Meet Our Veterinarian Team

Dr. Michael Skarie

Veterinarian, Owner

Dr. Michael Skarie grew up in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to obtain both his bachelor’s degree in biology and doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. During veterinary school, he worked at veterinary practices in Colorado during the summer and fell in love with the state. Following veterinary school, Dr. Skarie immediately moved to Colorado where he worked at practices in both Boulder and Lafayette. From there, Dr. Skarie had the pleasure of spending 4 years at Tall Grass Animal Hospital in Aurora, CO developing wonderful relationships with his client base.

Dr. Skarie loves veterinary medicine and the opportunity to help grow and foster the human-animal bond. His main interests are internal medicine, dentistry, urgent care and pain management. He also enjoys nothing more than seeing a new puppy and kitten as well as taking time to talk and listen to clients.

Outside of work, Dr. Skarie enjoys life with his wife, Kate, their son, Edwin, three dogs—Eddie (left), Tillie (right), and Leonard (a Dachshund, not pictured)—and two cats, Gracie and Hobbs. His hobbies include cheering on the Green Bay Packers, exercising, snowboarding, experimenting with new recipes on the grill, and gardening.

Dr. Kevin Frint

Veterinarian

Dr. Kevin Frint grew up in south-central Wisconsin and earned both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduation, he practiced in Madison before relocating to Denver in 2021 with his wife, Jess, their cat, Button, and their dogs, Nova and Piglet.

Dr. Frint’s professional interests include surgery, dentistry, and internal medicine. What he values most, however, is building lasting relationships with pets and their families and welcoming familiar faces back to the clinic.

Outside of work, Dr. Frint enjoys exploring new hiking trails with Jess, Nova and Piglet, playing basketball and golf, and checking out local breweries.

Dr. Whitney Vaccari

Veterinarian

Dr. Whitney Vaccari grew up surrounded by the beauty of the mountains in Jackson, Wyoming, where she spent much of her time enjoying the outdoors. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington State University while competing on the national cheer team (Go Cougs!) before attending Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2012.

With 13 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Vaccari’s special interests include dentistry, feline medicine, and fear-free practice. She is passionate about being an advocate for her patients, listening to her clients, and working together to create the best treatment plan for the whole family.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Vaccari loves spending time with her husband, Nate, and their three rescue dogs – small (Roo), medium (Ellie), and large (Rhett). She enjoys playing tennis, golf, and pickleball, as well as backpacking, skiing, and cooking up new recipes in the kitchen.

Dr. Sarah Garver

Veterinarian

** We’re excited to welcome Dr. Sarah Garver to the Hess Ridge Animal Hospital team! Dr. Garver will be joining us two days a week through the winter months to help more pets get seen sooner. **

Dr. Garver is a native New Mexican who now calls Colorado home. After graduating from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018, she worked full time in New Mexico. In 2020, Dr. Garver starting traveling with her husband and was once licensed in New Mexico, Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, and Washington- all at once! Her travel led to many great experiences and practices, including shelter medicine and working at the best known “Bulldog Clinic” in the suburbs of Minneapolis.

Being the voice for the voiceless motivated Dr. Garver to pursue this profession and this passion continues to guide her career decisions. This allows her to provide excellent veterinary care and ensure that owners feel safe with their animals’ care in her hands. There are many areas of veterinary medicine that Dr. Garver enjoys. A few that stand out are nutrition, dermatology, surgery, and pain management.

Outside of work, Dr. Garver enjoys her small “farm” of two rescue dogs (Chupi and Rip), a puppy (Raptor), and two toddler boys! Dr. Garver and her family love sports, traveling, and all things outdoors!

Kayla B.

Lead Customer Service Representative

Hello, my name is Kayla! I’ve been working in customer service for the last 8 years. I am empathetic, passionate about animals and am so excited to join the veterinary field. I grew up here in Colorado! So, I am grateful to meet the incredible individuals that make up our community and their furry friends that they care so much about. I have a sweet, retired greyhound at home named Cali that was rescued from a race track in Florida. When I am not working, I am painting, camping, skiing or spending time with family and friends.

Quinn R., RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Quinn is a Veterinary Technician joining our Hess Ridge Team and brings with her over a decade of experience in Veterinary Medicine! For the past seven years, Quinn has served as a dedicated Certified Veterinary Technician, specializing in small animal general practice. Recently, Quinn gained her Veterinary Technician’s license and became registered with the State of CO, marking a major milestone in her career.

Before entering the world of Vet Med, Quinn worked as a Behavior Counselor Assistant, showcasing a passion for understanding and improving our furry friend’s animal behavior. Outside of work, our self-proclaimed resident cat lady enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé, Joe, and their three adorable felines in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Kylie S., RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Hi, my name is Kylie! I have been in the Veterinary field for 3 years, and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in Colorado in December 2024. I am an animal lover who has 2 kittens named Margo and Edith, but I can’t wait to fill my home with more furry friends soon! In my free time I love painting, going to concerts, skiing, and really anything that involves being outdoors!

 Blake S., RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Blake is a highly experienced registered veterinary technician with 20 years in the field. Blake has 10 years in general practice, 6 years in emergency care, and 4 years in specialty veterinary services. Passionate about animals, Blake dedicates significant time to rescuing sighthounds, combining a wealth of expertise with a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Travis S., RVT 

Registered Veterinary Technician

I am Travis, I stumbled into vetmed just looking for a job until my next adventure out of highschool. Total I have been in vet med for a little over 15 years. I obviously fell in love with the field and everything about it. The world would not be a happy place without animals in it. My favorite thing to do in the hospital is dental procedures. Outside of work I love to cook, bake and snowboard. Any outings that involve winter activities I AM THERE.

Andrea C. 

Veterinary Assistant & Technician Student

Hi I’m Andrea, I am new Vet Assistant but couldn’t be more excited to have joined the veterinary field. I’m a huge animal lover and can’t wait to meet all the furry friends and their two legged people. I have worked at doggie daycares before but I chose to be every fur baby’s advocate for them when it comes to their health. During my free time, I love to spend time with my friends and family but especially my dog, Max, and my cat, Luna.

Faith D.

Veterinary Assistant & Technician Student

Hi! My name is Faith. I have worked in the veterinary field for seven years as a veterinary assistant. I’m currently working toward earning my veterinary technician license so I can continue growing in vet med. I love working with animals and their owners to make sure both feel comfortable when in the hospital. I have two cats and one dog that my husband and I love to cuddle. While not at the hospital, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Sydney R. 

Veterinary Assistant

Hi I am Sydney. I am from Alabama (War Eagle!!) I have been in this field for 6 years now and I love providing the best care to pets and their owners! In my spare time I love to explore and will really do anything outdoors, if even just a relaxing poolside day or jumping in massive leaf piles. I love books and reading whenever I can as well. I have a hound named Goose and two perfect cats. I love my little family and my life. Colorado has been very welcoming.

Kenna M. 

Veterinary Assistant

I started volunteering at an animal shelter when I was a freshman in high school, and have since worked at a doggy daycare, been a pet sitter and dog walker, and am now in my second year of being a vet assistant! I love art, nature, and movies, and have a bearded dragon at home named Willie Nelson!

Jordan K.

Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Jordan. I’ve been working with animals since I was 16, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. At 23, I’m proud to continue growing in my career as a veterinary assistant while expanding my education in animal care. Helping pets feel their best and supporting their families is what motivates me every day. When I’m not at the clinic, you can usually find me spending time with my golden retriever, Willow, making music, or diving into a good Stephen King book.

Emma B.

Customer Service Representative

Hello! I’m Emma, l am an animal lover, and have been in customer service for the past 3 years. I am born and raised in Colorado & love spending time with my 3 dogs. I have a Doberman, a German Shepard mix and a greyhound at home! When im not working, Im hiking, tanning, skiing, or spending time with family and friends.

Maddie D.

Customer Service Representative

Hi! I’m Maddie and I have been an animal lover for as long as I can remember, I love meeting new furry friends at work! I have worked in customer service for over 5 years now! When I’m not at work I love spending time with my friends and family but especially my sweet Australian Shepard named Wrigley!

Kaitlyn

Customer Service Representative

Hi, I’m Kaitlyn! As a CSR at Hess Ridge Animal Hospital, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and their owners while supporting our exceptional team. I grew up in both Parker, Colorado, and South Carolina, which fostered my love for the outdoors and animals. Outside of work, I enjoy fly fishing, playing and coaching sports, traveling, and—most importantly—being a mom! With both a Saint Bernard and a Catahoula Leopard mix, life is definitely lively and rewarding!

Rebecca S.

Animal Care attendant

Hi! My name is Rebecca. I’ve been in the Veterinary/animal care field for about 10 years. I started working as a Vet Assistant at a private practice in the Capital Region of New York and moved to Colorado almost 3 years ago. I love it here!

My favorite part of my job is patient recovery. I enjoy taking care of all the fur babies after surgery or a procedure.

In my downtime, I enjoy lots of things but just a few are spending time with my husband and two dogs wether it’s camping, hiking and traveling , or biking gardening and cooking.