| Meet The Staff Gerald Jenkins  Dr. Gerald Jenkins and his wife Cyndi are the owners of Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Jenkins has owned and operated Alta Vista since 1972. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1970 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jenkins followed in his father's footsteps, as he was also a veterinarian. It is Dr. Jenkin's philosophy that has made our animal hospital so successful. It is his belief that we can provide our clients with exceptional veterinary medicine at a fair price. Although Dr. Jenkins is partially retired, he still offers years of experience to share with our associate veterinarians. Dr. Jenkins also performs many of the orthopedic procedures brought in to the hospital. |
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Jacquie Allgire  DVM, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Dr. Jacquie Allgire grew up in Southern California and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1987. In 1998 she graduated from Colorado State University with her Degree in Veterinary Medicine. She moved to Boise, Idaho where she practiced veterinary medicine for 10 years before moving to Phoenix in August of 2008. In 2001 she became a certified veterinary acupuncturist through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and has since dedicated herself to practicing primarily Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jacquie provides acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, homeopathy and chiropractic care for small animal patients. She is an active member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. She is also a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and provides medical guidance and pain management for terminally ill and elderly pets who are being cared for at home. |
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Justine Mumaw  DVM Dr. Justine Mumaw is a native Arizonan. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor�s of Arts in Biology and earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Before returning to sunny Arizona, she spent a year pursuing a small animal rotating internship at a busy specialty practice in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Dr. Mumaw has a special interest in feline medicine, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging. Her passion for animals and science comes from her mother - the late Dr. Bonnie Faust - who was a local veterinarian in Phoenix who passed away in 1999. Outside of Alta Vista, Dr. Mumaw enjoys spending time with her family and three wonderful cats, seeking out new restaurants, and traveling to new and exciting places. |
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Emily Marcus  DVM Dr. Emily Marcus is a native Arizonan who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona. She graduated with distinction from Colorado State University earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Business Certificate and Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture. Following veterinary school, Dr. Marcus completed a rigorous internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Marcus has been strongly involved in veterinary medical research with the aim of advancing veterinary medicine and patient care; she has been published in several veterinary journals. Dr. Marcus has special interests in internal medicine, oncology, opthalmology, emergency medicine and acupuncture. She is passionate about strengthening the human animal bond and providing the best quality veterinary care possible. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking in beautiful Phoenix, running, volunteering within the community and traveling. |
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Kristen Nelson  DVM Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minnesota where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. She is a member of the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association and Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to working at Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital, Kris is the author of Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life which chronicles her triumphs and trials as a young woman owning her first animal hospital. The second book in the series, Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love, will be published in 2013. This book stars a cat named Radar who was born without eyes as well Genny, Ivan, Butch and Bongo from the first book. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include USA TODAY, The Los Angeles Times, Ladies’ Home Journal, DisneyFamily.com and numerous radio and television interviews. Information on a variety of veterinary related topics may be found on Dr. Nelson’s blog, www.drnelsonsveterinaryblog.com. Kris and her husband share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog. |
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| Paige Peterson DVM  Dr. Peterson is a North Central Phoenix native who grew up going to local Madison schools and graduated from Sunnyslope High School. She received a volleyball scholarship to Concordia University where she studied abroad in Argentina her junior year and graduated with honors in 2007. She started vet school at University of Edinburgh in 2007. The summer of her Junior year in vet school she spent three months in Kenya researching indigenous cattle for the International Livestock Research Institute. She has also worked at several spay and neuter clinics abroad and gets great satisfaction from volunteering her time for the improvement of animal welfare. She is happy to be back to her native area after having enjoyed many wonderful experiences abroad. She has dogs, cats and horses at home. She spends her spare time horseback riding and hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. |
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| Jodi Balke DVM  Dr. Jody Balke grew up in New Jersey knowing she always wanted to become a veterinarian. She pursued her undergraduate studies in animal science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Before her senior year of college she was accepted early into the University of Missouri Veterinary College and graduated in 2003. After graduation she worked in St. Louis, Missouri at a large seventeen doctor practice. There she worked mostly in general practice and emergency medicine for almost ten years. Dr. Balke moved with her family to Phoenix, Arizona in October 2012 and has become a member of the Alta Vista team. Her favorite part of the veterinary profession is emergency medicine, internal and preventative medicine. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys. She also enjoys running, reading and the outdoors. |
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Angie Blades  Practice Manager Angie started at Alta Vista in 2001 as a part-time receptionist while attending Phoenix College. She has always loved working with animals and knew that they would be her career. Angie became the full-time boarding director and hospital receptionist in 2004. After having her son she became more dedicated and focused on Alta Vista and their clients! Angie looks foward to continue to provide excellent customer service. She moved to Arizona from Idaho when she was 8 weeks old and grew up in Glendale with her parents, brother, sister, and many pets!! Angie really enjoys all types of animals. She really enjoys spending time with her family! At home she has a son, a several furry friends. |
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Sandra Christensen  Practice Manager Sandra has been with Alta Vista since July 2012. She grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico where she received her bachelors of business administration from New Mexico State University in 1994. She moved to Phoenix to work as a systems analyst for Honeywell. Her background consists of 8 years of business leadership/program management experience coupled with 7 years of biological science/veterinary medical training. On her days off she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, lab mix Luna and kitty Cyrus, an Oriental Persian cross. |
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Jessica White  Office Manager Jessica joined the Alta Vista team in the summer of 2010. She has many years of experience in the veterinary field. Jessica came to us after spending several years at the Phoenix Zoo. She has excellent customer service skills and will assist in assuring your visit to the hospital is the best experience possible. At home Jessica keeps busy with her 3 children and her Boxer, Roxy. |
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Peter Culbertson  Lead Certified Veterinary Technician Peter Culbertson was born and raised in Phoenix, and has been working as a technician since 2001 and has been at Alta Vista since 2008. He has recently received his certification. Peter has also worked in multiple types of veterinary practices including ASU and AZ Humane Society and you may be able to catch him on episodes of Animal Planet Heroes. Peter does extensive rescue and foster work for animals of all types, especially dogs that need medical care. Peter has a menagerie which includes; 11 dogs, 3 cats, and other critters. He enjoys spending his spare time with his large family which includes 21 nieces and nephews. He will be happy to take care of you and your pet anytime you come into Alta Vista! |
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Sissy Donning  Lead Veterinary Technician Sissy graduated with her AOS degree in veterinary technology in February 2009. She is very friendly and enjoys life. Sissy always has a place in her heart for animals and will continue her education for them. Sissy joined the Alta Vista team, after completing her extern, in October of 2007. She is always here to go above and beyond for pet's and their owners. In her spare time she enjoys relaxing at home with her boyfriend and her little zoo. |
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Amy Hepner  Certified Veterinary Technician Amy was raised in Pittsburg,Pennsylvania where she became a Steeler fan at birth. She became a veterinary technician in the early 1990's. Amy considers herself a cat person, with a soft spot for Pit Bulls. The majority of her experience has been in Emergency and Critical care. She enjoys the nursing aspect of being a Veterinary Technician. Amy moved to Tempe in 2006 after living briefly in coastal Florida and has been a part of the Alta Vista team since the summer of 2010. |
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Amanda Cleveland  Certified Veterinary Technician Amanda Cleveland was born and raised in Arizona. She received her certification in April 2010, after graduating with an AOS degree in Veterinary Technology. She is now living in Glendale with her family which includes two dogs, Bear and Tala, as well as two ferrets and several guinea pigs. She enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading, arts and crafts, and anything outdoors. |
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Star Moody  Veterinary Technician Star joined Alta Vista in 2012. She has spent most of her life living and working in North Carolina. Star attended North Guliford College and Jamestown Community College in N.C. She began working as a Veterinary Technician in 2004 at a small animal practice. Star enjoys spending time with her two adorable dogs, Sushi and Bella. |
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Thomas Hulen  Veterinary Assistant Thomas started working at Alta Vista in the Fall of 2010 while he attended Sunnyslope High School and came with no prior medical experience; just a desire to help animals, assist others and learn. He loves to learn new things and is always eager to lend a hand to his co-workers and customers. When not at Alta Vista, Thomas is either relaxing with his two lovable dogs or creating/listening to music. Thomas is now a Sophomore at Phoenix College and hopes to transfer to San Diego State University. |
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Tina Bloxsom  Veterinary Technician Tina was born in Washinton State and has spent most of her life in Mississippi. She graduated in May of 2012 with her bachelors degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Mississippi State University CVM. Tina's happy four legged family consists of Sissy, her dog and Riley, Stash and Molly, her cats! Tina loves surgery and monitoring anesthesia for the patients. Her free time is spent with her family, especially her 3 nephews, watching movies and seeing new places. |
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| Rachel Esquivel Certified Veterinary Technician  Rachel joined the Alta Vista team in the summer of 2011. She was born in South Bend, IN but has lived in Phoenix most of her life. Rachel has always had a passion for animals & after working in the health insurance field for a couple years decided to make a career out of what she loves. She graduated from a Veterinary Assistant program in 2001 and has now been a veterinary technician for 10 years. Rachel got her veterinary certification in January 2011. She enjoys all aspects of the field, from surgery & treating hospitalized patients to annual exams & vaccines. Rachel always looks at life as the glass half full & tries to spread the sunshine to everyone she meets! She is married & has 3 dogs, P-Nutt, Kharma, & Lucy. Her and her husband hope to start a family of their own within the next couple years but for now they enjoy hiking, running, watching movies & football. She will be here to greet you & your furry family member! |
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Tanya Mahon  Veterinary Technician Tanya was born and raised in Arizona. She went to Apollo College and graduated in 2005. Tanya came to Alta Vista after working at the Humane Society for 4 years. She has always had a passion for animals. She has a cat, two dogs, and a daughter named Mallory. When Tanya is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and road trips. |
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Shannon Gates  Certified Veterinary Technician Shannon Gates was born and raised in New Jersey and first became interested in veterinary medicine while training as an assistant at a small animal clinic. She decided to further her career and education by attending Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology in CO and graduated with her AAS in 2003. Shannon has worked in the veterinary field for 12 years and has experience in emergency medicine and general practice. She moved from Illinois to Arizona to escape the cold winters and loves seeing the mountains every morning and the desert sunsets. She is passionate about client education and patient care. Shannon also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Business Management. She lives with her fiance Jon and has three fur-kids Avaleen ( Aussie-Shepherd Mix), Annabelle (a tabby cat) and Kyna ( Border-Collie and Katrina Survivor. |
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Mindy Fugatt  Veterinary Technician I am born and raised in Arizona. I have always had a passion for animals, mostly cats, and wanted a career that involved them. I graduated from Apollo College for veterinary assistant in 2010. I am currently attending Glendale Community College for an associates degree in Biological Sciences. My goal is to one day work in the wild with tigers! On my free time, I enjoy going to the movies, finding new places to eat, and spending time with my boyfriend and cats. I have five cats and I plan to have more. Consider me a cat lady. (: |
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Rosa Anaya  Receptionist Rosa moved to Arizona from California and brought her veterinary skills to Alta Vista. She has been working in the Veterinary field over 8 years with experience, some of which was at an emergency animal hospital. She likes working with animals and has an exhuberant, young German Shepherd at home. Rosa also has 2 children. |
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Sabastiana Bartalone  Receptionist Sabastiana will be at the front desk to welcome you when you come in during our evening and weekend hours! She is wonderful at making you feel welcome. She has been a part of the team since November 2007 and has been in the field for several years! Sabastiana is a huge Chihuahua fan and has several at home. She is originally from the Bronx, New York but setteled here in Arizona. She is a wonderful addition to our staff and looks foward to being part of our wonderful family! |
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Michael Callison  Receptionist Michael has been a part of the Alta Vista Team, for which will be the course of 3 years in March 2013. He currently works at the front desk as one of the Receptionist staff members. Although he is not currently working full time, he is considered a valuable member of the Alta Vista family. At home, he has 4 kids consisting of 2 dogs named Cricket and Tobi, as well as 2 cats, Trix and Ralphy. |
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