Driven by compassion and purpose, here is the team who will work to make a difference in your pet’s life. Every single visit.
Dr. Mimi Elliott was raised in Orange County, California and could rarely be found on dry land. She was an avid sailor which eventually led her to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. to be a part of their collegiate sailing program. She graduated with an English major and did a brief stint working for a non-profit before realizing that she still wanted to be a vet when she grew up, and then began working her way towards a degree in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Elliott graduated from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2011. After graduation, she did an internship in emergency and critical care before finding her calling in general practice on the Front Range.
Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian dedicated to providing high-quality medical care for companion animals in and around the Longmont area. Her particular areas of interest include internal medicine, dentistry, and emergency medicine, but she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially the surprises each day tends to bring.
At home, Dr. Elliott enjoys the company of a crazy hound named Haya and a sweet mixed-breed dog named Forrest Gump. Her favorite creatures are her husband, Garrick, and her daughters, Soleil and Heloise
Dr. Tory Wunder was raised on a family farm in Iowa. Tory was one of those kids who always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. She chose to pursue her education at Iowa State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degrees.
After graduation from veterinary school in 2000, Dr. Wunder joined a small animal practice in Mankato, MN. In 2009, she made the move west to Colorado.
Dr. Wunder enjoys all facets of small animal medicine, though her favorites are internal medicine, dentistry and senior pet care. She truly enjoys celebrating and maintaining the bond between people and their pets by assisting guardians with their companion animal’s health care.
Dr. Wunder shares her home in Longmont with her partner, Andy, and their canine companions, Mabel and Gigi. In her spare time, Tory enjoys reading, traveling, and assisting Andy with renovations and upkeep on their 1898 farmhouse.
Dr. Cassie Kandyba was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. She decided to be a veterinarian when she was five years old after a visit to the emergency room with her family dog, and never changed her mind. She attended school at Colorado State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Dr. Kandyba is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture and treats most exotic pets (small mammals and reptiles), in addition to dogs and cats. She has been practicing at Longmont Small Animal Hospital since July 2019. Dr. Kandyba’s particular interests include caring for geriatric pets, exotic animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry.
Although she loves all animals, she does have a soft spot for cats. Her goal for all of her patients is to maintain or improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Dr. Kandyba shares her home in Arvada with her husband Phil, her daughter Violet, and their two cats (Bean and Tuffy). In her free time, she likes to listen to true crime podcasts, draw, read, embroider and cook.
Dr. Alex Pauls earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, followed by a specialty and emergency internship, as well as an additional surgical internship. After completing her training, she embarked on a five-week backpacking journey across Spain. Upon returning, she spent several years working as an emergency veterinarian at a large referral practice, gaining extensive experience in high-acuity care.
Dr. Pauls joined Longmont Small Animal Hospital in 2020 and played a key role in launching Longmont Veterinary Urgent Care in 2021. While she enjoys all aspects of emergency medicine, she has a particular passion for orthopedics and wound management.
Outside of work, Dr. Pauls is an avid video gamer, motorcycle rider, and lifelong fan of David Attenborough documentaries. She shares her home with two cats, Whistle and Isis, who proudly share her enthusiasm for the natural world.
Dr. Evelyn Iacono comes to Colorado from her hometown Cincinnati, Ohio. A childhood filled with animals and a passion for science and learning made veterinary medicine a clear career choice. Dr. Iacono received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from OSU she completed a one-year mixed animal internship in Carbondale, Colorado. After her internship, Dr. Iacono practiced mobile mixed animal medicine in Eagle CO. She then practiced in Steamboat Springs, where she focused on small animal medicine and surgery.
Dr. Iacono’s interests in veterinary medicine include emergency medicine, internal medicine, and wound care. She especially enjoys being able to provide care for animals from puppy and kitten stages through geriatric care, while upholding the human-animal bond between patient and pet owners.
Dr. Iacono lives in Longmont with her partner, Emily, and their three dogs (Rumi, Summit, and Freddie) and cat (Earl). In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, biking, snow sports, golfing, and spending time with her friends, both furry and human. She is excited to join Longmont Small Animal Hospital and be a part of the Longmont community.
Ellen Macdonald, DVM, DACVIM, grew up in both Boulder and Southern California with all sorts of small furry creatures by her side, including (but not limited to) dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
As a child, she saved money and researched dog care for months before bringing home her first puppy. Anna the Golden Retriever immediately dug up the family rose garden and chewed the wood deck. The puppy was promptly rehomed by Ellen’s parents at the San Diego Zoo, where she became the lifelong companion of a cheetah named Arusha. Ellen spent many sunny afternoons romping with them at the zoo. They all guided her straight into her veterinary career.
After completing her veterinary degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, she went on to complete a small animal internship in NYC and an internal medicine residency at UC Davis. She earned ACVIM board certification in 2003. She also spent time at the University of Tennessee veterinary school, where she loved teaching veterinary students. Dr. Macdonald joined LSAH in 2021 as an associate veterinarian.
Dr. Macdonald is passionate about all things medicine, especially a good diagnostic challenge and management of chronic diseases like diabetes. Her ultimate goal is to focus on ways to maximize quality of life for pet family members. She has always felt the relationship families have with their pets is life-altering in all of the best ways. And her relationship with pet families is the most rewarding aspect of her career. She lives with her incredibly supportive husband, a medical device engineer, and her creative, animal-loving daughter who has also decided to become a veterinarian. The loved four legged members of her family include Stash the Boston terrier (Amazing Couch Potato) and Caramel, an actual hairy potato (guinea pig).
Dr. Kevin Curran was born and raised in Lincoln Nebraska. He grew up loving animals but realized in high school that he wanted to be a veterinarian. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and where he received a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science. He then completed his first two years of veterinary school in Lincoln before completing his last two years and graduating from Iowa State University with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2020.
Dr. Curran then moved to Montana and joined a small animal practice in Billings. In 2022 Dr. Curran and his family moved to the front range and he joined Longmont Small Animal Hospital. He enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine but his particular areas of interest include surgery, exotic animal medicine, ophthalmology, and large-breed dogs. Dr. Curran sees most species including small mammals, reptiles, and birds along with dogs and cats.
When not at the hospital, Dr. Curran has his hands full with his three young children Callum, Sage, and Sutton as well as his two Great Danes, Norman and Ruby, and two cats, George and Evie. He attributes all of his accomplishments to his wife and high school sweetheart, Meredith. In his free time, Dr. Curran enjoys reading, watching sports, fishing, and hiking with his family.
Dr. Van Gurp grew up in upstate New York and knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. She attended Cornell University to obtain both her Bachelor’s Degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
After vet school Dr. Van Gurp moved to Colorado to pursue an internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital and fell in love with all that Colorado has to offer! Dr. Van Gurp has a background in Emergency Medicine and General Practice. She is excited to join the team at Longmont Small Animal Hospital to work in the Urgent Care and General Practice departments. Veterinary interests include emergency medicine, preventative care and upholding the human animal bond by helping families care for their pets.
Dr. Van Gurp lives here in Longmont with her husband, two human children, a Boxer named Ellie and a tabby cat named Bailey. In her free time she enjoys running, yoga, martial arts, hiking, skiing and spending time with family.
Dr. Caroline Foley was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but grew up traveling the country and world with her parents whenever they could. She went to the University of Denver and received Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Mathematics. She always loved animals but truly found her passion to turn veterinary medicine into a career when she started working in the animal shelters in the Denver area during and after undergrad. She then decided she wanted to become a veterinarian and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University. She worked for Drs. Elliot and Wunder at LSAH for a year as an assistant while she was applying for veterinary school.
Dr. Foley’s interests in veterinary medicine include urgent care and emergency medicine, where she loves the fast-paced, quick-thinking environment here at Longmont Veterinary Urgent Care. Her favorite thing in the world is seeing patients reunite with their families after a hospital stay to make them feel better. Her other passions include high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter, wound care, and infectious disease prevention.
Dr. Foley lives in Denver with her fiancé and their four cats (they each had two before living together, oops) and enjoys hiking, snow sports, eating, traveling, reading, live sporting events (yes, ALL the Colorado sports teams), painting, and crafting.
Dr. Isom graduated from Colorado State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in May 2024. Prior to that, he attended the University of Colorado Boulder for his undergraduate degree (SKO BUFFS!). Dr. Isom has a particular interest in veterinary dermatology and exotic animal medicine. When not busy in the clinic, you can likely find him eagerly cheering on his Colorado Buffaloes or catching an F1 race! Dr. Isom would love the opportunity to care for all your pets’ needs!
With 25 years of experience in human health and veterinary practice management, Sarah Woolley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Longmont Small Animal Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2011 and has dedicated her career to enhancing animal health and providing exceptional service to both pets and their families.
Sarah is passionate about continuous learning and development, always striving to stay at the forefront of the industry. Her compassion for animals and commitment to helping families ensure the well-being of their pets is at the core of everything she does.
A Colorado resident for the past five years, Sarah enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the state with her 5-year-old son, Liam. Whether fishing, hiking, or discovering the next great adventure, Sarah’s love for her family and the outdoors is an integral part of her life.
Karen is the Customer Services Manager at Longmont Small Animal Hospital and one of the first friendly faces (or voices!) clients meet. With over 15 years of experience—including time with The Walt Disney Company—she’s passionate about creating a warm, supportive experience for pets and their people.
Originally from Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado, Karen now lives in Longmont with her husband, Tony, their two dogs, and horses. When she’s not at the clinic, she’s usually coaching young riders at her horse barn, Broken Heart Ranch—or cheering on the Buffs at a CU game (sko Buffs!).
Karen’s favorite part of the job is helping owners feel confident and supported, especially during emotional visits. She believes great care starts with kindness, clear communication, and just the right amount of humor.
Ricque is a Colorado native. She lives on an acreage with her two Great Pyrenees Fezzik and Inigo Montoya (Monty), Two indoor cats Pip and Squeak, Rio the horse, donkeys Rocket, Roxie and Pebbles and numerous barn cats.
Megan has been part of the LSAH family for nearly three years, working at the front desk as a Client Services Representative. She’s one of the friendly voices you’ll hear when you call and one of the first faces to greet you when you walk through our doors. What she loves most about her job is the close-knit, supportive team she gets to work with every day — and, of course, the incredible animals and clients who make every shift meaningful.
Megan is especially passionate about creating a welcoming space for everyone who comes in, whether it’s a routine visit or a more difficult moment. She takes pride in helping people feel seen, supported, and cared for.
Outside of work, Megan shares her life with her wife, Quynn, their cat, Oliver, and their dog, Benny — her soul animals and constant companions. As a little adventure-loving crew, they enjoy paddle boarding, road-tripping, and making memories together wherever they go.
Lisa Mielke is a seasoned professional with a background in Public Health Nutrition & Corporate Health & Wellness, having begun her career with internships at Walt Disney World in Florida and the Tri-County Health Department in Denver. She has held key positions such as Director of the UAACOG W.I.C. Program covering four counties in rural Colorado, and as Wellness Coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging Program in Weld County. Transitioning from Public Health to the corporate sector, Lisa managed health and wellness programs at Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and United Healthcare for Embraer Aircraft in Nashville, Tennessee.
Like many others, Lisa’s career path shifted due to COVID-19, leading her to pursue her passion for working with animals, ultimately guiding her to grooming at PetSmart and serving as Clinic Coordinator for VetIQ in Longmont, CO, and finally to her current role at Longmont Small Animal Hospital.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Lisa enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and their two huskies, Rocky and Appalachia, engaging in activities like hiking, jogging, skiing, biking, and paddle boarding. During downtime, she spends time reading and working on jigsaw puzzles. A dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, she proudly embraces her cheese-head roots from Wisconsin.
Kaylee began working with animals in 2006 at the Humane Society, where her passion for veterinary medicine quickly took root. She went on to earn her Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology in 2009 and has been a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) ever since. With nearly two decades of experience, she brings compassion, skill, and dedication to every patient she cares for.
At home, Kaylee enjoys life with her husband, their daughter, and their three dogs. Outside of work, she loves photography, exploring the mountains, baking sweet treats, and caring for her growing collection of houseplants—even if her green thumb is still a work in progress.
A proud Colorado native, Shannon was born and raised in Arvada, where she still resides today. She graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute in 2013 as a Registered Veterinary Technician and began her career in emergency and critical care. After taking time to grow her family, Shannon joined the team at LSAH in 2018. Since then, she has continued to expand her skills and grow in her role at the hospital, bringing compassion, expertise, and dedication to every patient she cares for.
When she isn’t working, Shannon enjoys camping with her husband, TJ, and their three kids—Chase, Keira, and Owen—curling up with a good book, or spending time with their menagerie of animals. Their home is shared with an Anatolian Shepherd named Winston, a cat named Remmy, an Axolotl, and six lively hens.
Kiersten has been a registered veterinary technician in veterinary medicine since 2012. She attended Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology from 2012 to 2014. Upon graduation in 2014, she became an emergency technician and patient care technician at a specialty hospital. In 2020, she decided to transition over to Urgent Care to help provide exceptional care for animals in need, and that is when she transitioned into a relief technician at Longmont Small Animal Hospital. In 2021, she moved over to Longmont Small Animal Hospital full-time and primarily works at the Longmont Veterinary Urgent Care.
Kiersten has 2 beautiful, loving bully dogs, 2 leopard geckos, and 4 axolotls. Kiersten and her partner have a passion for traveling, camping, and exploring the United States. On her scheduled off days during the summer, she fishes and hikes. During the winter, she likes to stay home in the warmth and play board games with her family.
Kiersten strives to help all animals, big and small. Her passion for animals started as a young child and has never diminished. She continues to provide as much care and support for every animal she cares for.
Colleen is a dedicated registered veterinary technician with a diverse background in mixed animal, emergency and specialty, small animal and exotic medicine. She graduated from Front Range Community College in 2008, where she laid the foundation for her robust career in veterinary medicine, and has honed her skills and found a passion for patient care.
Since joining Longmont Small Animal Hospital in 2020, Colleen has also taken on the role of Inventory Manager. In her role as an Inventory Manager, Colleen ensures that the practice runs smoothly and efficiently. She meticulously oversees the management of medical supplies, ensuring that the veterinary team has the necessary tools and resources to provide top-notch care to their patients.
Colleen’s passion for animals extends beyond her professional life; she lives on a small family ranch where she raises cattle and cares for a variety of animals, including dogs and goats. A proud wife and mother of three, she enjoys sharing her love for animals with her family, especially her favorite—her beloved cows.
Colleen’s extensive knowledge and compassionate approach ensure that every animal receives the highest level of care, reflecting her deep commitment to the veterinary field and the well-being of her furry, winged, scaled, and hoofed patients.
Nicole Follett grew up in England and moved to Colorado in 2013. She graduated from the Community College of Denver with an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology in December of 2017.
She started working at Longmont Small Animal Hospital in November 2017 and is very happy to be spending her first years as a technician learning and growing with such a great team! When not working, she enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, Adam, and their two Boston Terriers, Dave, and Fiona.
Emily grew up in Hamilton, Colorado, on her family ranch, where her love for animals began. While growing up, she was an active 4-H and FFA member, which continued her path of a life working with animals, thus leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She went to school at Colorado Mountain College, where she received her degree in Veterinary Technology and became a certified veterinary technician in 2015. Emily joined the LSAH team in 2023. In her career, Emily has mostly worked in general practice, though at LSAH she works with both urgent care and general practice. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time gardening, camping, and being outdoors with her family, including her Border Collie, Fergus. When she is indoors at home, you will find her doing planty chore with the assistance of her two cats, Jameson and Nessie.
Tashia is one of our registered veterinary technicians. She was born in Missouri but raised largely in Longmont, Colorado. While her dad was in the military, she lived in multiple other locations, including three years in Camden, England. She grew up playing softball, enjoying her time with friends, and spending time volunteering at both The Longmont Humane Society and The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado. In 2017, she graduated from Front Range Community College in Fort Collins with her Associate of Science – Veterinary Technology.
She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have a beautiful daughter named Charlotte. Together, they also care for their four furry children, two cats (Remy and Nani), and two dogs (Dot and Oogie). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, painting, puzzling, and anything that makes her feel crafty. Tashia came to us in 2024 from Boulder Veterinary Hospital, where she spent 7 years working in multiple roles, including lead veterinary technician, inventory manager, and assistant practice manager. She looks forward to continuing her work here at LSAH, and hopes to learn and grow even further in her career as a veterinary technician.
Originally from Kansas, Laura grew up surrounded by cats and dogs, sparking a lifelong love for animals. Although she explored several career paths, her passion for animal care ultimately led her to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). She approaches every patient with the same compassion and respect she gives her own pets, treating them like family.
Anesthesia has been her primary professional focus since the beginning of her career, and since joining the team at LSAH, she has also developed a strong interest in dentistry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their Cairn Terrier mix. She loves running, hiking, reading, and spending time in the mountains.
Crystal joined our team with over a decade of experience in animal care and customer service. She spent 10 years at Banfield Pet Hospital, where she combined her lifelong love of animals with a strong commitment to client care. Before that, she worked in a bakery—an early career path inspired by her culinary training.
Originally from North Carolina, Crystal studied Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry at Johnson & Wales University, later pursuing her passion for animal care through veterinary tech studies at Bel-Rea and Penn Foster. Though she once dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast (and still thinks it would be fun!), her true calling has always been helping animals.
Outside of work, Crystal is a creative spirit who enjoys crafting, hiking, writing, board games, and video games. She loves to travel and has explored much of the U.S., with dreams of visiting Ireland and Scotland someday. She’s also a talented singer with a background in choir from elementary through high school and hopes to join a singing group again.
Crystal shares her home with her beloved dog, Gypsy, and recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary. Her favorite colors include teal, purple, forest green, and black—and she never says no to sushi or ice cream. Her favorite animals include pigs, dogs, and horses.
Born and raised in Colorado, Esmeralda as a young child found love for animals in a small town just a few hours away from Chihuahua, Mexico. “Every summer I would help Grandma in the backyard where chickens, pigs, cats, and turkeys were found. Right across from Grandma’s house was a stall for horses, where I would help my Grandpa feed and care for them. I absolutely loved it and the fact that I tried to keep and care for every roaming dog/cat that I found”.
Caring for animals and being their advocate is what she lives for and what she was meant to do. Nothing warms her heart more than being the person that people trust to take care of their beloved pets. Continuing her education and expanding in all aspects of her career are a top priority for her. When not at work, she spends time with her amazing daughter, Genesis–you might find them out and about looking for new adventures or eating yummy tacos.
Kewdy found her passion for veterinary medicine after witnessing the amazing teamwork and care her pet received after a tragic incident. After the event, Kewdy wanted to become part of a great team supporting clients and their pets. Kewdy enjoys learning new things in veterinary medicine, but she also enjoys educating clients.
During her free time, Kewdy enjoys reading, writing, Pilates, swimming and shopping. Kewdy also enjoys learning languages.
Rae graduated from CSU with a bachelor’s in Zoology in 2021. She has always had a passion for animals. She has been lucky enough to have her passion take her internationally! She had the wonderful experience of interning at a zoo in the Netherlands, while site seeing Europe on her days off. Colorado beckoned her home (one of many places she has called home as a military brat) with its sunshine and mountains. Having been in the field for 5+ years now, Rae has found a special interest in urgent care and emergency care. Rae finds it humbling and so rewarding to help pets and their guardians through difficult medical situations. Rae also enjoys seeing pets for their routine (and not so routine!) general practice visits. If you spot the blue-haired assistant at Longmont Small Animal Hospital and Urgent Care, you’ll know you met Rae.
Tara has over 5 years in the Animal Welfare industry. She enjoyed her time working in shelter medicine and then transitioned into Urgent Care. She is also in her third year of working on her bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Conservation Biology. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and playing video games while snuggling with her two kitties, Loki and Butters.
Maddy has been working as a veterinary assistant for over six years and brings a warm, compassionate presence to every appointment. Her lifelong love for animals and passion for helping them thrive is what led her into the veterinary field.
She enjoys working with both small animals and exotics and always aims to make each visit as comfortable as possible for pets and their people. Maddy believes that maintaining a strong client-patient bond is essential, and she takes the time to listen to concerns while advocating for the best care possible.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Maddy recently made the move to Colorado and is enjoying getting to know her new home. Her own furry (and finned!) family includes two cats, a rabbit, and some fish—all of whom keep her on her toes and remind her daily why she chose this field. Outside of work, she loves reading, gardening, and playing piano.
Sierra grew up in Colorado and started volunteering for LSAH during high school. After graduating from high school, she went to CSU and continued to work at LSAH during her breaks as a kennel assistant. Upon receiving a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2024, she started working full-time at LSAH as an exam room assistant. However, her journey is far from over. Sierra plans to attend veterinary school shortly and hopes to specialize in exotics and/or surgery. Growing up in Boulder County, Sierra has a deep love for the outdoors and the environment, instilled in her from the beginning. In her free time, she prefers to do anything outside, but preferably in the mountains. Otherwise, she is cuddled up at home with her cat Petunia or Black Mexican King Snake Goose, but never both at the same time of course.
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Gigi moved to Colorado for college and quickly fell in love with the mountains. She’s currently studying Integrative Physiology at CU Boulder and serves as Vice President of the pre-vet club, all while working as a Senior Resident Advisor in the dorms.
Gigi joined the team as a veterinary assistant in May 2025, eager to learn from the clinical staff and gain hands-on experience as she works toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian. Currently, she is interested in mixed animal and emergency medicine.
Outside of work and school, Gigi enjoys playing guitar, spending time outdoors, reading, and discovering new coffee shops. She shares her home with her sassy Siamese cat, Junie, who proudly runs the household.
Born and raised in New York, Sikanda discovered a love for animals as a young child in a small town just an hour from Syracuse. Like many kids, he spent his days running around the neighborhood, but he soon developed a special routine—learning when neighbors would let their dogs out so he could greet and play with them.
Today, Sikanda plays an important support role on the team, helping with a variety of tasks to ensure the team can focus on providing the best care for your little ones.
Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym, visiting local breweries, and occasionally hiking. When he’s taking it easy, you’ll likely find him relaxing at home, playing video games, or listening to music
