Meet the Team

Kate joined our team in 2008. As a child, she set her mind on the veterinary field and often doctored or raised any animals she could find.  At IVH she started out volunteering; helping the technician staff. Although she is our manager, she is often found helping with avian and reproductive services. She loves being around animals and interacting with clients and pets. She enjoys the variety of animals she gets to see each day.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, dog, and birds. Falconry has been a cornerstone in her life, as she has been practicing it from her first steps. Her favorite animal is, of course, the falcon.

Employee Name: Kate

What is your favorite hobby?       Falconry, Fishing and Gaming

What are your passions and values professionally?   Helping people, learning new things and kindness in all things

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives? Someone to lean on, talk to and be there for them

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?    Practice manager

What makes you unique in your profession?   While some days are difficult, I am one of the lucky ones that gets to say that I love my job.

What do you get most excited about doing at work? Having in depth, meaningful conversations that make a difference in someone’s day

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why? Falcon – Doesn’t really care for the limelight, would prefer to watch from afar, but will fiercely protect those around it that are part of its group.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I grew up with birds of prey, from the time I could remember.  I thought it was just normal.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?   Trustworthy, compassionate, protective

In loving memory of our dear Cora Downs

Cora joined our team in April, 2003. She works as an assistant. She had previously been a volunteer for veterinary hospitals before joining the crew at IVH. She really enjoys caring for the patients and the boarding animals, making sure that they get lots of attention. Outside of work Cora enjoys crossword puzzles, playing board games and cards with friends, and working out in her yard. She can’t choose a favorite animal, she loves them all; but she will admit she’s partial to cats.  

Employee Name:  Cora Downs

What is your favorite hobby?     Crossword Puzzles

What are your passions and values professionally?  Give more than is expected

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?            Caring for patients, help/allow clients to visit patients on the weekends.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement? Being chosen to work at Idaho Veterinary Hospital

What makes you unique in your profession?  Nothing Special, just still like doing the same work with animals after 19 years.

What do you get most excited about doing at work?  Helping with the recovery of hospitalized patients and then seeing them reunited with their owners.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?              I don’t know

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting? I love chocolate

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you? MEOW, WOOF, BARK!

Jen began working with IVH’s Reception team in 2014 and then became one of our wonderful Exam Room Technicians in 2017.  She loves seeing the different personalities of every pet that comes in, and all of the new things she learns every day! Her favorite animal is the German Shepherd; they are beautiful, loyal and strong.

Outside of work, Jen enjoys camping, snowboarding, taking road trips and relaxing with friends and family!

Employee Name: Jen Webster

What is your favorite hobby? Relaxing with friends and family- playing board games, hiking, watching movies, and letting the dog go crazy with each other

What are your passions and values professionally? My passions in this profession are Urgent Care, Emergency, and Surgery. I love when a hard case comes in and then goes home better, shows all my hard work is worth it.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives? For our patients I want to be their “voice” or a advocate for their health and well being.

For our clients I want to be friend, someone they can trust and rely on. I also want to be a teacher and show them the best ways to care for their pets.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement? I’m very proud of the skill level that I am at not having gone to school and learning everything hands on. I feel like I have accomplished so much and have had a ton of personal growth through this profession.

What makes you unique in your profession? I never thought about being a veterinary technician when I was younger. I found this job when I was 18 and never expected to still be here 8 years later and having accomplished so much.

What do you get most excited about doing at work? Helping with Urgent care and Emergency appointments and seeing my favorite clients.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why? A Bumble Bee

I love fast paced work and like to be “buzzing” around

I’m cute but have a harsh sting if you make me mad

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting? I did a lot of musical theater throughout high school, Dr. Calhoun’s wife was my theater teacher.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you? Kind, Reliable, Loving

Kendall joined the IVH team in 2014 as a Receptionist and is now our Financial Manager. This career is a good fit for her, she enjoys interacting with all the different species we see, as well as talking to the awesome clients and working with an amazing team. Outside of work, Kendall enjoys spending time with her dog, a German Shepherd named “Troy” and her husband, Mark.

She also likes to workout and spend time with her family and friends. Her favorite animals are Dogs and Penguins.

Amber re-joined Idaho Vet as a technician in 2020 after short hiatus in Utah and we are so excited to have her back!  She has always had a connection and love for animals and being able to help scared animals feel better is what she wants to do.  While at IVH, Amber is able to fulfill her love of educating by educating clients, coworkers, and herself.

Outside of work, Amber is working hard at buying a house and starting her family with her husband and her Icelandic Sheepdog, “Daeja”.  She enjoys spending lots of time hiking, watching movies and just relaxing at home.  When we asked Amber what her favorite animal is, it was a very easy answer, “Dogs.  Hairy fluffy dogs!  They are emotionally supportive and so versatile.  There is pretty much a dog or breed that can do most, if not all, things!”

Jesse  joined Idaho Veterinary Hospital in 2018 as an exam room technician after many years in the pet-supply field.  Since a very young age, she has loved animals and had a calling to help them in their time of need.  Educating owners on their pet’s needs and witnessing their pet flourishing is incredibly rewarding for her. In her time at IVH, she hopes to be a welcoming face to both owners and patients and to help them feel as comfortable and happy as possible while visiting us. She is looking forward to expanding her skill set and learning from & working with our amazing staff.

Outside of work, Jesse enjoys horseback riding, with the Quarter Horse being her favorite animal with their diversified abilities. Jesse has many animals of her own, including 2 dogs, “Buckey” & “Rowdy”, “Mufasa” the Ragdoll, “Muffin” & “Ducky” the parrots, “Binx” the Skink, 2 mares “Ginger” & “Otawna”, and of course her chickens!

Elizabeth joined the Idaho Veterinary Hospital team in January of 2018 after relocating to Idaho from South Carolina.

Employee Name: Elizabeth Norman

What is your favorite hobby?  Going on Road Trips, sometimes with no destination in mind. Getting out in the world and exploring as much as possible!

What are your passions and values professionally? Passions: Surgery, ER medicine, and our Feline Friends!

Values: To provide the best care compassionately, and to never stop learning!

What role do you want to have in our patients’ and clients’ lives?  To be a place of comfort and compassion.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement? Becoming a part of the Surgical team, being one of the anesthetists that our Doctors can confidently lean on during those middle-of-the-night emergency c-sections.

What makes you unique in your profession?  Being Free Fear Certified.

I adapt easily to any situation and I work well under pressure.

What do you get most excited about doing at work?  Dentals, blood draws, anesthesia. Taking radiographs to see the bigger picture of what is going on with the teeth under the surface. I love to take a tartar-filled mouth and clean it up to pearly white perfection!

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?  Koala! I love food and sleep!! Taking time to rest and recharge, finding comfort in my own solitude. I am fiercely loyal, strong, and determined to protect what I believe in 🙂

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?  I can burp louder than most men … haha but no in all seriousness, I am a kind and sensitive soul. I shoulder more for all animals than most, even for things out of my control.

If your patients could describe you in 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?  Comfort, Compassion, and Dedicated!

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?  If you have a tan scruffy terrier mix dog, we are probably kindred spirits  🙂

All of my dogs and cats are Rescues! 3 dogs and 2 cats (three of which I have homed since I started at IVH. This is my 4th year here 🙂

Chase joined Idaho Veterinary Hospital in February of 2018 as a veterinary technician.  Chase has specialized in many things over the years, but is especially knowledgeable in anesthesia, exotics and canine reproduction.  He has an amazingly calm demeanor, even in stressful situations, which both our patients and their parents are especially grateful for.  During his time at IVH, Chase hopes to expand his knowledge in both the exotics and canine reproduction areas, and impart his knowledge to our staff.

Chase has a huge heart, which shows through his love of all animals, especially his French Bulldog, “Piper”.

Jessica joined Idaho Veterinary Hospital in 2019 as a Front Office Representative and then became our Laboratory Specialist about a year later!  She has had a life long love of animals and believes that we, as humans, have the ability to help care for them when they can’t communicate their ailments.  She believes that it is a responsibility we owe to our loved pets and critters in each of our lives.  Idaho Veterinary Hospital has become a wonderful home for her, as she loves being a part of an incredible team that has such a pure love for animals and helping them lead a great life.  Jessica is excited to expand her knowledge and experience in the field so she can continue to help the people and animals of our community.

Jessica’s favorite animal is the horse!  She loves their amazing ability to help sooth their people’s souls and how powerful, yet trusting, they can be with their partners.  She is a mom to an adorable girl, as well as 2 dogs, “Hank” and “Izzy”, 1 cat “Bubbles” and 3 horses, “Aurora”, “Comet” and “Diego”.

Employee Name:  Jessica Nieri

What is your favorite hobby?       Riding horses with my daughter.

What are your passions and values professionally?            Commitment, compassion, and dependability.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?               Helping care for their fur babies! Even just behind the scenes with helping doctors get diagnostics as efficiently as possible to help aid in diagnosing their patient.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?    Moving into the lab and learning a bunch of new methods to aid with diagnostics, but more specifically would be the microbiology aspect of the lab and working with the microscope.

What makes you unique in your profession?        I enjoy learning and seeking out new opportunities to learn and further myself in my field, and I am very organized in the workplace with allows efficiency from the laboratory.

What do you get most excited about doing at work?        Seeing new things! I am always amazed when a doctor brings me something different that I haven’t yet seen before to observe under the microscope.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?          Probably a bear. I am happy in solitude, but fight viciously for those that I love, especially my daughter.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I have competed in rodeo from a very young age and was even a rodeo queen when I was 16. I stopped for a few years to allow my daughter to learn and rodeo herself, but starting again this year!

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?      Compassionate, thorough, focused.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?         I am absolutely petrified of reptiles!

Isabel joined Idaho Vet in December of 2020 as one of our Technicians.  Her deep love for animals makes working in the veterinary field a completely natural move!  Isabel is in charge of making sure that our patients that are here for procedures are taken care of to the best of our ability and that our surgical equipment and rooms are kept in topnotch shape.  Eventually, Izzy would like to become a part of our surgical anesthetist’s team!

Outside of work, Isabel loves to do anything outdoors, especially hiking with her dog, “Romi” the German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix.  Dogs are definitely a favorite for her because they don’t care what adventure they are on, as long as you are with them.  Back at home, Isabel also has a lovely black domestic shorthair cat named “Coco”.

Employee Name: Isabel Rast

What is your favorite hobby? The gym and anything outdoors

What are your passions and values professionally? To expand my knowledge in the Veterinary field and give the best care to the patients and clients.

What role do you want to have in our patients’ and clients’ lives? Someone who advocates for them and helps them feel understood and cared for.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement? Growing my knowledge and becoming a better technician

What makes you unique in your profession? I love to challenge myself

What do you get most excited about doing at work? Snuggling puppies

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why? Wolf; they are loyal and will always protect their own.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting? I can pop my shoulder in and out of place.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you? Compassionate, understanding, trusting

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you? I like hot Cheetos

Mandy joined Idaho Veterinary Hospital in 2019 as a Front Office Representative!  She has always had a passion for science, and absolutely loves animals, so this field is perfect for her!  While at Idaho Vet, she is most excited about the experience and knowledge that she will gain.

Mandy’s favorite non-domesticated animal is the Cheetah, simply because they are so beautiful.  As for her favorite domesticated animal?  The Husky, they’re just so playful, and beautiful to boot!  At home, Mandy has 4 critters of her own; “Rudy” the 11 year old Orange Tabby Cat, “Chance” the 4 year old Chihuahua, “Blue” the 2 year old black & white kitty, and “Nala”, “Blue’s” 6 month old kitten!

Employee Name:  Mandy Lizarraga

What is your favorite hobby?     I love to draw, camp, cycle (even though I haven’t done it in years, cuz I would probably crash) and being at the beach searching for sea things.

What are your passions and values professionally?            My passions are to always put the clients and patients first doing what is best for them both. I like to “be there” for the clients when it is needed. Going out of my way to make an “experience” not just service. I adhere to a very strict work and moral ethic. And going above and beyond.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?               Previous answer kind of answers this. I want to be a person that the client “loves” and be part of the reason they want to choose us over the other guys.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?    I am most proud of the work I do everyday that may seem to go unnoticed the hard work of not just the front lines, but the back end as well. My biggest achievements have been awards won for hard work, i.e. employee of the year, that was fun, won a trip! Then of course being able to grow professionally over the years, the skills I have developed through the management experience are irreplaceable. That is something I am so grateful for.

What makes you unique in your profession?        I try and come to work every day with a great attitude, that if I can help or be of comfort for just one person even, then I have done what I set out to do. Sometimes that great attitude can leave me, but, for the most part I try and realize it on my own and make needed adjustments.

What do you get most excited about doing at work?        I get most excited about the little things like being able to get someone in for an appointment they would not otherwise be able to get, i.e. if someone cancelled and had an immediate opening causing someone else to be seen a whole lot sooner than maybe several weeks. This happened once and the lady was soo incredibly thankful she brought me a card and chocolates. 🙂

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?          I would have to say a big cat probably a cheetah their speed has always impressed me. Makes me wish I could move that fast haha! Which we all know will never happen. 😛

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I do not celebrate my birthday or holidays. Although most people find that weird. Ha! Also, I used to be paralyzed when I was a teenager.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?      That I was 1.) Super helpful 2.) Kind  and 3.) That I was knowledgeable about what I was doing or speaking.

 Nicole joined Idaho Vet in the Summer of 2020 as a Veterinary Technician!  When Nicole was very young, her family acquired an Orange Shorthaired Tabby, and she was in charge of its care.  Nicole named that cat Ace for 14 years, and her strong bond with him made her want to join this incredible field.  While working at Idaho Vet, she is excited to learn about all the different pets we see, especially ‘Pocket Pets’.  She is also dedicated to continuing her professional growth as a technician.

Outside of work, Nicole loves to spend time playing outside with her two boys, leisurely nature walks with her dogs, as well as laying in the sun, and swimming; The perfect things to do in Idaho!  Dogs are definitely Nicole’s favorite animal as they are non-judgemental best friends!  At home, Nicole has 2 dogs, “Riley” and “Blitz” as well as “Mya” the cat!

Employee Name: Nicole Young

What is your favorite hobby? Casual bike rides with my German Shepherd Blitz. Leisurely swims outdoors in the summer.

What are your passions and values professionally? Professionally I enjoy urgent care and growing as a surgical technician.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives? To be a friendly face during both the good times and the bad times.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement? Being recognized as employee of the month three times.

What makes you unique in your profession? I received my Associate of Veterinary Technology in 2014. I am versed in multiple departments of veterinary care including wellness, urgent care, emergency, and surgery.

What do you get most excited about doing at work? Meeting a variety of companion pets and their humans!

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?  Dolphins because they are social animals that work as a team and I love swimming!

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting? My two favorite companion pets are dogs and guinea pigs!

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you? I portray a safe body language because pets can’t understand our words. I am kind. I perform my job safely but efficiently.

Kelly Rae joined Idaho Vet in 2021 as a Veterinary Technician!  Being on the frontline to helping animals, from diagnosis to treatment and client education to positive experience, is extremely important to her.  While working here, Kelly Rae is looking forward to forming new work relationships with our wonderful team as well as learn more about exotics, canine reproduction, and Fear Free.

Kelly Rae’s favorite animals are cats and chickens (she’s a little obsessed!), but she loves taking her horses or RZR out for a ride.  At home she has “Kyzer” the Beagle, “Mittens” the Orange Tabby, “Nux” the Lynx Point, “Stormy” and “Wicked Horse” her two horses, “Mopar” and “Milo” the Nigerian Dwarf Goats and among many other chickens, “Big Momma” the Speckled Sussex Hen!

Employee Name: Kelly Rae Zirschky

What is your favorite hobby?  Horse riding (eventing, gaming, and trails). I also enjoy four-wheeling with my fiancé and spending time with my cats and chickens.

What are your passions and values professionally?   My passion is working with cats because they are fiercely independent but also loving, loyal, purring, adorable, intelligent, and calming. Even on my worst day, I can cuddle with almost any cat and everything fades away. My values are: respect, trust, patience, and a fun-loving attitude.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?  When I help a very sick or injured client, and I put my heart and soul into helping them recover, the pets are happy, the owners are grateful, and the bond was created. That bond and appreciation is what makes being a vet tech worth it.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?   My proudest achievement is simply becoming a vet tech. As vet techs, we are not in the field for the money. I truly care about the well-being of our clients and simply want the best for them.

What makes you unique in your profession?    I am unique because I am so passionate about cats and have a lot of knowledge about them, including being able to identify most any breed and color. I’m known as the “cat whisperer.”

What do you get most excited about doing at work?    I get most excited about blood draws, cystos, and being a part of necropsies.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?          A racoon because my husband tells me I like to get into food and make messes, and I have rings around my eyes in the morning from being so tired.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I have 28 chickens, and it’s not enough. I’m getting more.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?      That I’m respectful, patient, and a good listener.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?   I love my job and enjoy coming to work every day!

Alyssa originally began her journey with Idaho Veterinary Hospital as an intern working towards her Certified Veterinary Technician license in 2015 and quickly became part of our team!  She took a quick hiatus to Texas, but recently rejoined the team!  We interviewed Alyssa, and this is what she told us:

Employee Name: Alyssa Cain, CVT

What is your favorite hobby?  Trying out all the different wineries in the area to support local businesses, going to concerts, enjoying the local hot springs, and exploring with my husband and dogs.

What are your passions and values professionally? Passions: emergency medicine, exotic medicine, and end-of-life care.  Values: To always be willing to learn, teach and provide the best care possible to our patients.

What role do you want to have in our patients’ and clients’ lives?  I want to be a place of comfort and confidence so that clients feel comfortable and confident in my skills and the care I provide

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement? Becoming certified. Being comfortable in all situations, and if I’m not, doing the research to become comfortable and knowledgeable.  Specifically, being the go-to exotic and avian anesthetist!

What makes you unique in your profession?  I’m a Certified Veterinary Technician and Fear-Free certified.  I do well under pressure and adapt easily.

What do you get most excited about doing at work?  Client education, anything exotic, I love drawing blood, placing catheters, and learning how to do things with exotics.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?  Quokka because they are outgoing and friendly, they store fat in their tails, and they always look they’re smiling!

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?  I have 3 large dogs. Most of my dogs have some sort of medical issues, including a Bernese Mountain Dog that is completely deaf.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?  Caring, Efficient, Comforting.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?  I came back to IVH because I love it so much!

Employee Name               Alicia Barnett

What is your favorite hobby?       Kayaking

What are your passions and values professionally?            I am passionate about providing kind, caring, efficient service. I value honesty and integrity.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?               I want to make our clients feel like they are part of our family. I would hope that I would make such an impact that when a client calls they are familiar with and grateful to speak with me.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?    I am proud of earning employee of the month, for my impact on clients.

What makes you unique in your profession?        I am very outgoing with my co-workers.

What do you get most excited about doing at work?        I am most excited when I am asked to help to bring in patients or assisting with holding patients.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?          I would choose a lion, because they are fierce and loyal to their pride.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I am uniquely normal lol

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?      Kind, compassionate, efficient

Employee Name:  Jaycee Crow

What is your favorite hobby? Hiking

What are your passions and values professionally?  Having compassion with every animal you meet and going above and beyond for your pets.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?  I want to be a healer

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?    For me, even being here is an achievement. Working with animals has always been a dream of mine and a goal that not too long ago, didn’t feel very attainable.

What makes you unique in your profession?   I am Resilient.

What do you get most excited about doing at work? Popping abscesses!

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?  Bearded Dragon, looks mean but loves to cuddle.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I can do a lot of backflips.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?  Gentle, Kind, Precise

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?  I love coffee

Employee Name:  Dawn Cortes, CVT

What is your favorite hobby?  Reading, particularly fantasy and urban fantasy. Also, playing video games.

What are your passions and values professionally?  I love dental work and educating about preventative dental care and awareness. I also love exotic animals, I feel like there is always something new to learn about them. I value honesty and learning.

What role do you want to have in our patient’s and client’s lives?  I would love to be an advocate for a healthy human-animal bond and be a source of knowledge and compassion when our patient’s struggle with their health.

What are you most proud of professionally/biggest professional achievement?    I can take full mouth dental radiographs in less than 3 minutes. I also take pride in being thorough.

What makes you unique in your profession?        I adore spiders, snakes, lizards, frogs, and bugs of all shapes and sizes!

What do you get most excited about doing at work?        I love to perform technical and diagnostic skills such as blood draws and obtaining radiographs in a skillful and as minimally stressful way possible. When I can help a sick patient without causing undo stress is when I am happiest as a technician.

If you had to choose a non-domesticated animal that displayed similar characteristics to you, what would it be and why?  A fox because of their constant curiosity and playfulness.

What is something unique about you that people may find interesting?    I collect parasites in formalin jars. I am particularly fond of my cuterebra named Henry and my tapeworm family named after the Addam’s family.

If your patients could describe you with 3 words, what would you want them to say about you?      Reliable, Honest, Kind

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?         I have 3 cats – Gryphon, Ginny, and Ghost – and a Husky/shepherd mix named Lucero, all of whom I love like my children. I grew up in Idaho but moved to Arizona after college to join my then-boyfriend, now husband as he finished college. We stayed for much longer than I anticipated but finally have returned home after 6 years and I cannot be happier. Someday I would love to have a small house and yard and get a playmate for Lucero.

Tara joined Idaho Vet in 2022 as part of our amazing canine reproduction team!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!