Dr. Daniel Pirotte
(Owner and Veterinarian)
Dr. Pirotte graduated from Kansas State University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. Upon graduation, Dr. Pirotte relocated to Nevada where he accepted a position at Black Mountain Animal Hospital. During his time in Nevada, Dr. Pirotte had the honor of being mentored by Dr. Bojrab and Dr. Hoefle, who are both highly respected veterinary surgeons. This mentorship cultivated Dr. Pirotte’s interest in orthopedic procedures, which prompted his attendance of a course at Ohio State University on bone plating and orthopedic procedures. In 1989, Dr. Pirotte opened up KC Animal Hospital with the vision of providing excelling medical care to clients; becoming a part of their lives and watching their families grow. He has made a commitment to continue his education, by attending conferences and seminars.
Fun Fact: Dr. Pirotte has treated Wayne Newton’s penguins.
Dr. Gabe Cox, DVM
(Veterinarian)
Dr. Cox was born and raised in Laurel, Maryland. He received his undergraduate education at Concordia University in Michigan, where he was an academic All American football player. He then attended veterinary school at Virginia Tech and graduated with his DVM degree in 2019. He began his veterinary career at a small animal general practice/emergency clinic in New Jersey and then relocated to Phoenix, AZ where he has worked for the last 3 years . His main interests in veterinary medicine are surgery, internal medicine, and emergency medicine.
Fun Fact: When he is not working, you will find him at the gym, hiking, or doing anything that keeps him active!
Melyssa Avina
(Practice Manager)
Melyssa joined our KC team as a receptionist, bringing a friendly and positive energy to our front desk. She quickly expanded her role to assist with animal care, showcasing her dedication and versatility. With over 5 years of experience in the veterinary field and an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology, Melyssa is a skilled and committed professional. Now serving as our hospital manager, she loves the warm, family-oriented atmosphere at KC Animal Hospital, which emphasizes a family-first approach. Passionate about growth, development, and leadership, Melyssa continues to be an invaluable asset to our team.
When Melyssa isn’t working, you can find her hanging out with her fur baby Nala, watching movies, cooking, or exploring Arizona!
Fun Fact: Melyssa has actually saved 2 people from drowning
Danielle Bird
(Veterinary Technician)
Danielle has been a member of the KC team since 2019. She started as an Animal Care Attendant and quickly moved up, becoming a Veterinary Technician. Danielle has a passion for Animal Behavior and hopes to develop her Veterinary Technician skills as she starts school at Penn Foster. Danielle also grew up on a farm and has much experience with animals.
When Danielle isn’t at KC, she is usually playing fetch with her dog Amelia, hanging out with her cat named Todd or watching documentaries.
Favorite Animal: Sea Turtles because she had the opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures in Hawaii and she fell in love.
Makenna Stouffer
(Technician)
Makenna loves working at KC Animal Hospital for its close-knit, family atmosphere and, of course, Chicken. She’s passionate about animals and values learning new skills on the job that help her take better care of them, both professionally and personally.
At home, Makenna has a lively pet family that includes two dogs (Bruno and Tinkerbell), two cats (Dowsey and Draco), and two bunnies (Snickers and Twinkie). Her favorite animals are llamas and alpacas because of their adorable and quirky appearance.
Makenna is proud of how far she’s come in life and her career, achieving her dream of working in animal care despite overcoming obstacles. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the clarinet and saxophone, cleaning, and painting pottery.
A fun fact about Makenna is that she was once picked up by a dust storm when she was five! She’s also obsessed with llamas and alpacas.
Her favorite quotes are:
“You never know unless you try” and
“You can sit around and wait for life to come to you, you have to go get it.”
Jacqueline Davidson
(Technician)
Jacque has been a part of our KC family in 2024 and has been a wonderful addition to our technician team. Currently Jacque is enrolled at ASU and working towards her bachelor’s degree in biology. After she graduates, she plans on applying to veterinary school! Her favorite part of working at KC is the “homey” vibe from the staff and clients themselves.
When Jacque isn’t working at KC, you can find her playing with her rabbit named Green Bean, her cat named Tiny, coloring, reading, or working on arts and craft projects!
Biggest Accomplishment: Moving away from her family to create a life in Arizona!
Ashley Nickey
(Technician)
Ashley has been a part of our KC team since 2023 and she has been a great addition! Before KC, Ashley graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a B.S. in Biology. Her favorite part of working at KC is that she has the opportunity to constantly learn and grow her skills with the help and support of her coworkers and doctors.
When Ashley isn’t working at KC, you can find her dog training, sewing, hiking, or playing with her 3 dogs, cat, or bearded dragon!
Favorite Quote: “Consistency is more important than perfection.”
Megan Sagdahl
(Technician)
Megan has been a member of the KC Family since 2022 as a Veterinary Receptionist and has since been promoted to a Veterinary Technician. Megan has brought many smiles and positivity since starting at KC and our clinic would not be the same without her. Currently Megan is enrolled in the Veterinary Technician Program at Penn Foster and hopes to keep advocating for the ones who don’t have a voice.
When Megan isn’t working, she is usually spending time at the park with her 2 dogs named Tinkerbell and Moose, spending time with her 4 cats named Manny, Maizey, Tsuki, and Yuki, or working out!
Favorite Quote: “Most things we worry about never happen anyway.” -Tom Petty
Olivia Rankin
(Veterinary Assistant)
Olivia started at KC Animal Hospital as a Seasonal Animal Care Attendant last summer and has now joined our team Full-Time! Olivia always has a smile on her face and loves welcoming and playing with all her boarding pets.
When Olivia isn’t working, you can find her playing with her dog named Livi or singing!
Favorite Animal: Dolphins, because they are cute!
Ashley Guiterrez
(Veterinary Assistant)
Ashley joined our team this summer as a Veterinary Assistant. She is currently going to school at ASU, where she is studying Applied Biological Science with an emphasis in Pre-veterinary Medicine. Ashley’s favorite part about working at KC is our family-like environment and getting the opportunity to help as many animals as she can.
When Ashley isn’t working, you can find her hanging out with her friends, hiking, going to the gym, or playing with her dog named Luna!
Biggest Accomplishment: She is the first in her family to go to college.
Kennedy Foster
(Animal Care)
Kennedy is a sophomore at ASU studying psychology with aspirations to work in advertising for movies or commercials. Her ultimate goal is to open her own pet rescue, and her current role provides the experience and knowledge to help achieve that dream.
She adores her Shih Tzu, Ellie Bear, who is her whole world. Dogs are her favorite animals because of their loyalty, playfulness, and constant companionship.
Kennedy is most passionate about making her family proud and considers her biggest accomplishment to be finding her way in life while earning a degree. She enjoys a variety of hobbies, including watching movies, dancing, baking, swimming, and spending time with family.
A talented pianist, she hopes to learn guitar and violin and dreams of studying abroad in London.
Her favorite quote is: “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” – Gerard Way.
Kory Burg
(Animal Care)
Kory enjoys learning how to care for dogs and cats both medically and physically and aspires to become a full-time veterinary technician.
He has a dog named Riley and a deep love for animals, especially horses, which he admires for their gentle nature and intelligence. Kory is knowledgeable about horses and has even stood straight up on one before—a fun and unique accomplishment!
An Eagle Scout, Kory is passionate about giving 100% effort in everything he does. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and running, which reflect his adventurous and active personality.
Jamie Ordonez
(Groomer)
Jamie has been a member of the KC team since 2019. Jamie has been a Pet Groomer for over 8 years and her biggest accomplishment is falling into a career that she truly loves and makes her happy each and every day.
When Jamie is not at KC, she is hanging out with her husband or cuddling her 2 dogs named Jakie Poopie Doodle, and Baxter.
Favorite Quote: “If you’re early you’re on time, if you’re on time you’re late.”
Taylor Tuck
(Veterinary Receptionist)
Taylor became part of the KC team in 2024 and has brought a bubbly and fun face to our front desk. Taylor is very passionate about teaching and coaching and was even a gymnastics coach for 3 years. Taylor’s favorite part about working at KC is getting to interact and work with animals.
When Taylor isn’t working, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, eating, doing gymnastics, or hanging out with her 2 dogs and 2 rabbits!
Fun Fact: She is a twin!
Elizabeth (Liz) Avila
Liz Avila loves the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at KC Animal Hospital, created by both the staff and clients. With a background in technical theater, focusing on costuming and carpentry, Liz worked for over five years on one of Las Vegas’s longest-running shows before transitioning to the veterinary field during the pandemic. Her lifelong passion for animals, fostered through both professional and volunteer work, made this career switch a perfect fit. Liz shares her life with two pets—a flame point Siamese named Balthazar and a fluffy mutt named Mipha. She admires ravens for their intelligence and speech mimicry and enjoys hiking, swimming, cosplay, and reading in her free time. A fun fact about Liz: she attended San Diego Comic-Con every year while living in Vegas!
Lily
(Lead House Cat)
Lily came to KC Animal Hospital as a stray in 2011. Lily is always keeping in eye out for her technicians and doesn’t allow the animals to get out of control.
Lily enjoys her hospital life, she can always be found lying on or pushing items off the counters, telling us her complaints, or sleeping in her comfy beds.
Fun Fact: Lily loves to play with moving toys. If it wiggles or runs from her, she is ready to pounce!
Chicken
(Lead House Bird)
Chicken was surrendered to KC Animal Hospital in 2023 due to the excessive plucking of his feathers. Chicken is a Red Lored Amazon and has grown back many of his beautiful feathers since becoming a KC team member!
Now, Chicken lives at our front desk where he loves to greet and interact with our clients and patients.
Fun Fact: Chicken doesn’t like bright colors!