Meet the team of Canyon Country Animal Hospital.
Our clinic is full of animal lovers. Each team member is dedicated to the health and well-being of your pet. You can be assured that your pet is in loving hands with any member of the Canyon Country Animal Hospital team.
Kyle Dunn, DVM
Dr. Dunn has known his wife since high school. They have 6 kids. The Dunns have an assortment of animals at home including sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and an iguana. They enjoy climbing Colorado's mountains and have summitted many 14'ers as a family. He is happy to have a business in his hometown and always wants to provide a professional and personal experience. Dr Dunn said, "I love the human/animal bond. As one of the few remaining privately owned veterinary hospitals in the valley, I am able to make decisions with owners and am not influenced by a corporation. I try to treat people the way I would want to be treated."
Roberta Francis, DVM
Dr. Francis grew up in Buffalo, Wyoming. She graduated from Colorado State University Veterinary School. She then worked in Connecticut before starting her own veterinarian practice in Golden, Colorado. She sold that practice in 2017. She is married and has two grown sons. She also has 3 cats.
Duane H. Moore, DVM
Dr. Moore received his degree in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He then worked at Oakdale Veterinary Group in Oakdale, California. In 1996 Dr. Moore returned to Colorado and acquired the Palisade Veterinary Clinic in 1999. He cared for the pets of Palisade for 22 years. In 2021 Dr. Moore sold the Palisade Veterinary Clinic and “retired.” After almost a year of travel and relaxation Dr. Moore began working part time with Dr. Dunn. Dr. Moore enjoys motorcycle riding, flyfishing, travel, drumming, and photography. He is a working musician playing with his current project, The Hugh Phillips Band.
Tara Hogan, DVM
Dr. Hogan has worked in multiple practices prior to moving to Jacksonville, and brings a special interest in felines and geriatric medicine. She is a graduate of Colorado State University with post-graduate internship in emergency medicine, but started in the field as a veterinary kennel worker at the age of sixteen. She has a special interest in feline geriatrics and is a member of AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners).
Baylea Rinderle
Certified Veterinarian Assistant
Born and raised in Grand Junction, Baylea married her high school sweetheart in 2018. She earned an associates degree in horse training and management. She has a history of working with large animals and owns horses, mules, cows, and 5 dogs. Here she is pictured with her dog, Chip.
Nicole Busk
Registered Veterinary Technician
A Colorado native who grew up in Glenwood Springs, Nicole has been a veterinary technician for 6 years. She has a bachelors of science in natural horsemanship. She has 2 horses, 2 dogs, 3 chickens, a dog, a 3-legged cat, and a fainting goat!
Alyssa Trane
Registered Veterinary Technician
Alyssa grew up in Fruita and although she's moved away a few times, she always comes back to the Grand Valley! She grew up riding and training horses. Now she does competitive herding with her German Shepherds. Together with her husband she's raising a daughter. They are about to welcome a baby boy. As a busy mom she has cut back on her hours at Canyon Country Animal Hospital but continues to work a bit because she loves it.
Sarah Ryken
Registered Veterinary Technician
Having grown up on a ranch in Glade Park, Sarah knows about animals! Caring for animals has always been a part of her life and she started working as a veterinary technician at 16 years of age. She and her husband are parents to two boys. Together, they enjoy the outdoors and all Colorado has to offer. Although they moved outside of Mesa County, Sarah loves working at Canyon Country Animal Hospital and makes the trip to work with the staff and animals here in Grand Junction!
Arielle Alstatt
Registered Veterinary Technician
Arielle is also a Colorado native and lover of all animals. She currently resides with a menagerie of animals including 8 cats, 3 dogs, 5 bearded dragons, and a variety of fish. She started to pursue a career as a veterinary assistant after working at Mesa County Animal Services and seeing a need for medical care for the stray animals in the shelter. She has worked at several clinics/hospitals across the valley. She joined the Canyon Country team in 2022 and became a registered veterinary technician in January 2023, holding a special interest in exotic animals.
Amber Higgins
Receptionist
Have you ever left the country on vacation and returned with new pets? Amber has! She loves all animals but has an interest in exotic. She has experience with helping customers and their pets. She likes to sport colorful hair and brings a smile to visitors in the clinic. She is caring and compassionate, making her a great fit for a veterinary clinic! Amber is a native to Grand Junction. She loves fitness and challenging herself to always be better. She is married and has a son.
Sarah Statts
Receptionist
Originally from Northern CO, Sarah made her way to the Western Slope in 2015 to get her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. She has cared for a variety of animals throughout her life and currently has 2 dogs and 2 cats at home. Outdoor adventurer and music enthusiast, she can be found traveling across the state in her spare time.
Sheena Funk
Receptionist
Born and raised in Colorado, Sheena has over 20 years experience with pet care, including grooming and handling. She's knowledgeable in pets but especially interested in exotics and reptiles. Sheena helps keep the front desk running smoothly in our clinic. In her spare time she enjoys being with her favorite people: her two children.