Our Team

Dr. David Kowalek, Partner & BVMS

Dr. David Kowalek, Partner & BVMS

Dr. David Kowalek, licensed veterinarian and co-owner of Riverside Veterinary Hospital, is always eager to learn something new to enhance his veterinary toolkit. He is deeply dedicated to his family, clients, and community, with a focus on preventing disease, improving the health and well-being of animals, and strengthening the human-animal bond.

Dr. Kowalek’s educational background is as diverse as his career: he earned a BS in Anthropology and Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Conservation Medicine from the University of Liverpool. He completed his veterinary degree, the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, at the University of Glasgow. It was during veterinary school that he met his partner, Micaela. After qualifying in 2011, they moved to South Wales to begin their veterinary careers, later relocating to Carson City in 2015.

With experience in a variety of settings beyond small animal general practice—including mixed ambulatory, emergency small animal care, shelter medicine, and international volunteering—Dr. Kowalek brings a wealth of expertise to Riverside. His commitment to the community is evident in his work with several nonprofits, including Feeding Pets of the Homeless, where he serves on the board.

Outside of work, Dr. Kowalek enjoys a nice cup of tea and rainy days, spending quality time with his greatest treasures—his family, which includes Micaela, their two children, two cats, four dogs, and a desert tortoise. With a great head of hair and a sharp wit, he is ready for whatever the future holds!

Dr. Micaela Collins, Partner & BVMS

Dr. Micaela Collins, Partner & BVMS

Dr. Micaela Collins, Veterinarian and Co-Owner of Riverside Veterinary Hospital, is overjoyed to be practicing veterinary medicine alongside her partner and raising their two beautiful children. Originally from Northern California, Dr. Collins moved to New York for her undergraduate degree before continuing her education eastward. She attended the University of Glasgow in Scotland, where she completed her veterinary degree, graduating in 2011. Afterward, she worked locally in the UK for a few years and earned a veterinary certificate in chronic pain management and western acupuncture (CPMWA).

Her education has opened doors to travel the world and form meaningful connections across continents. It was during her time abroad that Dr. Collins' fairytale adventure began—a journey filled with both personal and professional growth. She has a profound attachment to the human-animal bond and is particularly passionate about supportive pain management, including end-of-life care, ensuring pets and their families receive compassionate care every step of the way.

Dr. Collins places community at the heart of her work and is deeply committed to giving back. She actively collaborates with local organizations, including CASI and other nonprofits, to provide care to animals in need and support the local community. Through her outreach programs, she has planted many seeds of hope and fellowship, which she continues to nurture.

Though Dr. Collins’ most precious seeds are those that have begun to flower in her own life—her loving children—she remains dedicated to ensuring that every animal and family she encounters receives the compassionate care they deserve.

Naomi, Partner, Hospital Administrator, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Naomi, Partner, Hospital Administrator, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Naomi works as the hospital administrator and relief LVT. She received her degree in animal science in 2014 and is currently pursuing her CVPM degree through the VHMA. Her favorite part of her job is establishing good rapport and an ethical culture with both employees and clients. Before settling in the Reno/Tahoe area she lived in Douglas, AK training dog sled teams and living one of her dreams as a dog musher. She then moved to Carson City and accepted a role as hospital administrator of an animal emergency facility. It was there that she found her passion for emergency and critical care medicine. 

Her professional interests include critical case studies, DVM academics for foreign Veterinary graduates, and improving work/life balance amongst her team. 

In her free time she can be found spending time with her family and their three dogs Ira, Bear, and Daisy. 

Dr. Abney Brown, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Abney Brown, Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Abney Brown, a long-time Nevadan, brings passion and dedication to her veterinary practice. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nevada Reno before going on to receive her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. Dr. Brown is a valued member of the Riverside Veterinary Hospital team, supporting our mission to provide ethical, collaborative, and compassionate veterinary care to every client and patient.

Dr. Brown offers a wide range of services, including soft tissue surgery, urgent and sick medical care, preventative wellness, chronic disease management, dental health advocacy, and more. Her practice focus includes both small animal and exotic species, allowing her to provide comprehensive care to a diverse range of patients.

When not caring for animals, Dr. Brown enjoys wedding planning, spending time with her pets, and relaxing with her partner, Chris. Her warmth and expertise make her an essential part of our team, and we are grateful to have her on board!

Nikki, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Nikki, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in western South Dakota, Nikki has been devoted to caring for animals since her early years. She graduated in 2012 from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, CO, and began her career working at a doggie boarding, grooming, and daycare facility while still in high school. Her passion for helping animals deepened during college, where she worked at a canine rehabilitation group and saw firsthand the transformative impact of rehabilitation on injured and recovering pets.

In 2018, Nikki and her husband relocated to Nevada with their beloved dogs and a duck. Since then, their family has grown to include several animals in need, including additional dogs, guinea pigs, and parrots. Nikki thrives on working with a wide variety of species, including exotics, and loves exploring different areas of veterinary medicine.

When she’s not at the clinic, Nikki enjoys being outdoors, whale watching, and traveling in the van she and her husband converted to bring their animals along for every adventure. She dreams of one day working with marine mammals, combining her love for animals with her passion for ocean life.

Nikki’s dedication to her patients and their families, combined with her diverse experience and enthusiasm for learning, makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Felisha, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Felisha, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Felisha Juhnke is a dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician who recently joined the Riverside Animal Hospital team in March 2024 after relocating. With five years of experience in the field, Felisha is passionate about providing compassionate care and support to both pets and their owners.

Outside of work, Felisha is a devoted animal lover. You can find anywhere from 2 to 6 dogs at her home at any given time. Her personal experiences with her pets deepen her understanding of the human-animal bond and enhance her commitment to educating clients about animal health and wellness. In her free time, Felisha enjoys kayaking and hiking, embracing the beauty of nature and staying active.

Felisha looks forward to continuing her journey in veterinary medicine, always striving to make a positive impact in the lives of animals and their families.

Raeley, Veterinary Assistant

Raeley, Veterinary Assistant

Raeley has lived in the Carson Valley since 1989. Raeley is originally from Southern California. She has always had a love for animals, but has only been working in the field since 2014. Growing up, Raeley has had a variety of pets from small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, flocks of poultry, as well as dogs and cats. In her spare time, Raeley enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, gardening, and raising/breeding her chickens and turkeys. 

“Rainbow” Sarah, Veterinary Assistant

“Rainbow” Sarah, Veterinary Assistant

Sarah has been an integral part of our clinic for some time and is well-known among our clients for her dedication and compassionate approach. Recently, she transitioned from her role as a receptionist to a veterinary assistant, bringing her deep understanding of client care and her passion for animals to this new position.

A proud cat mom to both furry and hairless breeds, as well as a loving dog owner, Sarah brings a deep affection for all animals to her role. With a vibrant personality, she loves expressing herself through fun hair colors and is a big fan of nu-metal bands. Don’t let her small size fool you—she's a powerhouse when it comes to getting the job done!

In her current role, Sarah works closely with our veterinarians and technicians to provide hands-on care for our patients. Her warm, empathetic nature continues to shine as she helps pets feel safe and comforted during their visits. Sarah’s commitment to both the well-being of animals and the peace of mind of their owners makes her an invaluable member of our team.

Sarah is committed to providing thorough, proactive care, ensuring that every pet has everything they need for a happy and healthy visit. With her attention to detail and genuine love for animals, Sarah is here to make sure your furry friends feel cherished and well cared for.

We are excited to see Sarah flourish in this new capacity, and we’re confident her skill and compassion will further enhance the high level of care our clinic is known for.

Elise, Veterinary Assistant

Elise, Veterinary Assistant

Elise is a recent graduate of TMCC's veterinary assistant program, bringing fresh knowledge and a compassionate spirit to our clinic. With a natural talent for supporting anxious and frightened dogs, they know just how to turn stressful visits into positive experiences—often with the help of cheese!

Their attentive and patient demeanor ensures that every pet feels comfortable and cared for during their time with us. Elise’s genuine love for animals shines through in their work, and they are dedicated to providing the highest level of care.

We’re excited to have Elise on our team, where their supportive approach is sure to make a difference for both pets and their families!

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Keilly, Veterinary Assistant

Keilly is a compassionate veterinary assistant originally from Central America, bringing her warmth and expertise to our team. Fluent in Spanish, she is dedicated to assisting our Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that everyone feels understood and supported.

As a mom and an experienced animal handler, Keilly has a natural ability to connect with both pets and their families. Her caring demeanor and hands-on experience make her an invaluable resource for providing the best care possible.

Keilly’s passion for helping animals shines through in everything she does, and she is always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure your pet feels loved and well taken care of during their visit!

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Cierah, Veterinary Assistant

Cierah is a motivated and positive veterinary assistant who brings a bright light to our clinic every day. As a dedicated mom of two boys, she understands the importance of compassion and nurturing, which translates seamlessly into her care for pets.

With a go-getter attitude, Cierah is always ready to tackle any challenge that comes her way. Her upbeat spirit and genuine love for animals make her an invaluable asset to our team. Whether she’s comforting a nervous pet or assisting in procedures, Cierah approaches every task with enthusiasm and dedication.

With her blend of compassion and determination, Cierah is committed to providing the best care possible for every furry friend that walks through our doors!

Kristen, Veterinary Assistant

Kristen, Veterinary Assistant

Kristen  is a dedicated veterinary assistant who brings a wealth of compassion and expertise to our clinic. With a genuine love for animals, she takes pride in ensuring that every client and pet feels comfortable and cared for during their visit. She believes that a positive client experience is just as important as providing top-notch medical care.

As a proud dog and cat owner, Kristen understands the bond between pets and their families, and she works hard to create an environment that reflects that understanding. Known for she kindness and thoroughness, Kristen goes the extra mile to make sure every question is answered and every concern is addressed.

When not caring for our furry friends, Kristen enjoys indulging in delicious Mexican food and can often be found savoring tacos or enchiladas. Her favorite color is dark green, reflecting her love for nature and the great outdoors. With Kristen on our team, you can be sure your pets are in caring hands!

Kyle, Veterinary Assistant

Kyle, Veterinary Assistant

Kyle's soul runs on doppio espressos and dog fur. He starts his day with a steaming mug in hand, the happy symphony of his furry companions greeting him from the living room. His wife, his partner in both life and in profession, is often by his side, sharing a smile and the love for their animals before they head off to the veterinary hospital. There, amidst playful pups and curious kitties, Kyle finds his true calling, his gentle touch and calming voice soothing anxieties and bringing comfort to creatures great and small. As the day winds down, he returns home, his heart full of the unconditional love his dogs shower him with, ready to share stories and laughter with his wife over a warm meal, the aroma of coffee still lingering in the air, a reminder of the simple joys that make his life complete.

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Trevor, Kennel Hand and Maintenance Specialist

Trevor is our versatile kennel hand and maintenance expert, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to our team. From caring for horses to running Ethernet cables, he tackles a wide range of tasks with enthusiasm and skill.

No matter how great the challenge or how big the mess, Trevor is always ready to step in and ensure that everything gets taken care of. His strong work ethic and can-do attitude make him a reliable presence in our clinic, where he keeps our facilities running smoothly and our furry guests comfortable.

With a passion for animals and a knack for problem-solving, Trevor plays a crucial role in our operations, ensuring that every aspect of our care is top-notch. Whether he's cleaning kennels or fixing equipment, you can count on Trevor to get the job done right!

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Elizabeth, Veterinary Receptionist

Elizabeth is our friendly veterinary receptionist, bringing a wealth of experience and a warm smile to our clinic. A proud veteran, she values service and dedication, and she applies that same commitment to ensuring that every client feels welcome and supported.

With a soft spot for cats and monitor lizards, Elizabeth has a deep appreciation for all types of pets and understands their unique needs. She is always eager to help clients find everything they need for their furry and scaly companions, making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

When Elizabeth isn’t busy at the front desk, you might catch her] cruising on her sweet motorcycle, relishing the open road. A sushi enthusiast, she loves sharing recommendations for the best local spots to grab a bite. With Elizabeth on our team, you can count on exceptional service and a friendly face every time you visit!

Mia, Veterinary Receptionist

Mia, Veterinary Receptionist

Originally from New York, Mia brings her passion for learning and helping others to our team at Riverside.

A graduate of NYU, Mia combines her extensive global exposure, attention to detail, and love for connection to ensure that every client and patient receives the highest level of care and support.

Though new to the veterinary field, Mia’s compassion and dedication have made her an integral part of our team. She is committed to making your experience as seamless and comfortable as possible, helping to bridge communication and care between our clinic and your beloved pets.

When she’s not assisting clients, Mia enjoys exploring her academic interests, reading, and discovering new ways to make a positive impact in her community.1:44 PM

“Cool Beans” Sara – Veterinary Receptionist

“Cool Beans” Sara – Veterinary Receptionist

Sara is one of the newer members of our team and is already making a positive impact as our dedicated veterinary receptionist. Known for her calm, steady presence and professionalism, Sara is committed to creating a welcoming and stress-free environment for both pets and their owners.

Attentive, caring, and helpful, Sara works tirelessly to reduce anxiety for pets and clients alike, ensuring every visit is smooth and compassionate. Her genuine care for animals and people shines through in everything she does, making her a trusted and reassuring resource for our clients.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys the simple joys of life—like savoring Oreos (without the cream center!), admiring red pandas and sea otters, and celebrating the magic of Christmas.

We’re thrilled to have Sara on board, and her passion for animal care and customer service is a perfect fit for our high-touch, compassionate clinic!

Riverside Veterinary is Welcoming New Clients to Join our Family