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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Jocelyn, Veterinary Technician

Jocelyn, a proud native of Arizona, was born and raised in the beautiful state alongside her loving family, which includes four dogs and two cats. In January 2023, she achieved a significant milestone in her career by graduating from the Pima Medical Institute, earning a certificate as a Veterinary Assistant. Shortly after completing her studies, Jocelyn joined the Alta Vista family, where she had the opportunity to put her knowledge into practice during her externship. Guided by her supportive and experienced coworkers, she continues growing and learning more about the veterinary field each day. Outside of work, Jocelyn finds joy in her hobbies and interests. She is an avid fan of Marvel movies and often spends her free time at the gym, hiking in nature, or simply relaxing at home with her beloved pets. Jocelyn's dedication to her career and her passion for animals makes her a valued member of the veterinary community.
Beth, Veterinary Technician

Meet Beth, a compassionate soul from Kimberly, Wisconsin, where she spent her formative years. In 2019, she ventured westward and found her new home in Arizona. Since then, Beth has been working passionately at Alta Vista, which aligns perfectly with her deep love for animals. Her lifelong bond with animals was sparked when she received her first dog at age three. Beth finds immense joy in being a voice for animals, advocating for their welfare, and ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve. The affectionate slobbery kisses she receives from her two dogs, Harley and Ivy, bring her immeasurable happiness. In addition to her canine companions, she is the proud owner of a frisky feline named Picante, whose sassy personality adds a touch of flair to Beth's life. With her heart filled with compassion, Beth continues to positively impact the lives of animals, spreading love and fighting for their rights. 
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Luciano, Veterinary Technician

Luciano, a compassionate individual from Phoenix, Arizona, has harbored a deep-rooted passion for the animal care field since childhood. From a young age, he felt an innate desire to assist every animal he encountered on the streets, yearning to impact their lives positively. In 2019, while attending school, he began his journey at Alta Vista as a kennel assistant, diligently cleaning kennels and helping wherever possible. While working as a kennel attendant/veterinary assistant,  Luciano discovered that Alta Vista was where he truly belonged and, through hard work, earned the right to be a veterinary technician. Luciano's relentless pursuit of new knowledge is evident in his unwavering commitment to learning and improving. He strives to provide the utmost care and support to each patient he encounters, putting forth his best efforts to ensure their well-being is prioritized. 
Matthew, Veterinary Technician

Matthew, a Florida native, has a profound connection with animals. His love for animals led him to share his home with a delightful pack of seven shih tzus and two cats. Matthew's passion for animals extended beyond his personal life as he pursued his education at West-Mec High School and graduated as a Veterinary Assistant. Currently, he is enrolled in college and working towards a biology degree. His ultimate aspiration is to gain admission to veterinary school and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. In his free time, Matthew finds solace and rejuvenation through fishing.
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Laizza, Veterinary Technician

Laizza, a native of Arizona, pursued her passion for animals by attending Pima, where she graduated as a veterinary assistant. Her two adorable dogs, Kurai, a lively border collie mix puppy, Dashi, a spunky pitbull mix, and Zuko, a spirited husky, have brought immense joy to her life. Driven by her desire to bridge language barriers in veterinary care, Laizza envisions a future as a certified veterinary terminology Spanish translator, ensuring effective communication between pet owners and healthcare professionals. Moreover, she plans to further her education and become a certified veterinary technician, expanding her expertise and impact. When she's not busy with her studies or caring for her pets, you can find Laizza engaged in various active pursuits or building her own lash business, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Michelle, Veterinary Technician

Michelle, a devoted animal lover, is the proud owner of two beloved furry companions. Ginger, her spicy 10-year-old Chihuahua, provides endless joy and companionship. Additionally, she shares her home with Solovinno, a Terrier whose name originates from the Spanish phrase "came alone." Solovinno's serendipitous arrival as a stray led Michelle to open her heart and offer him a loving home. While her passion for animals is evident, Michelle leads a multifaceted life. When she's not showering her pets affectionately, she keeps herself occupied with her job at a breakfast diner, filling her days with meaningful interactions. In her leisure time, she indulges in her love for video games and finds solace in the thrill of horror movies. Michelle's dreams encompass a heartfelt desire to make a difference in the lives of countless stray animals, eagerly aspiring to provide them with the loving homes they deserve.
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Alexia, Customer Service Representative

Alexia is a military brat born on the Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Alexia also spent time in Hawaii and Colorado before finally settling in Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. Despite her background in justice, Alexia experienced a profound change of heart and now aspires to become a veterinarian and was recently accepted into the veterinary program at Midwestern. Balancing her professional life, she divides her time between working at the Mesa Justice Court and Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital. During her free time, you'll often find Alexia engrossed in her studies or at the gym, where she maintains her physical fitness. With her unwavering dedication and passion for animals, Alexia is determined to make a difference in veterinary medicine.
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Krista, Veterinary Technician

Krista, a true native of the Central Phoenix area, has always had a deep connection to her community. After graduating from North High School, she pursued her passion for veterinary medicine by enrolling in Mesa Community College for Veterinary Technology. From a young age, Krista demonstrated a solid commitment to animal welfare, actively involving herself in various initiatives. Her journey began as an animal shelter volunteer, and she has since flourished as a veterinary technician in both general practice and the municipal shelter. Krista's dedication to improving the lives of animals is evident in her tireless work and compassionate approach. When she's not caring for animals, Krista enjoys supporting her local sports team and attending Coyotes hockey games. Furthermore, she cherishes quality time spent with her five canine companions, finding solace and joy in their presence. Krista's unwavering passion for animal welfare, combined with her love for her community and furry friends, makes her an invaluable asset to the veterinary field and a compassionate advocate for the well-being of animals.

 
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Destiny, Assistant & CSR

Destiny is a devoted mother and Phoenix native whose lifelong passion for animals has shaped her personal and professional journey. Her early experiences fostered a deep-rooted love for all creatures, guiding her towards a career where she could make a difference in the lives of animals.
Destiny graduated from Carrington College with a certification in Veterinary Assisting. Her educational background equipped her with a solid foundation in veterinary practices, and she continually seeks to expand her knowledge and skills.
Outside of her professional life, Destiny cherishes the time she spends with her daughter. Destiny's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to animal welfare and her dedication to enriching the lives of both the animals she cares for and the people around her. Her warmth, expertise, and genuine care for her work make her a valued member of Alta Vista.
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