Now accepting new patients! Same day, next day, and urgent appointments available!

Meet Our Veterinarian Team

Meet the veterinarian & team of Hess Ridge Animal Hospital. We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets.

Get To Know Our Team

We look forward to getting to know you and hope you will take the time to scroll down and get to know us.

Our Veterinarians

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

Dr. Sarah Garver

Veterinarian

Dr. Garver will have intermittent availability this summer and looks forward to returning full-time this fall to continue caring for her patients.

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!

Dr. Sarah Garver

Dr. Kate McAnnally

Veterinarian

Dr. Kate McAnnally grew up in Massachusetts, where she spent much of her time exploring the mountains and coastline of New England with her family. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology in the Boston area before relocating to California. Dr. McAnnally went on to complete a master’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and worked in the public health sector as a research scientist in California, Colorado, and Australia.

Throughout her husband’s military career, Dr. McAnnally lived in numerous places across the United States and overseas. In each new community, she would seek out opportunities to volunteer at local animal shelters. Her longstanding dedication to animal health and welfare ultimately inspired her to return to school, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida.

Dr. McAnnally is passionate about building strong relationships with her patients and their families and values providing compassionate, long-term care. Her professional interests include ophthalmology, surgery, and pain management.

Visiting Board-Certified Specialist

Jennifer J. Arthur, DVM, DACVR (RO)

Board Certified Oncologist

Dr. Arthur fell in love with both Dr. Doolittle and James Herriot at a young age and decided she would spend her life telling the amazing stories of animals far and wide. She obtained an undergraduate degree in English from Gettysburg College and just before graduation realized she wasn’t that great of a writer. She then obtained a second undergrad degree in Biology and Genetics from CSU with the intent of heading to veterinary school. Dr. Arthur attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St Kitts, completed her clinical year at Texas A &M, followed by a one-year general internship at Kansas State Veterinary School, where she discovered her love of Oncology. A Radiation Oncology Residency at NC CVM was then completed, followed by board certification.

At that time, Dr. Arthur realized she was frustrated with not being able to treat her patients with everything that they needed, including chemotherapy. So, she then completed a Medical Oncology Residency at a private practice outside Phoenix, Arizona. The next six years were spent back in NC, providing medical oncology services at a large private practice and working with the Duke Comparative Oncology department on several research projects. An opportunity to return to Colorado came up, and Dr. Arthur and her family moved back to her favorite state five years ago. She has worked at two private practices in Lafayette and then in Castle Rock since then. While in Castle Rock, Dr. Arthur realized there was a significant need for Oncology south of Denver, with clients coming to see her from as far as New Mexico. Dr. Arthur is joining Moves and helping to develop the Oncology department to be able to extend oncology services to clients over a much wider geographical range.

Dr. Arthur’s primary goal as a veterinary oncologist is to be able to provide an amazing quality of life to patients with cancer, while extending the time they have with their families. She encourages any owners faced with cancer in their pets to meet with an oncologist to get all their options outlined. She is fond of saying that there is rarely a case where nothing can be done, and there are always options, ranging from the most intense to palliative/hospice care.

Dr. Arthur is lucky to have a very supportive husband, two goofy dogs (Lula Mae and Archie) and two handsome cats (Abner and Melvin), who rule the home.

Dana DeSandre-Robinson, DVM, DACVS (SA)

Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Dana DeSandre-Robinson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon. Originally from Connecticut, Dr. DeSandre-Robinson earned her BS from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. She then received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University, while also becoming certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture and Veterinary Business Management. She went on to complete a rotating medical and surgical internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey, followed by a specialty internship and residency at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Florida. Dr. DeSandre-Robinson was a Clinical Assistant Professor in small animal surgery at Purdue University before heading to California to join California Veterinary Specialists. She later relocated to Colorado to build the surgical department at Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies.

Dr. DeSandre-Robinson’s professional areas of interest and expertise include oncologic surgery, reconstructive surgery, oral maxillofacial surgery, advanced wound care, minimally invasive surgery, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, interventional radiology, and neurosurgery.

In her spare time, Dr. DeSandre-Robinson can be found in the outdoors hiking, running, biking, and rock climbing, or at her kids’ sporting events. She shares her home with her husband, their two boys, and their pups, Tag and Reggie.

Stephanie Smith, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Stephanie Smith grew up in Colorado, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. She stayed at CSU and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation, she moved East and completed her Small Animal Surgery and Medicine Rotating Internship at Cornell University. Following her internship, she remained at Cornell and completed her residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Post-residency, Dr. Smith worked in one of the largest specialty centers in Los Angeles, CA, for three years before returning to her home state in Colorado. Her clinical interests include gastroenterology and immune-mediated diseases.

Outside of veterinary medicine, her interests include swimming, hiking, reading, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends, especially her dog Sage.

Jeremiah D. Moorer, DVM, Diplomate ACVS

Board Ceritfied Surgeon

Dr. Moorer grew up in South Georgia and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in 2008. He completed a 1 year rotating internship at Texas A&M University after graduation. He then spent 1 year at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center as a surgical intern before obtaining a residency in small animal surgery at Oklahoma State University. He completed the 3 year residency at Oklahoma State University in 2013 and then stayed on as faculty for the following year. During that time he also passed the ACVS certification examination in 2014 to become board-certified in small animal surgery. After leaving OSU, Dr. Moorer spent 3 years in San Antonio in a multi-specialty hospital performing soft tissue, orthopedic, and neurologic surgeries. Dr. Moorer has been in Colorado since 2017 doing mobile surgery along the Front Range.

In his spare time Dr. Moorer enjoys spending time with his son, hiking, camping, Jiu Jitsu, and training for triathlons.

Registered Veterinary Technicians

Quinn R., RVT

Lead 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

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.

Veterinary Assistants

Travis S

Travis S.

Veterinary Assistant

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.

Bethany M.

Bethany M. 

Veterinary Assistant & Technician Student

Hi! I’m Bethany. I’ve been in the Veterinary field as an assistant for the past 3 years. I’m currently in school to become a Veterinary Technician and I love being an advocate for my patients and their parents. I have 3 cats, a crested gecko, and a Great Dane named Cora. In my free time I enjoy mixed media, anything motorcycle related, and photography.

coming-soon

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.

coming-soon

Angela G.

Veterinary Assistant

Hi my name is Angela. I recently moved from Texas and have been in the veterinary field for about 3 years now! I am eager to continue growing my technical skills and work toward a technician license here in Colorado. I love all the amazing learning opportunities that vet med presents daily and getting to help tons of adorable fur babies! I am passionate about providing our furry friends and their owners with the best care possible! During my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with family.

coming-soon

Lilly N.

Veterinary Assistant

Hi, I’m Lilly! I have lived in Colorado my whole life but I am currently in school studying Animal and Veterinary Science at Clemson University! I have 3 dogs, a black lab, a golden retriever, a blue heeler, 2 cats, and some pretty cool fish! I love getting to know new people and getting to hear all about their pets. When I am not at Hess Ridge, you can find me working with exotic birds at a parrot sanctuary in Elizabeth! In my free time I enjoy hiking with my dogs, going to concerts, and baking!

Client Service Team

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.

Alex B.

Customer Service Representative

Hi, I’m Alex! I was born and raised here in Colorado and have my bachelor’s degree in biology from University of Colorado Denver. I have worked in customer service for over 5 years now but it wasn’t until I got my French Bulldog, Winnie, when I realized the vet field was the place for me. As a CSR I am committed to showing pet families the same empathy I was shown when Winnie was hospitalized as a puppy. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, and spending time with Winnie!

Julie M.

Customer Service Representative

Hi! My name is Julie. I grew up in the Great Lakes region of upstate New York, then moved to Colorado my senior year of high school. I’ve spent several years in customer service roles, and have always loved animals (and plants) for as long as I can remember. Two years ago, I realized I could combine my customer service experience with my love of animals, and here I am! I love the vision that Hess Ridge has for veterinary care and community service, and aim to provide the best customer service I can to serve our clients, community, and their furry family.

Kala S.

Customer Service Representative

Hi, I’m Kala! I have worked in customer service for 15 years and have been surrounded with animals all my life. In 2018, I had the opportunity to work with dogs, cats, fish, reptiles and small animals. That experience helped me realize that the veterinary field is where I truly want to be. I am passionate about helping our furry friends and supporting the families who love them.
As a Client Service Representative, I strive to provide compassionate, friendly service and help create a positive experience for both pets and pet parents. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two dorky cat sons, watching TV with them, and expressing my creativity through painting and drawing.

Animal Care Team

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.