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

	Carrie acts as bookkeeper and part time assistant at KAH, but her true passion is teaching elementary school.

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.

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.

Stella - Front Office

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.

Amanda - Veterinary Technician

Hi, my name is Amanda. I started working for Kokopelli Animal Hospital in October, 2010 and I love it!!

I have had all kinds of animals from mice to horses. Right now I just have my dog Skye, who is a 3 year old American Bulldog who sits at home patiently waiting every day for my son to get home from school so they can play.

Mary - Front Office

Hi, my name is Mary. I started working for Kokopelli Animal Hospital in late August, 2011, when I moved to Fruita from Nashville, TN. I've always loved being around all kinds of animals. Right now I have a Great DAne and two cats who rule my household. I absolutely love it here and can't wait to meet everybody and their pets!

Katy - Assistant

Hi, my name is Katy. 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.

Victor - Assistant

Hi, my name is Victor. I began working for Kokopelli Animal Hospital in early September, 2011. I am a Senior in high school and I run cross country and track. I love animals and have a Black Lab/Blue Heeler mix and a Border Collie/Australian Shepard mix. I love working here and the best part is seeing everybody and their pets.