Staff

Our wonderful veterinarians help to make Alpine Veterinary Hospital a perfect blend of “experienced wisdom” and “new passion”. They come from a variety of backgrounds and each have different skills and interests while also fulfilling the role as one of the ever-decreasing population as truly mixed animal, all species veterinarians! Our remarkable technicians help handle the animals in a professional and safe manner, and aid the veterinarians in all things technical: surgical anesthesia, wound prep, intubation and catheterization, inpatient nursing, laboratory sample prep and interpretation, exam room assistance, record keeping, and much much more. Our receptionists are our center stage stars: they efficiently organize and set the schedule, happily greet clients and patients alike, answer all calls, process payments, input records, and keep the clinics running like well-oiled machines. Our wonderful cleaners are who keep the clinics looking, feeling, and smelling amazing (which is no easy task in veterinary medicine)! And our unbelievably talented practice manager, Starr, keeps the entire team and company happy, efficient, and sane! Our practice is blessed beyond words to have such a wonderful staff. Read on for more interesting facts!

Alpine's Veterinarians

Dr. Carla Enderle

Carla Enderle was born and raised in northern New Mexico on her families two ranches one raising cattle and the other sheep which later converted to a cow/calf operation while she was in College. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree, Cumae Sum Luda, in Biology at Adams State College in 2002. Carla went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2006.

Since graduating Dr. Enderle has practiced at Alpine Veterinary Hospital in Alamosa and Monte Vista, and became a partner/owner in 2019. With her history in ranching she has a passion for all animals and enjoys the daily variety of working in a mixed animal practice. Dr. Enderle enjoys performing all types of surgeries, small animal reproduction, and working up difficult medical cases.

Dr. Enderle believes that the practice, like ranching, is a family affair and usually you can find one of her three children Jon, Evan, and Addison or her husband DJ helping out around the clinic. Her family still runs the two ranches in New Mexico, and Carla goes down and helps when time allows.
Dr. Carla Enderle
Dr. Kayla Henderson

Dr. Kayla Henderson is a San Luis Valley native and third generation cow calf rancher. She earned her bachelor's degree in equine science and business administration, with honors, magna cum laude from Colorado State University in 2008, followed by her DVM, with honors, cum laude in 2012. She volunteered at Alpine Vet Hospital as a teenager, and then became an associate veterinarian in 2012, and finally an owner/partner in 2019. She loves every aspect of rural mixed animal practice and is a passionate advocate for the profession and lifestyle at the state and national levels. Dr. Henderson is the SLV Chapter Rep for Colorado's Veterinary Medical Association and serves as a member or committee chair on several local and state boards. She enjoys equine medicine and lameness, herd health care, general small animal practice, and teaching and mentorship.

She and her husband and their three kids live on a cow calf ranch in the middle of the SLV. She loves horseback riding, gardening, baking, spending time in the mountains, working cattle, reading, and tending her kiddos, cats, and chickens (often at the same time)!
Dr. Kayla Henderson
Dr. Curtis Crawford

I was raised on a small farm and ranch in Northeastern New Mexico. After attending undergraduate college at New Mexico State University where I met and married my wife Denise, I graduated from Colorado State University with a DVM in 1986. I then practiced for 4 years in a mixed animal practice in Las Cruces, NM, and 7 years in Pueblo, CO before coming to the San Luis Valley in 1997.

I have been an active member of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association for over 25 years and was elected to the CVMA Board of Directors including a year as President, and am currently the Colorado Alternate Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association. I have been the CVMA representative to the Colorado Livestock Care Coalition that advises the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture on livestock care and welfare issues. I also serve on the Monte Vista Community Ambulance Service Board of Directors and as an elder for the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Monte Vista. I am on the Scientific Review Committee for the San Luis Valley Regional Science Fair.

Although I will always be a general practitioner, my medical interests lie in beef cattle, sheep and goats, and small animal orthopedics. Our practice has recently started using interlocking nails for long bone fractures in addition to the regular pins, wires and external skeletal fixation devices we have always had. I perform laparoscopic AI for sheep and goats and am pursuing bringing PAP testing capabilities to the practice.

Denise and I have two married children who both live in the San Luis Valley and work within the agricultural community. My brother still runs the family farm and ranch in New Mexico. We keep a few Boer goats around our place for entertainment and to keep the county weed board happy.
Dr. Curtis Crawford, DVM
Dr. Alex Baker

Dr. Alex Baker was born and raised in a small rural community in northern California. Alex participated in 4H and FFA throughout her childhood where she raised and exhibited beef cattle, dogs, chickens and guinea pigs. Alex received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from UC Davis in 2014 and went on to work for a nonprofit organization where she spent most of the next three years living and working in various villages in Uganda. Alex taught local health teams, district veterinarians along with U.S. and Ugandan veterinary students skills relating to infectious disease control between humans and livestock. Alex recently received her DVM from Colorado State University and is excited to become a member of the SLV community. In addition to completing her veterinary degree; Alex completed her acupuncture certification in both small and large animals and she is excited to bring this treatment modality to AVH. Dr. Baker enjoys working on all animals and is especially interested in complementary medicine, rehabilitation and PAP testing. In her spare time Alex enjoys hiking, camping and fishing with her fiancé and their two Rough Collies, Lacey and Delta.
Alex Baker Veterinarian
Dr. Caitlin Reynolds

Dr. Caitlin Reynolds grew up in Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP). After graduating, she spent time at a rural mixed animal clinic in Wyoming before joining the staff at Alpine Vet Hospital. She likes all things general practice, such as medicine and preventative care as well as soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging. She married a rancher in the valley and enjoys helping on the ranch when she is not at the clinic.
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Dr. Laura Mortensen

Dr. Laura Mortensen grew up in Wyoming where she grew her love for animals and the livestock industry by working on her family’s cow-calf ranch. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming, where she met her husband, Brandt, who is a San Luis Valley native. She graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Following graduation from veterinary school, she spent two years working at a mixed animal clinic in Texas. She enjoys working on all animals but especially loves beef cattle and equine work. She and her husband have three kids, Wes, Evelynn, and Reid, who like to keep them on their toes. She enjoys riding horses, working cows, and spending time outdoors with her family.
laura
Dr. Emily Alexander

Dr. Emily Alexander was born and raised in Pueblo, CO. She obtained two undergraduate degrees in Biology and Wildlife and Natural Resources from CSU-Pueblo in 2019. She attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. Dr. Emily enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine especially equine, small ruminants, and herd health. Dr. Emily enjoys skiing, hiking, golfing, and watching scary movies in her free time.
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Dr. Carla Enderle

Carla Enderle was born and raised in northern New Mexico on her families two ranches one raising cattle and the other sheep which later converted to a cow/calf operation while she was in College. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree, Cumae Sum Luda, in Biology at Adams State College in 2002. Carla went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2006.

Since graduating Dr. Enderle has practiced at Alpine Veterinary Hospital in Alamosa and Monte Vista, and became a partner/owner in 2019. With her history in ranching she has a passion for all animals and enjoys the daily variety of working in a mixed animal practice. Dr. Enderle enjoys performing all types of surgeries, small animal reproduction, and working up difficult medical cases.

Dr. Enderle believes that the practice, like ranching, is a family affair and usually you can find one of her three children Jon, Evan, and Addison or her husband DJ helping out around the clinic. Her family still runs the two ranches in New Mexico, and Carla goes down and helps when time allows.

Dr. Kayla Henderson

Dr. Kayla Henderson is a San Luis Valley native and third generation cow calf rancher. She earned her bachelor's degree in equine science and business administration, with honors, magna cum laude from Colorado State University in 2008, followed by her DVM, with honors, cum laude in 2012. She volunteered at Alpine Vet Hospital as a teenager, and then became an associate veterinarian in 2012, and finally an owner/partner in 2019. She loves every aspect of rural mixed animal practice and is a passionate advocate for the profession and lifestyle at the state and national levels. Dr. Henderson is the SLV Chapter Rep for Colorado's Veterinary Medical Association and serves as a member or committee chair on several local and state boards. She enjoys equine medicine and lameness, herd health care, general small animal practice, and teaching and mentorship.

She and her husband and their three kids live on a cow calf ranch in the middle of the SLV. She loves horseback riding, gardening, baking, spending time in the mountains, working cattle, reading, and tending her kiddos, cats, and chickens (often at the same time)!

Dr. Curtis Crawford

I was raised on a small farm and ranch in Northeastern New Mexico. After attending undergraduate college at New Mexico State University where I met and married my wife Denise, I graduated from Colorado State University with a DVM in 1986. I then practiced for 4 years in a mixed animal practice in Las Cruces, NM, and 7 years in Pueblo, CO before coming to the San Luis Valley in 1997.

I have been an active member of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association for over 25 years and was elected to the CVMA Board of Directors including a year as President, and am currently the Colorado Alternate Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association. I have been the CVMA representative to the Colorado Livestock Care Coalition that advises the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture on livestock care and welfare issues. I also serve on the Monte Vista Community Ambulance Service Board of Directors and as an elder for the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Monte Vista. I am on the Scientific Review Committee for the San Luis Valley Regional Science Fair.

Although I will always be a general practitioner, my medical interests lie in beef cattle, sheep and goats, and small animal orthopedics. Our practice has recently started using interlocking nails for long bone fractures in addition to the regular pins, wires and external skeletal fixation devices we have always had. I perform laparoscopic AI for sheep and goats and am pursuing bringing PAP testing capabilities to the practice.

Denise and I have two married children who both live in the San Luis Valley and work within the agricultural community. My brother still runs the family farm and ranch in New Mexico. We keep a few Boer goats around our place for entertainment and to keep the county weed board happy.

Dr. Alex Baker

Dr. Alex Baker was born and raised in a small rural community in northern California. Alex participated in 4H and FFA throughout her childhood where she raised and exhibited beef cattle, dogs, chickens and guinea pigs. Alex received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from UC Davis in 2014 and went on to work for a nonprofit organization where she spent most of the next three years living and working in various villages in Uganda. Alex taught local health teams, district veterinarians along with U.S. and Ugandan veterinary students skills relating to infectious disease control between humans and livestock. Alex recently received her DVM from Colorado State University and is excited to become a member of the SLV community. In addition to completing her veterinary degree; Alex completed her acupuncture certification in both small and large animals and she is excited to bring this treatment modality to AVH. Dr. Baker enjoys working on all animals and is especially interested in complementary medicine, rehabilitation and PAP testing. In her spare time Alex enjoys hiking, camping and fishing with her fiancé and their two Rough Collies, Lacey and Delta.

Dr. Caitlin Reynolds

Dr. Caitlin Reynolds grew up in Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP). After graduating, she spent time at a rural mixed animal clinic in Wyoming before joining the staff at Alpine Vet Hospital. She likes all things general practice, such as medicine and preventative care as well as soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging. She married a rancher in the valley and enjoys helping on the ranch when she is not at the clinic.

Dr. Laura Mortensen

Dr. Laura Mortensen grew up in Wyoming where she grew her love for animals and the livestock industry by working on her family’s cow-calf ranch. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming, where she met her husband, Brandt, who is a San Luis Valley native. She graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Following graduation from veterinary school, she spent two years working at a mixed animal clinic in Texas. She enjoys working on all animals but especially loves beef cattle and equine work. She and her husband have three kids, Wes, Evelynn, and Reid, who like to keep them on their toes. She enjoys riding horses, working cows, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Dr. Emily Alexander

Dr. Emily Alexander was born and raised in Pueblo, CO. She obtained two undergraduate degrees in Biology and Wildlife and Natural Resources from CSU-Pueblo in 2019. She attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. Dr. Emily enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine especially equine, small ruminants, and herd health. Dr. Emily enjoys skiing, hiking, golfing, and watching scary movies in her free time.

Alpine's Staff

Starr Hanel - Practice Manager, Registered Veterinary Technician

Starr is originally from Durango, CO where she grew up on her family’s cattle ranch. She attended Fort Lewis College and graduated with a Bachelor’s in communications. In 2008, she and her husband, who was born and raised in Alamosa, moved to the Valley. She has worked in the veterinary industry in many different positions (receptionist, technician, office manager) since 2009. Starr has three dogs named Harley (min pin), Dasher (dachshund), and Buck (mixed breed) and two cats, Sitka and Present, as well as numerous other farm animals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running Spartan races with her husband and daughter, and operating a show cattle ranch with her two siblings in Durango.
starr
Michael - Head Registered Veterinary Technician

Michael was born and raised in Monte Vista, CO. He is married and together they have five children, three dogs, and one cat. He enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. He has worked with AVH since 2003, working his way to becoming our head technician and all-around go-to handy-man and veterinary fabricator. He likes working with large and small animals and being involved in the orthopedic exams and surgeries.
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Debbie - Receptionist

Debbie was born in Monte Vista, and has lived here most of her life. She has worked at Alpine Veterinary Hospital twice before for a total of thirteen or so years. She has two sons from her first marriage, and when she married Mr. Harris let her share his two sons as well. Between them, they have six grandkids so be careful where the conversation goes, she is a quick draw with their pictures! Charlie and she have five dogs and two cats. Brat and Bob keep the mouse population down while Lucy and Ethel, the chihuahuas make sure the big dogs are not having too much fun. George, Max and Budreaux keep the dust from settling in the back yard. Debbie loves to explore our beautiful mountains whenever she gets the chance and she tends to spend the bulk of her summer evenings in the garden. After a year and a half away, she is excited to be back at Alpine. She loved the veterinary world from the start. Getting to know people and their animals help make her family feel even bigger.
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Amy - Registered Veterinary Technician

Amy hails from the great cheese state of Wisconsin, and yes, she does love the Packers! She received her Bachelor’s degrees in Education and History from Missouri Valley College, where she also participated in College Rodeo for 4 years. After college, she traveled the world for half a decade before being roped into the Valley by her husband, Chad. She has worked for Alpine for since 2016 and she loves being able to help clients and patients feel welcomed in every situation. She is a level 1 Certified Veterinary Assistant working towards further education in this area, and has recently taken up the enormous duties of Inventory Manager for the practice. She can't wait to meet you and your furry family!
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Vernon - Registered Veterinary Technician

Vernon has been with Alpine Veterinary Hospital since 2017. He started as a receptionist and has worked his way to becoming a head technician in Alamosa. He likes that he gets to help the veterinarians, patients, and owners. His wonderful sense of humor and genuine compassion for animals and people makes him invaluable to the practice. He is married to Machelle Maes, and together they have two children and three grandchildren. They also have two English Bulldogs, Agnes and Lupe. He enjoys hunting,fishing, camping, coaching wrestling, and most of all spending time with his family.
vern
Brittney - Registered Veterinary Technician

Brittney was born and raised in Alamosa and has been a veterinary technician for AVH since 2012. She attended Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque, NM and graduated in 2011. She has always had a strong passion for animals and always knew that she would want to work with them from a young age. She married her wonderful husband Michael in 2014 and was blessed with a step-daughter Mikayla and three babies of her own, Myla, Makai and Makoa. They have two fur babies as well; a cat named Zoey and a Shih Tzu named Rex. She loves spending her free time with her family and loves being a mom most of all!
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Jenna R. - Certified Veterinary Technician

Jenna was raised in Austin, Texas. Even as a child, she had a passion and love for animals and their well-being. She grew up with all kinds of dogs, cats, horses, and birds. As a kid and teenager, she showed a Welsh pony and Quarter Horse in the hunter jumper circuit. She spent her summers working in Creede, CO where she met her husband, and it wasn’t long before they decided to set roots in Monte Vista. They have one son, who they are raising on a small farm. They raise cattle, chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, and Labrador Retrievers. She enjoys taking the dogs on hikes all around the Valley, and definitely loves being out in nature with her kid and furkids!
jenna
Isabelle - Registered Veterinary Technician

Isabelle was born and raised in the SLV. She started working at the Creede Animal Clinic at the age of 13, graduated high school and soon after came to work at AVH in the fall of 2019. She is married to a rancher, Luke, in the valley and loves to be outdoors and check her family cattle up in the mountains. She occasionally goes back to her family in Pueblo to help with her family bees and honey. She is blessed with her cattle, horses, chickens, cats and her beloved dogs Josie and Ellie Mae. Her favorite animals to work with at the hospital are cattle and horses. She plans on continuing her education to help your furry friends!
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Beth - Receptionist

After moving back to the SLV, Beth joined the AVH team in November of 2019, and has since become the head receptionist in Alamosa! Previously having worked at a small animal clinic in Pueblo, large animals have been a learning experience! Animals are her passion, almost as much as her six children and ten grandbabies! Her fur babies include Gizmo, a yorkie, and Tucker, her naughty mini Aussie.
beth vet tech receptionist
Kelly - Receptionist

Kelly has worked in the veterinary field since 2017. The thing she likes most about her job is the work environment, which is fun and challenging every day. In her free time, Kelly enjoys hanging out with her family and going to the mountains. She and her family have two boxers, one cat and a turtle!
kelly
Lexi H- Veterinary Assistant

Born and raised on a ranch in the San Luis Valley, Lexi came to work at Alpine after college. She loves working cows, riding horses, and spending time with her husband and all of their critters.
lexih
Kaylee, Registered Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in Del Norte to the age of 16, aspiring 4th generation rancher/farmer, lived in Montana for 10 years and moved back home October of 2023. Love working with large and small animal, can be found reading or playing video games in free time. Went to Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming to become a LVT, working in vet med for 4 years. Is kept on her toes by her 12 year old Scottish Terrier, Camo
kaylee
Kaleb, Veterinary Assistant

Kaleb is an SLV native. He grew up on a ranch and throughout his childhood developed a passion and love for animals. Kaleb enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and his dog Odin, playing baseball, or having Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter marathons. Kaeb started shadowing with Alpine in 2021 and was hired as a vet assistant in 2022.
kaleb
Davina - Veterinary Assistant

I was born and raised in the San Luis Valley and grew up on a farm and ranch surrounded by cattle and horses. Living and working around animals from a young age helped me develop a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors and helping animals. In September 2023, I started trick riding and quickly discovered how much I love the sport. When I’m not Working, I enjoy exploring the mountains, hiking with my dog stormy, and spending time outside and riding/spending time with my horses Winston and Comet and all of our other animals!!
I absolutely love working at the Alpine veterinary Hospital, where I get the opportunity to help care for and help animals every day. Being able to work with animals and support their health and well-being is something I truly love and take great pride in.
davina
Riley - Veterinary Assistant

Riley grew up on the back of a horse in Sanford and developed a love for animals at a very young age. She was actively involved in 4-H, where she showed sheep, pigs, goats, and horses—experiences that helped shape her passion for animal care and agriculture. Today, she continues to enjoy the western lifestyle through barrel racing, roping, and working cattle, as well as spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, and hunting. When she’s not at the clinic, she loves reading, sewing, and cooking or baking for her family and friends. Spending time with her husband and her dogs and cats is something she truly cherishes.
riley
Lisseth - Registered Veterinary Technician

I was born and raised in Alamosa and earned my degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Adams State University. I started at Alpine Veterinary Hospital as an intern and was lucky to join the team full-time. I’m hoping to attend vet school in the future and become a veterinarian. I love working with animals and connecting with clients, especially being able to help our Spanish-speaking families. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors, fishing, running, lifting, or spending time with my loved ones and two dogs, Milo and Camila.
lisseth
Rachael, Veterinary Assistant

Rachael is a native to the SLV. She was raised on a beef cattle ranch and helped her family with the various tasks and needs of the lifestyle. After graduating high school she continued her education and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. Her compassion and love for family and animals is part of her life. Some of her favorite hobbies are riding horses in the mountains, puzzles, and dancing. Caring for animals has been ingrained since childhood. Rachael has three horses, two dogs, and one cat. She is still involved with helping her family working the ranch in all its seasons. Her favorite time of year is fall, when the cows come home. Rachael is happy to help those in need, especially their critters.
rachael
Kenedie - Veterinary Assistant

I was born and raised here in the valley and am a huge fan of all that it has to offer! I have always had such a soft spot for animals, and after graduating high school, decided to pursue an education focused on animal welfare. I am currently double majoring in pre-veterinary medicine and conservation biology at Arizona State University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside with my husband & our two very spoiled cocker spaniels, Honey and Maple. I love learning all things animal related and am especially fascinated by primates and their behavior!
kenedie
Binx

When a box with a tiny innocent black kitten was left outside the old Alamosa hospital’s door one cold and blustery night in October of 2014, none of us could dare imagine that he would live anywhere but with us forever. Then the tiny innocent kitten, opportunistically named Binx, grew up. And up. Until he was a gargantuan 18 pound panther who now terrorizes the security cameras, slinks around the lobby counters with an intimidating Amazonian stare, spills several drinks every day, tears open and enjoys the spoils of multiple expensive prescription food bags, and continues to charm and earn love from every one of us, even Miss Kitty.
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Toast

Toast was brought to our Alamosa hospital one cold mid-winter day after having been discovered inside a burning house and in pretty rough shape. His previous owner had lit a bonfire in his living room to stay warm, and Toast was the sole surviving animal. His burnt ear tips add to his hilarious charm and endear him to everyone around, even when he is being ornery.
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Sherman

Sherman joined Alpine in MV in the winter of 2021, as a tiny abandoned kitten. He quickly fit into his role as "therapy cat" for both the staff and the clients. The empathy and love he shows to anyone who is having a rough day is somewhat remarkable. His large "hay belly" is due, in part, to the treats he successfully begs and his lack of any real motivation to exercise. So, no, he is not pregnant.
sherman

Starr Hanel - Practice Manager, Registered Veterinary Technician

Starr is originally from Durango, CO where she grew up on her family’s cattle ranch. She attended Fort Lewis College and graduated with a Bachelor’s in communications. In 2008, she and her husband, who was born and raised in Alamosa, moved to the Valley. She has worked in the veterinary industry in many different positions (receptionist, technician, office manager) since 2009. Starr has three dogs named Harley (min pin), Dasher (dachshund), and Buck (mixed breed) and two cats, Sitka and Present, as well as numerous other farm animals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running Spartan races with her husband and daughter, and operating a show cattle ranch with her two siblings in Durango.

Michael - Head Registered Veterinary Technician

Michael was born and raised in Monte Vista, CO. He is married and together they have five children, three dogs, and one cat. He enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. He has worked with AVH since 2003, working his way to becoming our head technician and all-around go-to handy-man and veterinary fabricator. He likes working with large and small animals and being involved in the orthopedic exams and surgeries.

Debbie - Receptionist

Debbie was born in Monte Vista, and has lived here most of her life. She has worked at Alpine Veterinary Hospital twice before for a total of thirteen or so years. She has two sons from her first marriage, and when she married Mr. Harris let her share his two sons as well. Between them, they have six grandkids so be careful where the conversation goes, she is a quick draw with their pictures! Charlie and she have five dogs and two cats. Brat and Bob keep the mouse population down while Lucy and Ethel, the chihuahuas make sure the big dogs are not having too much fun. George, Max and Budreaux keep the dust from settling in the back yard. Debbie loves to explore our beautiful mountains whenever she gets the chance and she tends to spend the bulk of her summer evenings in the garden. After a year and a half away, she is excited to be back at Alpine. She loved the veterinary world from the start. Getting to know people and their animals help make her family feel even bigger.

Amy - Registered Veterinary Technician

Amy hails from the great cheese state of Wisconsin, and yes, she does love the Packers! She received her Bachelor’s degrees in Education and History from Missouri Valley College, where she also participated in College Rodeo for 4 years. After college, she traveled the world for half a decade before being roped into the Valley by her husband, Chad. She has worked for Alpine for since 2016 and she loves being able to help clients and patients feel welcomed in every situation. She is a level 1 Certified Veterinary Assistant working towards further education in this area, and has recently taken up the enormous duties of Inventory Manager for the practice. She can't wait to meet you and your furry family!

Vernon - Registered Veterinary Technician

Vernon has been with Alpine Veterinary Hospital since 2017. He started as a receptionist and has worked his way to becoming a head technician in Alamosa. He likes that he gets to help the veterinarians, patients, and owners. His wonderful sense of humor and genuine compassion for animals and people makes him invaluable to the practice. He is married to Machelle Maes, and together they have two children and three grandchildren. They also have two English Bulldogs, Agnes and Lupe. He enjoys hunting,fishing, camping, coaching wrestling, and most of all spending time with his family.

Brittney - Registered Veterinary Technician

Brittney was born and raised in Alamosa and has been a veterinary technician for AVH since 2012. She attended Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque, NM and graduated in 2011. She has always had a strong passion for animals and always knew that she would want to work with them from a young age. She married her wonderful husband Michael in 2014 and was blessed with a step-daughter Mikayla and three babies of her own, Myla, Makai and Makoa. They have two fur babies as well; a cat named Zoey and a Shih Tzu named Rex. She loves spending her free time with her family and loves being a mom most of all!

Jenna R. - Certified Veterinary Technician

Jenna was raised in Austin, Texas. Even as a child, she had a passion and love for animals and their well-being. She grew up with all kinds of dogs, cats, horses, and birds. As a kid and teenager, she showed a Welsh pony and Quarter Horse in the hunter jumper circuit. She spent her summers working in Creede, CO where she met her husband, and it wasn’t long before they decided to set roots in Monte Vista. They have one son, who they are raising on a small farm. They raise cattle, chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, and Labrador Retrievers. She enjoys taking the dogs on hikes all around the Valley, and definitely loves being out in nature with her kid and furkids!

Isabelle - Registered Veterinary Technician

Isabelle was born and raised in the SLV. She started working at the Creede Animal Clinic at the age of 13, graduated high school and soon after came to work at AVH in the fall of 2019. She is married to a rancher, Luke, in the valley and loves to be outdoors and check her family cattle up in the mountains. She occasionally goes back to her family in Pueblo to help with her family bees and honey. She is blessed with her cattle, horses, chickens, cats and her beloved dogs Josie and Ellie Mae. Her favorite animals to work with at the hospital are cattle and horses. She plans on continuing her education to help your furry friends!

Beth - Receptionist

After moving back to the SLV, Beth joined the AVH team in November of 2019, and has since become the head receptionist in Alamosa! Previously having worked at a small animal clinic in Pueblo, large animals have been a learning experience! Animals are her passion, almost as much as her six children and ten grandbabies! Her fur babies include Gizmo, a yorkie, and Tucker, her naughty mini Aussie.

Kelly - Receptionist

Kelly has worked in the veterinary field since 2017. The thing she likes most about her job is the work environment, which is fun and challenging every day. In her free time, Kelly enjoys hanging out with her family and going to the mountains. She and her family have two boxers, one cat and a turtle!

Lexi H- Veterinary Assistant

Born and raised on a ranch in the San Luis Valley, Lexi came to work at Alpine after college. She loves working cows, riding horses, and spending time with her husband and all of their critters.

Kaylee, Registered Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in Del Norte to the age of 16, aspiring 4th generation rancher/farmer, lived in Montana for 10 years and moved back home October of 2023. Love working with large and small animal, can be found reading or playing video games in free time. Went to Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming to become a LVT, working in vet med for 4 years. Is kept on her toes by her 12 year old Scottish Terrier, Camo

Kaleb, Veterinary Assistant

Kaleb is an SLV native. He grew up on a ranch and throughout his childhood developed a passion and love for animals. Kaleb enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and his dog Odin, playing baseball, or having Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter marathons. Kaeb started shadowing with Alpine in 2021 and was hired as a vet assistant in 2022.

Davina - Veterinary Assistant

I was born and raised in the San Luis Valley and grew up on a farm and ranch surrounded by cattle and horses. Living and working around animals from a young age helped me develop a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors and helping animals. In September 2023, I started trick riding and quickly discovered how much I love the sport. When I’m not Working, I enjoy exploring the mountains, hiking with my dog stormy, and spending time outside and riding/spending time with my horses Winston and Comet and all of our other animals!!
I absolutely love working at the Alpine veterinary Hospital, where I get the opportunity to help care for and help animals every day. Being able to work with animals and support their health and well-being is something I truly love and take great pride in.

Riley - Veterinary Assistant

Riley grew up on the back of a horse in Sanford and developed a love for animals at a very young age. She was actively involved in 4-H, where she showed sheep, pigs, goats, and horses—experiences that helped shape her passion for animal care and agriculture. Today, she continues to enjoy the western lifestyle through barrel racing, roping, and working cattle, as well as spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, and hunting. When she’s not at the clinic, she loves reading, sewing, and cooking or baking for her family and friends. Spending time with her husband and her dogs and cats is something she truly cherishes.

Lisseth - Registered Veterinary Technician

I was born and raised in Alamosa and earned my degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Adams State University. I started at Alpine Veterinary Hospital as an intern and was lucky to join the team full-time. I’m hoping to attend vet school in the future and become a veterinarian. I love working with animals and connecting with clients, especially being able to help our Spanish-speaking families. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors, fishing, running, lifting, or spending time with my loved ones and two dogs, Milo and Camila.

Rachael, Veterinary Assistant

Rachael is a native to the SLV. She was raised on a beef cattle ranch and helped her family with the various tasks and needs of the lifestyle. After graduating high school she continued her education and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. Her compassion and love for family and animals is part of her life. Some of her favorite hobbies are riding horses in the mountains, puzzles, and dancing. Caring for animals has been ingrained since childhood. Rachael has three horses, two dogs, and one cat. She is still involved with helping her family working the ranch in all its seasons. Her favorite time of year is fall, when the cows come home. Rachael is happy to help those in need, especially their critters.

Kenedie - Veterinary Assistant

I was born and raised here in the valley and am a huge fan of all that it has to offer! I have always had such a soft spot for animals, and after graduating high school, decided to pursue an education focused on animal welfare. I am currently double majoring in pre-veterinary medicine and conservation biology at Arizona State University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside with my husband & our two very spoiled cocker spaniels, Honey and Maple. I love learning all things animal related and am especially fascinated by primates and their behavior!

Binx

When a box with a tiny innocent black kitten was left outside the old Alamosa hospital’s door one cold and blustery night in October of 2014, none of us could dare imagine that he would live anywhere but with us forever. Then the tiny innocent kitten, opportunistically named Binx, grew up. And up. Until he was a gargantuan 18 pound panther who now terrorizes the security cameras, slinks around the lobby counters with an intimidating Amazonian stare, spills several drinks every day, tears open and enjoys the spoils of multiple expensive prescription food bags, and continues to charm and earn love from every one of us, even Miss Kitty.

Toast

Toast was brought to our Alamosa hospital one cold mid-winter day after having been discovered inside a burning house and in pretty rough shape. His previous owner had lit a bonfire in his living room to stay warm, and Toast was the sole surviving animal. His burnt ear tips add to his hilarious charm and endear him to everyone around, even when he is being ornery.

Sherman

Sherman joined Alpine in MV in the winter of 2021, as a tiny abandoned kitten. He quickly fit into his role as "therapy cat" for both the staff and the clients. The empathy and love he shows to anyone who is having a rough day is somewhat remarkable. His large "hay belly" is due, in part, to the treats he successfully begs and his lack of any real motivation to exercise. So, no, he is not pregnant.

Meet our Staff