Most of our support staff are hometown Idahoans, but others come from Texas and California. No matter where they came from, all of them have different, interesting backgrounds. We are so lucky to call this group of people our professional family. Here are a few fun facts about each member, including how they made their way to Alpine Animal Hospital.
Desiree Marie Holsten, veterinary technician
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I was born, raised, and am currently living in the area of Soda Springs and Bancroft, Idaho.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: I like to say that Alpine kind of found me. I was living with a friend in Chubbuck who had mentioned an opening for a kennel technician here. I applied and eventually worked my way up to my current position.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: My biggest fear is definitely spiders—they creep me out.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would like to go skydiving one day, although I am terrified of heights. I also dream of owning my own ranch one day to raise cattle and horses.
Mindy Bowman, client service representative
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I have lived in Idaho my entire life, but mostly lived in the Boise area until I moved to Pocatello about two years ago.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: I heard about Alpine through a friend. I switched my pets to this clinic and fell in love with the staff.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: I am afraid of being outdoors in the dark. I also hate flying.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would really like to go to an island and swim with sea turtles, but I am terrified of flying so I’m not sure how I would make that work. I would also like to see all 50 states and have been to quite a few already.
Alicia Kay Popp, veterinary technician
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: After volunteering at the hospital for some time, I was offered a job here and took it.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Like most people, I am afraid of seeing bears in the wild, but I am irrationally afraid of moose, too.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would like to purchase a new house where I can have a small farm with horses, goats, and chickens.
Kenda Van Horn, certified veterinary technician
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: I did two summer externships while studying at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), and I did both of mine here at Alpine Animal Hospital. They hired me after my second externship.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Clowns.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I want to travel to Europe eventually with my boyfriend and would like to shoot an elk.
Jennifer Junge, client service representative
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: The great state of Texas.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: I was referred here by a good friend.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Snakes.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would like to buy a Drum Horse and go to Ireland.
Taylor Kamps, veterinary technician
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I was born and raised in Southern California.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: I applied for a job here because I was looking for an opportunity to work with large animals, cold laser therapy, and acupuncture. Alpine Animal Hospital offered so much that drew me in—I love my job.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: I am terrified of balloons. I hate the sounds they make and the anxiety of knowing that they’re going to pop unexpectedly. If someone is going to make balloon animals, I will vacate the premises!
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: I love to read during my time off.
Stephanie Geraughty, veterinary technician
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I am from the Mini-Cassia area.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: Dr. Haymore and Dr. Lundquist were persistent after working with me in Idaho Falls at the emergency veterinary clinic. They never stopped asking when I was coming to work for them. I finally gave in and everything fell into place.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Being outside in the dark or in an unfamiliar place.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would like to take a real vacation with my husband.
Kysha Longstaff, human resource manager
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I was born in Boise, Idaho, but moved around a lot as a child.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: A family friend referred me here and encouraged me to apply.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: I have a completely irrational fear of sharks. When I was a kid, I watched shark week and learned about a species of shark that lives in freshwater—I was never the same after that.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would like to get married.
Kendra Shepard, certified veterinary technician
Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I’m from Pocatello, Idaho.
Q: How did you land at Alpine Animal Hospital?
A: I had outgrown the previous clinic. I had learned all I could and there was not much room for growth or personal development.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: While I am afraid of spiders and snakes, my biggest fear is failing at my job.
Q: What is on your bucket list? Or something you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I would like to go on a vacation to Hawaii with my husband and son.
Obviously, there is so much more to our support staff than what we can fit into one blog post. When it’s safe to do so, come by Alpine Animal Hospital and meet our team in person. In the meantime, get to know our veterinarians here. We are delighted to serve you and your furry family members!
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