THE
TEAM
Gerald and Cyndi Jenkins, Practice Owners
Meet Cyndi and Dr. Gerald Jenkins, dedicated owners of Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital. The practice opened in 1972 and has been instrumental in shaping its philosophy and overseeing its growth. Alta Vista is the fifth practice to be set up in Central Phoenix and was originally surrounded by dairy farms, reflecting the significant changes in the area over the years. The Jenkins have put in a tremendous amount of effort to make sure that Alta Vista has the necessary resources, staff training, and a genuine sense of care to provide exceptional veterinary services for beloved pets. When they are not at the hospital, they enjoy spending time in Patagonia, Arizona. Their commitment is to ensure that pets and their owners receive the most comprehensive care.
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. Her husband whom she met at vet school has returned with her to Arizona and is a large animal vet in the Prescott area. They have several dogs, cats, chickens, and horses at home and spend their spare time horseback riding and hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves.
Forrest Jenkins, DVM
Dr. Forrest Jenkins is a proud Arizona native with a deep-rooted passion for veterinary medicine. After completing his Bachelor's Degree at Arizona State University, he pursued his dream of becoming a veterinarian by obtaining his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Virginia. Dr. Jenkins finds joy and fulfillment in all aspects of veterinary medicine, embracing the opportunity to provide compassionate care to needy animals. When he's not attending to his patients, he takes advantage of his free time to explore the vibrant culinary scene of locally owned restaurants, savoring the diverse flavors and culinary experiences available. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins cherishes quality moments spent with his beloved Yorkies, treasuring the companionship and unconditional love they bring to his life. His commitment to his profession and his devotion to his furry friends make Dr. Jenkins a valuable and caring presence in the veterinary community.
Jacklyn Rind, DVM
Dr. Jacklyn Rind is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but spent significant time in the northeast US (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware). She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a minor in Biology. During undergrad, Jacklyn began working at local veterinary clinics as a technician and fell in love with small animal general practice.
She started veterinary school at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, in 2019. During her time there, she completed ~30 spay and neuter surgeries, multiple dental procedures, and held the position of Trap Neuter Release (TNR) chair for the school’s shelter medicine club. During her clinical rotations with a small animal focus, Dr. Rind found her passion for dentistry/surgery, pathology/cytology, and urgent care medicine. Dr. Rind’s favorite part about general practice is establishing lifelong relationships with her clients and patients. At home, Dr. Rind has a pitbull/lab/boxer mix named Moose and a chihuahua (her favorite breed!) named Paisley. She also has two cats at home, Bebies and New Guy. On the weekends, you can find Dr. Rind adventuring with her dogs or cooking a homemade meal.
Sissy, Veterinary Technician Manager
Sissy is a dedicated and compassionate veterinary team member at Alta Vista. With her AOS degree in veterinary technology earned in February 2009, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Sissy's friendly nature and zest for life shine through in her interactions with animals and people. Her love for animals has always held a special place in her heart, motivating her to expand her knowledge and skills through ongoing education continually. Sissy became a part of the Alta Vista team in October 2007, initially joining as an extern and later becoming a valuable staff member. She consistently goes above and beyond for pets and their owners, exemplifying her commitment to exceptional care. During her spare time, Sissy enjoys relaxing at home with her husband and her cherished "little zoo" of pets. Her unwavering dedication to her profession and her genuine love for animals make Sissy a valued asset to Alta Vista and a source of comfort and support for those she serves.
Meet Rosa, our amazing Customer Service Representative! She's a veterinary professional who relocated from California to Arizona, bringing her wealth of experience to Alta Vista. Rosa has been a valuable member of the Alta Vista team since 2005. Her compassionate and dedicated approach to care shows her genuine love for working with animals. Rosa's furry family includes a delightful Labradoodle named Teddy, a Bernadoodle named Sora and a charming Ringed-Neck Parakeet named Paco. When she's not at the hospital, Rosa keeps busy with the joyful chaos of raising her two children. Her commitment to her work, nurturing nature, and devotion to her family, make Rosa an indispensable member of the Alta Vista team. We're so lucky to have her!
Martina, Veterinary Technician
Martina, a proud Arizona native, spent most of her life in Holbrook, AZ. Growing up in a small town, she developed a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help and care for stray animals. This deep-rooted connection led Martina to pursue a career in the animal field. After completing high school, she moved to Phoenix to attend Anthem College, where she excelled academically and graduated with Honors, earning her Veterinary Technology Associate of Science Degree. Martina's dedication and hard work paid off when she was hired by Alta Vista following her externship, allowing her to fulfill her dreams of making a difference in the lives of animals since 2014.
When she's not at Alta Vista, Martina devotes herself to being a full-time mom to her two children and one furry companion. Balancing her roles as a veterinary professional and a mother, she finds joy and fulfillment in both aspects of her life. During her spare time, Martina enjoys making mini trips to scenic destinations such as Sedona or Flagstaff, creating lasting memories with her family. Martina's unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals and her nurturing nature as a mother makes her an invaluable member of the Alta Vista team, providing exceptional care and support to both pets and their owners.
Dana, Veterinary Technician
Dana, a dedicated veterinary technician at Alta Vista, has a rich background in Texas and Phoenix. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, she has spent most of her life in Phoenix. Dana's educational journey led her to Anthem College, where she studied Veterinary Technology for two years. Her commitment to excellence paid off when she proudly graduated with her Associate of Science degree in March 2013. Since February 2013, Dana has been an integral part of the Alta Vista team, utilizing her knowledge and skills to make a positive impact. With a deep passion for learning, she eagerly absorbs new information from her co-workers, constantly seeking growth and improvement. Dana's ambition is to become a Certified Veterinary Technician shortly, further solidifying her dedication to her profession. Her beloved pets, including her fuzz babies "Kitty," "Oona," and her pug with a humanlike personality named "Alice," provide her with daily inspiration and remind her of the incredible bond between humans and animals. Dana's unwavering enthusiasm, desire to make a difference, and love for her furry companions make her an invaluable asset to the Alta Vista team, ensuring exceptional care and support for pets and their owners.