Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital

Our Staff



Doctor

  • Linda R Elliott , DVM


          Dr. Elliott was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and received  her DVM degree in 1978 from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. The call of the West brought her to Arizona after graduation to work in a Mesa practice specializing in small animals.  In 1979 Dr. Elliott opened her own practice in Mesa, then moved into this very up-to-date facility she designed as Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital in 1989.  Dr. Elliott and her husband, Mike, and daughter, Rebecca, share their east valley home with two dogs, three cats, several horses, 2 goats, a herd of  40+ alpacas.  Additional members of the equestrian family are stabled nearby.   The colorful and exotic member of the clan, an Amazon parrot named "Beaker", can be found every day at the clinic for your enjoyment and entertainment.
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  • Jen Howard Appell , D.V.M.


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    Dr. Howard Appell grew up in Tucson, AZ. She decided to become a veterinarian at the age of 5, telling her father that she wanted "to become a horse doctor". She received her B.S in Microbiology from the University of Arizona and her D.V.M. from Colorado State  University. Her areas of interest are: internal medicine, oncology, surgery and infectious diseases. Dr. Howard married her high school sweetheart, Matt. Their "kids" include 3 dogs; Electra, Indica and FeeBee, 2 cats; Lt. Dan and Mee Lo and 1 horse; Blast Off. Her time off is spent reading, horseback riding and picking up after her husband and "kids".

  • Phalen Ontiveros


    Dr. Ontiveros was born in eastern Oregon, moved to Boise, Idaho and finally ended up in Arizona. She received her B.S in agribusiness from Arizona State University and received her D.V.M.  from Colorado State University.  Dr. Ontiveros interests include not only small animal general preactice , but also she has a strong interest in treating small mammals and birds.
    She enjoys hiking, traveling, reading mystery novels and spending time with her husband. She is also a collector of Holstein cattle figurines.
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Technician

  • Kim , CVT


         Kim is one of our hospital’s certified veterinary technicians who has been with our hospital since May 1996 and in the veterinary field since 1990. Kim’s many skills include, but are not limited to, anesthesiology, dentistry, radiology, and laboratory procedures. When asked, Kim answered that she chose to work in the veterinary field because, "I love animals and wanted to center my life around them". And the best part of her job is, "watching and contributing to the animals’ well being so they live healthy and happy lives". Kim’s own three cats are "Ching", "Katie", and newest member, "Tara". To know Kim is to know she is an avid Buffy (the vampire slayer) fan, Xenite, and also enjoys golf and bowling. One of Kim’s favorite quotes is an inspiring one that goes, "stop focusing on the destination. It’s the journey that’s the fun".


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Reception

  • Courtney


         Although Courtney has been a receptionist with our hospital since May 1997, she has worked in various prior positions in other hospitals since 1990. Courtney prides herself in "exceeding expectations", not only with clients but also with fellow staff members. She says that the best part of her job is, "working with great doctors and staff and our wonderful clients". Courtney’s pets include five cats, two dogs, and a fire belly frog, who she enjoys with her husband and two sons. In her time away from work, she coaches sports for her oldest son, and enjoys swimming, dancing, and music.


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  • Becky


         Becky is one of the rare Arizona natives that we have in our practice. She has been surrounded by animals her entire life and currently has 1 dog, Buford T., 2 cats, Cassey & Chloe, 1 fish, Fish and three horses, Ricky, Tonka, and Pro. Her hobbies include horseback riding, soccer, dance and spending time with her friends. She is currently attending Arizona State University majoring in Biology. Her ambition is to become a physician specializing in neonatology.

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  • Kinsey


    Kinsey was born in Oregon, moved to New Mexico, then Texas and now resides here in Arizona. She has 2 cats, Floyd and Molly. Kinsey enjoys reading, renting movies, hanging by the pool and spending time with her friends. She has always wanted to be in the healthcare profession. Her goal is to still be parasailing when she is 76 years old just as her grandmother does.Vetsuite_Img_75546
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Kennel

  • Laurel


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    Laurel grew up in Santa Rosa, California. She received her B.A. in International Cultural Studies from Brigham Young University in Hawaii. Se has 2 pets, a cat named Peach and a dog named Luke. Her hobbies include hiking and cooking. She's not sure what her future holds, but she loves to learn new things. Her favorite animal is a Lemur.
Assistants

  • Vonnie


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    Originally from sunny southern California, Vonnie moved to Arizona in 1998. She obtained her B.S. in agri-business with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine from Arizona State University. She currently has 1 dog, Cash, and 2 cats, Zeus & Hera. In her spare time, she enjoys the solitude of the mountains, camping, and spending time with her family. Her long term goal is to become a veterinarian specializing in exotic cats.
  • Mia


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    Mia has lived in Arizona for about 12 years qualifying for " almost being a native". However, she is pleased to announce that not only is she bilingual (English & Spanish), but she spent most of her childhood in Salta, Argentina. Her father's side of the family is Argentine. And she is proud of her heritage. Her hobbies include singing, listening to music, shooting pool, and playing with Sadie, her yellow lab. Two other members of the family are Leo & Luna- a russian blue and siamese. Mia's dream is to live on a farm running her own animal shelter and clinic.
  • Rebecca


    Rebecca claims to be from everywhere traveling with her parents who were in the military. She continued the family tradition acquiring some military training. She is now married with two children, Cayden and Gillian. She also lives with an Airdale and Domestic Shorthair cat. Rebecca enjoys reading and cooking. Long term she hopes to become a veterinarian.Vetsuite_Img_63455
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  • Jessie


    Jessie is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, living in Arizona since 2008. She resides with 2 cats. She enjoys sporting events, reading, going to concerts & museums as well as painting and pottery. She's not sure what she wants to do "when she grows up" but wants to stay in the veterinary field.Vetsuite_Img_63461
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  • Heather


    Heather is a natvie Arizonan. Born in Tucson and raised in Chandler, Heather has come to us with a great outlook on life. She is attending Mesa Community College in pursuit of her Associates degree in Science and then will move on tho Arizona State University for her bachelors. she has 2 cats, Sake & Branwen. She enjoys assisting the family run cattle ranchm palying with her nieces and nephews and playing trivia games. It's no surprise that Heather is a Disney freak and, sings Karaoke. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.Vetsuite_Img_75547
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