Dr. Kim Chalfant
Dr. Chalfant grew up in southeastern New Mexico. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2006, after which she returned to NM to practice. After 6 years of of commuting to Santa Fe, she decided to open La Cueva Animal Hospital closer to home.
Dr. Chalfant enjoys the challenges of diagnosing and treating patients that cannot tell us what is wrong with them. She is particularly interested in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, pain management, and anesthesia.
Her husband David works full time with the Air National Guard at Kirtland AFB and also helps with technical support at the clinic. They have 2 fur-kids, a rambunctious Lab mix named Layla, and an exuberant Great Dane named Indie that came in as a patient through Justice Great Dane Rescue, a local rescue group.
When not working she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, gardening, and hiking.
Dr. Vivian Cimbal
Dr Cimbal was originally from the East Coast but has called New Mexico her home since 2006. She received her VMD from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and practiced for a few years in Northern Virginia before relocating to New Mexico.
Dr Cimbal has treated different species of animals over the years and initially had an interest in zoo and wildlife medicine. She works with reptiles, amphibians, pocket pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, sugar gliders, rats, mice), avian species as well as dogs and cats.
At this time she has a cat - Silver, three dogs - Deuce, Ocho, and Pupito, chickens, and some large Plecos and a Tiger Oscar fish.
During her free time she enjoys cooking, eating great food, camping, hiking and hunting for mushrooms.
Jennifer Hopkins, RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician)/Hospital Manager
Jennifer graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at CNM/TVI in 2006.
Jennifer has over a decade of experience in the veterinary field. Before coming to La Cueva, she spent 5 1/2 years working in shelter medicine and the 5 years before that in a busy private practice. She also provides petsitting services locally.
Her husband, Lee, is a geologist and they have two children, Dexter and Daisy. They also have a one-eyed poodle named Molly, a terrier mix named Missy E, 11 chickens, and too many turtles to count!
When she is not taking care of pets in the hospital, she enjoys turtle and exotic rescue/fostering, hiking, and gardening.
Brian Sturgeon, Veterinary Technician
Brian grew up in the small mountain town of Pecos. He attended the San Juan Veterinary Technician program.
Brian has been working in the veterinary field for over 2 decades. Much of that time has been in specialty practice working in oncology, internal medicine, emergency, and surgery. He still has a strong interest in immune mediated diseases and oncology care.
When he is not working at the clinic, he can be found in the gym doing dancefit, powerlifting, and strength training.
Brian lives with his two Dachshunds named Beenie and Bubbah, and a pitbull named Cinammon.
Michelle Jaramillo, Customer service reprresentative
Biography and Photo Coming Soon
DESTINY PAIZ, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Biography and Photo Coming Soon