Our Staff

As a young child, I knew pretty early in life that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I have always loved animals and my first word as a child was “horse”. I grew up in Gilbert, Arizona where as a child I owned many different kinds of animals. I graduated from the Colorado State University Veterinary Medicine program in 2010. Upon graduation, I settled in Flagstaff so I could escape from the “Big City” of Phoenix and move up to the mountains. Shortly after moving to Flagstaff, I met my husband, Max. We have been very blessed with two sons who keep us very busy.  We enjoy spending time outdoors with our 4 horses and 3 dogs.  I have a special interest in dermatology, dentistry (both small and large animals), ophthalmology, and canine reproduction.

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the world around me, especially relating to biology and medicine. Growing up in South Florida, I spent most of my time outside, playing with the many different animals that my family owned and swimming in the ocean to marvel at the beauty of the many fish I came across. This upbringing naturally led me to a career in veterinary medicine. To reach this dream, I attended Northern Arizona University, where I received by Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I then attended Washington State University and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. My husband and I were drawn back to Flagstaff because of our love of this beautiful little town and its people. Joining the team at CAWC feels like coming home because I worked here as a veterinary technician before attending vet school. Although I enjoy every aspect of veterinary medicine, I am particularly interested in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and dentistry.

My husband and I welcomed our first child in October 2019 and have been enjoying parenthood to the fullest (in spite of the lack of sleep some nights bring!). I refuel by spending time with my husband and son, especially while being outside with my horse, dogs, and cat. I also enjoy baking, reading, and playing violin/piano duets with my husband.

I am excited to grow with a veterinary hospital that shares my core values, beliefs, and commitment to being involved within the community. I look forward to meeting and spending quality time with CAWC clients, while treating their pets with the same attention and love as if they were my own.

I recently moved back to Flagstaff after being gone from home for twenty years!  I grew up in Flagstaff (as Katy Gaither), attended NAU, discovered the fascinating world of veterinary medicine, and then graduated from Colorado State University in 2005.  My husband and two children generously uprooted from the Pacific Northwest to come back to Flagstaff where we’re enjoying the sunny skies, outdoors, and time with grandparents.   I find true joy in getting to know families and their pets while helping them navigate the times of health and sickness.  Providing dental care to dogs and cats is particularly rewarding as we can improve overall quality of life when treating dental disease. I also enjoy caring for our giant breed dogs and their special needs.  

I am from Arizona, started my college career in New York, and finished it at NAU with my B.S. in Biology. I was a technician in pre-clinical research for about a year before moving into veterinary medicine as a technician which I have been doing for 4 years now. I plan to continue working as a technician with the goal of going to vet school. I grew up with dogs and now have 3 of my own and a cat who means the world to me.

In my off time I love doing anything outdoors, especially long backpacking/fishing trips, swimming, water polo, biking, and hanging out with my wonderful fiancé, my brothers, and my pets.

From a young age, I was immersed in the culture of taking care of animals as my own mom was a veterinary technician. I have always been a lover of animals but really enjoyed the idea of being part of a team that has the ability to help them. When I’m not enjoying the good furry company at work, I love hiking and listening to good music. I love being a part of the Flagstaff community and most of all caring for their furry best friends. 

My post-secondary education began as a pre-veterinary major, but I was swayed to the side of ecology prior to graduating with my B.S. in Biology. I had an amazing career working in plant conservation and as a fungal ecologist but, I am overjoyed to finally be working in my new career as veterinary technician. I feel like I have come full circle! I began my two-year Associates degree program to become a certified Vet Tech in February 2022 and started with CAWC the following June.

When not working or studying, I enjoy raising my two teenage boys with my husband, hanging out with friends, skiing and hiking, and of course spending time with my fur babies, which include two happy horses, three loveable Labradors, and one cuddly cat.

I love people and I love animals! I found a wonderful profession that includes both. I have deep empathy for pet owners going through all sorts of moments with their pets, whether it is joy or pain, I find helping them truly fulfilling. I feel lucky to be a part of a team with outstanding people and a community with amazing pets.

When I am not working at the clinic, I am an artist who creates paintings and jewelry while hanging out with my cat Usagi.