Our family welcomes you.

Dr. Bechtel, Carrie, Michael, and Grant with our dogs, Jack and Lucy.

Baer Bechtel, DVM

	Graduated from the Colorado State University Veterinary Program in 2000
	Served as medical director and chief surgeon for five years at Kaibab Animal Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona
	Now owner and veterinarian for Kokopelli Animal Hospital
	Grew up in Grand Junction and attended both Fruita Junior High and Fruita Monument High School in the 1980s

Carrie Bechtel

	She acts as bookkeeper and part time assistant, also owns and operates Elm Street Explorers Preschool in Fruita

Carmen Lastine, DVM

Carmen Lastine, DVM, graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1997. Dr. Lastine has experience ranging from large animal ambulatory practice in rural WY to small animal emergency practice in Oklahoma City. She and her husband, Craig, keep busy with their 5 beautiful children and a menagerie of animals from hamsters to horses. Since moving to the Grand Valley in 2007, Dr. Lastine has practiced as a relief veterinarian at Banfield the pet Hospital.

Jen - Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

I'm Jen, I bring 20 years of veterinary medical experience to Kokopelli Animal Hospital where I love my participation in the human-animal bond, and the privilege that it allows us.

My list of "children" includes Sassie, our Border Collie, 7 cats, 5 horses, 2 Burros, 4 Parakeets, 18 Chickens, and 2 Turkeys. All of which are thoroughly spoiled (and none of which meant for the dinner table).

Stella - Receptionist

My name is Stella and I'm originally from Los Alamos, NM. I retired from a national laboratory as a public relations specialist and when my husband retired in November of 2007, we moved to Fruita. I began working at Kokopelli Animal Hospital as a part-time receptionist in July 2008. I grew up in a family that always had pets and I have had a variety – from parakeets to horses – even an iguana we found in the yard. We currently have two border collies (they don't know they're dogs). Working at Kokopelli with Dr. Bechtel and his staff has been a wonderful experience – they have taught me so much and make you feel like part of the team. Best of all, I always enjoy seeing our clients and their pets when they come in.

Candi - Certified Veterinary Technician

Hi, I'm Candi, I graduated from Colorado Mountain College (Glenwood Springs, CO) in the spring of 2007 and was hired on at Kokopelli Animal Hospital in May of 2007. I have 2 horses and a ferret. Pets have been a part of me my whole life.

Tonya - Certified Veterinary Technician

I graduated from Front Range Community College in 1997 with an A.A.S. degree and became a certified veterinary technician. Since then I've enjoyed 10 years of experience in a few different hospitals.

I had a Rottweiler named Sasha for 13 years and watched her get the best veterinary care. I adopted an injured stray named Kiara a few years back. Since then she has grown up to be a wonderful addition to my family and she is my son's best friend.

I started working with Dr. Bechtel when he opened in 2005. Since then, I've started pet sitting dogs at my home. "The Wolf Den", where they run and play on an acre of fenced area and sleep in my house. I love being part of the veterinary health care team who treats your pets and mine.

Deborah - Veterinary Technician

I'm Debbie and a Veterinary TEchnician here at Kokopelli Animal Hospital. I finally fulfilled my dream of living in the west when I moved to Colorado 12 years ago. Animals have always been a part of my life, so it was a natural move to get in to the veterinary world. That was 23 years ago and I still feel the satisfaction of caring for people's pets.

Katy - Assistant

Hi, my name is Katy Adsitt. I am a Junior at FMHS. I started working at Kokopelli Animal Hospital in August, 2009. I have grown up with animals my whole life and absolutely love them. I have 5 dachshunds.

Lindsey - Assistant

Hi, my name is Lindsey Hall. I am currently attending CSU in Fort Collins in the fall of 2009. I have grown up with animals my whole life and have wanted to become a Vet since I was 5. I have 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses.