Indian Tree Animal Hospital

Meet Our Team

Say hello to the Indian Tree Animal Hospital family! Collectively, our doctors and staff are dedicated to the health and happiness of every dog and cat we see, as well as the satisfaction of every client we serve.

Anjuli Hein

DVM & Co-Owner

Dr. Anjuli Hein is the co-owner at Indian Tree Animal Hospital. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, and is certified in Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians (MAV). Her areas of professional interest include pain management, wellness care, senior care, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Hein was inspired to become a veterinarian after growing up on a ranch and working with her local veterinarian. She enjoys providing support and care for four-legged family members, while working alongside her clients and amazing staff to create well-rounded and long-term plans for Indian Tree Animal Hospital's patients.

Dr. Hein currently shares a home in Arvada, CO with her husband, two kids, Mosley, a Boxer, and Reese, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. When she is not providing quality veterinary care, she enjoys camping, hiking, reading, and volunteering with math groups and events through her kids' school.

Shelley Ekstrom

DVM

Dr. Ekstrom graduated from Ross University of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, and began her veterinary career by working in the Texas equine industry. After transitioning to small animal medicine, she then moved from Texas to the beautiful state of Colorado and is enjoying the many outdoor activities that Colorado offers. Dr. Ekstrom enjoys hiking in the mountains in all seasons, riding motorcycles in the summer, and is also an avid bronze sculptor. She has one spunky corgi, Matilda.

Carrie Wang

DVM

Dr. Carrie Wang graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She then moved to Virginia to attend the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2012. After graduation, she completed a 1-year internship in emergency, critical care, and specialty medicine at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Northern Virginia. She then returned to Colorado and worked for several years as a general practitioner at a specialty veterinary hospital in Denver. Dr. Wang has professional interests in dermatology and neurology.

Dr. Wang grew up in Wyoming and Colorado with many childhood cats and two parakeets named Neptune and Stardust. Dr. Wang is a lover of all breeds, and she currently has a Shepherd mix named Waya, a Miniature Australian Shepherd named Ridley, and two domestic medium hair felines named Olive and Kiyo. Dr. Wang trained Kiyo to shake and Waya and Ridley to turn around on command. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, quilting, watching movies, and traveling to Disney parks.

Dr. Wang is very happy to be a part of the team at Indian Tree Animal Hospital team, and to serve clients and their furry best friends!

Emily Howard

DVM

Dr. Emily Howard graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Magna Cum Laude honors in 1999. From there, she pursued her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University, where she graduated in 2004. Dr. Howard has professional interests in dermatology and pain management.

Dr. Howard grew up in Wichita, KS and Louisville, CO. Her career as a veterinarian started in Kansas City where she practiced for eight years before returning to Colorado in 2012. She views the hospital team at Indian Tree as family, and is proud to work with dedicated, skilled, and compassionate veterinary professionals.

Dr. Howard lives with her husband, and her two sons in beautiful Arvada, CO. In her spare time, she attempts to keep up with her son’s toddler antics.

Celene Joza

DVM, cVMA

Dr. Celene Joza joined the Indian Tree team in February 2018 as an Associate Veterinarian. She grew up in sunny southern California before relocating to Denver. Dr. Joza received a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and went on to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine from St. George's University in Grenada. She completed her clinical training at the University of Georgia. Dr. Joza is also certified in veterinary medical acupuncture and her professional interests include geriatric medicine, nutrition, dermatology, and client education.

A few of her favorite things include hiking, camping, burgers and BBQ, and the movie Steel Magnolias. She shares her home with her husband, a Plott Hound from Grenada named Dodgy, a black lab named Lapis, a Mini Rex Rabbit named Sadie and a yellow lab named Charolais.

Trevor Hendricks

DVM

Dr. Trevor Hendricks is an Associate Veterinarian at Indian Tree Animal Hospital. He graduated St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine - Grenada for his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Dr. Hendricks said he was inspired to become a veterinarian after working on a cow calf ranch in northeast Oklahoma, and says the best part of working in the veterinary field is helping animals and people. His areas of professional interest include surgery, preventative medicine, pain management, and cardiology.

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Hendricks moved to Colorado in 2018 and currently lives in Littleton with his wife, Labrador retriever named Lapis, and a Plott hound named Dodgy. His wife, Dr. Celene Joza, is also a Veterinarian at Indian Tree Animal Hospital. In his free time he enjoys hiking, skiing, watching football, grilling, and checking out local breweries. 

Sarah Payne

DVM

Sarah graduated from North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2022. Before that, she attended Auburn University where she majored in Biology, then spent the summer volunteering with a veterinary program in Thailand. After hanging out with the elephants (and wishing she never had to leave), she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina and worked as a surgical assistant at a specialty hospital for a year before beginning veterinary school. Sarah's favorite subjects in school were surgery, neurology, and preventative medicine. She decided to move to Denver after graduation because she always wanted to move out West, and it seemed like the perfect mix of a big city with adventure and the mountains nearby! On her off days, she loves to explore the mountains whether it is skiing, rock climbing, or hiking.

Riley Farrell

DVM

Dr. Riley Farrell grew up in Southern California. She graduated from the University of California Davis with a degree in Animal Science in 2017. Dr. Farrell continued her education at UC Davis where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2021. After graduation, Dr. Farrell worked in San Francisco as an emergency doctor and general practitioner. Wanting to be closer to family and friends, she decided Colorado was her next destination. Dr. Farrell’s clinical interests include feline medicine, preventative medicine, access to care, and the chronic management of disease.

In her free time, Dr. Farrell enjoys all forms of exercise ranging from yoga, hiking, and re-learning how to ski. She enjoys cozy days at home testing new recipes, reading, knitting, and cuddling with her two cats, Misty and Eugene.

Dr. Farrell is excited to join the team at Indian Tree Animal Hospital and help serve her community and their furry companions.

Melina

Practice Manager

Melina is a Certified Veterinary Technician and Practice Manager based in Colorado with over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She is passionate about hospital management, emergency and critical care, and training. Melina has a track record of success in starting and managing specialty/emergency practices. She has helped to launch two different specialty practices and currently manages two general practice hospitals. Melina is committed to providing the highest quality care to patients and their families while fostering a positive work environment for veterinary professionals.

Sarah

Lead Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in the Denver area, Sarah has worked in the veterinary field since 2008. Caring for pets, meeting people, and being part of a stand-out hospital team brings Sarah much joy. When Sarah is not at Indian Tree, she enjoys fixing things, arts and crafts, and camping. She is also interested in the paranormal and ghost hunting. German Shepherds and Pomeranians hold a special place in Sarah’s heart. Her first pet was a Pomeranian named Angel, and she currently 2 cats named Blue and Bobby.

Wendy

Veterinary Technician

Wendy holds a certificate in veterinary assisting and takes pride in forming positive relationships with clients and their pets, along with the amazing staff at Indian Tree. In her free time, Wendy likes 4-wheeling, special fx makeup, cake decorating, and going to concerts and Comic Con. Wendy grew up in Arvada and still can’t get enough of Amici’s italian cuisines. At home, she has a PitBull named Chopper, a Cane Corso mix named Harlene Quinn, and four cats named Angel, Jack, Scrappy, and Spike.

Shannon O.

Technician Supervisor

Shannon started his career in veterinary world in 2013. He was inspired to enter the veterinary field from his love of animals and puzzle solving. He shares his home with Claddaugh, a DMH cat, Ouroboros, a Ball Python and Dewali, a Bearded Dragon. In his free time Shannon enjoys armored medieval combat and miniature wargaming.

Erin

Veterinary Technician

Erin started working in the veterinary field in 2014 and was inspired to enter it because of her passion for the wellbeing of animals. She says the best part of her job is getting to be a part of a client and pet's life and watching them grow. Erin lives with her husband and three dogs, Whiskey, a 6 year-old Gold Retriever, Aspen aka Noodle, a 9 year-old Border Collie and Atlas, a border collie Australian Shepard mix. In her free time, Erin enjoys hiking, dispersed camping, backpacking, video games and photography.

Shannon F.

Veterinary Technician

Shannon graduated from Drake University in Iowa in 2017 with a BA in Environmental Sustainability & Resilience and a concentration in Animal Welfare/Cruelty. She lives in Denver with her two cats, Bourdaine, a female Torti and Sir Wellington, a Tabby. In her free time, Shannon loves cooking and watching cooking shows. She also volunteers at the House Rabbit Society of CO/SD.

Alyssa

Veterinary Technician

Alyssa is a Veterinary Technician at Indian Tree Animal Hospital. She graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Maryland. She was initially interested in human medicine but realized that veterinary medicine is where she belonged. Her favorite part of working in the veterinary field is giving a voice to animals.

She currently lives in Denver with Theo, her Dutch Shepherd, and Spaghetti Sauce, a Domestic Short Hair cat. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, camping and playing video games. She also likes to sing, dance and play the guitar.

Rylee

Lead Veterinary Technician

Rylee started her veterinary technician journey in 2016 and has loved every second of it. Her favorite part about working in the veterinary field is client education. She loves being able to help others learn new things and improve their pets' lives. Rylee shares a home with her husband, son, and 10-year-old Pharoah hound named Rusty. In her free time, she loves being outdoors camping and hiking.

Elizabeth

Veterinary Technician

Born and raised in St. Louis, Elizabeth found her way to Colorado beginning of 2022. Elizabeth has 3 years in the veterinary field and found her area of professional interest in animal behavior and rescue rehabilitation. Her favorite part about working in the veterinary field is being an advocate for her patients and having the ability to give scared pets a positive experience. She also really enjoys connecting and communicating with her clients about their pet's health. Elizabeth has 2 pets at home - a Border Collie/Shepherd mix named Otto and a feline Oriental mix named Oliver. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside camping and hiking with her fur babies.

Taylor

Veterinary Technician

Taylor has worked in the veterinary field since 2011. She started out as a veterinary assistant and has worked her way to a veterinary technician. Taylors area of professional interest is surgery. Taylor and her husband have 3 pets at home – 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgis named Roscoe and Jade and an English Bull Terrier named Harley Quinn. In Taylors free time she enjoys anything and everything arts & crafts, she also has a very deep knowledge of everything Harry Potter.

Rosie

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Rosie started her career in veterinary medicine in 2021 here at Indian Tree as a veterinary technician assistant. Originally from Tasmania, Australia Rosie moved to Colorado in 2018 with her Husband and their 4 pets. Two Alaskan malamutes, Timber and Squish and two cats, Gimli and Thorn. Timber and Squish both do dog sledding in the winters!

Caroline

Veterinary Assistant

Caroline attended Austin College in Sherman, TX from 2001-2005 and majored in Art & Music. She worked at a veterinary clinic in the Denver metro from 2017-2020, cross-training in veterinary assistance and reception. Caroline's areas of interest include feline medicine and comforting pets & their people during the humane euthanasia process.

She lives in Colorado with her husband and their cat Meow-Meow, a senior DSH. In her free time, Caroline sings in the Boulder Chorale in the full choir, as well as with a smaller chamber group. She is also a CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow) volunteer weather observer; submitting daily precipitation & significant weather reports year round. In addition, she is a trained National Weather Service SKYWARN Storm Spotter.

Rebecca

Client Care Supervisor

Rebecca is proud to serve Indian Tree as our Client Care Supervisor. She started working in the veterinary field as a certified veterinary technician in 2010 but found her passion for client care and education. Growing up, Rebecca lived in the San Fransisco Bay area, and eventually settled in Colorado. She has 2 daughters, and loves spending time gardening and playing video games. Rebecca volunteers at the SOAR rescue by helping them get supplies to take to low-cost countries.

Amanda

Client Care Representative

Amanda is a Client Care Representative at Indian Tree Animal Hospital. Originally from Taos, New Mexico, a veritable artist mecha, Amanda has a love for music and other creative outlets. In particular, she likes illustration, painting, and playing the violin. At home, Amanda has three feline friends, Mischa, Momo, and The Reverend Grimm, and an Australia Shepherd, Bartleby.

Rachyl

Client Care Representative

Rachyl started working in the veterinary field in 2017. She has always loved animals and says the best part of her job is seeing happy, healthy animals. Rachyl has a daughter and her pets include Ares, a bearded dragon; Sasha, a Kelpi mix; Mercy, a Chihuahua and Watson, a Burmese cat. In her free time, Rachyl enjoys container gardening.

Alana

Client Care Representative

Alana is a Client Care Representative at Indian Tree Animal Hospital. She currently attends Oregon State University (OSU) and is in her 2nd year as a zoology major. It's her first time working in a clinic but has dreams of getting her DVM one day and owning her own clinic.

Alana says the best part of working in the veterinary field are the wide field of interests and specialties that keep you learning new things. She shares her home with Leah, a dog and her cats Panther & Smores. In her free time, Alana likes reading, writing, camping and various outdoor activities.

Courtney

Client Care Receptionist

Courtney has worked in the veterinary field since 2016 and has loved every minute of it! Her favorite part about being a client care receptionist is getting to greet all the patients as they walk through the door. Courtney has 9 pets at home with her - 2 guinea pigs, 2 ball pythons, 1 milk snake, 1 jumping spider, a Chihuahua names Cujo, a Cattle dog named Zaboo, and a Puggle named Pugsy Malone. In Courtney's free time she enjoys cross stitching.

Join the Indian Tree Animal Hospital Family Today!

Located in the Highlands neighborhood of Arvada, directly Northwest of Denver. We are right off of Wadsworth Blvd and W 80th Ave near the Indian Tree Golf Club and Shopping Mall.

Phone: 303-420-4422

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