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
Jacqueline Davidson
(Lead Veterinary 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!
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.
Madeline Neier
(Veterinary Technician)
Madeline Neier is a veterinary technician who loves the supportive, family-like environment at KC Animal Hospital, where her coworkers have become close friends and she’s encouraged to keep learning and growing. Her passion for animal care began in high school through an animal health program and an internship that led to early hands-on hospital experience. At home, she cares for her Great Dane, Lennox, and two crested geckos, Chorizo and Rosita. Madeline has a special love for horses, admiring their beauty and freedom, and is deeply passionate about veterinary medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys painting animal portraits, reading, cooking, and thrifting — creative outlets that reflect her love for animals and hands-on care.
Analeigh A. Mendonca
(Veterinary Technician)
Analeigh is a veterinary technician who appreciates the supportive, encouraging, and fun team environment at KC Animal Hospital. She is currently pursuing a veterinary technology degree, building on hands-on experience that began when she started working in animal care as a teen and progressed into her tech role. Analeigh is passionate about helping animals feel their best and ensuring they receive attentive, compassionate care. At home, she enjoys life with her Portuguese Water Dog, Rebel, her tabby cat, Goose, and her Westie, Coconut. A fan of gentle giants like the Maine Coon, she brings warmth and dedication to her work. Outside the clinic, Analeigh enjoys painting and figure skating, and she spent many years taking piano lessons, reflecting her creative side.
Amanda
(Veterinary Technician)
Amanda is a veterinary technician who loves the compassionate culture at KC Animal Hospital, where both patients and their families are treated with genuine care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and previously worked in a research lab studying parasite toxicology, as well as gaining hands-on experience as a technician before becoming a veterinarian. Amanda is passionate about supporting both pets and their owners, especially helping fearful or reactive patients feel safe and comfortable during their visits. At home, she shares life with her two dogs, Josie and Jack, and has a special love for dogs, sheep, and rabbits. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys running, hiking, baking sourdough bread, and training in agility with Josie. She is excited to continue her journey in veterinary medicine as she prepares to attend veterinary school.
Emily Kuo
(Veterinary Technician)
Emily Kuo is a veterinary technician who values the supportive, welcoming environment at KC Animal Hospital, where teamwork helps her continue growing in her career. She earned her undergraduate degree from UOFA, majoring in veterinary science with a minor in nutritional science, and is passionate about helping animals heal and feel comfortable through compassionate medical care. At home, Emily enjoys spending time with her beagle, Candy, whose loyal and playful nature reflects her love for the breed. Outside of work, she likes reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends. A talented musician, she can play both piano and violin, and her favorite quote, “There is no fundamental difference between man and animals in their ability to feel pleasure and pain, happiness and misery” -Charles Darwin
Lauren McDonald
(Animal Care)
Lauren McDonald works in animal care and loves connecting with everyone at the hospital, where she feels appreciated and welcomed. A lifelong animal lover, Lauren shares her home with six dogs, a cat, and a bunny, and she’s especially fond of giraffes. She’s passionate about helping animals in any way she can, which shows in both her work and her daily life. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys crafting and spending time with her pets. Born on Halloween, she brings a fun spirit to the team, and her favorite quote —“how lucky it is to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”— reflects her caring heart and deep appreciation for the bonds we share.
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.
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.”
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!
Amberlyn Mulligan
Amberlyn is a receptionist who brings warmth, energy, and a welcoming smile to the clinic, inspired by the strong sense of care and community she found when joining the team. She enjoys creating a friendly, comfortable experience for clients and their pets, taking pride in being a positive first point of contact. Growing up in a small town surrounded by animals sparked her lifelong appreciation for them, and at home she cares for a variety of pets, including her ball python, Faye. Amberlyn loves learning about different species and believes every animal’s unique personality is something to celebrate.
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!
