Meet Our Team
Our experience and commitment to quality veterinary care, wellness programs, appropriate diagnostics and treatments promotes your pet’s longevity and quality of life
Gayle MacKenzie
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Owner of Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center
D.V.M., Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
M.S. Highlands University – Las Vegas, New Mexico
Dr. Gayle MacKenzie received her veterinary training at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. Her Master of Science was in physiology and her undergraduate work encompassed animal behavior and psychology.
She was born in Albuquerque, NM and at a very young age knew she would become either a veterinarian or an Olympic ice skater. One of those goals was realized. After practicing in Broomfield, CO for 6 years as an associate veterinarian, Gayle purchased the West Jewell Veterinary Hospital in Lakewood, CO. In 2001 she founded her dream hospital, The Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center.
“I am a lifelong animal lover. Starting at age two with a beloved German shepherd named Bobo and a cat named Dusty. It was clear my passion was for the furry ones. This has brought the most joy in my life. The privilege of meeting thousands of furry kids and their families and providing them with the best possible care is my mission in life.”
Gayle and her husband Bill Logan, a fisheries scientist and co-owner of Aqua Sierra Fisheries Consultants, live in the mountains of Morrison, CO. They enjoy their beautiful cats, horses, the fresh air, rollerblading, yoga, biking and much more. Her nickname is Dr. Cat (not to say she does not love dogs too, SHE DOES!)
Jill O’Connell
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
D.V.M. Iowa State University, Ames, IA
B.S. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Dr. Jill O’Connell is originally from Great Falls, Montana. She completed her undergraduate studies at Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Fish and Wildlife Management. Jill obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Iowa State University.
She moved to Colorado marrying Jimmy O’Connell. Dr. O’Connell has been with the Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center since 2001.
Jill says, “I love being a veterinarian and getting to know and care for my patients and their families. I am so appreciative of my clients allowing me to be a big part of their special furry babies’ health care over the years. I stay busy when I’m not at work spending time with my 2 boys, Mikey, and Sean, watching their track meets, baseball games, and marching band competitions. I also have 2 dogs, Baxter, and Ollie, who I love dearly. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and boating.
Lisa Shaffer
Office Manager
Lisa is a native to Colorado and grew up in the Lakewood area. Lisa has been with Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center for many years and cannot imagine being anywhere else. She loves animals and loves helping them.
She is married and has four adult children, all married with families of their own. Between the four she has ten amazing grandchildren.
On her time off she and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking the grandkids camping, paddle boarding, kayaking and hiking. Their dogs Nova and Chloe are a part of their family and enjoy walks (Chloe has her own doggie stroller) and hanging out with everyone.
Daniela Perez
Veterinary Technician
Graduated Pima Medical Institute, Aurora, Colorado
Daniela Saez is originally from Mexico City and has lived in Colorado for most of her life. She is the very first in her family to attend and graduate college. She is also proud of her Hispanic heritage and is very happy to be able to put her fluent Spanish to use at work when in need of translating to help our Latino customers.
Her hobbies include helping animals of course, but she loves to spend time with her 3 year old standard poodle ‘Oreo’. Since she is a newlywed she loves to hike, cook, and go shopping with her husband. She also volunteers full time at a local church in Aurora Co, where she enjoys leading worship and working with the youth club next to her husband. Daniela is a Vet Tech at Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center. She spends her time assisting the veterinarians whether its an easy appointment or in surgery. “The importance of keeping your pet healthy and happy is my priority, we are a staff with hearts that never stray”.
Alex Peneda
Kennel Manager
Originally from Houston Texas. Alex moved to Denver to enjoy the opportunities and wonderful nature in Colorado. He enjoys the mountains and wildlife. Also, his passion for concerts, and the food have made Colorado his home!
Alex assures that your furry family members are safe and comfortable when they stay over at Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center!
Nicki McIntosh
Head Receptionist
Nicki is head of reception at Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center. She is a native of Colorado and before working here she was a client for over 20 years. She is married and raised her two sons in the Green Mountain area. Her past work for over 30 years was with the University of Colorado, in Bouler, working in Housing and Finance.
Nicki has rescued and raised cats and dogs and fell in love with Golden Retrievers. Her dog Bear is pictured at home with Nicki. She loves to travel, water ski, makes quilts and loves spending time with her grandchildren.
Our newest employee!
This Could Be You
Credentials
If you believe you will enhance our practice, be a team member, and love animals, please apply at Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center.