Staff
Dr. Gayle P. MacKenzie, BS, MS, DVM
Dr. Gayle P. MacKenzie
Dr. Gayle MacKenzie received her veterinary training at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, graduating in 1987. Her Master of Science was in physiology and her undergraduate work encompassed animal behavior and psychology. She was born in Albuquerque, NM and at a very young age knew she would become either a veterinarian or an Olympic ice skater. One of those goals was realized. After practicing in Broomfield, CO for 6 years as an associate veterinarian, Gayle purchased the West Jewell Veterinary Hospital in Lakewood, CO. In 2001 she founded her dream hospital, The Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center. Gayle and her husband Bill, a fisheries biologist, live in the mountains of Morrison, CO. They enjoy their beautiful cats, horses, the fresh air, rollerblading, yoga, biking and much more. Her nickname is Dr. Cat (not to say she does not love dogs too, SHE DOES!)
Dr. Jill O'Connell, BS, DVM
Dr. Jill O'Connell
Dr. Jill O'Connell completed her undergraduate studies at Montana State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Fish and Wildlife Management in 1997. She attended Veterinary School at Iowa State University, graduating in 2001. Jill moved to Colorado and began her veterinary career working at Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center and has been here ever since. She enjoys the mountains and mild climate, as well as spending time with her husband Jimmy, two sons, Michael & Sean and her terrier mix Baxter.
Wendy Vise-Wiley, Office Manager
Wendy Vise-Wiley
Wendy joined Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center in August of 2011 bringing with her over 5 years of veterinary management, 15 years of corporate customer service training and marketing expertise and 20 years of training and showing dogs. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a BFA in Visual Communications but always knew she would work her way into her first love of veterinary medicine. She lives with her husband John, a science teacher, and their dogs Bunny a mixed-breed and Norwegian Elkhounds Alley and Stella and cat Ezzie. They moved to Colorado from Kansas City in 2006 and spend all their time enjoying the Colorado scenery, camping, hiking and visiting National Parks all over the country.
Janelle Nash, Certified Veterinary Technician
Janelle Nash
Janelle joined Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center in March of 2011. She graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology where she earned an associate’s degree in applied sciences in December of 2009. Born and raised in Colorado, she lived most of her childhood years on a small ranch in Sedalia, Colorado where her love for animals flourished. Being active in both FFA and 4H, she proudly raised and showed Nubian goats until she graduated high school. She now lives in Littleton with her husband Ty, two Papillons named Luna & Punk, a Dalmatian mix named Sadie and her cat Mia Pia Burrito. In her free time she enjoys being with family and friends.
Rachel Ritchie, Veterinary Technician
Rachel Ritchie
Rachel has worked exclusively in veterinary medicine since 1980. She is a native of Colorado but lived in Dallas, TX from 1981-1997, where she worked for a one-doctor practice, assisting in surgery and dentals. Rachel has worked for the Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center since 1998 as a Veterinary Technician with a vast amount of hands on experience and a great love for animals. She enjoys spending time with her husband Jamie, daughter Crystal, son-in-law John, her dogs and a great cat named Grizz. The family likes short trips exploring Colorado, watching movies and relaxing in their hot tub.
Kim Bowen, Veterinary Technician
Kim Bowen
Kim has been with Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center since 2003 and brings energy and fun to our team. She and her husband Joe, have 3 children, 1 has graduated and two currently attend schools in Lakewood. Kim and her family lived in Southern California before moving to the Lakewood area. The other members of her family include 4 dogs Lucy, Broady, Button and Bear. Kim is not only a member of our team, but she is also a previous client.
Naomi Weaver, Client Care Representative
Naomi Weaver
Naomi joined the Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center team in May of 2008, bringing over 2 years of client care experience with her. She is a native of Colorado, but has lived in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and Arizona before moving back in the spring of 2007. In her free time Naomi likes spending time with her husband Matt, her 3 Greyhounds, Apollo, Artemis and Odin, her little hairy Italian Greyhound Vinnie and cat Misha. She is also very active with Colorado Greyhound Adoption.
Cathi Colas, Groomer
Cathi Colas
Cathi has been a professional groomer since 2009, where she graduated from Critter Clips School of Professional Dog Grooming. In addition to her professional grooming experience, she has also shown and bred dogs and has worked with animals in some capacity for well over 20 years. She attended the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology and worked for a time as a veterinary technician. Cathi has worked in some of the best grooming salons in the area, including VCA in Douglas County. In her free time Cathi is an experienced horse woman, yoga practitioner and drummer for one of the more popular bands in the area.
Cathi will handle and care for your dog or cat as if they were her own. She believes animals respond best to calm, positive energy and will make it her top priority to ensure your pet has a successful experience while they are in her care. She has started many puppies with their first grooming experience and makes sure the senior pet is taken care of gently and thoroughly.
Elaine Douglas, Kennel Technician
Elaine Douglas
You and your pets will love Elaine’s positive energy and smile. She grew up in Southern California and studied art at Concordia University in Irvine. She loves to play clarinet, hike, snowboard and spends her free time with her husband, James, Great Dane Pegasus and a rat named Atlas. By the way Pegasus and Atlas are best friends!
Miranda Matuszewki, Kennel Technician
Miranda brings her love of animals and past veterinary experience to the Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center kennel team. She grew up and currently lives in the Lakewood area with her two dogs Jaide and Ayla and her fish. In her free time she enjoys movies, live music and relaxing.