple: every patient deserves gentle, thoughtful care, and every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Working in rural Alaska has taught me to adapt quickly, think creatively, and meet challenges with a mix of grit, humor, and grace.
Outside the clinic, I’m someone who believes life is meant to be explored—preferably one culture and one meal at a time. Travel keeps me curious, and tasting local food is my favorite way to understand a place. When I’m home, you’ll usually find me outdoors: hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just soaking in whatever wild beauty I can with my dogs and husband.
I’m also deeply rooted in my people. Time with family and friends is where I recharge, laugh the hardest, and remember what matters most. At the end of the day, my goal—whether in a clinic, on a trail, or around a dinner table—is to be a bright spot where I can, and to leave every space a little kinder than I found it.
Katie Elwood
Client Service Representative
Katie is joining Trail Breaker after completing her 20 year career in a very male dominated field which had nothing to do with veterinary medicine! She brings with her decades of experience in international project management and logistics, as well as conflict resolution and group management. What was she looking for in her new career path? Working with a strong FEMALE team and finding a heartfelt way to give back to communities in Alaska. We decided to scoop her right up!
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Katie is a proud mama to 2 human daughters as well as a home full of cats and dogs. She loves every type of crafting and cooking. Katie and Dr. Iacobucci share an interest in sprint triathlons and plan to compete at least one together this year!
Alex Saavedra
Veterinary Technician
I’ve been a veterinary technician since 2017 and truly love caring for
animals of all kinds, especially cats! I was born and raised in
Tucson, Arizona, and come from a family with roots in Mexico. I’m so excited to be part of the Trail Breaker team!
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, caring for my houseplants, listening to all kinds of music, getting lost in a good book whenever I can, and spending time with my family.
CSR - coming soon!