Peter Welsh, MS, DVM, (Residency Trained in Small Animal Surgery)
Peter J. Welsh, DVM, MS, is a veterinarian who is Limited to the Practice of Surgery at MedVet Northern Utah, where he has been part of the team since 2025. Dr. Peter Welsh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Brigham Young University. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine through the Utah State University / Washington State University Regional Program. He also completed a Master of Science degree in biomedical sciences with a focus in clinical and translational science from Washington State University. Following veterinary school, Dr. Welsh completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at WestVet Boise. He then completed a Surgery residency through a collaborative program between Washington State University and WestVet Boise. Dr. Welsh has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed studies in veterinary surgery, presented award-winning research at national conferences, and has a strong passion for clinical innovation. His special interests include 3D printing and CAD technology in surgical planning, angular limb deformity, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, fracture and osteotomy biomechanics and repair, laparoscopy, minimally invasive orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, surgical oncology, thoracoscopy, and veterinary surgical research. He also remains actively involved in clinical research to advance patient care. Dr. Welsh is passionate about helping clients preserve and strengthen the bond they share with their pets. While his love of animals originally inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine, his favorite part of the profession today is supporting both pets and their families through the healing process. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Peter Welsh lives by the values of balance, meaningful work, and optimism. He is a former Division I NCAA football player who now enjoys bikejoring, cross-country skiing, fishing, mountain biking, skijoring, snowboarding, and spending time with his wonderful and supportive wife, their children, and their cherished dogs. He’s also always ready for a Star Wars rewatch with a lightsaber in hand.
Taylor Howard, DVM
Dr. Taylor Howard graduated with his bachelor of science degree in animal/dairy veterinary science at Utah State University. He received his doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM) from Ross University in St. Kitts. He then continued his training through Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University. He started in mixed animal and practice in Oregon. He practiced from 2013-2016 Ambulatory/general practice and Emergency medicine along the Willamette Valley from Portland to Eugene. In 2016 he returned to SLC to continue his practice closer to family. He owns Utah Veterinary Services and Summit Veterinary Urgent Care.
Michael Sahagian, VMD, DACVECC
Michael Sahagian, VMD, Diplomate, ACVECC, is a Board-certified Specialist in Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care. He joined the MedVet Salt Lake City team in 2023. Dr. Sahagian earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College. He then completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Following this, Dr. Sahagian completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and an emergency and critical care residency at Animal Medical Center. Dr. Sahagian enjoys many areas of veterinary medicine. He has special interests in mechanical ventilation, trauma, and hemodialysis and extracorporeal therapies for toxins. What Dr. Sahagian likes most about being a veterinarian is helping his critical patients recover and return home to their loving families. Outside of our hospital, Dr. Michael Sahagian enjoys camping, hiking, and skiing, as well as spending time with his family and beloved pet dog.
Kristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP
Kristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP is the Director of Veterinary Services at the Open Door Veterinary Collective and an affiliate of the UC Davis One Health Institute. From 2020 to 2023, she served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Small Animal Primary Care at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She continued her work as an Access to Veterinary Care clinician from 2023 to 2025 and served as the faculty director of the Knights Landing One Health Clinic from 2022 to 2025. Prior to her academic roles, Dr. Jankowski practiced in general and specialty rehabilitation settings and was the founder and director of One Health Delaware. A 1994 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, she earned her certification in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee in 2014 and completed the Purdue University Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Dr. Jankowski has been an active member of the AAVMC’s Spectrum of Care Initiative Task Force and Working Group since 2023. Her professional interests center on veterinary education and the advancement of compassionate, contextualized care for all pets and their people.
Koranda Walsh, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVP (CP)
Koranda Walsh holds a BS in Biology with distinction from Duke University and earned her VMD with highest honors from PennVet. She completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at the University of Minnesota, followed by dual residencies in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology at PennVet, leading to board certification in both specialties. After several years in diagnostic practice, she returned to PennVet as faculty for nine years. She is now a founding faculty member and Associate Professor of Clinical Pathology at Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. Her areas of expertise include diagnostic cytopathology and hematopathology, with a strong interest in hematopoietic diseases. She is committed to innovative, learner-centered teaching and fostering a culture of open communication, evidence-based feedback, and patient safety.
Jennifer Quammen, DVM, MPH
Dr. Jennifer Quammen is the AVMA President-Elect for 2025–26. She began her career as a licensed veterinary technician before earning her DVM from The Ohio State University and her MPH from the University of Iowa. Over the years, she has worked as a relief veterinarian, associate, and medical director — and she still enjoys practicing in clinics today. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Quammen is the Chief Veterinary Officer at Otto, a veterinary technology company, and co-founder of Veterinarian Coaching, where she has supported veterinarians and students in wellbeing and professional growth. She has served the profession through many leadership roles — from President of the Kentucky VMA to AVMA Vice President — always focused on elevating veterinary teams, advancing technology responsibly, and ensuring the future of veterinary medicine is strong and sustainable.
Amanda Price, DMV, MS
Dr. Amanda Price is the State Veterinarian at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Her responsibilities include preventing, preparing for, and responding to animal disease outbreaks. Dr. Price has worked at UDAF since 2019 and served as the Assistant State Veterinarian for five years, as well as the deputy incident commander for the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak from 2022 to 2024. Before joining UDAF, Dr. Price worked as a dairy veterinarian in the central valley of California. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring this beautiful state with her husband and two boys.
Mike McEntire, DVM, MS, DACZM
Dr. McEntire was raised in Cottonwood Heights, UT. He completed his undergraduate training in Biology at Brigham Young University and his Veterinary Training at Texas A&M University. His specialty training included a year in University of Tennessee's Combined Small Animal Rotating and Zoological Medicine Internship, a year at Cornell University's Zoological Medicine & Surgery Internship, and three years with the Illinois Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency through the University of Illinois, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Brookfield Zoo Chicago. He completed his M.S. in Clinical Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology concurrently with his residency training, investigating the management of systemic isosporosis in passerine birds. Following his residency, Dr. McEntire served as an associate veterinarian at SeaWorld San Antonio where he got to work with his favorite species, the orca for a few years before transitioning into academia. He is currently working at Utah State University as an assistant professor where he enjoys sharing his love for zoological medicine. In this capacity, he serves as the primary veterinarian for Zootah at Willow Park, giving students the opportunity to work with zoological species throughout their veterinary school career.
Sharilee Scheller, Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) Investigator
Sharilee Scheller is an investigator for the Division of Professional licensing. She has been an investigator for 11 years. In this role, she has investigated complaints regarding many different professions. Prior to joining the Division, Sharilee worked in the medical field for 25 years.
Kya Fedora-DeGarmo, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Kya Fedora-DeGarmo began her journey into veterinary medicine at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo in New Mexico, where she worked as a primate keeper. Having recently earned her BS in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado, she collaborated with the zoo’s veterinary staff to create nutritious and engaging treats for the primates. Inspired by the team’s encouragement, she applied to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, the alma mater of the zoo’s head veterinarian. Before starting school, she completed an internship at the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania, Australia, under world-renowned Tasmanian Devil expert Androo Kelly. Graduating with honors (Phi Zeta) from Ross University, she completed her clinical training at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She then pursued an internship at VCA Veterinary Care and Referral Center in Albuquerque, remaining on as an emergency care veterinarian. It was here that she discovered her passion for cardiology, prompting her to complete a three-year residency at Washington State University, where she refined her expertise through hands-on practice. Dr. Fedora-DeGarmo has joined Advance Veterinary Care in Millcreek, Utah and takes great pride in building strong relationships with both pets and their families, recognizing the vital role of compassionate care in cardiovascular medicine. Outside of her work, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, camping, and fishing with her husband. At home, she shares her life with two dogs, Billy and Blue, and a regal ragdoll cat named Arlo.
Cait Glaze, BS
After graduating from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s in veterinary science, Cait began working for Dermatology for Animals in 2020. She quickly discovered a love for all creatures scaly, crusty, itchy, and smelly and finds great satisfaction in helping her patients find relief. She enjoys educating clients and colleagues alike on all things derm related!
Casey Larsen, DVM, MS, DACVR
Casey Larsen is a board-certified veterinary radiologist with a passion for using advanced imaging techniques to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary patients. Dr. Larsen graduated from Utah State University/Washington State University’s WIMU program in 2018 and completed a residency in diagnostic imaging at Washington State University in 2023. Dr. Larsen believes that compassionate care and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand in helping patients. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping with his family.
Diane Delmain, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
Dr. Diane Delmain is an Associate Clinical Professor of Community Practice at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a Feline Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) and also holds an International Society for Feline Medicine Advanced Certificate in Feline Behavior. After many years in private feline practice, she joined the Auburn faculty in 2018, receiving the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2021. Dr. Delmain has written several book chapters and provided many hours of feline-oriented continuing education to local, national and international veterinary audiences. Her interests include feline medicine and behavior and clinical communication.
Jeff Simmons, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Simmons is a Mississippi native, born and raised around Gulfport, MS. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with his BS in Biology and English. After finishing there, he went to Mississippi State University and earned his DVM degree. Following graduation, Dr. Simmons moved to Northern Alabama and worked in a mixed animal practice. Shortly after Dr. Simmons decided to further his training in emergency and critical care and was accepted into the Auburn University's residency program for small animal emergency and critical care. During his residency at Auburn he also obtained a Master's degree in Biomedical Science. After completing his residency at Auburn, he remained as a clinical instructor. After finishing at Auburn, he accepted a position at Purdue University as a clinical instructor until coming to Salt Lake City, Utah. During the last 15 years Dr. Simmons has practiced in Utah as a Critical Care Specialist consulting with clients and general practice veterinarians on complicated, hard to manage, conditions.
Geoff Simons, MSW, CSW-UT
Geoff Simons graduated from Saint Leo University with his Master of Social Work degree in 2017. After completing his graduate program, Geoff became a district manager for a Florida- based escape room company where he focused on creating exciting, memorable events for large corporate groups across the state. After making a career change during the pandemic, Geoff discovered his new passion in the field of Animal Welfare. As the Pet Support & Admissions Program Coordinator with the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter in Tampa, FL, Geoff led a team of animal welfare case managers who focused on the importance of maintaining the human-animal bond. By taking a community-based approach, he developed programs and cultivated resources for low-income county residents who were seeking a variety of services for their pets. Geoff is a true "people person" who thrives on an interdisciplinary team, so he placed major emphasis on creating an inclusive, empathetic, and non-judgmental working environment for his team. Geoff believes education is one of the foundational building blocks of social work which led him to become an Adjunct Professor in Social Work teaching a variety of topics to undergraduate social work students including Diversity Issues, Equity & Justice, and Gerontology. After making a transition to Salt Lake City, Geoff now works as a Veterinary Social Worker with MedVet. His role focuses not only on providing direct client support and intervention, but he also provides support to MedVet caregivers and continues to facilitate MedVet’s Empathetic Communication Curriculum.
Jennifer Lyons, CVT, LVT, MS, VTS (ECC)
Jennifer Lyons is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician Specialist at MedVet in Salt Lake City. She attended UC Davis, and has a bachelors and masters degree in animal biology with a focus on genetics and reproduction. After some time in research, including working in labs that pioneered the research for FIP treatment and feline genome mapping, she transitioned into veterinary medicine. She was one of the first CVTs in Utah, and achieved her VTS in 2021. She is a published author, experienced speaker, and maintains a YouTube channel providing free veterinary education. Outside of veterinary medicine she spends her time adventuring with her husband, and being a doting mom to her four cats.
Sharon Klingler, RVT, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia, Equine Veterinary Nursing)
Sharon Klingler has been a veterinary technician for over 45 years. She has worked in both private practice and at the university level. She performed anesthesia at the University of Georgia for almost 10 years before moving to Texas to join Premier Equine Veterinary Services in 2006. At Georgia, she worked with small and large animals as well as exotics and did a large portion of the emergency anesthesia cases. In 2024, she moved to Utah and joined the staff at Utah State University College of Veterinary Medicine as an Instructional Veterinary Technician in clinical skills. She has spoken at several national and international conventions.
Haleigh Lundgreen, DVM
Dr. Lundgreen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Sciences, with a minor in Biomedical Sciences, from Colorado State University. She graduated from Colorado State University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Post graduation, Dr. Lundgreen was selected for an inteship working with renowned doctors at the cutting edge practice of Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford, TX. After her time in Texas, Dr. Lundgreen moved to Utah and worked in a mixed animal practice. Dr. Lundgreen opened Paragon Equine Sports Medicine & Chiropractic in 2016, allowing her to focus her passion working with and treating horses. In her spare time, she enjoys riding and competing her horse, Ruger, and spending time with her husband, three young children, and her German Shepherd, Roh.
Patty Lathan, VMD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Dr. Patty Lathan earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania, then completed an internship at Mississippi State University and a residency in small animal internal medicine at Purdue University. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the specialty of small animal internal medicine. Dr. Lathan is a professor of small animal internal medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She specializes in endocrinology, specifically adrenal function testing, diabetes mellitus, and the mitigation of side effects of glucocorticoids.
Kerry Rood, MS, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
Kerry A. Rood, MS, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, is a professor and Associate Dean for Clinical Programs at the Utah State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). He has served the university in various leadership roles, including Associate Department Head in the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences (ADVS), and as an Extension Veterinarian since 2007. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Rood was the Vermont State Veterinarian and Chief Animal Health Officer. A 1997 graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Oregon and Utah before transitioning to public service and academia. Dr. Rood has been recognized with numerous awards for his excellence in service, teaching, and outreach, including the Extension Specialist Career Award, Faculty University Service Award, Undergraduate Advisor of the Year, Utah Veterinarian of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. He also served as President of the Utah Veterinary Medical Association. A central figure in the development of veterinary education in Utah, Dr. Rood was instrumental in building support across professional, public, and legislative arenas for the establishment of Utah’s own four-year College of Veterinary Medicine, which admitted its first cohort in 2025. He continues to help shape the program’s clinical education and strategic direction. Originally from Coos Bay, Oregon, Dr. Rood grew up on his family’s dairy and beef operation. He and his wife, Rachel Taylor (married in 1989), have three children. Outside of work, he enjoys road cycling and competitive pistol shooting.
Lynne Gilbert-Norton, PhD, Wildlife Biology
I grew up in the English countryside with a love of horses, wildlife, and dogs. I spent my free time training dogs and competing in agility, and flyball. I studied human psychology and animal behavior through a BSc at the University of Plymouth, UK. I studied canine behavior, with a focus on enrichment, temperament, and learning in captive coyotes (Canis latrans) through an MSc, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research at Utah State University, Logan. My work is published in a number of scientific journals including Animal Behaviour, Conservation Biology, Ethology, Applied Animal Welfare Science, and Behavioral Processes. I have presented my research at conferences throughout the UK and the US. I started a canine behaviorist business, Pets Decoded LLC in Salt Lake City in 2014, and am currently the only applied behaviorist specializing in dog behavior in Utah. I work with behavioral issues including, but not limited to, boundary issues (jumping, barking, pulling, chewing, digging etc.), reactivity, aggression, fear, anxiety and communication breakdown. Clients are referred to me by a number of veterinarian practices in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. I am affiliated with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). I am proud and honored that Pets Decoded LLC has been awarded Best of Salt Lake City, Consultant 6 years in a row (2019 to 2024), a distinction putting my services in the Salt Lake City Business Hall of Fame. I live with my husband, Richie, and dogs Benny and Lily in Salt Lake City. I spend my free time riding my horse Caspian, hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.
Tara Nicholas, CVT
Tara has been a vital part of the Internal Medicine team at MedVet Salt Lake City for the past four years. She's currently working toward her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Internal Medicine and has developed a strong passion for hepatic and renal diseases.
When she's not in the clinic, Tara enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, paddle boarding, and making memories with her husband and young son.
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