Meet the Team

• Hometown: Clearwater, FL
• College: University of Georgia (Bachelor’s) University of Florida (Master’s)
• Vet School: Mississippi State
• Specialty Interests: EQ Dentistry, Chiropractic, Bovine medicine and surgery, Preventive medicine in all species
• Favorite animal: Moose
• Favorite color: Blue
• Animals: George, Bertie, Dave, Ghost, Streeky

Since I was very young, I was sure of two things I wanted when I grew up: To be a vet, and to be in Colorado (I clicked into skis for the first time at the tender age of 3 and never looked back). I grew up getting to experience all kinds of animals: dogs, cats, pocket pets, cattle, goats, horses, and being in Florida of course the occasional alligator.

While at the University of Georgia, I gained clinical research experience with beef cattle and horses, and developed a critical eye and honed decision-making skills while competing on the livestock judging team. Instead of going straight to vet school, I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Sciences at University of Florida, focusing on beef cattle reproduction, which led to a position as an Extension Agent in Jacksonville. This is where I attribute the growth of my interpersonal skills and desire to stay outside!

I then went to vet school at Mississippi State, where depending on the day you asked me, I was either going to be a cattle vet, horse vet, or surgeon.
After completing an internship at Brandon Equine Medical Center, I finally made my way to the Roaring Fork Valley, and enjoy being able to provide preventive care to all species while focusing on Equine Dentistry and Chiropractic and bovine medicine.

While not at the clinic, you can find me running with Bertie, reading with the cats, or hiking any of the abundant trails in our beautiful state!

• Hometown: Boulder, CO
• College: Boston College
• Vet School: Colorado State University
• Specialty Interests: Equine Sports Medicine, Surgery and Podiatry
• Favorite animal: Horse
• Favorite color: Green
• Animals: Rawah (Blue Heeler), Ghost (Ragdoll), Zebulon (Mustang)

I didn’t grow up with horses. I grew up playing ice hockey in Denver. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I spent my undergraduate years at Boston College, mostly interested in marine mammals. In 2010, I spent 6 months on the Galápagos Islands performing marine mammal research.

I moved to the valley in 2017, fresh from a year working at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala with Dr. Aric Adams. My brother was living in my parents’ basement and, despite growing up in south Denver, we had never explored the Western Slope, so we figured, why not? I was planning to do a surgical residency at the University of Georgia or Oregon State so 2017 was going to be my year to prep my application. After 6 months, the previous owners, Dr. Rocky Mease and Dr. Dennis Luedke approached me with the opportunity to buy the practice. Even at age 27, I had a feeling that the opportunity to pick up and carry the torch for such a long standing, prestigious practice dating back to 1936, in the most beautiful area on earth, probably only comes around once in a lifetime. So I took the plunge and I am so grateful I did.

Since 2017, my areas of focus have mainly been Equine Sports Medicine and Equine Podiatry. I have been very fortunate to work closely with Dr. Ric Redden, Dr. Jay Merriam, Scott Lemieux and other pioneers in the industry.

It’s been an honor serving the Roaring Fork equine community and I feel lucky every day to be part of such an incredible, hard working team.

• Hometown: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
• College: University of Arkansas, B.S.A Animal Science
• Vet School: University of Missouri
• Specialty Interests: Internal medicine in all species, small animal emergency and critical care, small animal oncology, equine sports medicine
• Favorite animal: Horses, miniature donkeys
• Favorite color: Green
• Animals: Baby Dog, Kylo, Sister, Lil Miss

As cliché as it may sound, I have always known that I wanted to be a veterinarian.  Growing up on a horse farm in rural southeast Missouri, my veterinary dreams started long before any formal training. I began riding and showing western performance horses at the young age of 5 years old, traveling across the country competing in various AQHA competitions.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Arkansas, where I competed on the University’s equestrian team in reined cow horse and ranch riding events. After graduation, I moved back to Missouri and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2023.

While job searching during my fourth year of vet school, Dr. Sam Johnson contacted me regarding the apprenticeship program offered at GVC. Six months of mentorship at a locally owned, mixed animal practice in the mountains? Sign me up. I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley with the intention of only staying here for six months… But as I got to know the staff at GVC and the community here in the valley, I knew in my heart that this is where I wanted to put roots down. So, I signed on as an associate veterinarian after the conclusion of my apprenticeship.

I love all things mixed animal medicine, caring for all creatures great and small and thriving on the spontaneity that each day brings. I look forward to continuing to establish and build long-lasting relationships with my patients and clients.

When not working at the clinic, I enjoy adventuring around the valley, spending time outside with my 13-year-old Cardigan Corgi, Baby Dog, watching college football, or curling up on the couch with my cats and a book.

• Hometown: Wethersfield, CT
• College: Colorado State University: BS Equine Science
• Vet School: Colorado State University
• Special Interests: Equine Surgery, Equine Podiatry, Equine Emergency & Small Animal Nutrition
• Favorite Animal: Sea Lion
• Favorite Color: HEX #d9ecf0
• Animals: Henry Bear Brown

Like my colleagues I was one of those kids who wanted to be a veterinarian ever since I can remember. I grew up in Connecticut and did not come from an equine background; in fact my mother was terrified of horses, but this did not stop me from begging her for horseback riding lessons when I was little. I was fortunate enough to take English schooling lessons throughout my childhood and even went to the National Finals with my high school IEA team. These experiences are what initially inspired me to be an equine veterinarian, and undergoing multiple orthopedic surgeries as a kid is what drove me to pursue a career as an equine orthopaedic surgeon.

I never had interest in leaving the East coast, and in fact I had never even been West of Ohio when I applied to Colorado State University; but someone had suggested the University to me because of their renowned veterinary school. My mom and I decided to take a trip out to visit once I had been admitted and as I absorbed the beauty of the Rockies for the first time, I knew that Colorado is where I was meant to be.

I attended CSU for my undergraduate degree in Equine Science and stayed for my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. I continued to prepare for a residency in equine surgery by taking specialized courses in equine sports medicine, podiatry and advanced procedures, as well as publishing research on equine colic and presenting my research at several conferences. I met Sam when he came down to teach at our equine podiatry labs and hearing him speak about GVC is what initiated my desire to pursue something different. I was inspired by the team Sam has built here at GVC and was drawn to the mentorship that each of the doctors here provided. After visiting for just one week, I knew that an apprenticeship here is how I wanted to start off my career as a veterinarian.

My passions still reside within equine medicine though I love continually learning how to be a competent and confident mixed animal practitioner. Many people don’t know that I also have certifications in laser therapy and small animal nutrition.

Outside of work, I am the owner of a business called ‘the equinnection’ which aims to promote equine exposure and education as well as encourage students of all backgrounds to pursue careers within equine medicine. I have a deep passion for photography and videography, and you can often find me filming and editing videos for the various social media accounts which I manage. I have a chocolate lab named Henry, and hope that someday I’ll be able to own land with a few horses and maybe even some bucking stock.

• Hometown: Arlington, Wisconsin
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? Variety of large animals, horses > livestock
• What can we find you doing outside of work? Riding and disappearing into the wilderness. Monitoring Garth as he surveys the land.
  

• Hometown: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? I love variety and was able to work as an ambulatory large animal tech for 16 years, so now I get to stay inside and enjoy all the smaller critters.
• What can we find you doing outside of work? My favorite time of the year is summer when I am able to be outside in the garden, planting flowers, running, hiking, and riding…I also love to cook!
  
• Favorite animal: The friendly ones
• Favorite color: Teal
• Animals: Chewy and Obi

I was born in Cape Girardeau, MO. I received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Murray State University in Murray, KY. I have been at GVC for 22 years, 16 of those as a large animal ambulatory technician but currently work as a small animal technician part-time.

My husband Steve and I have 10 acres on Silt Mesa where I enjoy running, hiking, gardening, and cooking. We also love to hunt, pack and trail ride with our horses Chewy and Obi, my Mustang.

• Hometown: Glenwood Springs, CO
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? Equine Sports Medicine, Emergency and Critical Care
• Favorite Animal: Horse
• Favorite Color: Green
• Animals: 6 dogs, 8 horses, and 9 goats

I am a 5th generation Colorado native, born in Vail and grew up in Gypsum and Glenwood Springs. Spending countless summers and days at my grandparent’s ranch in Burns is where I found my true love for horses and other animals. When I wasn’t on the ranch, I would spend summers playing golf around the valley. After graduating high school, I packed up and headed to Southern Arkansas University on a golf scholarship. Though I loved playing golf and studying in Arkansas, the mountains were calling me home. I then continued my passion for veterinary technology at Colorado Mountain College and graduated in 2012.

When I’m not at the clinic, you can find me spending time with my husband, Evan, and two kids, Raelyn and Colter. We enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, competing in rodeos, golfing, and exploring the Flat Tops.

• Hometown: Tulsa, Ok
• Work interests: Marketing and administration
• What can we find you doing outside of work? Hiking with my sidekick Kiva, going on camping adventures with my husband, AJ, and in the winter huddled under the heated blanket reading a good book with my senior kitty, Sissy. 
• Favorite Animal: Cats, KuneKune pigs 
• Pets: Kiva the Cattledog and Sassy Sissy

I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma until moving to Glenwood Springs in 2012 to attend Colorado Mountain College where I graduated with a degree in Professional Photography. I then went on to work as the photojournalist for the Post Independent for 7 years before changing career paths and switching to Marketing here at GVC. I grew up with cats and dogs and have always loved animals. 

My husband AJ and I spend a lot of their weekends out exploring new areas, relaxing at the family cabin at Vega on the Grand Mesa, or camping with our dog Kiva. 

• Hometown: Rifle, CO
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? Large Animal. Equine to certain types of livestock.
• What can we find you doing outside of work? In my free time outside work I’m usually working on the ranch. But I mostly enjoy riding my horse Jet or working with my show cattle.
  
• Favorite Animal: Cows
• Favorite Color: Purple
• Animals: 5 dogs, 2 cats, 2 Sheep, 4 pigs, 2 goats, 6 head of cattle, 6 horses, and 8 chickens

I grew up in this valley on our family ranch with a variety of animals. Animals have always been my thing since I was a little girl. I showed sheep, pigs, goats, and cattle in 4-H and FFA for many years and really enjoyed it. Besides showing in FFA I also competed in Vet Science and did very well. I received my State Degree along with my American Degree which only .2% of people in FFA receive. Now that I am aged out and can no longer compete or show livestock. I breed my own animals so other 4-H or FFA kids can start their own projects. I always knew that I wanted to do something with animals so at the end of my Sophomore year of high school I started career shadowing at GVC eventually I started working part-time and now that I have graduated I have been working for over a year full time. I plan on expanding my knowledge and becoming a certified veterinary technician. My special interest is mixed animal. But I really enjoy equine sports medicine. When I am not at the clinic you can find me at home riding my horse, working with my animals or doing chores so my animals can have the best care.

• Hometown: Glenwood Springs, CO
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? I hope to be able to work more with animals and be able to learn and one day hopefully go to Vet school.
• What can we find you doing outside of work? I loving being a Colorado native so I enjoy snowboarding, paddle boarding, and going on camping trips during my free time. I also enjoy spending time riding my horses and playing with my dogs!
  
• Favorite Animal: Horse or Dog
• Favorite Color: Blue
• Animals: Burbuja, Bruno, Lola, and Valencia

I have been living in the roaring fork valley my whole life! I am currently a student at CMC working on my undergrad and figuring out what my true passion is. When I was younger I always wanted farm animals, but unfortunately did not have space until 2 years ago, I was able to buy my first horse. Since then my interest in large animal has grown and I hope to be able to expand further down the road. When I am not at the clinic you can find me helping my dad with the cattle, training Valencia, or being a Colorado native and enjoying the slopes in the winter or the mountains in the summer! I also enjoy traveling and overall goal is to be able to explore all of Europe one day.

• Hometown: New Castle, CO
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? Small animal
• What can we find you doing outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy being at the lake out with friends and family. If I’m not at the lake I enjoy going for a ride in the side by side out in the mountains. I enjoy crafting or curling up on the couch with a good book.
• Favorite animal: Cows, bears, and many more
• Favorite color: Black and Purple
• Animals: Willow and Binx

I have lived in the valley for as long as I can remember. I grew up in New Castle and have been obsessed with animals for as long I can remember. I was always the little girl that was obsessed with wanting more animals and wanting to help them. When I graduated from high school in May of 2022, I decided I was fully interested in Vet Med.

• Hometown: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? I love the variety that comes with working in a mixed animal practice—every day is different, and there’s always something new to see and learn.
• What can we find you doing outside of work? Outside of work, you can usually find me traveling or getting out and about with my pup.
• Favorite animal: Octopus or Elephant—I can’t decide!
• Favorite color: Purple
• Animals: Briggs, Aspen, Tater, Moxie, Stormy, and Loki

I was born and raised in Glenwood Springs, CO. I spent many years working as an ER receptionist at a local hospital before making a rewarding career change into veterinary medicine. I now work as a veterinary receptionist at Glenwood Vet Clinic, where I get to enjoy the fast pace and wide variety of cases that come with a mixed animal practice.

At home, I share my life with a fun-loving Rottweiler named Briggs, two Bengals—Aspen and Tater, a Maine Coon named Moxie, a Domestic Shorthair named Stormy, and a Scottish Fold named Loki. When I’m not working, I love traveling and adventuring with Briggs, especially around our beautiful Colorado landscape.

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? Everything! I love that one day I could be working with horses, and the next day I could be working with small or exotic animals. I thrive with variety!
• What can we find you doing outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy riding horses, going on walks with my cat, and drawing and painting animals.
• Favorite Animal: I love them all—especially the ones I get to ride or sketch!
• Favorite color: Green
• Animals: Poof and Peep (my cats)

I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I grew up on a small farm gardening, riding horses, and appreciating the outdoors. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, whether I was volunteering at shelters, fostering strays, or showing my horses.

Now, as a Technician Assistant at Glenwood Vet Clinic, I get to work hands-on with a wide range of animals, from horses to exotics. I love the energy and variety that each day brings. When I’m not at the clinic, you’ll find me hiking mountain trails on horseback, walking my cat Poof or Peep (yes, they actually love it!), or creating animal-inspired artwork.

• Hometown: Streets of Redstone
• What are your professional/veterinary medicine/animal interests? Taste testing any and all treats, foods, and snacks.
• What can we find you doing outside of work? Chasing mice, begging for snacks, and watching birds are some of my favorite pastimes when not catching up on my beauty sleep.
• Favorite Animal: Me
• Favorite color: Sapphire blue

My name is Nikko, but some call me Chalupa Batman. I came to GVC in the fall of 2024. At first I was shy, but now I am confident and spoiled. I love all the treats and all the pets.