Dr. J.W. Houchens
Veterinarian/Owner
Dr. Jim Houchens: Dr. Houchens is a native Denverite and the owner of AVH. He purchsed the AVH from his best freind and business partner of 27 years in 2005. Dr. Houchens received his BS degree in Biology and graduated from CSU with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1976. In 1977 he joined the staff of Arvada Veterinary Hospital and became co-owner with Dr. Joel Folk in 1979. Dr. Houchens also earned a BA in psychology in 1997 from Metropolitan State College of Denver where he graduated with honors. He and his wife Sue (an elementary teacher), enjoy traveling, movies, golf, the symphony and family excursions especially with their two grandsons Westin and Dylan. They have 2 cats (Harry and Ellie) and a long haired dachsund (Krystal)
Dr. Rebecca Anderson
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Rebecca Anderson: Dr. Anderson received (with honors) her BS in Animal Science, minoring in Spanish from Kansas State University. She graduated in 2001 from K S U with her doctorate. She joined the staff of AVH in November 2005 after working in mixed animal practice in Nebraska. Her primary professional interests include dentistry, soft tissue surgery and medicine. She and her husband Ken and have a Boston Terrier named Newton, 2 rabbits (Snowball and Deuce) and 2 Percheron horses named Pete and John. She enjoys spending most of her free time with her horses and enjoys cooking, quilting and snowshoeing.
Dr. Kimberly May
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Kimberly May: Dr. May attended Cal Poly in Pomona California and received her B S in Animal Science. She graduated from CSU with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 2003. She completed a rigorous internship at Wheat Ridge Veterinary Hospital. She practiced in the Denver area until February 2009 when she joined AVH. She enjoys getting to know her four legged patients and their humans, internal medicine and learning the latest developments in veterinary medicine. She lives with her husband, 2 dogs (Spike and Macy), 3 cats (George,Henry and Leonard) and 2 fish. She loves playing hockey, reading and traveling.
Dr. Susan Seethaler
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Susan Seethaler: Dr. Seethaler graduated with honors from CSU with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1999 after receiving a mechanical engineering degree from Northern Arizona University. Susan worked in a Longmont small animal practice until she joined the AVH staff in February 2009. She lives in Arvada with her husband and their new son Jace. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, hiking, snowboarding, and gardening. They also share their home with Newman the cat and Clipper the Vizsla.
Dr. Amanda Burdette
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Amanda Burdette: Dr.Burdette recieved her undergraduate degree from Colgate University and was a non-profit lobbyist in Washington before she entered veterinary school. She graduated with honors from CSU with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 2008. She joined AVH in March, 2009 after working with local animal shelters. She lives with her husband and 1yr old daughter in Boulder along with her 2 dogs (Eli and Woody) and 2 cats (George and Moxie). In her free time she enjoys bike riding, cooking and yoga.
Kathy Jennings CVT &Practice Manager: Kathy graduated from CMC in Glenwood Springs in 1980 with an Associates degree in Animal Health. She has worked for 3 other hospitals in the Denver area before finding her home at AVH in 2005. She worked originally as Dr. Houchens nurse until becoming Practice Manager the end of 2007. In an interesting twist of fate, Dr. Houchens was mentored in high school by Kathy's father who was a practicing veterinarian in Arvada. Neither Kathy nor Dr. Houchens knew this until she had worked at AVH for several months. Kathy and her husband are empty nesters after raising 2 daughters. They presently have a greyhound, Bart, they adopted from greyhound rescue.
Cassandra Nothdurft, Receptionist: Cassandra has been a receptionist with AVH since 2008. She worked partime at another veterinary hosptial while attending Colorado Christian University where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Music Ministry. She and her husband share their house with 2 dogs, ( Sienna and Cheyenne) and 2 cats, (Cleo and Tux) which were adopted from local animal shelters.
Cae Rhodes, Receptionist: Cae, a Colorado native, has been working in the veterinary field for the last 17 years. She joined AVH in September 2008. She shares her house with 2 dogs, (Finn and Bennet) and 2 cats,( Isabella and Oliver): all rescues. She belongs to a book club and enjoys reading, watching hockey and doing home improvement and decorating.
Karrol Smith CVT, Receptionist: Karrol is a North Denver native. After 10yrs in an office she became a CVT. She spent 18yrs as a technician in an Arvada clinic before coming to AVH in September 2008. Karrol lives with her husband and has 1 dog,(Anne), 2 cats , (Snickerdoodle and Poodywootz) and 2 birds. She fosters kittens for Lucky Paws Cat Rescue and enjoys hiking, photography and running her dog in agility.
Samantha Autry: Sam has been working with AVH as a veterinary assistant and kennel tech since January 2005. She enjoys working with all of the animals and always takes the time to make sure they are loved, clean and comfortable. She enjoys the unconditional love they give back to her. Sam lives with her 2 daughters (Anna and Sydney), 2 dogs (Jet and Jesse) and 3 cats. She is an invaluable part of the hospital and makes the patients feel at home even when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Maggie Dockter: VT: Maggie graduated in 200o from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She joined AVH in November 2006 where she has found her professional family. Maggies interests are surgery, dentistry, and client communication. She grew up in Colorado Springs and is a native to Colorado. She lives in Golden with her husband and precious daughter. She has 1 dog (Jake), 2 cats (Bandit and Cassidy), a Amazon Parrot and several fish. Maggie loves the outdoors, country music and and spending time with friends and family.
LiLen Lorenzi CVT: Lilen attended Bel-Rea and recieved an AAS. Lilen joined AVH in December of 2006. She enoys spending time with her young daughter and new son. She lives with her husband, a beagle Lola, and a lopped ear bunny named Daisy.
David Meidinger CVT: David has been a member of the AVH team since 2008 after working at several other Denver area veterinary hospitals. He is a member of a local band where he plays bass. He enjoys dealing with clients and dentistry. David lives with 2 dogs (Moose and Mingus), and has several spider friends.
Joan Ermisch CVT: Joan has been in the veterinary filed field for 22 years, graduating in New York. She joined AVH origanally part time and is now working full time. She and her husband love spending time with their 2 children and love to travel in the sun. She has 1 cat Bella that keeps her on her toes on a daily basis.
Shawna Schmidt CVT: Shawna was born in Eugene, OR in 1977. Her family moved to Rapid City were she met her husband and was married in August 1999. They have 2 wonderful children, Alison and Brenden. She moved to Colorado in 2000 and graduated from Bel-Rea in 2002. She was a stay at home mom until 2008 when she re-entered the veterinary field. She joined AVH in September 2008 and loves working here. She loves Colorado and wants to spend the rest of her life here.
Kimberly Durant CVT: Kim was born in Ohio and moved to Colorado in 2001 to attend Bel-Rea Animal Institute . She graduated in 2002 as a CVT. She joined AVH in September 2008. She has been working with animals, including wildlife since 1997. She and her husband live with 4 cats (and 3 dogs (Gizmo, Phoenix and Sheba)that have been rescues, including their newest addition that was brought to the hospital by Arvada Animal Control.
Stephanie Smith CVT: After spending time at a university Stephanie attended Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. Her grandmother always said she had a way with animals so it seemed the perfect fit.While attending Bel-Rea she worked at a large animal clinic, but decided to do her internship in a small animal hospital which she was more suited for. Stephanie graduated in September 2008 and started working at AVH in January 2009 and loves learning on a daily basis. The staff and clients are wonderful but most of all she loves spending time with the patients.
Jack Nelson CVT: Jack is originally from the Chicago area but moved to Colorado to attend Bel-Rea Institute. He has a miniature poodle named Rascal, a salt water reef tank and 12 Boa constrictors. Jack joined AVH in February 2009 as our newest member and loves being a part of the team. He enjoys working with the clients and learning all he can learn.
Lori Brill CVT: Lori is a Bel-Rea graduate and has been a certified veterinary technician since 1997. She then continued on with her education to become a certified veterinary dental technician. When not working she enjoys taking care of her menagerie of animals which consists of 2 dogs (Austin and Emily), 5 cats (Braveheart, Bridgette Jones, Carhart, Lola and Romeo), 2 horses, and 3 goats. She also enjoys playing all types of sports especially hockey and soccer.
Carol Demos CVT: Carol is a Colorado Native and 6th in line of 10 siblings. She has been a veterinary technician since June of 1991. She started working at AVH in the fall of 1992, but now only works part-time on the weekends. Carol and her husband Doug are huge Avalanche fans and currently have 1 four-legged child, a yellow lab named Hejduk.
