Dr. Mat Stewart grew up in Burnsville, MN; a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul. He attended undergrad at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN where he majored in Biology with a minor in economics, during which he was also on the Division 3 national swim team. Dr. Stewart attended Kansas State University-College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated in 2014. He then continued his southwest migration when he spent a year at VCA ARECA in Mesa, AZ for his rotating internship. Dr. Stewart completed his four year Diagnostic Imaging residency at Louisiana State University. Following this he has spent more than 5 years working teleradiology at Antech Imaging Services and part time in VCA ARECA.

During his free time Dr. Stewart enjoys camping and other outdoor activities, reading, video games, spending time with his wife, their two kids, four cats and two dogs.

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Dr. Caroline Wood grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. She moved to upstate New York for her undergraduate degree at Cornell University which she finished in 2008. She then returned home to Madison to start veterinary school at University of Wisconsin-Madison, finishing her PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences in 2014, and her DVM in 2016. Dr. Wood completed her medical oncology residency training in 2020 at the University of Minnesota. She has a special interest in cancer research and looks forward to advancing cancer knowledge both in the clinic and in the laboratory throughout her career. When Dr. Wood is not in the clinic, she is looking forward to exploring her new desert home with her husband and pup.

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiation Oncology

Dr. Elizabeth McNiel is board-certified in both medical and radiation oncology. She was born in Texas then spent her formative years in Massachusetts before returning to Texas for College (University of Texas at Austin) and veterinary school (Texas A&M University). Dr. McNiel completed a rotating internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston and oncology residency at Colorado State University. A love of science led her to pursue a PhD in radiation biology at Colorado State, which she combined with a radiation oncology clinical residency. After completing her training Dr. McNiel held faculty positions at the University of Minnesota, Michigan State University and Tufts University, where she continued to practice oncology, developed an independent research lab, and trained veterinary students, residents, and graduate students. Dr. McNiel was recruited to work in pharmaceutical research and development in Indianapolis, where she spent four years before returning to her passion for helping animals with cancer. Her fascination with the unique beauty of the Sonoran desert and surrounding mountains spurred Dr. McNiel’s recent move to Tucson accompanied by her Boston Terrier, Bertie and her cat, Pitufo.

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiation Oncology

Dr. Mary K. Klein has focused her medical career on the diagnosis and treatment of animal cancer. In addition to her work with SAVS, she holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Dr. Klein was raised in Tucson and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in 1979. She then traveled to Colorado State University to attend veterinary school and graduated with honors in 1983. After returning home to Arizona for two years and working at the University of Arizona Cancer Therapy Study, Dr. Klein returned to Colorado State University for a three-year oncology residency and became board-certified in medical oncology in 1990. She became board-certified in radiation oncology in 1996. Dr. Klein continues her research interests as a clinical lecturer at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Author of numerous articles and text book chapters, Dr. Klein also served as President for the Veterinary Cancer Society in 2000 to 2002 and is currently the President-Elect of the American College of Veterinary Radiology Specialty of Radiation Oncology.

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Dr. Megan Duckett began her veterinary career in a comparative oncology research lab at the University of Minnesota. While the laboratory experience proved invaluable, Dr. Duckett realized she was most passionate about directly caring for patients and connecting with owners in the clinic. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota and subsequently completed a rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Duckett then returned to the University of Minnesota for a medical oncology residency and served as chief resident in her final year. She continues to foster a strong interest in the translation of research from the laboratory bench to the oncology clinic. Dr. Duckett is excited to provide comprehensive oncologic care for the pets of Tucson.

Beyond time in the clinic, she looks forward to helping educate future veterinarians at the University of Arizona. Outside of work, Dr. Duckett enjoys hiking, yoga, and travel with her family.

Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Dr. Bachman’s interest in internal medicine developed from a strong desire to provide the most advanced diagnostics and care to pets with challenging medical disorders. Compassion and communication are an integral part of the treatment and care of all her patients. Dr. Bachman’s special interests include immune-mediated diseases, GI diseases/feeding tubes, and infectious diseases with an emphasis on immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and systemic mycoses.

Dr. Bachman has presented at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum and numerous continuing education events for primary care veterinarians. Her clinical research focus has been on platelet antibodies and their role in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

Dr. Bachman spends her spare time enjoying beautiful Tucson with her husband, and corralling and spoiling her pets and children.

Dr. Zandrea Simpson, BS, DVM was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in Spanish from Wittenberg University in 2020. After graduating from Wittenberg, she worked for a year as a biomedical engineering laboratory technician at Johnson & Johnson’s ETHICON in Blue Ash, Ohio.

Dr. Simpson moved from Cincinnati to Tucson in the summer of 2021, after receiving her acceptance at The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in August of 2024. During her time at the CVM, she worked as both a veterinary peer tutor and a pet sitter. She completed various externships including canine research, general practice, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, shelter medicine, exotic medicine, and equine medicine during her clinical year. She also spent extracurricular time in both neurology and ophthalmology throughout her veterinary schooling.

Dr. Simpson’s main interest in the field is ophthalmology, but she also really enjoys neurology and surgery. Overall, she is very passionate about practicing quality medicine and advocating for her patients’ health and wellbeing. Her ultimate career goal is to become a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Following her internship(s), she plans to complete an ophthalmology residency. In her free time, Dr. Simpson enjoys playing competitive tennis, weightlifting, spending time with family and friends, spending quality time with her significant other, snuggling and napping with her cats (Tux and Alexandria), traveling, and watching movies.

Dr. Darcie Nightengale attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas for undergraduate where she majored in Biology with an art minor and received a Bachelor of Arts. Following the advice of her mentor, she took a gap year where she worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal specialty and emergency clinic. She worked there full time for 2 years and gained a lot of experience and technical skills. It was there that she first started entertaining the idea of specializing in ophthalmology.

Dr. Nightengale attended Kansas State University for veterinary school which reinforced her love of learning about eyes. During her clinical year, she discovered that one of her favorite parts of the job was interacting with clients and helping them navigate the health of their pet.

Dr. Nightengale moved to Tucson with her husband and two cats, Satsumi (aka Chimi) and Ren. She enjoys crafts and art of all kinds but spends most of her time watching TV, watching and playing video games, and reading.

Dr. Briana Crockett originates from Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020. In 2024, she graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with high honors and completed her clinical year of training at Colorado State University.

Dr. Crockett’s special interests include medical oncology and feline medicine. When not in the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her three orange cats (1 boy and 2 girls!).

Hello all! I am Dr. Zumpano, also known as Dr. Z. I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona where I have lived for most of my life. I started out at Pima Community College and left Tucson very briefly to finish my undergrad at Grand Canyon University (GO LOPES!). I played college soccer throughout my undergrad, and then it was time for vet school. After vet school I could not wait to move right back to Tucson. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and finished at The Ohio State, so yes, I am also a Buckeye. I love to stay active and be outside. I love spending time with my family and friends, and my 3 adorable/completely spoiled dogs, Cochino, Tiramisu, and Panini.

Dr. Tuttle is originally from Newburyport, Massachusetts. He received his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont in 2010. He then spent time with the University of Oklahoma’s Sutton Avian Research Center and the Peregrine Fund working on avian conservation projects with a focus on birds of prey.

Dr. Tuttle graduated from Washington State University in 2020 and came to Arizona to complete a small animal rotating internship. Besides his interests in small animal surgery and emergency medicine, Dr. Tuttle has a strong interest in avian medicine and surgery, as well as, diseases of free-ranging wildlife.

In his free time, Dr. Tuttle enjoys photography and exploring the local natural areas.

Dr. Erin Pettibon was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia but was raised all over the east coast, even spending a few years in Canada. She received her undergraduate degree in animal science from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. She then continued on to obtain her DVM from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine where she recently graduated in 2023. Her travels then brought her here to Tucson, where she completed a year-long rotating internship gaining experience in surgery, internal medicine, shelter practice, and zoo medicine. Her primary career interests include emergency and preventative health medicine as well as zoo medicine. Dr. Pettibon lives with two Basenjis, Kenai and Finn, and a cat named Kima who runs the whole household. During her spare time she can be found at the dog park or participating in agility trials with her two dogs. Dr. Pettibon enjoys cuddling up with a good book, spending time outdoors, and going to renaissance festivals.

Dr. Zack Mayahi is a graduate of Ross University, who completed a clinical year at the University of Illinois; he received a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science from the UofA in 2018. Prior to medical school, Dr. Zack worked as a Vet Tech at Dove Mountain Veterinary Hospital (Marana) and as a Vet Assistant at AZ Spay and Neuter (Tucson). Dr. Zack’s main areas of interest are surgery, wildlife rehabilitation and exotic medicine.

Dr. Luise King is originally from South Africa and was raised on a small dairy farm. She received her B.S. in Animal Science in 2005 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 from the University of Missouri. After spending a few months in a mixed animal externship, Dr. King returned to academia and completed her PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of Missouri. Her research work investigated the critical role of brainstem neurons in cardiorespiratory physiology. Dr. King is the author of several publications that details the neural mechanisms that are activated during cardiorespiratory challenges.

Dr. King is interested in evidence-based medicine and learning the newest treatment techniques for conditions and diseases. Her main interest in veterinary medicine is to help clients understand the disease processes in their pets/animals through careful explanations and education. She is passionate about teaching and has taught veterinary science students at the University of Arizona School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences and veterinary technology students at Pima Community College.

In her free time, Dr. King loves to spend time at a local non-profit organization, Therapeutic Ranch for Animal & Kids, where she helps with the care of rescued horses and all other kinds of animals. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, especially swimming, biking, and trail running.

Dr. Chantelle Khambholja traces her passion for animal welfare back to her childhood in Mumbai, India. Growing up amidst the bustling city, she dedicated herself to caring for orphaned strays and rehabilitating wildlife. Her family’s move to the United States provided new opportunities to deepen her connection and allowed her to gain experience in zoos, museums, veterinary hospitals and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Her family settled in Tucson when she was 15 and allowed her to fall in love with the Sonoran desert.

Dr. Khambholja’s academic pursuits led her to the University of California, Berkeley where she originally aspired to become a herpetologist. Her journey led her back home to Tucson for a Master’s degree at the University of Arizona where her passion for science, animals and medicine converged and steered her towards veterinary school. She completed her veterinary training at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. Despite traversing across the country and across the world, her heart always pulls her back home to Tucson where the community and the beauty of the Sonoran desert and all its inhabitants have a special place. She has had the honor of serving the community as an emergency veterinarian since her graduation and remains dedicated to ensuring that she can provide the best care possible for the animals and people of her community, when they need it most.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with her partner, their animals and her friends and family. She especially enjoys exploring this beautiful desert through herping, hiking, birding and camping.

Dr. Raj Joshi hails from Dallas, Texas, but has lived most of his life in Georgia. As a child, he developed a strong interest in animals by stalking the creeks and forests in search of insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Dr. Joshi’s love of animals and science blossomed into a strong interest in veterinary medicine and in 2012, he became a proud graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation, Dr. Joshi completed a one-year rotating small animal internship in Phoenix, Arizona where he developed an interest in emergency medicine. He has practiced as an emergency clinician for the past 11 years. His professional interests include medical emergencies, trauma cases, and rattlesnake envenomation.

Outside of work, Dr. Joshi enjoys spending time in nature. He is very passionate about wildlife conservation, hiking, and traveling to places to observe and photograph endangered wildlife.

Dr. Gordon grew up near Augusta, Georgia around many types of animals, including cats, dogs, cows, and horses. She has a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences from Berry College and then continued her education at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After working in a private practice for six years, Dr. Gordon transitioned to a spay and neuter clinic for another six years. In her professional interests, she has always been true to helping in any way that she is able. Dr. Gordon puts a strong focus on enhancing the pets’ quality of life and the enjoyment of the bond that they and their families share together. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets. When Dr. Gordon has time outside of work and family, she likes to watch wildlife, collect vintage t-shirts, and has hobbies in photography and music.

Dr. Dow is an alumnus of the University of Arizona and Iowa State University. Dr. Dow practices emergency medicine and his special interests include trauma, cardiac and ocular disorders, and ultrasonography. He has served on the State’s Examining Board Investigative Committee and Medical Association.

Before joining the Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center team, He owned a highly successful multidoctor veterinary practice in northern Arizona. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Dow attained the rank of Captain in the Army and deployed to Kosovo and Iraq while based in Germany. A veteran with combat and peacekeeping experience, this former Infantry Officer and Army Ranger enjoys F45 & CrossFit when not spending time with his wife, sons, Rhodesian ridgebacks, chihuahua, and cat.

Dr. Leah Dawson was born and raised in Southern Arizona. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona. Upon graduation she moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation she moved back to Southern Arizona to be closer to her friends and family. Dr. Dawson’s main career focus is to provide exceptional care for her patients.

She and her husband have three children, a cat, two dogs, two horses, a cow, chickens, and one bearded dragon. In her free time she enjoys camping, horseback riding, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Shannon Cochran grew up in the desert of Tucson, Arizona. She stayed close to home for college where she attended The University of Arizona, graduating Magna Cum Laude with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in both Ecology/Evolutionary Biology and Veterinary Science.

Venturing away from the desert and into mountain terrain, Dr. Cochran traveled to Colorado for veterinary school. Her studies allowed her to pursue passion projects at the Phoenix zoo and abroad in South Africa, earning her DVM degree from Colorado State University in 2011.

Since graduating veterinary school, Dr. Cochran has practiced primarily emergency medicine in large multi-specialty hospitals. She enjoys the fast pace, critical thinking, and case diversity that is at the heart of emergency medicine. She is passionate about not only providing the best care possible to her patients, but also in working as a team with pet parents.

In her spare time she enjoys traveling, watching horror movies, and spending time with her family.