Baer Bechtel, DVM  |  Carmen Lastine, DVM  |  Paul Grych, DVM | Heidi Patterson, DVM | Carol McDaneld, DVM

456 Kokopelli Blvd., Unit E  |  Fruita, CO  |  970.858.4299

Baer Bechtel

Baer Bechtel, DVM

Grew up in Grand Junction and attended both Fruita Junior High and Fruita Monument High School in the 1980s. Graduated from the Colorado State University Veterinary Program in 2000. Started Kokopelli Animal Hospital in the fall of 2005.

Carmen Lastine

Carmen Song-Lastine, DVM

Dr. Lastine joined the our hospital in spring of 2009.  She grew up in the Four Corner's region and graduated from Colorado State University in 1997. Dr. Lastine has experience ranging from large animal ambulatory practice in rural Wyoming to a 24 hour small animal emergency hospital in Oklahoma City. She keeps busy with her five active children and their menagerie of animals. She loves to hike, bicycle, ski and trail ride any chance she gets and feels fortunate to live here.

Amanda

Amanda ~ RVT, Practice Manager

Hi, my name is Amanda. This is Larry (Golden Retriever) and Skye (American Bulldog). I started working for Kokopelli Animal Hospital in October 2010. Since starting as a receptionist, I have worked my way up to being a veterinary technician and now the Practice manager. I have enjoyed each milestone and look forward to many more!

 

Andrea~ RVT, Lead Surgery Technician 

I started at Kokopelli Animal Hospital in early 2022, but have been working in veterinary medicine since 2005. I began my career at a feline-only hospital, but have since worked with a variety of animals from pocket pets to horses. I became a registered veterinary technician in 2011. I enjoy many things about veterinary medicine, but I especially enjoy providing care for our surgery and dentistry patients. My own pets include 2 dogs (Kai and Coco) and 6 chickens.

Tereza

Tereza ~ Veterinary Assistant

My name is Tereza and I  have been bringing my pets to Kokopelli since moving to the Valley in 2007. I have worked with  animals on and off for most of my life and enjoyed being a dog groomer, wrangler, working with sledding dogs and boarding horses. Becoming a veterinary assistant at my favorite animal hospital in March 2020 is a dream come true! Pictured here is my beloved dog Niko. Rest of the pack, Jake and Cedar, too busy to pose chasing ground squirrels.

Bailey~Kennel Technician

Hi my name is Bailey and I have been working at Kokopelli since April 2023.  I am currently a student at Colorado Mesa University. In my free time I enjoy rodeoing, going to the mountains and hanging out with my dog Charlie. 

Kristina ~Client Care Services

Hi, I am Kristina and I started working at Kokopelli in December of 2020. I enjoy four-wheeling, camping, and riding horses. I absolutley love being in the outdoors and hanging out with my son. 

Paul Grych

Paul Grych, DVM

Dr. Grych grew up in southeastern Utah and western Colorado. After graduating from Fruita Monument High School he served as an Animal Care Specialist in the United States Army for four years. He obtained his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1989 and moved to Redding, California where he met his wife Andrea. On the way back to western Colorado, Paul and Andrea lived in Phoenix, Arizona for four years. In 2003 they moved back to western Colorado to help raise top quality grass hay on the family’s farm. Paul enjoys small animal veterinary practice and has a special interest in ultrasound.

Stacey

Stacey~ Registered Veterinary Technician 

Hi, my name is Stacey and I have been bringing my animals to Kokopelli since moving to the valley in 2005, and I happily became an employee in 2014. I absolutely love my co-workers, the patients and their families. I have always had a passion for helping animals and their humans. On my days off I love to spoil my fur babies Victor, Frankie and Montana.

Kim~Registered Veterinary Technician 

I joined Kokopelli in January of 2023. I recently moved here from Austin, TX with my Border Collie that comepetes in agility, dock diving and herding trials.

I have over 30 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital.  Much of that time was spent in an equine surgery center but now I am enjoying working in a small companion animal practice. 

 

Sam

Sam~ RVT, Inventory Specialist 

Hi, my name is Sam. I started working for Kokopelli in July of 2019 and graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2021 with an associates in veterinary technology and becoming a certified veterinary technician. I enjoy rodeoing, camping, hunting, hiking and spending time with my husband and daughter when I'm not working. I have 3 horses, 4 dogs, a barn cat, and a rabbit on our little farm. 

Mikayla~ Client Care Services/Vet Assistant 

I started at Kokopelli in July of 2020.  I currently have two dogs and two cats who adore my two tiny humans.  We love cuddling on the couch in the winter and playing ball in the summer.  I am so thankful to have the opportunity to help you and your furbabies! 

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AAHA logo 2016

Fear Free Seal

Contact us

Baer Bechtel, DVM
Carmen Lastine, DVM
Paul Grych, DVM

Heidi Patterson, DVM
Carol McDaneld, DVM

456 Kokopelli Blvd., Unit E
Fruita, CO 81521
(970) 858-4299
(970) 858-3357 Fax

Office Hours:

Mon: 8am-5:30p

Tue: 8am-5:30p

Wed: 8am-5:30p

Thur: 8am-6pm

Fri: 8am-5:30p

Closed Sat & Sun

Scratchpay Friendly Payment Plans

vet emergency logo

In case of emergency contact the
Animal ER of the Western Slope
970-525-0911
1160 North Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
OR
Grand Valley Veterinary Emergency Center
970-255-1911
573 32 Rd Suite 11
Clifton, CO 81520
OR
Monument View Veterinary Hospital
970-644-5552
1673 HWY 50
Grand Junction, CO 81503