OUR VETERINARIANS

Dr. Jessa Kocher, owner

Enneagram 2w3, ENFP/J, manifestor, Ravenclaw

 Dr. Jessa Kocher grew up in a small town in Illinois.  She attended the University of Illinois and graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.  Dr. Kocher practiced at a progressive small animal hospital in North Carolina for a year after graduation before her love of the mountains prompted her to move across the country to Colorado in 2012.  She practiced and acted as Medical Director at a Colorado Springs privately owned practice that sold corporately during her 7-year tenure.  Corporate practice was not a good fit for her professionally, and thus her entrepreneurial dreams of owning her own hospital began!

Professionally, Dr. Kocher considers herself a generalist with a special interest in internal medicine, ultrasonography, soft-tissue surgery, and dentistry.  She loves solving puzzles and enjoys challenging medical cases.  Being thorough in both her preventative medicine and diagnostic approaches is important to her in order to ensure that our clients’ pets get the very best medical care.  “Becoming a veterinarian for me was a lifelong goal.  I grew up loving science and medicine, and I love that as a veterinarian I get to be a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, an ophthalmologist, a dentist, an internist, an infectious disease specialist, a pharmacist, a dermatologist, etc but also focus on preventative care and work closely with clients to help their pets live long, healthy lives!” 

Outside of her work life, Dr. Kocher enjoys spending time in beautiful Colorado with her husband (Brandon), son (Elijah), and daughter (Aria) – all of whom you will likely meet helping out around the clinic!  In her spare time she enjoys reading, yoga, riding her Peloton, collecting and propagating houseplants, downhill skiing, jamming to Taylor Swift with her windows down, photography, and pouring into the community through The Success Collective.  Her family loves hiking, camping, and exploring the mountains.  At home she has two Australian Shepherds (Lyra and Khaleesi) and two cats (Gandalf the Grey Wizard and Coffee the Kitten).

Dr. Kocher values service focused on deep connections and giving back to clients, patients, staff, and community.  She can’t wait to meet you and your furry family members! To contact Dr. Kocher: drjessakocher@foxrunvethospital.com

Dr. Kristen Hehn, Medical director

ENNEAGRAM 1W2, ISFJ

Dr. Kristen Hehn grew up in a small town in Eastern Montana on a farm/ranch where her love for animals started working cattle. She started her career in veterinary medicine getting her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Montana State University. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 2006. In veterinary school she found her passion for small animal medicine and decided she was better suited for this, rather than large animal medicine. After graduation she returned to the Montana and North Dakota area where she practiced and owned her own clinic for a few years. She then decided she was ready for a new adventure and found herself headed to Colorado, where she has been ever since. She worked at a small animal practice in Colorado Springs for 13.5 years before deciding it was time for a change and that she wanted to practice in Monument, the community she calls home.

Dr. Hehn enjoys all facets of practice, but especially challenging medical cases, soft tissue surgery and dentistry. She enjoys getting to know her patients and their families in order to provide the best care suited for them.

Outside of work she enjoys exploring the beautiful Colorado outdoors with her husband, (Ryan), two daughters (Payton and Sophia) and their mini golden doodle (Tana). They enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and seeing many sites of Colorado on their ATV. Dr. Hehn also enjoys riding her Peloton and watching her girls in their many activities: volleyball, swimming, soccer, gymnastics and helping in their classrooms at school.

Dr. Hehn is excited to join the team at Fox Run and to get back to a more small-town clinic and helping those in her own community. She looks forward to getting to know clients and patients in Monument and to providing exceptional veterinary care to each patient she meets. To contact Dr. Hehn: drkristenhehn@foxrunvethospital.com

Dr. Pegeen Henry

ENNEAGRAM 2

Dr. Pegeen Henry is originally from California and lived there most of her life (though she did spend a couple years living in Boulder when she was a young child)!  She moved to Monument, Colorado in the summer of 2023 when her husband retired to be close to family. She went to undergrad at the University of California in San Diego and then to veterinary school at the University of California in Davis where she graduated in 1993.

Right out of veterinary school she practiced mixed and large animal medicine for a few years before shifting her focus to small animal medicine.  Her favorite part of her job is supporting the human animal bond by supporting both the physical and mental well-being of her patients. She also loves working with working dogs (police dogs, seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs, military dogs, etc.). 

She shares a home with her husband Doug and her daughter Shannon.  Her son Nathan is in college in New York.  For years her family has raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind and they are currently training puppy number eleven.  She has two retired guide-dog Labrador Retrievers – Vincenzo (yellow) and King (black).  She also has three cats (Crystal, Steve and Cheeto) and a Quarter horse named Sonny. She bred Sonny’s mom and Sonny was actually born at her house!  In her free time she enjoys hiking and exploring Colorado, riding her horse, and quilting.

Dr. kaleigh katzer

ENNEAGRAM 6, ISTJ

Dr. Kaleigh Katzer is a native of Colorado and grew up in Highlands Ranch. She attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins for both her Bachelors of Science and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, which she obtained in May of 2024. Throughout her time as a veterinary technician and throughout veterinary school, Dr. Katzer has cultivated a passion for preventative medicine and dentistry and is excited to step into her role as veterinarian. She cherishes the opportunity to collaborate closely with pet owners, equipping them with the knowledge to foster their pets' well-being and fortify the bond between humans and animals. She is excited to join the Fox Run Veterinary Hospital family and is thrilled to be mentored by Dr. Kocher, Dr. Hehn, and Dr. Henry. 

Outside of her work life, Dr. Katzer loves exploring Colorado's natural beauty. She spends her weekends finding new hiking trails and exploring our local lakes on paddleboarding adventures.  Her faithful black Labrador, Bodhi, accompanies her on many of these adventures. During quiet evenings at home, she loves a good jigsaw puzzle, listening to music, and watching movies. As an admirer of life's (and veterinary medicine’s) unpredictability, Dr. Katzer loves the quote, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.” which reminds her daily to embrace each moment and make the best of what life throws at you.

Dr. Katzer epitomizes a blend of professional excellence, compassionate care, growth mindedness, and attention to detail. We are so excited to have her as part of the team and know she will make a lasting impact in the lives of both pets and their devoted owners in our community! To contact Dr. Katzer: drkaleighkatzer@foxrunvethospital.com

Dr. Nicole Robarge

Dr. Nicole Robarge grew up in Indianapolis, IN. She attended Wittenberg University for her undergraduate studies and, after working at the Indiana Board of Animal Health, graduated from Purdue University with her DVM in 2007. Following graduation, Dr. Robarge practiced at a small animal hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, before embarking on a global journey as a military spouse, continuing her veterinary practice in locations such as Aviano, Italy, and Arlington, VA. After 17 years of moving around the world, she and her family settled in Monument, CO, in 2021.

Driven by her passion for helping both animals and people, Dr. Robarge prioritizes creative problem solving to ensure families maintain the health and emotional bonds with their pets. She has a special interest in behavior, pain management, and geriatric care.

Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Robarge enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Tyler, and their three children, Leah, Alex, and Tessa. Her family engages in camping with scouts and attending volleyball and basketball games, theater performances, and numerous band concerts. She loves to travel whenever possible, but also finds joy in reading mysteries, cooking, and hiking. At home, the family shares their lives with a black lab mix named Cady.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Robarge as part of our team, where her passion for client communication and thorough patient care will undoubtedly enhance the experience for our clients and their beloved pets. To contact Dr. Robarge: drnicolerobarge@foxrunvethospital.com

Dr. Shelly RODEWALD

Dr. Shelly Rodewald grew up in a military family, giving her the unique opportunity to live all over the United States, as well as in Germany and Japan. When her father retired in Colorado, she fell in love with the stunning mountains and the variety of outdoor activities they offered.

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Program in 2001 and quickly found her passion in emergency medicine. However, after a few years, Dr. Rodewald sought deeper, long-term relationships with pet owners and transitioned to general practice, with a focus on internal medicine. She thrives on the complex challenges presented in this field, enjoying the mental puzzles that come with diagnosing and treating her patients.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Rodewald enjoys adventurous activities with her husband, such as scuba diving, skydiving, archery, and hiking. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, she finds joy in quieter pursuits, including reading mystery novels and playing the clarinet.

Dr. Rodewald lives with her husband, their teenagers, and a lively menagerie that includes five rescue dogs, two turtles, a bearded dragon, and one opinionated elderly cat.

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Rodewald to our team! We look forward to her wisdom and calm way of connecting with both clients and staff, qualities that we believe will greatly enhance our practice and foster a supportive environment for everyone involved.

OUR TRAVELING SPECIALISTS

Dr. Edmund Leigh, DVM, DAVCR

Board Certified radiologist and ultrasonographer

Dr. Leigh began his career as a geologist working on civil engineering projects in Vermont and Colorado, eventually making his way to Alaska exploring for gold. After several years, he returned to school to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, earning his DVM with honors from Colorado State University in 2001, then completing a one year internship in small-animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.

Dr. Leigh returned to Colorado and practiced small-animal medicine in the Denver area for two years before being accepted into the radiology residency program at North Carolina State University. After completing his residency training, he became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 2007.

Dr. Leigh worked as a veterinary radiologist in Raleigh, North Carolina, before moving back to Colorado in 2008. His professional interests include small-animal abdominal and musculoskeletal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine.

Dr. Leigh lives in Palmer Lake with his wife and son. He also shares his home with a Labrador retriever, a border collie mix, and a geriatric cat. When not working, he enjoys time with his family, mountain biking, skiing and hiking.

*Dr. Leigh visits our hospital weekly to perform ultrasounds, mainly on Thursdays.*

Dr. Jen Swiderski, DVM, MS, DAVCS

Board Certified SURGEON

Dr. Swiderski is our MOVES veterinary surgery partner in the Colorado Springs area. She is available to perform advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries at Fox Run Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Swiderski earned her BS in biology in California, then moved to Colorado and earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University Veterinary School in 2002. She returned to California for an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital in 2003. Following her internship, Dr. Swiderski returned to Fort Collins, Colorado to be a surgery resident at Colorado State University. She completed a three-year residency in small animal surgery and also earned an M.S. in Clinical Sciences. Dr. Swiderski achieved board-certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2008. Some of her current research interests include oncologic surgery and minimally invasive surgery. When not working with rescue groups and performing surgeries, Jen enjoys spending time with her two children.

Dr. DUSTIN DEVINE, DVM, MS, DAVCS

Board Certified SURGEON

Dr. Devine, a veterinary surgeon, has been engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery for over 17 years.  A 2002 graduate from Oklahoma State University CVM, he aspired to become a surgeon to have a “hands on” approach to bettering the lives of animals.  In 2007, Dustin became board certified in ACVS and completed the Masters of Science with an emphasis in comparative orthopedics and minimally invasive surgery.  From there, he was employed at the university level for 9 years (Assistant Professor of Surgery for 3 of those years) and in a private equine referral center for over 5 years providing all elective procedures for a 20+ doctor practice.  Having had the privilege to operate on some of the finest equine athletes in the world, he now limits his practice to companion animal surgery. 

In 2016, Dr. Devine made the decision to start his own freelance surgical service with the goal of providing advanced surgical expertise withing primary veterinary clinics.  His goals are to “bridge the gap,” offer an alternative to surgical referral and make advanced surgical options more affordable benefitting more animals in need.  Dustin truly values the continuity of care and the involvement of the regular daytime veterinarian.  Dr. Devine’s professional interests include minimally invasive surgery, orthopedics, and pain control, but what he enjoys the most about his profession is the opportunity to have helped countless four-legged family members return to normal lives.  When not pursuing his passion for surgery and your pet’s wellbeing, Dr. Devine is an avid musician and outdoor enthusiast.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Isabel, VA

Lead Technician Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

Enneagram 9w1, PROJECTOR, RAVENCLAW

Isabel has worked in the veterinary industry since Fox Run Vet Hospital opened in August of 2020 when she started as a Friday volunteer. We decided to hire her because she is such a hard worker, so sweet with our patients and clients, and so motivated to learn more about the veterinary industry. Currently, she has taken on the role of volunteer program coordinator at Fox Run and helps guide and train our summer volunteers. She also recently was promoted to Lead Technician Assistant and helps train our new tech assistants and develop protocols to help with efficiency and flow within these employees. Her goal is to become a certified veterinary technician when she is finished with high school. Her favorite part of her job is getting to spend time each week hanging out with our team and learning new things about veterinary medicine each day.

A quote Isabel tries to live by is “If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you will never have enough.”

She shares her home with Ranger, a Border Collie and Australian Shepherd mix and Annie, a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix. In her spare time she enjoys sewing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Something that most people do not know about Isabel is that she is a huge fan of the Hunger Games!

CORY, pRVT

INVENTORY MANAGER

ENNEAGRAM 2W1, INFJ, Generator, Hufflepuff

Cory has been working in the veterinary field since 2020.  He worked as a technician assistant at a local small animal hospital before joining the Fox Run Vet team in February of 2022.  He is actively pursuing his RVT license via the experiential pathway. He also works parttime at Animal ER Care off of North Nevada to gain experience in the ER world which has been great for patient continuity of care when patients have had to be transferred to the ER from Fox Run. His favorite part of his job is giving each patient extra snuggles when they are away from their owners and bringing empathy and care to each client and patient that walks through the door. He strives daily to communicate well and kindly, especially when clients are stressed about their beloved pet. He also loves learning more about surgery and anesthesia and continues to further build his skills in these areas. 

Cory shares his home with Kirby and DeeDee – two Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog Mixes.In his spare time he enjoys playing the drums and singing, playing video games, and napping. His favorite quote is “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Something that most people do not know about Cory is that his end goal in his career is to become a veterinarian.

KRIS, CVA

Catmosphere hotel manager

ENNEAGRAM 9w1, ISFJ, Generator

Kris started working in the veterinary field in 2023 when he joined our team here at Fox Run Vet Hospital, but he has been working with animals all his life. Kris grew up helping his grandparents on their farm and has always been around animals in his home. Up until this point most of his animal experience has been caring for farm animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, and llamas. Kris is a certified veterinary assistant and is currently attending Penn Foster to acquire his associates in Veterinary Technology. He expects to graduate by 2024. His favorite part of his job is getting to love on all the fur babies when they come in! 

Kris was born in Portland, Maine before moving to Texas in middle school. After high school he moved back to Maine and was there until he moved to Colorado this year. Kris lives with his girlfriend Crysta, his stepson Tegan, along with 6 pets: a Collie (Eliza), 4 cats (Kyla, Izabella, Baby, and Olivia Grace) and a Guinea Pig (Theodore). 

In his spare time Kris enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, and playing video games. His favorite quote is by Dr. Seuss "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  A secret goal that most people do not know Kris has is for him to one day be able to take in elderly pups and give them a loving home.

RAJANI, pRVT

LEAD ROOM TECHNICIAN

ENNEAGram 1w2

Rajani has been working in the veterinary field since 2017 when she joined a hospital in Minnesota as a veterinary assistant. Throughout her years with this hospital she worked her way up to being the lead out-patient technician.  She made her way to Colorado in 2023 and joined the Fox Run Veterinary Hospital team in June of 2023.  Rajani’s favorite part of her job is working with difficult behavior patients (especially cats!) and educating clients on how to provide the very best care for their furry family members. 

She was born and raised in Minneapolis where she lived until 2012 when she moved to Washington for college. After earning a degree in Zoology in 2015 she moved to Colorado Spring for 2 years before moving back to Minnesota. She moved back to Colorado Springs in 2023 and is settling in with her husband (Brayden), her cat (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Bader”) and her Bearded Dragon (Stella).  In her free time she enjoys hiking, skiing, fishing and spending time with her cat (and sometimes her husband!). One thing that most people don’t know about her is that she is adopted!

EMILY, VA

LEAD CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ENNEAGRAM 2, ESFJ, Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff

Emily started working in the veterinary field in 2018 when she started pursuing a license in wildlife rehabilitation. Emily is the volunteer coordinator and a wildlife rehabilitator for the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance and has some really amazing goals for wildlife rehabilitiation in the Colorado Springs area.  She is about to start school in May 2024 for her associates in Veterinary Technology through PIMA to continue to gain skills in her chosen career path. She joined the Fox Run Vet team in March of 2022.  Her favorite part of her job is simply working and interacting with all of our adorable patients. 

Emily was born and raised in Ohio and lived in Virginia and Washington before moving to Colorado. She shares her home with her husband (Jacob), daughter (Sienna), cat (Willow), and crested gecko (Astrid). In her spare time Emily enjoys going bird watching and volunteering with Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance. Her favorite quote is, "You do not wake up and become the butterfly - growth is a process" by Rupi Kaur. One thing most people don't know about her is that she once climbed the Ben Nevis in Scotland!

Ashley, RVT

LEAD SURGERY TECHNICIAN

ENNEagram 1w2, ENFJ, Manifesting Generator, Ravenclaw

Ashley joined the veterinary industry as a certified veterinary assistant in 2015 and moved to Florida from Connecticut at that time to have more opportunities in the field. She took a break from the field shortly after when she enlisted into the Army where her MOS was 68x: a mental health specialist. She rejoined the field when she became a civilian again and was trained to be a veterinary technician! She became a certified technician here in Colorado in 2023. Her favorite part of her job is dentistry! She loves feeling like she’s helping the animal in a tangible way because she’s cleaning the teeth and doing a huge thing to impact their health in the long run! She loves dental radiographs because nothing is ever as it seems on the outside!

She shares her home with her boyfriend of five years, Billy, and their four dogs: Bentley, Clover, Dynamite, and Eskel and 24 chickens!  In her free time Ashley enjoys doing anything artsy, whether it's drawing, dancing, singing, sewing, building, etc! She enjoys watching anime and playing cute games like Pokémon! If she’s not doing one of these things then she’s typically hanging out with her boys or her chickens or is in the kitchen baking! A quote that she lives by is, “Float like a butterfree, sting like a beedrill!” And something that most people don't know about her is that she has a hobby where she does "Paint Your Pet" style pet portraits! She also draws portraits for rescues/shelters if they want one to go home with the pet or for fundraising.

Laurie, SHRM-CP

Hospital manager, Human Resources

Enneagram 9w1, ESTJ, manifesting generator

Laurie is a seasoned professional whose journey into the veterinary industry began with a background in law enforcement and school security, spanning back to 1993. In August 2021, Laurie transitioned seamlessly into the role of Director of Human Resources at a local emergency hospital, drawn by her innate ability to foster positive workplace culture and empower her colleagues. Her dedication to the field led her to pursue a Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management from Penn Foster, solidifying her commitment to the industry she loves.  She recently also obtained her SHRM-CP certification for her excellence in human resources. 

In 2024, Laurie founded West Coast Veterinary Culture Consulting, a venture born from her passion for enhancing workplace environments within veterinary practices. Starting with us as a remote HR and culture consultant, Laurie's impact was immediately felt, influencing day-to-day operations and becoming an integral part of our team. Over time, her role expanded, and Laurie seamlessly transitioned into a Practice Manager position when she moved back to Colorado, where her leadership continues to drive growth and success. A quote she strives to live by is, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Laurie finds joy in her personal life surrounded by her wife Lori and their cherished pets—Enzo (a German Shepherd), Henry (a Goldendoodle), Theodore (a hound mix), and Sue (the cat!). She is also the mother to three adult children who work all over the United States, and she is so proud of them.  An avid enthusiast of outdoor activities such as running, biking, and hiking, Laurie also has a fondness for Peloton workouts and exploring culinary delights. Her passion for crossword puzzles adds a delightful dimension to her multifaceted personality.

Sara, RVT

Team supervisor

ENNEagram 2w3, ISFJ, ManifestOR, HUFFLEPUFF

Sara has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007!  She has a deep-rooted passion for veterinary medicine and cannot imagine doing anything else with her life.  While many may assume that playing with puppies and kittens is Sara's favorite part of her job, her true passion lies in being an advocate for her patients. This commitment to ensuring the well-being and happiness of every animal under her care is admirable and appreciated by every client she meets. At Fox Run she is our Team Supervisor and her job responsibilities include developing hospital protocols, working alongside our team leads to train staff, working with our hospital manager on human resources, and overseeing our mentorship program.

At home, Sara shares her space with two lively short cow dogs, Bexley, a spirited Dachshund/Corgi/Aussie mix, who reigns as the queen of the house, and Paxton, a charming Corgi/Hanging Tree mix. Adding to the mix are two feisty felines, Dabby and Ruca. But that's not all - Sara's pride and joys are her two blonde horses, Finley and Nash, alongside the spirited duo of bucking bulls, Gunner and Zephyr, and the mischievous pair of goats, Nova Jean and Blanche.

In her spare time, Sara enjoys the exhilaration of barrel racing, her favorite pastime. However, her love for riding horses extends beyond the arena, as it's an integral part of her life. When she's not in the saddle, Sara enjoys indulging her creative side through crafting and her adventurous side through hiking.  A quote she lives by is, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Something that most people do not know about Sara is that she is obsessed with Dachshunds.

OUR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

Rebekah, RVT

ENNEAGRAM 9W1, Isfp/istp

Rebekah has worked in the veterinary industry since 2008 when she volunteered at a local veterinary hospital to learn about the industry.  She went on to obtain her Bachelors in Biology at UCCS in 2013 and then graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology in Denver in 2018.  She became a certified veterinary technician in January of 2019.  Her favorite part of being a veterinary technician is figuring out difficult cases and working with senior patients to provide them a high quality of life as they age.  She is also very passionate about client education and partnering with clients to make sure their pet is getting the best care.

She was born in North Dakota, but raised (mainly!) in Colorado – she moved around a lot when she was younger because her dad was in the military but she has lived in Monument for the past 19 years.  A quote that she tries to live by is, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to decide to be happy!”

She shares her home with a Boxer/Staffordshire Terrier Mix named Sasha. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking Sasha, trying new restaurants, Zumba, and strength training (she’s up to 105 pounds on her deadlift – heck yea!). She is also a student at Asbury Theological Seminary studying Spiritual Formation. Something that most people do not know about Rebekah is that she lived in Romania for a month!

JILL, RVT

Jill has been working in the veterinary industry since 1988. She obtained her associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Bel Rea Institute. After graduation from technician school she started working at a clinic in Colorado Springs.  Three years later she met her husband when he brought in his sick puppy to her clinic – and the rest is history! They moved quite frequently due to his military career and at each new location she would find work in the veterinary field. Finally, after 12 years of service her husband was medically discharged and they made their way back to Colorado in 2002.  The clinic she had initially worked at hired her back and she still works there today.  She tried to retire but she has such a love for animals and the industry and she missed her team so she now works parttime. This love for her team is what brought her to Fox Run Vet Hospital.  She has worked with Dr. Hehn for twelve years and when Dr. Hehn moved to the Fox Run team in June 2022 she missed her dearly. Jill now works for Fox Run one day a week helping Dr. Hehn on her surgery days. 

Jill lives with her husband, Cameron, and their three rescue dogs: Elmo (a tripod), Navi (a Brussel Griffon), and Detergent (a Papillion, ask her the story of how he got his name if you ever meet her!).  She has three grown children – Nate, Emily, and Claire. In her spare time Jill raises backyard chickens (she’s an urban farmer), gardens, walks her dogs, and does yoga.  Words she lives by are, “Olive you” and she loves to spread love and cheer wherever she goes!

Julia, pRVT

GRYFFINDOR

Julia has worked in the veterinary industry since 2015 when she obtained her certified veterinary assistant license.  Since then she has worked in both shelter medicine and general practice.  Her favorite part of her job is being an advocate for animals and their families to ensure that they receive the very best care. 

She is originally from Virginia but has moved a lot being part of a military family.  Now her family has settled and she is super-duper excited to call Colorado her home. She shares her home with her husband, her two kids, two dogs (Nina and Bruce), and her tortoise (April). In her free times she enjoys spending time with her family, napping, hiking with her dogs, and snuggling her tortoise. Her guilty pleasure is watching reality TV shows. Something that most people do not know about Julia is that she loves collecting fuzzy socks.

KENZIE, pRVT

ENNEAGram 1w2

Mackenzie has been in the veterinary industry since 2020 when she went to veterinary technician school at Apex College of Veterinary Technology.  She has worked in general practice since then. She joined the Fox Run Veterinary Hospital team in February of 2024.  Her favorite part of her job is working with our amazing clients to help give their pets the very best of care.

She shares her home with her wife Kristina, her cats (Mozzy and Mushu Pork), and her dog (Maikah).  In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching movies, painting, and playing video games. Something most people do not know about Kenzie is that she has two foster children.

Nik, RVT

ENNEAGram 3w2, ENFP, Projector, hufflepuff

Nik has been working in the veterinary industry since 2013.  He started as a kennel technician and has moved his way up to registered veterinary technician (RVT).  He worked for six years in general practice and then moved to emergency medicine for the last five years.  He joined the Fox Run Vet Hospital team in April 2024 and is excited to dip his toes back into general practice medicine parttime while continuing to work weekend shifts at Animal ER Care off of North Nevada.  His favorite part of his job is meeting new people and pets from all walks of life. 

Nik is originally from Houston, TX and moved here in 2021.  He grew up playing baseball and BMX biking.  In his spare time he enjoys photography, working on cars, fishing, cooking, and video games (when he has time!).  Nik shares his home with his four black and white pets: his Boston Terrier (Bean), his small Rottweiler mix (Lucky) and his two cats (Gambit and Domino).  A quote he lives by is, “Life goes on whether you are present or not, so be present!”  Something that most people do not know about Nik is that he is full of entrepreneurial ideas and aspirations to improve the veterinary industry!

Lauren, pRVT

Lauren joined the Fox Run Vet Hospital team in September 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the veterinary field. She has worked in the field since 2018. She earned her degree as a Veterinary Technician from the Community College of Denver and has worked in various settings, including small animal practices, emergency care, and behavioral veterinary clinics in Denver.

A Denver native, Lauren pursued her education in Missoula, Montana, before returning to her hometown to follow her passion for animal care. Recently, she relocated to Colorado Springs with her beloved Dalmatian, Oaken. Together, they enjoy exploring the great outdoors and discovering new dining spots in the area.

Lauren is excited to meet clients and their furry companions, and she has a special fondness for otters, admiring their playful nature and the way they hold hands while floating in the ocean.

OUR TECHNICIAN ASSISTANTS

LAURYN, CVA

ENNEAGRAM 2W3, ESFJ

Lauryn has worked in the veterinary field since 2017 when she started out as a kennel technician at a boarding facility in Parker, CO.  She graduated as a certified veterinary assistant from Pickens Technical College in 2019.  She joined the Fox Run Vet Hospital family in March of 2022.  Her favorite part of her job is being able to care for clients' pets as if they were her own so that owners can rest assured their pet is being cared for with love and compassion.  

Lauryn is a native to Colorado and was born and grew up in Parker. Lauryn shares her home with her Husky mix, Bonnie, and her fiancé, Andrew. She recently moved to Colorado Springs with her fiancé to be closer to family.  In her free time Lauryn enjoys spending time with family, taking her Husky mix Bonnie on long walks, and hiking with her fiancé and dogs.  

Her favorite quote is, “If it is meant to be it will all work out!” but if she could choose words to live by it would be, “Just keep swimming!”  One thing most people don’t know about Lauryn is that growing up she always shared her home with a loving Golden Retriever, and the breed will always hold a special place in her heart.

Tallula, VA

ENNEAGRAM 3W2, ENFJ, manifesting generator, gryffindor

Tallula started working in the veterinary industry in August of 2023.  After working as a weekly volunteer for six months at Fox Run Veterinary Hospital, Tallula was hired in January 2024 as a part time employee. We hired her because she was very dedicated to her volunteer position, is a hard worker, learns fast, and above all she is very kind and considerate with patients and clients. Her favorite parts of her job are learning new things every day, caring for patients, and watching surgeries. 

A motto Tallula tries to live by is “Mindset is everything!”  She shares her home with Roxy (a German Wired Hair Pointer), Arwen (a Saint Bernedoodle), and two Golden Doodles (London and Finnegan). 

In Tallula’s spare time she enjoys crocheting, traveling, binge watching Gilmore Girls, and hanging out with her dogs! She was born and raised in the Tri-Lakes area and is currently loving living with her family on their 5 acres. Something that most people don’t know about Tallula is that her cousin is Isabel, who has worked at Fox Run since they opened in 2020!

PERCY, CVA

Enneagram 8w7, INFP, Manifestor, SLYTHERIN

Percy has been passionate about veterinary medicine and animals since he was a child, but he made a few wrong turns in his schooling and career choices before circling back around and starting school to become a certified veterinary assistant in 2022. He is excited to continue to grow his career in the veterinary industry and advance his skills.  His favorite part of working as a CVA is knowing that he is making even a small difference in the lives of every person and pet that he helps, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.   

He lives in Colorado Springs with his mom, dad, and sister.  He has two black cats named Cinder and Citrine, one tuxedo cat named Obsidian, and a Chihuahua mix named Sadie. His fiancé has a tortoiseshell cat named Red and a Blue Heeler/Border Collie mix named Afton so they are his honorary children.  In his free time he enjoys playing video games, singing, creating art, and hiking.  He has two favorite quotes that he lives by. The first is from Leonardo da Vinci who said, “Nature is the source of all true knowledge.”  The second is from Richard Branson who said “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over.”  Something that most people do not know about Percy is that watching Bluey and Studio Ghibli movies are his guilty pleasure.

Elizabeth, BS, VA

Enneagram 6, ravenclaw

Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of Oregon and is now preparing to further her career in veterinary medicine by enrolling in the Veterinary Technician program at Pikes Peak State College in Fall 2025. With aspirations of eventually attending veterinary school to specialize as an aquatic or zoo veterinarian, Elizabeth’s dedication to animal care is evident in her diverse experiences and passion for the field.  Elizabeth started at Fox Run Veterinary Hospital as a summer volunteer in June of 2024 and by the end of the summer transitioned to a parttime employee.

Born and raised in Michigan and having moved to Colorado for high school, Elizabeth’s journey has also taken her to Hawaii and Oregon, enriching her background and perspective. At home, she shares her life with Ruby, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Jake, a rescue miniature Australian Shepherd; and Cosmo, a Siamese cat.

Elizabeth actively volunteers at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in the Australia exhibit, where she works with reptiles and wallabies, and balances this with two part-time jobs. Her favorite quote, “just keep swimming,” is tattooed on her wrist as a personal reminder to stay resilient and keep moving forward through life’s challenges.

A unique aspect of Elizabeth’s background is her Finnish heritage and her memorable five-month residence in Finland. Her blend of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine love for animals make her a valuable addition to our team.

OUR MASCOT

LOUIS LIZARD VUITTON

Birthday: January 1, 2022

Instagram handle: @louislizardvuitton

Enneagram 7w8, ENFP

Louis is a Fancy Bearded Dragon who was adopted by Fox Run Vet Hospital on February 2nd, 2022. Louis loves to spend his time basking in the sun, eating Dubia roaches, exploring the clinic, and cuddling with his family. Louis plans to grow into the most handsome Bearded Dragon ever and become a famous Instagram influencer. Louis' favorite artist is Taylor Swift and he can often be found lounging in the Lizard Lounge in treatment jamming out with the staff. Louis' favorite quote is “Livin’ life on the edge!” and he strives to have a new adventure each day!