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Dr. Kelsey (KJ) Sampayan went to undergrad at Colorado Christian University (CCU) where she majored in pre-med while on a soccer scholarship. She also worked as a kennel tech at a small animal clinic near her school. Kelsey then went to Veterinary school at Midwestern University for her DVM and graduated in 2020. During veterinary school, she was a receptionist and technician at a general practice and emergency clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has a special interest in tricky dermatology cases and cardiology.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband (Brandon), two Golden Doodles named Zella and Willow, and her bunny Leila. Dr. KJ also plays indoor and outdoor soccer for a couple leagues in the valley.

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Dr. Melanie Bliudzius (Dr. Mel) graduated with her DVM from the University of Illinois in 2022. She was born and raised outside of Chicago and remained in Illinois for her academic career as well. After graduation she wanted to move away from Illinois and see what else was out there! She is looking forward to seeing all the beauty Arizona has to offer during the cooler months.

She has volunteered much of her life with animals rescue groups and likes to hike and spend time with her dog in her free time. She also has a passion for exotic pets and wildlife and believes all types of animals should have access to quality care. She currently has one rescue dog, Sadie. Her other interests include tending to her many house plants!

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Dr. Capell was raised in Washington State where she attended Washington State University and obtained her bachelors in zoology. She moved to Tucson in 2020 to attend vet school as part of the inaugural class at the University of Arizona. Dr. Capell is excited to start her career as a doctor in small animal ER medicine. She has an adorable dog named Shay and a spunky cat named Fern. In her off time you can find her hiking, traveling, reading, cooking or binge watching her favorite tv shows.

Dr. Gibbs is an Arizona native who graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Veterinary Sciences. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she began her career in the veterinary field working as a kennel attendant and veterinary assistant at a local small animal clinic. After graduating, she worked for 2 years here at Queen Creek Vet Clinic as a veterinary assistant/ technician before attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison for veterinary school. After enjoying the beer and cheese Wisconsin had to offer, she decided to move back to the desert with her husband and 2 dogs, Brady and Maya. In her spare time, you can find Dr. Gibbs hiking, cooking, or catching up on the latest TV shows.

Dr. Beebe grew up in Phoenix and went to veterinary school at Colorado State University. She came to veterinary medicine through a love of rescue animals and wildlife and has always dreamed of having her own little rescue farm. Currently, Dr. Beebe lives with her husband and a rescue pit bull named Sulley, a one-eyed cat named Jovie, a little python named Theodore, and a freshwater fish tank. She has a passion for working with special needs and geriatric dogs and cats and enjoys dermatology and improving the happiness and comfort of elderly pets. Dr. Beebe loves to travel; she is also an avid reader and enjoys embroidery.

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Dr. Sembach is a midwest native who fell in love with the southwestern lifestyle while attending veterinary school at the University of Arizona where she graduated from in 2024. She grew up playing competitive soccer and showing American Saddlebred horses on the world and national circuit. She continued these passions throughout undergrad at the University of Kentucky where she graduated from in 2020 with a degree in animal science. Her passions in veterinary medicine include internal medicine, ultrasound/radiology and behavior. She is fear free certified and loves finding ways to make visits as stress free as possible for both her patients and their owners. In her free time Dr. Sembach can be found running and hiking with her border collie mix, Beau, reading or trying new recipes out for her friends and family!

Dr. Pini is all about faith, family, fitness…and animals, of course! She is the fourth out of six kids with four brothers and one sister. Her childhood involved backyard games and growing up on a private farm surrounded by llamas, horses, chickens, cats, dogs, ducks, and those pesky wild racoons.She has always loved staying active and found an obsession with CrossFit in her undergraduate years and now an elite competitive athlete (well, trying to be competitive in consideration of managing vet school). Dr. Pini’s goal is to advance her athletic career alongside her Veterinary Medicine career. Some fun facts about her are that she loves walking on her hands, can out-eat just about anybody, is addicted to peanut butter, and is notorious for spontaneous long road trips!

Dr. Rhoads completed their undergraduate studies at Penn State University Park, majoring in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences with minors in Equine Science and Wildlife and Fisheries Science. During this time, they gained clinical experience working as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic in State College, Pennsylvania, and spent a summer as a wildlife rehabilitation intern at Centre Wildlife Care. Dr. Rhoads earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where they also completed a certificate program in Shelter Medicine. While in veterinary school, they worked in the KSU Veterinary Health Center’s small animal emergency room, further developing a strong interest in emergency and critical care medicine, as well as shelter medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Rhoads enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors exploring local wildlife. They are accompanied by their six-year-old Alaskan Klee Kai, Nero, who provided invaluable support throughout veterinary school. Dr. Rhoads looks forward to spending more quality time with Nero, including renewed efforts in trick training and possibly exploring dog sports.

Dr. Henkel was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He began his academic journey playing tennis for Pima Community College before completing his undergraduate degree in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Arizona. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, further solidifying his Wildcat pride—Bear Down! Dr. Henkel is passionate about emergency and urgent care, ultrasound, and strengthening communication in clinical practice. He has a deep appreciation for the state of Arizona and its stunning sunsets, and he especially enjoys supporting local teams, including the Tucson Roadrunners. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Henkel enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and traveling to national parks with his wife. He is also an avid fan of crocheting, knitting, and watching sports—particularly hockey, football, and baseball. A dedicated Halloween enthusiast, he has attended Six Flags Fright Fest in both Santa Clarita and San Antonio for the past six years. Dr. Henkel shares his home with a senior Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix who prefers staying in and watching The Real Housewives and Frasier when the family is away.

Dr. Perez was born and raised in Arizona and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 2020. Growing up surrounded by a variety of animals, including chickens, ducks, turtles, dogs, cats, hamsters, and mice—she developed a deep passion for animal care from an early age. She is particularly interested in preventative medicine, client education, soft tissue surgery, and urgent care. In her free time, Dr. Perez enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, reading, and traveling. She is also an avid Grey’s Anatomy fan and shares her home with two beloved dogs, Rosie and Scooby.

Dr. Walker is from the small community of Chilchinbeto, Arizona, located on the Navajo reservation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in 2022 and has proudly been a Wildcat for the past seven years. Dr. Walker’s professional interests include emergency medicine and, more recently, soft tissue surgery. His long-term goal is to become a mixed animal practitioner and eventually open his own ambulatory practice, with the hope of growing it into a full-service clinic. He shares his life with two dogs— Bailey, who has a torn CCL, and Hattie, who he adopted during an externship at a zoo in Mississippi and who is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm. Despite their medical challenges, he lovingly refers to them as his “lemons.” In his free time, Dr. Walker enjoys hiking and traveling, having already explored countries such as Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Costa Rica. A self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, he has also gone whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and skydiving, and looks forward to continuing his adventures both personally and professionally.

Originally from Guangzhou, China, Dr. Cen is a proud Midwestern graduate and long-time Las Vegas resident who has a deep love for the outdoors. During veterinary school, she adopted two cats—though both have since been lovingly “stolen” by her mom. Her favorite hobbies include cooking, browsing for new houseplants, and watching anime. A self-proclaimed houseplant enthusiast and former viola player of seven years, she brings a creative and thoughtful energy to everything she does. Despite living in Las Vegas for over 20 years, she has never gambled in a casino. Now, as she works toward her goal of becoming an emergency veterinarian, she’s thrilled to take the next step in her career alongside a team of passionate and dedicated colleagues.

Dr. King grew up in Southern Utah, where his family raised cattle and quarter horses. It was there that his passion for caring for animals first began. During his undergraduate studies, he had the opportunity to work closely with several mixed animal practitioners, which sparked his interest in small animal medicine. During that time, he also got married, and he and his spouse have since welcomed two children. In August 2022, Dr. King and his family relocated to Tucson when he began veterinary school at the University of Arizona. They have greatly enjoyed living in Arizona. His professional interests include oncology, surgery, and emergency medicine. Dr. King is excited to join the team and looks forward to working with the clinic’s clients and patients.

Dr. Williams is a passionate and driven individual originally from the Midwest. With a deep love for animals and a strong sense of purpose. She has set an inspiring long-term goal: to one day own and operate a mobile veterinary clinic. Beyond professional ambitions, Dr. Williams is a creative spirit with a love for storytelling in all its forms. A dedicated fan of sci-fi and fantasy literature, she finds joy in exploring new worlds through books and often loses track of time while diving into in-depth movie reviews. This passion for narrative extends into personal projects as well— writing short stories and working on longer-form novels provide an important and fulfilling creative outlet. At the heart of Dr. William’s life is family, especially time spent with her beloved son, his joy is one of her greatest resources of inspiration.

Dr. Niergarth is originally from West Michigan, where his journey in animal care began at the age of 14 through hands-on work with horses. It was during these formative years that he developed a strong passion for animal husbandry. His early experiences eventually led him to shadow at a veterinary clinic, where he discovered a deep interest in veterinary medicine—particularly in surgery. Dr. Niergarth is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. His passion for surgery has shaped his professional focus and continues to guide his aspirations within both general practice and shelter medicine. He is committed to applying his skills to provide high-quality surgical care while supporting underserved animal populations. Outside of veterinary medicine, he is an avid woodworker, enjoying projects that range from crafting cutting boards to completing full basement renovations. He’s also a nature enthusiast who loves hiking and exploring the outdoors. During his clinical year, he’s had the opportunity to hike through the redwoods of California, explore the landscapes of Washington, and even visit Hawaii. Now based in Arizona, he looks forward to discovering more of the Phoenix area’s natural beauty alongside his girlfriend.

Dr. Rowitt is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and is eager to begin her career in emergency veterinary medicine. Her dedication to animal care is matched by a strong foundation in public health, having earned a master’s degree in the field prior to attending veterinary school. She is deeply passionate about the well-being of both pets and their people, and she strives to support healthier communities through a holistic approach to care. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Rowitt holds a black belt in TaeKwonDo and enjoys staying active through training, hiking, and running. She and her husband share their home with two beloved pets—a dog named Bo and a cat named Willow—who bring joy and companionship to their everyday lives.

Dr. Doorenbos was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, where a lifelong passion for animals and helping others inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University and went on to complete a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences there as well.

Excited to return to her home state, Dr. Doorenbos earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from University of Arizona. She is proud to practice in Arizona and is dedicated to giving back to her community by providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Doorenbos enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves hiking, kayaking, and skiing, especially when sharing those adventures with her partner.

Dr. Mia Damiano is originally from the East Coast, but as a military child, she grew up moving all around the World. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and her veterinary degree from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Damiano’s professional interests include emergency medicine, feline medicine, and surgery. She is committed to providing thorough, compassionate care and building strong relationships with her patients and their families. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Damiano enjoys pilates, baking, reading, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.

Dr. Kayden Shotwell is originally from Vail, Arizona, and completed both a Bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Shotwell worked as an emergency veterinary technician, where a passion for emergency medicine first began. This interest continued throughout veterinary school while working in emergency and specialty practice.

Professional interests include emergency and preventive medicine, surgery, and a special passion for zoological and exotic animal medicine. During training, Dr. Shotwell worked with a variety of species, including zebras, primates, tigers, and bears, and helped care for baby spider monkeys from the illegal pet trade. Which was an experience that was a highlight of the clinical year.

At home, Dr. Shotwell has a mini zoo that includes a German Shepherd named Gravy, a leopard gecko named Stir Fry, and several aquariums filled with fish and shrimp. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Shotwell enjoys aquascaping, baking sourdough bread, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time outdoors. Especially near the water, with favorite activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

Dr. Joshua Kennon is originally from Lubbock, Texas. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University and gained hands-on experience as a veterinary technician for two years while also working weekends at a local animal shelter. He went on to attend Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he further developed his passion for veterinary medicine.

Dr. Kennon is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and working together to provide the best care possible for their pets. He has a special place in his heart for senior animals and enjoys adopting older pets to give them a comfortable, loving home for their “golden years.”

Outside of work, Dr. Kennon is easygoing and enjoys staying active and having fun. He enjoys pickleball, hiking, playing video games, paddleboarding, and going on spontaneous adventures. During his clinical year of veterinary school, he had the opportunity to hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park—experiences he will never forget. In the long term, he hopes to one day train for and take on the challenge of running the New York City Marathon.

Dr. Emily Colby is originally from Fullerton, CA in Southern California. She attended Chico State University in Chico, CA, where she majored in Animal Science for her bachelor’s degree. She later graduated from the University of Arizona with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She has loved animals her whole life but developed a passion for animal care while raising livestock in FFA during high school. She has been in veterinary medicine since 2020, with most of her experience in emergency medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, and spending time with her fiancé and her cat.

Hi and Welcome to Queen Creek Vet! As a young adult I was struggling with what I wanted to do when I grew up when one day while watching Animal Cops my husband said “Well you are always watching these show, why don’t you work with animals”. The next day I applied to every rescue I could found and shortly after, began working at HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix. A few years later I was ready to learn more of the medical aspect of animal welfare and was hired at Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic. Over my 8 years at that location, I helped it grow from 4 doctors to 10 and eventually become a 24 hour emergency practice. I loved having the opportunity to learn all areas of the hospital and that the veterinary field is never boring. In 2019, I was offered the opportunity to become the Hospital Director at Queen Creek Veterinary Clinic and enjoy all the challenges and problem solving that leadership offers. I have a passion for educating clients and helping owners make the best decisions for their pets.

My home is a busy one with 2 young kids and 2 dogs. My dogs are aging now, but in her younger years my French Bulldog Raylee earned several trick dog titles, was featured in ad campaigns, a commercial and a small extra role in a movie. Honor, a Bernese Mountain Dog, is the sweetest most mellow pup who does no wrong- unless you leave something tasty out on the counter. In addition to caring for my family, I am a full time college student attending Arizona State University. With the little free time I have I enjoy gardening, creating Pinterest fails, bike rides and lounging in the pool. In the cooler months I enjoy hiking and paddle boarding at the Salt River and Canyon lake.