Meet our nurses and support staff

Shawna Lee, CVT, VTS (SAIM)

Shawna Lee is a certified veterinary technician at Peak Veterinary Specialists. She started her career as a technician in 1995, living in a veterinary clinic and doing overnight treatments while attending school. She graduated from Bel Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology in 1996 and has passed the certification tests in California and Colorado. She is a member of CACVT (Colorado Association of Veterinary Technicians) and AIMVT (Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians). In July 2008, Shawna received the credential of VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in small animal internal medicine. Shawna lives in Longmont with her husband Erik, 3 rescued dogs (Homer, Ilene, Lauren) and 2 rescued cats (Cherub and Memory). Her passion for the environment and compassion for animals allow for a perfect fit here at Peak Veterinary Specialists.

Jessie Fowler, CVT

Jessie Fowler is a certified veterinary technician and has been with Peak Veterinary Specialists since October of 2006 in both internal medicine and dentistry. She moved to northern Colorado in 2003 and attended Front Range Community College, where she received her Associates degree in Veterinary Technology.

When Jessie was eleven, she started volunteering for her family veterinarian in Fort Worth, Texas. Her experiences in that small animal practice helped to form her passion for medicine and for the challenges and joys of nursing.

Jessie's interests in science and medicine and her love for people and pets led her to the veterinary field. What keeps her here are the rewards gained daily by helping those who can't help themselves and giving voice to those who can't speak. Jessie has a deep respect for the human-animal bond and enjoys working closely with our great clients and their "kids". She also has a special place in her heart for graying muzzles and cats in their golden years.

Jessie and her husband Randy have a rescued 12-year-old mutt named Jake who loves to run and jump and shake his toys. They enjoy spending time together and serving in their local community.

Carrie Guthrie, CVT

Carrie Guthrie moved to Colorado from San Diego, California about 3 years ago. After attending San Diego State University where she studied Accounting and Biology, she decided to try something new. She has always had a passion for animals and finally resolved to pick a career that ensured her the opportunity to help them. She started the Front Range Community College, Veterinary Technology program soon after her move to Fort Collins. Carrie worked in a small animal/exotics general practice while she went through the program. Shortly after graduating with her Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, she began working in Internal Medicine here at Peak Veterinary Internists. She achieved the Colorado Certified Veterinary Technician status in January 2008.

Carrie and her husband are the proud parents of three dogs and one turtle: Abbi, a rather tightly-wound and recently blind 4-year-old husky mix who was the inspiration Carrie needed to finally move into the veterinary field. Bailey, a 4-year-old, happy-go-lucky, nosy hound mix that keeps them on their toes. Their most recent addition, Remy, a 7-year-young lab mix that is sweet, cuddly, and just a laid back, fun loving girl. And Toitie-pot, a 10-year-old aquatic turtle who enjoys lazy days in the sun. Their antics keep the Guthrie household filled with laughter year round.

Cookie Cloninger, Receptionist

Cookie has joined our team at Peak Veterinary Specialists as a part-time receptionist. She is originally from the Rome-Utica area of upstate New York, and has lived in Fort Collins since 1971. She retired in June 2000 after 35 years working for the federal government. The last 28 years of her career were spent as Purchasing Officer at the Center for Disease Control in Fort Collins. Cookie starting working in veterinary medicine in 2005 after a pet’s illness compelled her to care for people and pets. She enjoys golf, bowling, and her two Schipperke dogs KC and Zeke.

Ginny Russell, Receptionist/Assistant

Ginny was born and raised here in Colorado. Having had a variety of pets growing up, it was clear at an early age that she would one day work with animals. After a series of unfulfilling jobs she decided it was time to pursue her lifelong passion. In 2006 she attended PIMA Medical Institute where she studied Veterinary Assisting. After graduating with honors she spent the next 2 years working in a small animal practice. Ginny joined our staff as a part-time receptionist in October 2010. As a part of the Peak veterinary team, she looks forward to taking care of both our clients and their companions. Her warmth, attention to detail, and love of pets and the bond we have with them shine through.

Outside of the office Ginny enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, skateboarding, watching movies, baking and planning her wedding. She lives with her fiance and together they share their home with three dogs (Rocket, M.J., and Gabby), four cats (Jim-Jam, Booger, Tiger and Sampson), four birds, a tiger salamander and a turtle named Molly.

Gabby, Lobby Greeter

Gabby can be found most mornings warmly greeting pets and their people in our lobby with her mom, Ginny.  While her lack of thumbs causes phone answering to be a challenge, we know you'll find her to be friendly, always smiling, and easy to love.  When not hard at work, Gabby likes to hang out at home and get belly scratches, sniff around for dropped crumbs of food, and get her housemates in trouble.