Our Team

The veterinarians and vet nurses at FirstVet know that you love your furry family member and want the very best care, day or night. Each of our vets has years of clinical experience and is trained to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s illness or injury.

FirstVet can help you and your pet avoid unnecessary trips to the vet. During your video call, your FirstVet vet will provide expert advice, simple homecare recommendations, and even referral to a local veterinary clinic or emergency facility if urgent care is needed.

Dr. Diane Givler

Dr. Diane Givler

Dr. Diane Givler received her veterinary degree from Ross University in 2008 and spent her clinical year at LSU (Geaux Tigers!). She is originally from Pennsylvania, and has practiced small animal medicine in Rochester, NY, Columbia, SC, and Southport, NC. Dr. Givler has worked in small private-owned hospitals, large corporate hospitals, and on a non-profit surgically-equipped spay/neuter RV. Most recently she has been self-employed as a relief veterinarian and is currently living on a 58 foot sailboat with her husband, two dogs, and one cat. Dr. Givler joined FirstVet in 2020.

Dr. Julie Napier

Dr. Julie Napier

Dr. Julie Napier graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. She started work in a small animal, exotics, and emergency practice, with the intent of becoming a zoo and wildlife veterinarian. She spent almost 20 years in a variety of zoological institutions and did field work around the world including South Africa, Botswana, Madagascar, and Belize. Dr. Napier has a passion for animal welfare and conservation. Although she is no longer practicing in the wildlife field, she continues to be involved, writing book chapters and journal articles. She takes in senior dogs (over the years she has rescued 19 to date), has remained active in small animal medicine, and continues to consult in exotic pet and wildlife medicine. Dr. Napier joined FirstVet in September 2020.

Dr. Zack Beresin

Dr. Zack Beresin

Dr. Zack Beresin received his veterinary degree from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Following graduation, he completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware. Since completing his internship, Dr. Beresin has worked as a small animal general practitioner in Ohio and New Jersey. His veterinary interests include preventative care and client education, radiology, dermatology, and surgery. Dr. Beresin’s undergraduate degree is in Environmental Studies, and he is still passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. Outside of work, Dr. Beresin enjoys exploring the outdoors, including hiking, biking, camping and travel, cooking, listening to music, and most of all, spending time with his family. Dr. Beresin joined Firstvet in 2021.

Dr. Cindy McCauley

Dr. Cindy McCauley

Dr. Cindy McCauley graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She knew from a very young age that she had a strong connection to animals and wanted to help them. So, it was no surprise that at eight years old her life would be changed by helping to pour blue antiseptic on an injured rooster. At the time, she had no idea what that “blue stuff” was, but can still remember where she was standing and what she was wearing. During her high school years, Dr. McCauley’s passion to help animals and advocate for their needs grew even stronger. Now, after more than 25 years in practice, she is still grateful to spend her life doing something she loves with people who all feel the same way! Dr. McCauley’s favorite part of being a veterinarian is that it allows her to make a difference. Whether it is preventative health care to keep animals healthy, helping a new life enter the world, performing a life- saving surgery, or assisting an old friend to pass with peace and dignity, she gets to make a difference every single day. Dr. McCauley feels blessed to have a supportive husband, daughter, son, and four-legged fur baby that understand her commitment to this career. Dr. McCauley joined FirstVet in 2021.

Dr. Monique Lewison

Dr. Monique Lewison

Dr. Monique Lewison obtained her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Husbandry with high honors and then went on to realize her childhood dream, graduating from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. Since then, Dr. Lewison has had a mobile mixed animal practice in Northern Israel, worked in mixed and small animal practices in New York State, Chicagoland (where she also spent several years as an at home euthanasia veterinarian), Seattle, and East Tennessee. In 2013 she became an IVAS certified veterinary acupuncturist, and in 2015 she completed her veterinary chiropractic certification at the Healing Oasis in Wisconsin. Dr. Lewison is especially interested in animal communication and is dedicated to client education and holistic preventative care. She loves helping people better understand their pet’s issues and how to best care for them. She is currently following her husband’s dream (and now hers) of sailing around the world. While they organize to refit their 41 foot sailboat (in Kent, UK), care for her elderly mother in Israel, and care for their homestead in the foothills of the Smokies in Tennessee, Maximus, her rescued cat waits patiently for her to return from her travels each time. Dr. Lewison joined FirstVet in 2021.

Dr. Leah Talesnick

Dr. Leah Talesnick

Dr. Leah Talesnick is a 2015 graduate of Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a post-graduate internship and worked as an emergency veterinarian at one of the largest emergency/specialty hospitals in the country. Dr. Talesnick now works as a general practitioner at a non-profit private practice that is dedicated to community outreach for an underserved community. She also works with a rescue that takes animals from natural disasters worldwide and high-kill shelters. Dr. Talesnick has been a contributor to NPR’s podcast Talking Animals. She has a special interest in pain management, quality of life, alternative and physical therapy and is certified as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and Boston Terrier. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr Talesnick enjoys cooking and playing tennis. Dr. Talesnick joined FirstVet in 2021.

Dr. Patricia Banks

Dr. Patricia Banks

Dr. Patricia Banks graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. After graduation she worked in emergency and critical care before opening her own practice in 2001. She currently owns a small animal practice in Houston, TX where she focuses on internal medicine, geriatric health care, soft tissue surgery, and preventative care for dogs and cats. Dr. Banks loves cooking, quilting, gardening and spending an afternoon at the park with her pups. She lives in Houston with 2 dogs and 4 cats. Dr. Banks joined FirstVet in 2021.

Praadnya Shah

Praadnya Shah

Dr. Praadnya Shah earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College in Canada. Prior to that, she attended University of California, Davis and earned a Bachelor's degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavioral science. After graduation, Dr. Shah moved back to California to practice small animal medicine. She has a strong interest in animal behavior, welfare, is a Fear Free Certified Veterinarian and implements low stress handling in her practice. She enjoys working in small animal medicine, urgent care, and shelter medicine. Away from work, Dr. Shah enjoys good food, travel, and spending time with her golden retriever puppy, Zui. Dr. Shah joined FirstVet in 2021.

Shannon Brown

Shannon Brown

Shannon Brown is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who began her career in animal health in 1999. Her path to the veterinary field was laid out during her childhood when she took over caring for a special needs family pet. She has worked in small animal practices in California and Idaho. Shannon uses her skills to give back to her community by participating in monthly no-cost spay and neuter clinics. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her husband, and son and their furry and feathered family members.

Lauren Aderholdt

Lauren Aderholdt

Dr. Lauren Aderholdt graduated from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and pursued additional training as a small animal intern at Virginia Tech’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After completing her internship, she practiced small animal medicine outside Denver, Colorado for five years. After getting married, Dr. Aderholdt relocated to Dallas, Texas where she has continued treating dogs and cats in general practice. She enjoys educating clients about the best preventive care choices for the furry members of their families. When not at home with her two cats and dog you can find her running after her toddler. Dr. Aderholdt joined FirstVet in 2021.

Katie Foulk

Katie Foulk

Katie lives in Illinois with her family, 2 dogs, and a cat. She has been a certified veterinary technician for 11 years and has extensive experience in emergency and critical care as well as general practice. She also has her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine and Swine Management. When she is not saving the world one animal at a time, she enjoys spending time with her kids and reading.

Katherine Zhinin

Katherine Zhinin

Katherine is a licensed veterinary technician who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Mercy University NY in 2022. Katherine's journey in the veterinary field began in 2017 soon after high school when she became a Veterinary Assistant, gaining valuable experience in animal care and client interaction. Her dedication to the well-being of animals led her to Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford, CT, where she excelled as a Vet Tech Student Extern, assisting in dermatology and ophthalmology. Katherine currently serves as a Laboratory Technician where she conducts a wide range of lab tests and diagnostic analyses, ensuring accurate and timely results for veterinarians. Additionally, she honed her technical skills providing remote triage and support for pet owners while contributing to blog posts. Beyond her professional achievements, Katherine is an avid traveler who finds solace in nature. She is a proud pet parent to two cats, Keanu and Nobu, and envisions a career that seamlessly blends her love for animals. Her journey as a recent graduate with a passion for veterinary science and technology is just beginning, and she is eager to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Crystal Miglio

Crystal Miglio

Crystal received her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from the University of Cincinnati in 2014. She’s working towards her Bachelor’s degree with Penn Foster to continue her education and expand her knowledge in veterinary medicine. She grew up in Kentucky; however, she currently resides in Utah. She’s an Elite Fear Free Veterinary Professional with certifications in Karen Pryor’s Better Veterinary Visits and Royal Canin’s Pet Nutrition Advisor program. Her areas of interest include behavior and parasitology. After graduation in 2014, she had the opportunity to volunteer for a spay/neuter clinic with World Vets in Nevis. They were able to help approximately 300 patients, 269 of whom were surgical, in three days. It was such a rewarding experience to offer care in an area that receives limited veterinary support. Currently, she is a foster for a local animal shelter. She is passionate about caring for animals and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry family members. As a child, she grew up with dogs, cats, turtles, snakes, mice, and a rabbit, which fueled her love for animals. The first pet she had as an adult was a miniature dachshund named Nani, who inspired her to pursue a career as a technician. Despite developing IVDD at the age of four, Nani lived to be 14 years old thanks to the exceptional care she received from her veterinary team. Crystal hopes to provide the same care and support to other pet owners and their beloved animals. She currently has three furry family members: Rocco, a 17 year old Bengal cat; Kingston, a five year old black lab; and Ziggy, a one year old heeler/pointer mix, who was a foster fail. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and yoga. However, her favorite pastime is traveling with her husband and six-year-old daughter. Over the past year, they have visited all five national parks in Utah and two in Wyoming.


Matthew Lamare

Matthew Lamare

Dr. Matthew Lamare received his veterinary degree from Lincoln Memorial College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, TN. After graduating, he spent time practicing Emergency Medicine in a busy specialty hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He then went on to complete an internship in Towson, MD and is currently in an Emergency and Critical Care Residency located in Rhode Island. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his dogs and taking care of his reptiles. Dr. Lamare enjoys establishing a good client relationship and educating pet owners.

Elizabeth Wesson

Elizabeth Wesson

Dr. Elizabeth Wesson received her veterinary degree from the University of Sydney in 2014. Before pursuing veterinary medicine, she started her career as an environmental scientist and worked as a microbat rehabilitator and educator during her undergraduate degree. Since then Dr. Wesson has worked as a general practitioner for small animals and exotics in the U.K. and the U.S. She is passionate about improving the quality of life of animals and educating owners on caring for their pets. Her special interests are feline and exotic medicine, geriatric care and ultrasonography. In her spare time, she enjoys pottery, gardening, yoga and any outdoor activity. She lives in Florida with her husband, son and Devon Rex. Dr. Wesson joined FirstVet in 2023.

Janice Thomas

Janice Thomas

Dr. Janice Thomas left cold Cleveland, Ohio and headed south for warmer weather and less snow! She completed her medical studies at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, she has practiced in Florida, where she adopted her dog Desi (Arnez), North Carolina, Kentucky & Indiana. Although a “city-girl” at heart, she has developed an appreciation for the south’s more relaxed nature and outdoor activities! When not working you can find Dr. Thomas riding her bike, shopping for shoes or meeting people, ready to share some good news! “My passion for pets started when I was young, after I noticed a bird hobbling, in an empty parking lot. The wing of the bird was injured, so I ran home with the bird in hand, dedicated to nursing it back to health. At age 4, I told my family, ‘I am going to be an animal doctor!’” Dr. Thomas joined FirstVet in 2021.

Cathryn Doyle

Cathryn Doyle

Dr. Cathryn Doyle earned her veterinary degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2013 and also earned a Masters of Public Health from Virginia Tech University in December 2013. She then went on to train in a small animal rotating internship in Virginia Beach, VA from 2014 to 2015 before making her way into working as an Emergency and Critical Care veterinarian since 2015. Dr. Doyle has a keen interest in wildlife and conservation medicine and spent much of her time during her veterinary training learning and working at various zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers. In her spare time, she enjoys snuggling up with a good book and her rescued cat, Edana, as well as taking in spectacular views while hiking atop the Rocky Mountains. Dr. Doyle joined FirstVet in 2021.

Jessica Hudspeth

Jessica Hudspeth

Dr. Hudspeth was born and raised in central Louisiana. She spent a large portion of her childhood outdoors with animals to keep her company. Dr. Hudspeth also lived a few years of her childhood on a farm tending to many different types of animals. It was then, around age 6, she developed her love for all animals and decided she wanted to be their doctor. Dr. Hudspeth obtained her undergraduate education from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana and graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Before being accepted to LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, she worked as a registered veterinary technician for 8 years. She had the fortunate opportunity to work in many aspects of veterinary medicine including a mixed animal practice, emergency animal practice, a small animal practice, and was an instructor at a veterinary technology program. During her time as a technician, Dr. Hudspeth assisted many families during their last moments with their pets and always felt a special connection with clients during that delicate time. Since graduation, Dr. Hudspeth has gained valuable experience in small and exotic animal medicine, end of life care/hospice, telehealth, and as a relief veterinarian in the Houston area. Dr. Hudspeth is a certified Companion Animal Euthanasia Veterinarian and is actively pursuing certification for Fear Free Certified Practitioner. She also aspires to obtain certification in hospice and palliative care as well as acupuncture. In her spare time, Dr. Hudspeth enjoys attending horror/comic conventions, participating in medieval historical reenactment, going to renaissance festivals, attending continued education conferences, reading, watching television, and spending time with her family and little zoo. Dr. Hudspeth lives with her fiancé, Edward, their 3-year-old identical twin daughters, Madeleine and Adelaide, 4 dogs, 8 cats, 4 birds and a chinchilla. Yes, she knows she has a lot of pets! She is incredibly soft-hearted and has rescued many animals during her 22 years working in veterinary medicine.

Mary Brents

Mary Brents

Dr. Brents grew up in Orlando Florida and has always wanted to be a veterinarian. She has been in the vet field in some capacity since she was 16. She graduated with her DVM from Tuskegee University in 2011. She is currently living in beautiful Asheville North Carolina with her 2 year old son Ethan, husband Dylan and four fur babies.

Brenda Arras

Brenda Arras

Dr. Arras graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She is certified in acupuncture, and integrative rehabilitation and physical medicine. She has worked as a small animal general practitioner since graduation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family.

Dexter Kolder

Dexter Kolder

Dexter is a dedicated registered veterinary technician, trainer, and all-around animal enthusiast with a passion for fostering harmony between dogs and their owners. With over 15 years of experience in the field of animal health technology, he specializes in positive behavior modification and training techniques, always emphasizing praise and rewards. Beyond veterinary medicine, he is an advocate for inclusivity and a trans man, bringing a unique perspective on empathy and understanding. Dexter's aspirations include creating a haven for animals on a small plot of land and running an elder dog hospice, all while maintaining a love for games, movies, and music.

Alyssa Reuter

Alyssa Reuter

Alyssa was born and raised in a small town located in Southwest, WI. In 2012, she earned her Certified Veterinary Technician degree from Globe University.

She began her career working at a non-profit Humane Society in Iowa where she got lots of experience in surgery and working with a variety of different animals. In 2015, she started at a small two doctor practice where she gained even more experience in surgery assisting and using her knowledge with clients in primary care. In 2018, Alyssa and her boyfriend moved to the Racine/Kenosha area where she landed a job at her first AAHA accredited hospital. This is where she found her love for surgery assisting and working in a fast-paced environment with multiple doctors.

Outside of work Alyssa enjoys spending time with family, staying active, going on adventures with her boyfriend, and spending time outside with her two pets Sabrina and Zibby. Sabrina, who is pictured above, is a 11 year old Siamese mix who she leash trained to go outside on walks. Zibby is a 4.5 year old Rottweiler/French Bulldog mix who she enjoys going for runs with in her spare time.


Barbara Ritchie

Barbara Ritchie

Barbara graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Health Science. She obtained her Veterinary Technologist License in 2009. Barbara has wanted to work with animals since she was 4 years old and started volunteering at her local veterinary hospital at the age of 15. She has worked in a variety of practice types from Emergency, Internal Medicine/Critical Care, Cat Only to General Medicine. One of her favorite aspects of working in the veterinary field is Client Communication and Education. She believes that to give the best patient care she must start with thoroughly understanding the owner and pet themselves. Barbara currently resides in Surf City USA (Huntington Beach, CA) with her husband, daughter, 2 indoor cats, many outdoor cats, and a 13 year old goldfish. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, visiting Disneyland, cooking/baking and crafting.

Lauren Hulse

Lauren Hulse

Dr. Lauren Hulse graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She has wanted to be a veterinarian since she learned what jobs were in second grade. After completion of her BS and MBA, she fulfilled that dream. Since graduating, she has worked in emergency, general practice, and relief. She loves helping animals and the families they mean so much to. Dr. Hulse lives in Northern California with her husband and two small children. When not working, she can be found on her small farm taking care of everything from sheep to cut flowers.

Jessica Scholl

Jessica Scholl

Dr. Jessica Scholl graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University-College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, she worked 4 years in a busy mixed animal practice outside of Dallas. There, she saw dogs, cats, horses, alpacas, llamas, pigs, cattle, small ruminants, and the occasional chicken. Dr. Scholl has also worked for over 7 years in small animal emergency medicine near Dallas. Currently, she works as a small animal veterinarian while continuing to pursue equine medicine. Dr. Scholl has a passion for low stress cattle and equine handling, ultrasonography, equine reproduction and emergency medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys working on her farm, reading, traveling, and spending time with family. Dr. Scholl joined FirstVet in 2021 and is excited to be a part of the Firstvet team!

Angela Moorhead

Angela Moorhead

Dr. Angela Moorhead graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary medicine in 2018 and completed her clinical training at Texas A&M University. She is originally from New York, but now calls Texas home! She has worked in equine, mixed animal, and small animal medicine. She is currently working in emergency small animal medicine as a relief veterinarian in various areas of Texas. When she is not working, she enjoys going to rodeos around the country with her husband and their three dogs!


Kirstin Kamps

Kirstin Kamps

Dr. Kirstin Kamps received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2011 from Western University of Health Sciences outside of Los Angeles. The last 10 years she has been a self employed traveling veterinarian working with small animal clinics all over California. She is currently in the UK working as a clinician with a veterinary school. In her free time she enjoys traveling for theater festivals and volunteer work.

Lori Kroeger

Lori Kroeger

Lori is a licensed technician who started her veterinary journey in 2003 and developed a special love for dentistry and dermatology. When not working, she can be found hanging out with her two pugs, seven chickens, and one husband. Their house is also home to special needs pugs they foster for a pug rescue. When she isn't medicating pugs, trimming nails, cleaning up "accidents" in the house, and being chased by a surly rooster, she can be found skiing, cycling and just generally enjoying life. Her future plans include having emus if she can somehow convince her husband that it's a fabulous idea.

Nedra James

Nedra James

Nedra James is a licensed veterinary technician from New York. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Pace University before pursuing a second degree in Veterinary Technology at LaGuardia Community College. She then earned her Master's Degree in Biology at Miami University. Nedra has experience in both clinical and laboratory animal medicine, working with several species ranging from mice, rabbits, cats and dogs to non-human primates. Nedra’s special interests include emergency and critical care, wildlife conservation and would love to learn about zoo medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, Broadway shows and learning about new cultures. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her family and her 3 cats.


J. Nikki Johnson

J. Nikki Johnson

Dr. Nikki Johnson is a Florida native who received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 2016. She currently travels and works as a traveling relief veterinarian throughout the United States, practicing small animal medicine in general practice and urgent care. She has one dog named Piccolo, and they both love to hike and camp. She joined the team in 2023 and is excited to provide care for clients across the US.

Samantha Gulergun

Samantha Gulergun

Dr. Sam has been in the veterinary field for over 20 years, and has harbored her passion for the field since the age of four years old. She has practiced in various states, currently holding licenses in both Illinois and Florida, as well as a USDA certification to provide both international and domestic health certificates. Her incredible passion extends to every patient; she is driven to collaborate closely with families to ensure the best quality of life for all household members. Dr. Sam specializes in pain management, mobility, and senior care, emphasizing transparent and consistent communication to address all aspects of their pets' lives. Dr. Sam lives with her husband, two doggos (Piper and Soka, rescued mixed breeds), and her long-haired Russian Blue cat, Floki.


Katelyn Turpin

Katelyn Turpin

Katelyn is a Registered Veterinary Technician and received her Veterinary Medical Technology degree from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, NC in 2020. Since graduating as a veterinary technician, Katelyn has pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Veterinary Health and Management from The University of Tennessee at Martin. Since becoming a technician, Katelyn has become well rounded in emergency and critical care, small animal general practice, large animal medicine, and ultrasonography. She lives on her own farm in Lenoir, NC where she enjoys riding her horses, caring for her goats, alpaca (Sid), and loving on her cow (Petunia). She enjoys exploring the mountains with her horses and dogs around Boone, NC. Katelyn joined FirstVet in 2023.

Jessie Pudil

Jessie Pudil

Jessie graduated from Globe University in 2013 with her associate degree in veterinary technology. She works in a small animal clinic that gives her the opportunity to explore more avenues in vet med such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other non traditional medicine practices. She has a soft spot for large breed dogs, but loves to care for all furry friends. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, 2 two legged children, 2 dogs (Pebbles the English Mastiff and Shamrock the Rottweiler), and 3 cats (Wishbone, Midnight, and Charlie). Her hobbies include playing Monopoly with the family and baking sculptured cakes for friends and family.

Brandi Greenier

Brandi Greenier

Brandi is from a small town in Indiana surrounded by cows and corn. She attended the Vet Tech Institute in Indianapolis and graduated with her associates degree in 2012. Most of her experience in veterinary medicine is in emergency/CCU and oncology. She enjoys spending time with her kids, baking, reading, and making jam in her free time. She also has 2 dogs (Emmet and Ivy) and 1 cat (Tina).

Michelle Von Zboray

Michelle Von Zboray

Michelle graduated from Western Career College and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 1994. Since then she’s worked on and off in small animal clinics in between raising 2 sons and working in the family locksmith business. In her free time, she enjoys watching both of her sons college sports games and spending time with her dogs walking through their nearby woods. Michelle lives in a small mountain town in El Dorado County, California with her husband Ernie, 4 cats, 3 dogs and Fiona the Bearded Dragon.

Amber Failer

Amber Failer

Amber has her Bachelor of Animal Science and has worked in the veterinary field for 20 years, she became a licensed veterinary technician in 2018. Over her career she has worked in many different aspects of the veterinary field which include: general practice, surgery and anesthesia, emergency critical care and intensive care. When she is not focusing on patient care, in her spare time she enjoys traveling, being a foodie and hanging out with her lab mix Lou and German shepherd Shardik on the farm (they are also foodies).

Natalie Ruehs

Natalie Ruehs

Natalie grew up as a military child and finally put down roots in Maryland. She has been in the veterinary field since 2008. After graduating with a BA in English, she decided to go back to school to get an AA in veterinary technology in 2018. She has worked in small animal general practice for over 10 years before going into specialty medicine. She currently lives in wonderful Hawaii. She enjoys hiking, running, reading, and spending time with her newly rescued dog.

Hope Crowl

Hope Crowl

Hope graduated from Manor College in 2012 with her associates degree in veterinary medicine and again in 2022 with her bachelors degree in veterinary medicine and practice management. Since graduating Hope has worked with small animals in a variety of specialty and general practice settings. In her down time she is spending her time exploring, cooking, reading, and spending time with her cats, french bulldog, and son.

Crystal Rider

Crystal Rider

Crystal loves her job as a veterinary technician and has been passionately helping pets and their owners for 15 years. She obtained her technician license in 2009 from SUNY Delhi and since then has worked in all aspects of veterinary medicine including internal medicine, surgery, oncology, neurology, ophthalmology and general practice. A majority of her career has been spent work with exotic pets and wildlife - both of which she enjoys! When Crystal isn't helping all things feathered, scaled or furry - she enjoys spending time with family and helping her son with sports. She has a full house of pets at home including her 3 cats - Willow, Maple and Tango, her Budgie- Poppyseed, 2 ferrets - Taco and Loki, 2 lizards - Rock and Toothless and snake - Fang. Her hobbies include baking and crystal hounding. Her favorite colors are black and pink and her favorite genre of music is country.


Bruce Armstrong

Bruce Armstrong

Dr. Bruce Armstrong has retired from daily clinical practice in December 2022 after 41 successful years as a busy practicing veterinarian and hospital owner with the greater majority of that in small animal clinical general practice with an inclusive background and he strived to keep up with continuing education to be able to provide modern and up-to-date techniques along with medical capabilities and reasonable communications for clients and colleagues. He lives by the philosophy of practicing each year to coordinate the old and new for blended quality medicine for the benefit of the patients and their caretakers. Doing the same thing year in and year out is not reasonable for the advancement of veterinary medicine in his opinion. He now gets to do more "work from home" so telemedicine and consultation fits into the new freelance aspects he has been pursuing. This has provided a more relaxed environment with long sought expanded time off as compared to busy private practice so he can complete tasks on his family’s small ranch and hay operation in Montana and still get a modicum of sleep!

Michael Gerber

Michael Gerber

Dr. Michael Gerber graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2010 and completed a rotating internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City immediately thereafter. He has been practicing both emergency medicine and general medicine since completing his formal veterinary training. His professional interests include emergency/critical care, reproduction, and dentistry. In his spare time he enjoys anything out on the water and spending time with his human and canine family members.

Nilufer Wilkins

Nilufer Wilkins

Dr. Nilufer (Nil) Wilkins graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. When she was in the ninth grade, her Civics class gave students the project to select three careers they were interested in and to interview someone in the community in each career. Given from a young age Dr. Wilkins had always wanted to help animals, she could only choose one career – to be a veterinarian. Dr. Wilkins has over 39 years as a practicing veterinarian, including working as an associate and relief veterinarian in several small animal practices; as staff veterinarian at two different county animal shelters, adopting several “foster failures” so that at one point their family had six cats; and providing hospice and end of life care for family pets in the home. Dr. Wilkins believes in practicing preventative medicine and educating families on its benefits for both the families and their pets. Her special interests include cats (no surprise!) and helping guide families in end-of-life decisions. Dr. Wilkins enjoys reading, listening to classical music (especially Baroque), traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She currently lives in Florida with her husband of 40 years and three cats. They also have two grown daughters. Dr. Wilkins joined FirstVet in 2023.

Stacie Horick

Stacie Horick

Stacie was born and raised in the Northern Bay Area in California. Between her family's dairy on the coast and the small farm she grew up on, Stacie spent a lot of time taking care of and playing with all types of animals. She started working in vet clinics at the age of 17, working in general practices as well as ER and specialties. Stacie moved to Washington where she acquired her license as an RVT as well as her certification as a small animal practitioner. Stacie lives with her two small rescue dogs in Sonoma County, Ca. and enjoys traveling, hiking, running, yoga and water sports.


McKayla Meyer

McKayla Meyer

Dr. McKayla Meyer is a 2021 graduate from CSU that has been working as an emergency veterinarian since July 2021. She’s from the Big Island of Hawai’i originally and worked in small animal general practice prior to attending veterinary school and in veterinary school itself. She is very passionate about client communication and education, emergency and preventative medicine, and end of life quality of care. She recently moved to San Diego and is so excited to be closer to family and back on the west coast. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, surfing, and traveling to new places! She recently began embroidering her own clothes and doing pottery on her days off, and loves spending time exercising different parts of her brain. She has 2 Boston Terriers, Kaia and Cava, that love to go on adventures with her and keep her busy!

Rebecca Bohlmann

Rebecca Bohlmann

Dr. Rebecca Bohlmann has been involved with the veterinary industry for over 30 years, 20 of those as a veterinarian. She enjoys talking to people and helping keep people's pets not only healthy but also happy. She currently has a rescue terrier, rescue roadside ditch kitten, along with her husband and 2 busy/crazy girls.