Meet Our Team!

Kasey

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Siban

Veterinary Assistant

Siban is one of our Veterinary Assistants. She attended PIMA Medical Institute and has been in the veterinary field for 5 years. Through her years in this field, she has developed an overall understanding of how to provide the best care to our beloved patients. Whether it’s general wellness to establishing care or seeking treatment for a sick patient, she always ready to help. Siban takes pride in making sure both the client and patient enter and leave our hospital with a good experience. In her free time, she enjoys watching “play through” video games as well as playing them. She recently picked up two new hobbies: crocheting and baking. Siban also enjoys fitness and trying new food dishes at different restaurants. However, the occasional cuddles from her cat, King, are always mandatory.

Peyton

Veterinary Assistant

Peyton, our Veterinary Assistant, studied Animal Science at Washington State University. She enjoys working hands-on with pets and finds it especially rewarding to see them receive the care they need and return to optimal health. Peyton has two cats and a dog and loves to spend time sunbathing with her 17-year-old lady on the patio while reading.

Jaida

CSC

Jaida is one of our Receptionists. She attended Marysville Getchell High School and is new to the veterinary field. Although she is new to veterinary medicine and practices, she prides herself on her warm personality and will treat her pet family members as her own. In her free time, she likes to read anything she can get her hands on. Jaida loves the sense of community as well so she enjoys meeting new people and finding common interests.

Alta Hunter

DVM

Dr. Alta Hunter grew up in Everett, Washington, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Washington. She then pursued her veterinary degree at Iowa State University. After graduating, Dr. Hunter returned to the Pacific Northwest, where she feels at home among the beautiful trees and mountains. Dr. Hunter is passionate about the human-animal bond and believes that animals bring immense joy to our lives. She has a particular interest in dermatology and preventive medicine. At home, Dr. Hunter shares her life with Thomasina, a dearly loved calico cat, and Sammy, a lovable Great Dane/Lab mix who is the best boy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing, and exploring the great outdoors through hiking.

Joy Featherstone

DVM

Dr. Featherstone was born and raised in Seattle, WA. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, then moved to California to work in marine biology before attending UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2008, she returned to the Pacific Northwest and has since been working with cats and dogs in the greater western Washington region.

In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and traveling. Her dogs, Misha and Edison, often join her on outdoor adventures, while her cats, Pandora and Vivaldi, prefer the comfort of home.

Matthew Achenbach

DVM

Dr. Matthew Achenbach earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. With a keen interest in Soft Tissue Surgery and Canine Rehabilitation, Dr. Matthew is dedicated to delivering top-quality care to his patients. He takes pride in his ability to communicate openly with clients, even in difficult situations involving complex diagnostics and unknown outcomes. Dr. Matthew’s passion for veterinary medicine began at a young age when he started cleaning kennels at Northview Animal Hospital in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has worked in the veterinary field ever since, progressing from a kennel attendant to a veterinary assistant and ultimately becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. When he’s not working, Dr. Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and son, as well as their dog and two cats. He also loves to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest through activities like golfing and hiking.

Janel Cawthra

Medical Director

Dr. Cawthra joined Brier Veterinary Hospital in June 2020. Before becoming a veterinarian, she worked as a veterinary receptionist and veterinary assistant. She completed her undergraduate studies at Washington State University and majored in zoology. In 2016, she graduated from Ross University in Saint Kitts. Her favorite aspect of veterinary medicine is performing surgeries.

When Dr. Cawthra is not working at the hospital, she enjoys craft projects and taking trips to Disneyland with her husband, Josh. At home, they have one fur child: Calypso, their six-year-old island mutt.

Melanie and Don Gerard

DVM’s

Drs. Don and Melanie Gerard purchased Brier Veterinary Hospital from its founder, Dr. Earls, in January 2020. Dr. Melanie and Dr. Earls attended veterinary college together at Ohio State University in the class of 2000.

Dr. Melanie has years of experience working to promote animal welfare by providing high-quality veterinary care in a variety of settings. She was the senior veterinarian in a large humane society in Minneapolis, which led her to start Mission Animal Hospital, a charitable veterinary hospital, in 2012.

Raised in Bellevue, Dr. Don Gerard started his career at Bellevue Animal Hospital as a kennel attendant. Don graduated magna cum laude from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998.

Don and Melanie have a large and active home with five children and two dogs, Zorro and Behr.

Tracy Tomlinson

DVM

Dr. Tomlinson is the newest doctor at Brier Veterinary Hospital. She graduated from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. In fact, Dr. Don Gerard was her vet school classmate! She has known Dr. Melanie Gerard for several years as well.

Dr. Tomlinson grew up in Kent, where her family had a small hobby farm. She raised and cared for goats, chickens, rabbits, a horse, and, of course, cats and dogs. She went to WSU for undergraduate studies as well as vet school. Medically, she enjoys managing endocrine diseases (hormonal conditions like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid disease, etc.), treating weird feline medical cases (cats are not small dogs!), and managing preventive/wellness care for all life stages. She is a strong believer in using screening diagnostics for early disease detection rather than waiting for the pet to be suffering from a disease before treatment is initiated. She also believes strongly in regular dental cleanings before disease has progressed to a point where multiple teeth must be extracted.

The foundation of Dr. Tomlinson’s approach in practice is to understand the wants and needs of her clients as well as determining the needs of her patients. She feels that having a detailed conversation with the client and clear communication in both directions is vital for her to provide the best care for her patients.

In her spare time, Dr. Tomlinson loves painting, going to the gym, cooking, and spending time with her pets. She has two Golden Retrievers and six Sphynx cats. They are all very important parts of her family.

Kayla Hough

DVM

Dr. Kayla Hough is a Pacific Northwest local who was born and raised in Renton, WA. She attended Washington State University for her undergraduate studies and found herself in the Cayman Islands for her veterinary degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine.

She has had many pets over the years ranging from an African Grey parrot, to rabbits, hamsters, hedgehogs, ducks, chickens, goats along with dogs and cats. She currently shares her home with a female long-haired tuxedo cat named Charlie, and a bonded pair of rabbits named Rory and Mac.

Her interests include dentistry, soft tissue surgery, cardiology and dermatology. Her favorite dog breed is Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Hough races tunnel boats in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys reading, playing video games and board games.

Harley

Area Hospital Manager

Harley was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, where her love of animals began. She grew up on a small farm, helping raise and show goats, as well as participating in her local 4-H club. She graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Hospitality Leadership in 2014 and then relocated to Austin, Texas. Before and during college, she volunteered at her local animal shelter and humane society, where she realized she wanted to make helping animals her career. She spent seven years in Texas working for the same Veterinary group, starting as a receptionist and working her way up to Hospital Manager.

In an effort to escape the hot temperatures of Texas, she moved with her two children to Washington in April 2020. Together they enjoy exploring the beautiful mountains and trails every chance they get. Harley currently has one very mischievous 8-month-old Doodle pup named Biscuit, who, along with her kids, occupy all her free time.

As the Hospital Administrator, she believes that through compassionate communication, we can ensure that pets receive the best care possible and that their humans understand the value of what we do.

Sheyenne

Managing LVT

Sheyenne grew up in the Tacoma area and moved up north about six years ago when she gave up her career as an esthetician to become a veterinary technician. She has found great joy in working with all types of animals, from horses to research dogs, and hopes to one day adopt a retired research beagle after her girl, Melon, was never able to come home.

She has an 11-year-old son, Liam, and a 14-year-old cat, Mooch, at home who keep her on her toes. She’s also looking to add a guinea pig to her little family. She is excited to be at Brier with great people who will allow her to continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Anna

LVT

Bio Coming Soon

Kaitlyn

LVT

Kaitlyn has been a licensed veterinary technician for over 10 years. She has had a passion for animals ever since she could remember and knew she wanted to eventually have a career involving animals in some way. Her special interests include patient care, surgery and phlebotomy. In her free time, Kaitlyn loves to spend time with her senior cat, Binx as well as her boyfriend and family. She loves listening to music, being outdoors and all things spooky.

Rebecca Hancock

LVT

Rebecca joined the Brier family in May 2020 as a Licensed Veterinary Technician with ten years of experience under her belt. She is a 2009 graduate of PIMA Medical Institute and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Creative Writing. Her dog baby, John, is her pride and joy. He is the best boy in the whole world!

In her free time, Rebecca enjoys doing cross stitch projects. She makes a special Christmas stocking for each of her nieces and nephews every year. Rebecca is an avid movie watcher, and she can recite The Princess Bride word for word. (Inconceivable!)

Kaylee

Veterinary Assistant

Kaylee went to Pima Medical Institute and completed her certification to be a veterinary assistant. She has always been passionate about animals and is currently working toward becoming a licensed technician.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs and traveling to new places.

Karla

Veterinary Assistant

Karla is a dedicated veterinary assistant with 5 years of experience. She takes pride in providing the best care for all patients and their families, treating each patient as if they were her own. Outside of work, Karla enjoys spending time with her son, Oliver. Whether they are out trying new activities or at the gym, she cherishes quality time with her family.

Glen

Veterinary Assistant

Glen has lived in Washington for 40 years and has dedicated the past 18 years of his life to helping and caring for animals. He loves them all but has a strong affinity for our feline friends.

He enjoys teaching himself guitar as well as spending time with his family and beautiful cat, Mina.

Brian

Veterinary Assistant

Brian graduated from Carrington College with an Associate Degree of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2014. He has always been passionate about animals. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing with his cat and dog at home.

Kasey

Veterinary Assistant

Bio Coming Soon

Kathy

CSC

Kathy was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Though she has only been working in the veterinary field for four years, she has several years of experience volunteering at a local animal shelter. She spends her free time reading, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and enjoys playing word games on her computer.

Nichole

CSC

Born and raised in Washington, I love to be outdoors. My family and I go on trips to different lakes and trails on days off. We also have two dogs, Kirin, a 4 year old Swiss White Shepherd, who’s sweet as can be and Luci, a 5 year old “perma-puppy”, who just loves to add a little more crazy in our lives. I learned my love of compassion towards animals from a very young age with a variety of family pets and was introduced to the veterinary field in 2012 where I was able to learn and grow my medical knowledge and communication skills to help any and all animals I can.