Meet Our Team


  • Dr.
    Jennifer Gochanour
    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    Owner

    Dr. Jennifer Gochanour has been in the company of animals her entire life, growing up on a farm in Falcon, Colorado. Wanting to be an 'animal doc' since she was 3, she graduated from Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2001. Since then she has been practicing veterinary medicine on the I-70 corridor. Her specialties include equine medicine and small animal internal medicine and surgery. Dr. Gochanour is also a certified animal chiropractor. In August of 2011, she completed her training and passed the board exams for the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. While off duty she loves spending time with her family, gardening and enjoying our beautiful Colorado outdoors. Dr. Gochanour is a wife to Robert, mother to Lynae, Konner, and Victoria, and current owner of 4 dogs, a cat, fish, and 2 ferrets. You can also catch Dr. Gochanour on the national television channel, Animal Planet, where she appeared in several episodes of the show 'Hanging with the Henderson's'.

  • Dr. Madi Levitsky
    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    Associate Practitioner

    Dr. Madi Levitsky is a 2021 graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She was born and raised in southeastern Pennsylvania where she began riding horses at 6 years old. Dr. Levitsky fell in love with Colorado in 2014 when she began working on a ranch in Livermore, and has since guided over 2,500 miles of trail on horseback in the Rocky Mountains. After graduation, she moved to Colorado with her dog Mambo, two cats, and her horse, Squid. In her spare time, you can find Dr. Levitsky horseback riding, skiing, or watching the latest Marvel movie. She’s so excited to join the Living Springs team and can’t wait to meet you and your pets!

  • Dr.
    Stephanie McAvoy
    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    Associate Practitioner

    Dr. Stephanie McAvoy is from Rochester, New York, and has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was six years old. She is a 2023 graduate of Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine and has a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science from The University of Maine. At Maine, she developed a true love for cows, sheep, horses, and the outdoors. After exploring Colorado on a few trips, Stephanie knew there was nowhere else better to start a life post-grad. When she is not seeing your small or large animals, you can find her skiing, hiking, national park hopping, or learning to mountain bike! She is ecstatic to be a part of the Living Springs Family and to begin her career with the amazing people and animals of the greater Bennett, Colorado area!

  • Dr.
    Bekah Jackson
    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    Associate Practitioner

    Dr. Bekah Jackson is a 2023 Colorado State University graduate. She is originally from Oklahoma, but has primarily lived in Colorado since the age of 9. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Colorado, Denver in 2018 prior to starting veterinary school. She has been surrounded by small animals and exotic pets her entire life and is currently the caregiver for two dogs, a cat and a bearded dragon. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading & yoga. Dr. Jackson is very excited to join the Living Springs Veterinary Care team!

  • Dr.
    Mayako Turner-Okazaki
    Associate Practitioner

    Dr. Mayako Turner-Okazaki is a Japanese-Canadian national, who was born in the Ivory Coast and raised in the Ivory Coast and Tunisia. Wherever she was, she was always surrounded by animals and has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. Maya graduated from the St. Matthew’s University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024 and completed her clinical training at the University of Minnesota. She fell in love with Colorado and the Living Springs Veterinary Care team while on an externship during her clinical year and knew it was the perfect match to continue her journey. Maya is excited to be part of the Living Springs team and is looking forward to meeting you and the important members of your family – small, large and everything in between! In her free time, she enjoys dancing, baking, traveling and learning languages. But most of all, she enjoys spending time with her foster-fail cat Noodles and hopes to have many more fur babies with her partner someday.

  • Dr.
    Don Kerrihard
    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    Specialty Surgeon

    Dr. Don Kerrihard is our resident specialist in small animal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He graduated from Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1991. His surgical orthopedic training came from the Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital in Denver. He worked there from 1994 - 2000 before becoming a mobile surgeon. Our patients are in his expertly skilled hands during our knee/stifle stabilizing surgeries, fracture repairs, and other specific bone and soft tissue surgeries. Dr. Kerrihard is a father of 2 boys and caregiver of a dog and cat.

  • Kim Adams
    Practice Manager

    Kim is a Colorado native and has a tremendous love of animals. Moving to the corridor 6 years ago, her and her husband started a farm for any animal that needs a home. Currently giving shelter to 4 dogs, 2 cats, 1 pig, 3 birds, 3 ducks, 7 goats, 1 mule and 7 incredible donkeys. Kim has fallen in love with her long-eared friends. Kim's family 'is her everything' and when not enjoying her 4 legged family, she is enjoying time with her husband, children and grandchildren while hiking, boating, camping or anything outdoors.  Kim has been a practice manager for 30 years and we are excited to have her on team Living Springs. 

  • Jess Shannon
    Nursing Manager/Lead Certified Veterinary Technician

    Jess is a Colorado native and grew up with a passion for helping those in need, and for animals of all shapes and sizes. Vet med was the only choice for her. She graduated from Bel-Rae Institute in 2010 and has been working in the veterinary field since. In her free time, Jess spends her time with her husband Brian, her 3 kids, 5 dogs, and 3 cats. She loves to be outdoors working in her garden or hiking with the family including the 4 legged ones! She also enjoys relaxing on the porch at her home in Kiowa. Jess is excited to be part of the team and is looking forward to meeting you!

  • Vanessa Langley
    Nursing Manager/Lead Provisional Veterinary Technician

    Vanessa is originally from Utah and has always had a love for animals, especially horses. She grew up spending summers on her grandparents llama farm in Central Utah, helping with the day to day, riding horses and catching snakes. After graduating high school she moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and spent 3 summers as a horseback trail guide in Bridget-Teton National Forest. During the off season she attended Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Wyoming to receive her AAS in Equine Management and AS in Equine Science. There she met her future husband, who just happened to be her farrier. After graduating college, they spent the next 10 years moving from North Dakota, Ohio, Utah and eventually back to Colorado chasing the oilfield. They eventually landed in Wiggins where they live with their 3 beautiful children, 4 dogs, 3 horses, 2 goats, a cat, a rabbit and a menagerie of chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Vanessa is currently going to school to get certified as a Veterinary Assistant. On her off time she loves photography, training horses, barrel racing, hunting, hiking, fishing, and just spending time with her family outdoors. Vanessa is so excited to be joining the Living Springs team and can’t wait to meet you!

  • Emily Jenkins
    Certified Veterinary Techician

    Emily is a new Colorado resident and recently relocated to the area from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She lives with her 2 daughters, 4 dogs, 4 cats, and her variety of farm animals, which include Tennessee Walking Horses, a potbelly pig, chickens, ducks, and guineas. Emily’s passion for animals started when she was just a child and would bring home orphaned and injured animals to nurse back to health. She later went on to attend WSCC in East Tennessee for Veterinary Technology, TCCD in Fort Worth TX for nursing/psychology, and JBC in Tulsa for Esthetics. Emily prides herself in always continuing to learn and grow as much as she can. As a seasoned Veterinary Technician, she has worked with all types of animals, large and small, and in a variety of settings. One of her favorite experiences was doing wildlife rehab in TX and OK. She rehabilitated and released hundreds of orphaned/injured raccoons, foxes, skunks, deer, and bobcats. In her free time, Emily enjoys riding horses, photography, visiting parks and museums, traveling, and trying new foods. Emily is thrilled to be a part of the team at Living Springs and can’t wait to meet you and your beloved pets!

  • Taylar Wrenn
    Registered Veterinary Technician

    Taylar, her husband, and daughter moved to Colorado from Nebraska in December 2022. She has loved animals since a young age and always felt a connection to them. She graduated with her Associates of Applied  Science in Veterinary Technology and passed the National boards exam in 2013 and has been practicing ever since. Throughout her career she has worked with both large and small animals ranging from guinea pigs to horses. She has experience in Emergency/ICU, General Practice, and Rehabilitation.  When she is not at work, she loves being outside exploring with her family and two pups. She looks forward to meeting you at your next visit! 

  • Stacey Kramer
    Registered Veterinary Technician

    Stacey grew up in Colorado but went to university in Tennessee where she received a bachelor's degree in English. Immediately after graduation she decided to pursue her first love; animals. She went to Pima Medical Institute for a Veterinary Technician Associates of Science degree and has been in the veterinary field for 7 years. She has a special interest in animal psychology and behavior as well as encouraging and protecting the human/animal bond. When she isn't at work she is spending time with her pets or making reptile themed jewelry. 

  • Cliff Barragan
    Provisional Veterinary Assistant

    Cliff grew up in NYC, and as an adult has traveled all over the country. Growing up his family were Shepherd owners and wanted to seek a future working with animals. Cliff then started his career shortly thereafter working as a kennel attendant walking, feeding, and bathing canine boarders. The next 16 years Cliff was fortunate to have had many adventures across this country, all the while practicing in veterinary technology. Cliff then left Vet Med for 4 years to expand some horizons and seek out some other passions, especially environmental conservation and making change for the better of our planet. Autumn of 2019 went back to veterinary medicine where he practiced in Arizona, California and finally found Colorado where he belongs and loves the most. Cliff now resides in Colorado with his 3 year old German Shepherd, Ranger. Cliff is a huge advocate of healthy lifestyles, mentally and physically, so on his time off seeking balance he will be running, attending yoga and hiking with Ranger. Cliff enjoys music, wine tasting, is a foodie, loves photography, film and NY Ranger hockey. Cliff could not be any happier being part of the Living Springs culture! 

  • Andromeda Moss
    Provisional Veterinary Assistant

    Andromeda is a Colorado native and just graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She has worked with animals for her entire life on farms and in clinics. She currently has a German shepherd, a black kitten, two sugar gliders and two leopard geckos as her pets and enjoys getting to learn everything about them. She loves learning about and observing surgery, especially learning about the ins and outs of anesthesia for any animal that may come her way. Her passion for veterinary medicine doesn’t stop here as she hopes to become a vegetarian in the future. She is more than thrilled to join the team at Living Springs Veterinary Care and meet future clients and their pets!

  • Ally Isley
    Veterinary Assistant

    Ally was born and raised in a small town on the western slope of Colorado and moved to Denver about three years ago. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to work with various animals; she spent much of her childhood around her friend's farms. She recently volunteered at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, where she found her love of exotics. This is her second job at an animal hospital, and she is enrolled in the veterinary technician program at Penn Foster. Her dream is to work in a zoo hospital as a veterinary technician. Currently, she doesn’t have pets, but she’s become an aunt to all her friends' pets. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on drives, being in nature, and playing games. Ally is very excited to join the Living Springs team and can’t wait to meet you and your pets!

  • Grace Schaffner
    Veterinary Assistant

    Grace was born and raised in the small town of Wray Colorado surrounded by nothing but open pastures and the the one thing she love most, animals. Critters large and small have always been her passion, from caring for animals, showing her horse in 4-h, working at her hometown vet clinic, to training her own horses. She is beyond excited to share her passion with you at Living Springs Veterinary Clinic in order to insure you and your loved pet have the best care. 

  • Tyler Smart
    Veterinary Assistant

    Tyler is originally from Memphis TN and joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school. After he got out of the military in 2011, he started traveling to find his calling.  He moved to Colorado in 2021 to go to school to be a math teacher. He soon found animal medicine and a new passion when he started working in an animal emergency room while going to school at BelRea.  In his free time he loves to play the guitar and keyboard or ride his bikes. He also enjoys spending time with his 2 black cats Murri and Guinness.

  • Emily Reed
    Veterinary Assistant

    Emily was born and raised in Colorado, where she grew up with a variety of pets from guinea pigs to horses. She also had the opportunity to learn how to ride at a very young age. Growing up, working with animals was always something she wanted to do. Since graduating High school, she has gained two dogs of her own Riddick and Dallas, as well as a horse named Atlas. On her free time she loves spending time with her boyfriend, animals, and close friends and family. She also enjoys going camping and riding razors at the dunes during the summer. Emily is very excited to be joining the Living Springs team and cannot wait to meet you and care for your loved pet.

  • Dakota Juarez
    Veterinary Assistant

    Dakota was born and raised in Colorado, growing up she moved all around the state but ended up graduated from Bennett High School. She grew up always wanting to be around animals. She currently has a husky named Juneau and 4 cats, Rory, Tyra, Milo and Bitty. She wanted to go to school to be a veterinary but that got put on hold to take care of her 2 beautiful children. She loves all animals of any size and would pet an alligator if it wouldn't bite her. She is super excited to be apart of the Living Springs team and cannot wait to meet your pets!

  • Rorey McGehee
    Support Staff

    Rorey has lived in Colorado her whole life and has had animals ever since she was born! Her passion for animals grows everyday! She started riding horses when she was ten years old and has fallen in love with them! She moved to a place with acreage so she could get horses of her own! Rorey's enthusiasm has grown so much to where she knows what she wants as her future career, and she is super excited to be starting it professionally with Living Springs Vet!

  • Makayla Moretz
    Support Staff

    Makayla was born and raised in Colorado. She grew up in Dacono, Colorado until she moved to Bennett in 2014. Since then she has worked with livestock on the family farm. She owns five dogs, Moose, Bo, Scooch, Rip and Beth, and she also has a few horses, a llama and a very spoiled mini Hereford cow. Makayla loves horse back riding, her animals, and helping whenever she can. 

  • Shannon St. Antoine
    Front Desk Manager/ Lead Receptionist

    Shannon had a love for animals for as long as she can remember. Growing up she had all types of pets: dogs and cats, ducks, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, horses, cows, llamas and one ornery goat. Shannon is a Colorado native, she was a member of the Westernaires and active in the 4H community. Today, she competes in dog sports like obedience, rally, barn hunt, conformation, and FastCAT. But running agility with her dogs is her true passion, she's been training and competing in agility for over 15 years. She has lived in Bennett since 2002 with her husband and her son, and she currently cares for three Boston Terriers, a Border Collie, two cats and four horses. She has always wanted to work with animals, and feels like now is the time to make her dream a reality.

  • Taylor Norton
    Front Desk Manager/Concierge Service Coordinator

    Taylor was born and raised in the small town of Hotchkiss, CO where her family raises registered Simmental cattle. Taylor's love for animals flourished at a very young age when she started her own herd and began showing in 4-H. Over the years, her cattle herd has grown to 25 head. Following her graduation from Paonia High School in 2016, Taylor attended Northeastern Junior College as a member of the Plainswomen volleyball team. After graduating with her associates degree, she returned home to work on the family ranch and to coach both volleyball and basketball at her alma mater. Taylor now lives in Wiggins, CO with her husband and two dogs. She is ecstatic to be joining the Living Springs' team.

  • Nicole Wyett
    Receptionist

    Nicole is proud to be a 6th generation Colorado native and her entire family is spread throughout Colorado. Nicole has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember and has always had a variety of pets. Nicole moved to Bennett when she married her husband and they have four spoiled fur babies named Capri, Roxy, JuJu and Stud. Nicole feels incredibly fortunate and is extremely excited to join the Living Springs team!

  • Abbey Crowell
    Receptionist

    Abbey was born and raised in Arizona, and spent most of her life there. She then moved to Hawaii for two years, and has now made her home in Colorado. She has always had a great love for all animals and currently has a horse, two cats, and a dog. Over the years she has owned rabbits, horses, dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, guinea pigs, snakes, and lizards. She began her love for animals by showing them in 4-H, but her true passion is horseback riding and training. She even brought her current horse to and from Hawaii, and now to Colorado. She has ridden in western pleasure, cow work, versatility, speed events, and more. Abbey is extremely excited to be in Colorado, and even more so about joining the Living Springs Team.

  • Calloway Lawler
    Receptionist

    Calloway moved to the I-70 corridor in 2019. She lives with her fiancé in Byers, accompanied by their three pets Utah, Luna and Kit. Calloway has been a medical assistant working in specialty practices such as Plastic Surgery and Dermatology since 2017. She is so pleased to have the opportunity to not only work close to home, but closely with animals while pursuing her nursing degree in 2024. She hopes to provide you and your beloved pets both a positive and seamless experience while visiting our clinic!

  • Tona Kelement
    Receptionist

    Tona was born and raised in the small town of Raymond Washington which is where she volunteered at the local veterinary hospital while she was in high school. She has always had a love for all animals big and small. Tona and her husband moved to Colorado in 2012. They currently have two dogs named Shelby and LuLu. Her dream is to someday have an animal rescue where she can help all types of animals. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring new places.

  • Sara Arterburn
    Receptionist

    Sara is a Colorado native who moved to Bennett with her fiancé and two dogs, a frenchie and dachshund poodle mix. Sara loves spending time with her family and traveling whenever she can.  She has grown up with lots of beloved pets and she is super excited to be able to work with animals today.

  • Jonelle Reinmuth
    Boarding and Daycare Manager

    Jonelle was born and raised in a rural community known as Salem County, New Jersey. She developed a passion and love for every living creature at a young age. Ranging from horses to rats, she grew up in the company of all sorts of animals at her home. Shortly after relocating to Deer Trail, CO after high school, she found Living Springs.Taking care of animals, especially dogs and cats, is something she’s always dreamed of. With a heart full of love, she is thrilled to meet your furry friends and make them feel right at home! When she is not working, you can expect her to be spending time with her two dogs, cat, two birds, two guinea pigs, and her goldfish. She also spends a lot of her spare time painting, knitting, and drawing. 

  • Noah Sanchez
    Boarding & Daycare Assistant

    Noah is a Colorado native who is in his junior year at Bennett High School. His favorite subject in school is history. Noah has one cat and four dogs. He enjoys spending time outdoors and with his friends. Noah is excited and looking forward to taking care of your furry friends at Living Springs!

  • Madeline Hilyard
    Boarding & Daycare Assistant

    Madeline grew up as a Colorado native and has always had a passion for all kinds of animals. Living out on the plains has certainly contributed to that love of hers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, along with her three pets. Maddie currently is a student at Bennett High School and in the future, plans on going to school for veterinary sciences. She looks forward to making an impact on the lives of big and small animals. She is beyond excited to share her passion in helping to take care of your furry friends at Living Springs! 

  • Cody Bevan
    Boarding & Daycare Assistant

    Cody was born and raised in Colorado. He is currently a senior at Bennett High School.  Cody is planning on pursuing a career in electrical engineering after he graduates. He has eight dogs, five cats, a horse, chickens, a bird, and two goats. He loves to take care of animals and has had plenty his whole life. 

  • Ava Keahey
    Boarding & Daycare Assistant

    Ava grew up as a Colorado native. She is in her junior year of high school and plans to go to college for criminal Justice. She has 5 cats and two dogs and has a passion for animals. In her free time, Ava likes to play sports and drag race. Ava loves animals and is looking forward to taking care of your family members at Living Springs.

  • Sarah James
    Groomer

    Sarah was born and raised in Colorado and enjoys the warmer seasons so she can be out in her garden. Sarah loves gardening so much that she brought her garden inside during the cooler months with her ivies and succulents. Sarah shares her home with 2 dogs. Graffiti is a 2 year old cocker spaniel and Mercy is a rescued 4 month shepherd mix. Sarah enjoys helping her community and volunteered her time in Paradise, CA with relief efforts including meals, laundry service and temporary housing for those affected. Sarah is excited to meet you and your fur family members at our Pet Spa!

  • Nicolette McStravick
    Groomer

    Nicolette is a 5th generation Colorado native who loves all things Colorado-hiking, fishing, camping, and growing her own herbs and vegetables. When she can’t be outside she can be found tending to her indoor plants, reading, or playing with her animals. Nicolette has always had a love of animals and grew up with indoor rabbits, cats, dogs, horses, fish, and a hedgehog. Nicolette started grooming in high school, and after a stint in college and the corporate world, she decided to return to grooming in 2019. Nicolette is excited to be a part of Living Springs and sharing her love with your furry family members. 

  • Donna Garrison
    Bathing Assistant

    Donna has lived in Byers for 37 years. She and her husband, Randy, have two grown daughters. Donna’s past careers have been in the beauty and health industry in cosmetology and massage therapy. After a short semi-retirement, she is excited to join the team at Living Springs. Donna has always loved animals and has enjoyed them throughout her childhood and adulthood. She shares her home with two cats, Charlie and Ziggy, two pot-bellied pigs, Alabama and Banjo, and her dog, Bonnie. Donna enjoys feeding and watching birds. She is a proud granny of two grandsons and cherishes her time with them. Donna is excited to meet you and your animal family members at our Pet Spa.

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Living Springs Veterinary Care

Monday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Saturday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonial

  • "New to Colorado and have had to deal with Expensive VCA clinics in town. My greyhound had an issue with this front paw, and I took him to Living Springs. The staff friendly and professional and took care great care of my dog. Unlike VCA clinics, I did not have to mortgage my home for a vet visit. Quite a drive from Denver but worth it."
    chad buckley