Dr. James Israelsen

Dr. Israelsen attended veterinary school at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1995. He then went to Oregon and worked in a very busy mixed-animal practice there until 1997, when he and Dr. Hillegass had the opportunity to purchase Mountain View Veterinary Health Center from Dr. Richard Jones who was retiring. Dr. Israelsen is certified in Animal Chiropractic, adjusting both performance horses and small animals for numerous problems. He has a special interest in internal medicine and enjoys the challenge of aiding pets through difficult illnesses.

Dr. Melinda Hillegass

Dr. Hillegass attended veterinary school at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1995. She then went to Oregon and worked in 2 separate hospitals there, including a 24-hour emergency clinic. In 1997, Dr. Hillegass and Dr. Israelsen purchased Mountain View Veterinary Health Center from Dr. Richard Jones who was retiring. Dr. Hillegass is trained in Acupuncture and Herbal medicine and has an interest in pet nutrition as well. She is a highly-skilled surgeon, and particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery.

Dr. Khirsta (Papenfuss) Jensen

Dr. Jensen attended veterinary school at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, graduating with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She enjoys the challenge of mixed animal practice and has done several externships at different practices to broaden her experience with various species including camelids and small ruminants. Upon her graduation, Dr. Jensen eagerly returned to Logan to work under the mentorship of Dr. Israelsen and Dr. Hillegass. She has a special interest in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery as well as ultrasonography.

Josefina Velasquez

Lead Veterinary Technician

Josefina joined our team in August 2013 as a Technician and continued on to become our Head Technician. She is from Logan, Utah. Josefina has been in the veterinary field for ten years. She graduated from Bridgerland Technical College’s Veterinary Assisting program in 2009. She is currently attending Utah State University working towards becoming a registered technician. Josefina has two dogs; Zoey the sheltie mix and Jack the Labrador retriever. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and being surrounded by nature. She loves exercising and spending time with friends and family.

Rylan Howard

Team Development Manager

Rylan joined our team August 2018 as Client Relations and then continued to Head of Client Relations. In January 2021, she became our Team Development Manager. She is from Idaho Falls, Idaho. She has an Associates in General Studies from Idaho State University, and she is currently attending Utah State University’s Business Management program. Rylan has one dog, Hayzel, an Australian Shephard and Shar Pei Mix. She loves learning new things about veterinary medicine and furthering her knowledge. She also loves getting to love on any pets that come in! In her spare time, she loves camping, riding four-wheelers, and playing games with friends and family.

Alissa Daugs

Lead Client Relations

Alissa joined our team in January 2020 as Client Relations, became Assistant Head of Client Relations in September 2020, and the Head of Client Relations in January 2021. She is from South Jordan, Utah. She completed Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers’ Veterinary Science course in 2016. From there, she received a Bachelor’s in Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences from Utah State University. She loves getting to help organize our schedule, interact with our amazing clients, and seeing all of the cute pets! In her spare time, she loves to be outside with her husband. She enjoys walks, hikes, bike rides, playing sports, and shooting guns. She also enjoys playing card and board games with family. She loves to be active but can also enjoy lazy time with her Dr Pepper.

Cortney Kinder​​​​​​​

Lead Clinic Caretaker

Cortney joined our team March 2018 as Animal Care and then moved to a Technician in May 2018. She is from Flaming Gorge, Utah. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in May 2018. She is working to become a certified veterinary technician. Cortney has two dogs and one cat; Marley the Dalmatian Labrador mix, Purdy the Dalmatian, and Theo the black and white kitty. She knows how hard it is to have a sick pet and loves being able to help them. Cortney doesn’t like chocolate but will eat anything else that’s sugary!

Melissa Dixon

Melissa joined our team July 2014 as Client Relations. She is from Logan, Utah but has lived in many places. She has a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from North Carolina School of the Arts, as well as a Masters in Music Performance from Temple University. She loves being able to work with different patients. Melissa has one cat named Socks. In her spare time, she likes to read, mostly biographies and mysteries. Melissa is a history buff especially interested in the American Revolution and World War II. She also enjoys working on needlework projects with her cat Socks happily in her lap.

Brynn Gotberg

Brynn is from Nibley, Utah and is new to working in veterinary medicine. She has two dogs named Ahsoka and Obi-Wan and a cat named Chitty whom she loves very much. Brynn describes herself as a "mega geek" because she loves to go to Comic Con/Fan X every year! Her favorite part of her job is getting to chat with other animal lovers and meet all the sweet dogs and cats that come into the clinic.

Elise Neff

Elise joined our team in Client Relations in October of 2022. She is originally from Mesa, Arizona, but her family moved to Cache Valley when she was six years old and has lived here since then. Elise completed the Animal Sciences program at Bridgerland in 2019 and plans to study to become a Veterinary Technician. She has been working in the veterinary field for about two years prior to starting with us. Elise has a Russian Blue cat named Juno and a gray tabby named Ava that are both 3-year-olds, and she also has a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd named Quorra and a 7-month-old lab/heeler mix named Wren. Elise’s favorite part of the job is getting to meet all the different dogs and cats as well as learning about the different breeds of both species. Elise also enjoys all sorts of art. She loves to paint and draw, and one of her favorite classes throughout high school was the ceramics class.

McKenna Wadman

McKenna joined our team in Client Relations in November of 2022. She is from Burley, Idaho. McKenna has a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Studies from Utah State University. This is her first experience working in veterinary medicine, but she is loving it. She grew up in the agricultural industry and veterinarians have always play a key part in her life. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know many new people and their furry companions. She loves getting the opportunity to interact with each one and to see all that each brings to the environment. McKenna has two dogs; a mini Australian Shepherd named Moose and a chocolate lab named Charlie. McKenna loves spending time riding and showing reined cowhorses when she has a moment between juggling the tasks of being a mother and wife. She also loves to spend time with her family being outdoors with their two pups. 

There is also one bio I need to update with new information and two pictures I need to update.

Ren Hill

Ren joined our team in Client Relations in November 2022. They are from Sandy, Utah. Ren is currently studying at Utah State University and has previously spent two years studying at Southern Virginia University. Ren has two pets; a dog named Coco and a betta fish named Neptune. Ren’s favorite part of this job is greeting all of the fellow pet lovers and sneaking in puppy pets when they are able to. They have been an artist since they could hold a paintbrush and love Dungeons and Dragons.

Makenna Dunn​​​​​​​

Makenna joined our team August 2017 as Animal Care then moved to Technician in August 2019. She is from South Jordan, Utah. Makenna graduated with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Science from Utah State University in 2019. Makenna has two horses and one cat; Elle the chestnut, Malibu the red roan, and Keo the orange and white tabby. She loves being able to help animals feel better! Makenna loves to travel and go scuba diving and explore the underwater world. In her spare time, she likes to ride and train horses.

Amy Macauley

Amy joined our team in July 2020 as a Technician Assistant and moved to Technician in October 2020. Amy is from St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Bridgerland Technical College’s Animal Science program in June 2020. Amy has one dog, Cooper the Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie mix. A fun fact is that she has played the clarinet for 9 years, the piano for 14 years, and the ukulele for 4 years. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking with her husband and dog, as well as reading.

Melissa Herrera

Melissa is from Logan, UT and joined our team in May 2016 as a Technician. She graduated from Bridgerland Technical College’s Veterinary Assistant program and graduated from Utah State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. She is currently attending PennFoster College's Veterinary Nursing program. Melissa became Fear Free Certified in 2019 and has since completed Level 3 certification. She is currently working on her Elite Fear Free Certified Professional status and becoming Low Stress Handling certified. Melissa is our clinic's Fear Free Program Lead. She particularly loves the behavior aspect of veterinary medicine and strives to provide a low stress experience for all patients. Melissa has two dog and two cats: Oakley (Heeler Mix), Willie Nelson (Red Fox Labrador Retriever), Pepper (Dilute Tortoiseshell), and Milo (Tabby). In her spare time, Melissa plays co-ed softball and takes care of her plants

Sara Zaragoza

Sara joined our team January 2021 as Animal Care, quickly moved to Technician Assistant, and finally became a Technician in March 2021. Sara was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. They have three pets; Bones the black cat, Frodo the black cat, and Samwise the Siamese cat. Sara loves helping owners have peace of mind about their pet’s health and wellbeing. An interesting fact about Sara is that They eloped in Yosemite. In Their spare time, They enjoy playing tennis, going on hikes, playing fetch with Their cats, and teaching Their cat Bones to do various tricks!

Karilyn McMillan

Karilyn (Kari) joined our team February 2021 as Technician Assistant. Kari grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah. They have an Animal Science Certificate from Bridgerland Applied Technical College. They have twelve pets; 4 dogs, 2 cats, 5 fish, and 1 horse. Kari likes being able to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. In Their spare time, They love working with horses, either on Their own or helping teach others how to ride.

Taryn Hesketh

Taryn joined our team in August 2020 as a Technician. Taryn is from Granby, Connecticut, but has lived in Logan for the past four years. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's in Agriculture Science with an emphasis in Animal Dairy and Veterinary Science. Taryn has three pets; Wren the dog, Wynnona the horse, and Skunkers the goat. She loves getting to work with and learn about animals every day. In her spare time, she enjoys barrel racing with her horse and snuggling on the couch with her dog to watch movies.

Hanna Crowther

​​​​​​Hanna is from Fallon, Nevada and has been working in veterinary medicine for one year. She is the proud owner of a heeler-terrier mix named Tally. She is currently a junior at USU, working on her major in Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science. Her favorite part of her job is being able to reassure clients with answers to their questions. Hanna can speak Spanish and in her spare time, she likes to hike with her husband and her dog

Lindsey Allen

Lindsey joined our team December 2020 as Animal Care, moved to Technician Assistant in May 2021 and finally became a Technician in November 2021. Lindsey is from North Logan, Utah. She has a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management from USU and is currently enrolled in Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician program. She has one pet; Maya the Labrador Mix. Lindsey loves being able to take care of animals. A fun fact about Lindsey is that she has a black belt in karate, in her spare time she loves to read, hike, and go camping.

Shelby Loveland

Shelby is from Layton, Utah and has been working in veterinary medicine for almost 3 years. She is currently a sophomore at USU studying Pre-Veterinary and working on prerequisites for Veterinary school. Her favorite part about her job is being able to watch her patients get better with treatment. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outside - hiking and hammocking.

Aubrey Pierson

Aubrey joined our team as a Technician Assistant in September 2022. She is from Mendon, Utah. Aubrey obtained the Skilled Technician Assistant certificate in the Animal Science program from Bridgerland Technical College in 2022 and plans to begin schooling for a Veterinary Technician license through Penn Foster. Aubrey has two cats (an American Shorthair and an American Longhair) and a dog (a German Spitz). Aubrey’s favorite part of this job is getting to help the animals feel better and getting to see them progress. Aubrey loves spending time playing video games, her favorite game being Final Fantasy XV, painting, and cooking – especially General Tso’s Tofu.

Ellen Stanton

Ellen joined our team as a Technician Assistant in July of 2022. She is from Syracuse, New York. Ellen has previously studied at Penn Foster and is currently enrolled at Utah State University. She has been working in the field of veterinary medicine for one and a half years and enjoys interacting with both the animals and clients. She has two dogs and five cats. Ellen enjoys outdoor recreational activities.

Olivia Banham

Olivia joined our team as a Technician Assistant in October of 2022. She is from Fort Worth, Texas but currently lives in Millville. She graduated high school in 2021 and has been working in veterinary medicine for a year. Olivia has two pets; a Border Collie/Heeler mix named Hooey and a horse named Teeter. Olivia’s favorite part of her job is getting to help pets and their owners to be happy. Olivia loves riding horses and doing anything outdoors. She loves to camp, fish, and go dirt biking in the mountains. 

Jayme Bouhaddaoui

Groomer

Jayme joined our team November 2018 as our Groomer. She is from Logan, UT. She has been grooming for over 10 years. In 2019 Jayme completed training in Fear Free grooming practices. Jayme has two dogs; Kiba a miniature poodle and Renji a miniature schnauzer. Jayme loves working with dogs and seeing their unique personalities and the creativity of giving dogs new styles. In her spare time, she makes sculptures and jewelry out of clay.

Addie Allred

Bather

Addie joined our team as a Bather in November 2021. Addie grew up in Portland, Orgon but has been living in Logan for about two years. Addie is a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She does have a certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington, a certificate in Low Stress Handling, and she is currently working on becoming certified in Fear Free Grooming Practices. Addie has a one-year-old Golden Retriever/Aussie mix named Denali. Addie has raised service dogs for nearly a decade and enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her own pup.

Tiauni Skinner

Tiauni is from Logan, Utah and has just begun her work in veterinary medicine with her job here at the clinic! She is the proud owner of two dogs, a rottweiler named Stark and a Great Dane named Nixon. She is currently attending the Veterinary Technician Assistant Program at Bridgerland Technical College. Her favorite part of her job is helping care for animals. Tiauni loves to spend her time taking care of animals, playing the guitar, and hanging out with her friends.

Tifa Magalogo

Tifa joined our team as a Clinic Caretaker in July of 2022. She is from Mesa, Arizona. Tifa is currently studying for an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology online through Ashworth College. Tifa loves getting to work with the different animals she sees here at our clinic. She has two dogs, an Australian Shepherd/Black Mouth Cur and an American Bully. Tifa loves spending time with family and friends, listening to and playing music, reading, and going fishing. 

Danielle Israelsen

Accounting

Danielle took on the role of Inventory Assistant in June 2020. She is from Hyde Park, Utah. Danielle will be graduating soon! Danielle has three dogs named, Oreo, Tiggy, and Copper and two cats named Rafter and Bat. Danielle enjoys gaining a better understanding of how a business works from the inside perspective. An interesting fact about Danielle is that she is a part of her schools’ color guard, and she enjoys participating in musicals.

Kira Naegle

Inventory

Kira joined our team in Inventory in September 2022. She is from Syracuse, Utah. Kira is currently a freshman at Utah State University. Kira has two dogs: Reba the pug and Sadie the puggle. Kira loves seeing all the cute little animals that come through the clinic. Kira also loves spending time baking, and is happy to bake a cake, cookies, or whatever fancies her in the moment when she has some downtime.