Our Careteam

Shanda
Veterinary Technician
Shanda has kept Aspen Commons Animal Hospital in her life for quite a few years. While Shanda attended high school, she worked as a kennel technician, making sure that the hospital’s patients and boarding clients had squeaky clean places to stay. Following her graduation, Dr. James gladly hired Shanda as a veterinary technician, and she spent eight enjoyable years helping clients and patients in the exam rooms. After some time away, Shanda is happy to be working with the hospital’s furry patients and their pet parents again!

Animals have been an important part of Shanda’s life since she was a young girl. When she remembers her pets, she reflects that each one was special in their own way, and she loved and cherished them all. From the time Shanda was very small, she knew she would work with animals when she grew up.

Working as a veterinary technician provides Shanda with plenty of variety. During any given week, she’ll assist the veterinarians with patient exams, meeting pets that range from fuzzy puppies and kittens to geriatric dogs and cats. Shanda also enjoys assisting the veterinarians during often-complex surgical procedures.

Radiology work keeps Shanda on her toes as well. After she positions a puzzled patient on the x-ray table, and then repositions them after they’ve moved, Shanda obtains the images she needs. While Shanda has often been surprised by what the images reveal, she knows that the veterinarian will use all available information to diagnose that pet’s medical issue. Once that happens, Shanda will help the veterinarian implement a tailored treatment plan, designed to help that pet return to good health.
Ryan Smith
Head Veterinary Technician
Ryan’s veterinary technician position gives him the chance to work as a patient advocate, to make sure each animal patient receives top-quality care. In fact, Ryan has wanted to work as a patient advocate for years. At Aspen Commons Animal Hospital, Ryan combines his veterinary technician expertise with a sincere concern for his furry patients. He works closely with the veterinarian to provide each pet with special care, so these beloved animals can enjoy long, healthy lives with their pet parents!

Ryan is a Colorado native, and has always been an animal lover. During his childhood, he established a special connection with a friend’s golden retriever, an experience that likely influenced his choice of a veterinary technician career. When Ryan was 19, he viewed a veterinary technician career commercial, and decided to give the field a try.

In April 2011, Ryan joined Aspen Commons Animal Hospital, and serves as the practice’s Head Veterinary Technician. He enjoys the technical complexities of blood draws, as each patient presents him with a different challenge. Ryan also thrives on building relationships with clients and their pets. When each pet sees Ryan during their next vet visit, Ryan wants that patient to greet him like an old friend.
Lorraine
Front Desk Team Leader
Lorraine’s compassion for animals shines through in every part of her life. At Aspen Commons Animal Hospital, Lorraine feels a personal sense of satisfaction when she sees her clients’ cherished pets receive the care they need. Whether that pet just needs a checkup, or has a medical issue the veterinarian must resolve, Lorraine is happy these furry family members are well cared for. In her personal life, Lorraine works hard to help abandoned or stray animals find good homes. She also supports several animal-related non-profits. You might say that Lorraine has become a real advocate for animals!

Lorraine took a somewhat unusual path to her Aspen Commons Animal Hospital front desk position. In September 2001, Lorraine inquired about volunteering at the hospital. Much to her surprise, she was instead offered a job there. With her friendly smile and welcoming manner, Lorraine naturally excelled at greeting clients and pets arriving for their appointments. Today, Lorraine serves as the hospital’s Front Desk Team Leader, helping her fellow team members to efficiently serve clients and their pets.

In Lorraine’s spare time, she supports and/or volunteers with a number of animal-related non-profit groups. Lorraine is affiliated with the Good Samaritan Pet Center, Wild Animal Sanctuary, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, to name a few. Lorraine feels that the Wild Animal Sanctuary, located in Keenesburg, Colorado, has most impacted her life. After visiting the Sanctuary and seeing the animal residents who live there, Lorraine is more committed than ever to supporting these beautiful creatures.
Malena
Veterinary Technician
Ashley
Veterinary Technician
Jamey Adair
Veterinary Technician
More than anything, Jamey loves building relationships with her hospital patients and clients. When Jamey works with a furry patient, she takes time to meet and reassure them before she begins her technician tasks. Jamey wants that pet to remember her soft voice and pat on the head when he comes in for his next vet visit. Jamey also enjoys getting acquainted with each patient’s pet parent. She happily provides them with pet care information so they can take the best possible care of their beloved pet!

In October 2013, Jamey joined the Aspen Commons Animal Hospital veterinary technician team. She had recently graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology, earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Jamey’s veterinary technician work is never boring. During any given day, she directly assists the veterinarian with patient exams. Behind the scenes, Jamey might process fecal or tissue samples for analysis, might assist with radiology work, or might even help to recover a patient from surgery. Sometimes, Jamey works on more than one project at a time. At the end of the day, Jamey finds her job very rewarding. She absolutely loves the “puppy kisses” she receives from her fuzzy young canine patients. Thinking about all her patients, Jamey feels that “Animals make my heart smile.”
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    • Dogs come when they're called; Cats take a message and get back to you later.
    • Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
    • All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it.
    • Dogs have owners, cats have staff.
    • Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
    • A house is not a home without a pet.
    • There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
    • A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself.
    • Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.
    • Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
    • A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue.
    • Jay N.Jay N.

      I love their hospitality and care! When I was 17 they helped me with my sick cat and helped me with the price! Till this day I'm grateful and always think... Read More

    • Mimi N.Mimi N.

      Dr. James and his staff are absolutely the BEST! You can genuinely tell this staff cares about their furry patients. Highly recommend Aspen Commons Animal... Read More