Meet Us

Veterinarian, Medical Director and Co-Owner of Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital

Cristy Fisher, DVM

Also a general practitioner and co-owner, Dr. Cristy Fisher opened Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital together with her husband in 2008 after 7 years of intense planning.

Dr. Fisher thoroughly enjoyed her childhood as the daughter of an Air Force pilot moving all over the world. She grew up in Guam, Germany, and Belgium and cherishes all the wonderful memories and the cultural enrichment that comes with being a “military brat” on the move. She pursued her undergraduate degree at Baylor University in Texas and Colorado State University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, with a minor in German, in 1996. Dr. Fisher maintains an active membership in Phi Beta Kappa.

Dr. Fisher’s enduring lifelong dream was to become a small animal veterinarian and she achieved this dream in 2001 after being awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Keeping in line with her dream, her professional interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery and small animal behavior. She is particularly interested in feline behavior and their inappropriate elimination behaviors.

Dr. Fisher and her husband were blessed with a beautiful baby girl January of 2015 and Dr. Fisher now finds herself racing home at the end of work to be with her. Taylor has indeed turned the Fisher household upside down with her infectious giggling and constant smile. When she’s not busy with her duties at the hospital and her daughter is napping, Dr. Fisher enjoys beading, reading, watching movies and taking care of her Koi fish and their Koi pond.

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Any dog or cat that doesn’t want to bite me!

FAVORITE SPORT?

None. Nada. Nope. No.

FAVORITE SNACK?

Chocolate ice cream.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I love helping those who can’t help themselves and healing them so they can greet their caregivers at the door time and time again.When we bring a pet up to see their caregiver after a treatment, exam, surgery, or hospitalization, and you see them violently wag their tails or rub against their parents’ faces and legs. That’s when you can see how truly excited they are to see their parents again! It’s a gentle reminder of why we do what we do, and what a blessing it really is to have pets in our lives to love us and cherish us! It’s seeing their unconditional love for us in action!

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

Working with an incredibly gifted, talented, and dedicated team who shares the same compassion and love for animals and the desire to help them! We’re here to serve our community and to help those who can’t help themselves. We become their voice!

MOST GRATIFYING THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

It’s that type of pet– the one that doesn’t give up, keeps fighting, and is always excited to see you, despite being in pain or feeling poorly. If they don’t give up, neither will I. I’ll keep trying to find ways to make the animal feel better or to fix them.

FAVORITE COLORADO SPRINGS ACTIVITIES?

Being outside, doing whatever. The best thing is getting up really early in the morning (especially when camping) and taking a big, deep breath in through your nose. The Colorado morning air is always so crisp, clean, and fresh. It’s like God’s way of saying: “You just got another beautiful day on Earth. Carpe Diem!”

Veterinarian, Co-Owner of Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital

Josh Fisher, DVM

Dr. Josh Fisher is a general practitioner and co-owner of Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital. An Arizona native, he attended the University of Arizona and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, with a minor in Chemistry, in 1996. He pursued his veterinary medical education at the prestigious Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences where he met his wife, Dr. Cristy Fisher. Together, they were awarded Doctorates of Veterinary Medicine in 2001.

Although his background was breaking horses for his family farm and his career interests started out as a large animal veterinarian, his professional interests have now shifted focus to small animal dentistry and nutrition.
He and his wife share their home with two cats, Tabuqui and Baloo, while forever remembering their two other cats, Bagheera and ShirKhan and their wonder-dog Mougli!

On his days off, he enjoys “daddy – days” with his amazing baby girl, Taylor. Any spare time, which isn’t much since Taylor’s arrival, is spent weight lifting and catching up on football. Dr. Fisher’s true love (after his wife and daughter) is watching the Green Bay Packers and he never misses a game. Whenever able, he steals away to Wisconsin to catch a live “Lambeau Leap.”

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Everything! Liger? Wait… Just kidding.

PETS?

I have two kitties, Tabuqui and Balloo.

HOBBIES

Weightlifting, archery, and coin collecting.

FUNNIEST MEMORY FROM WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

When clients have accidentally turned their black dog orange from using “peroxide” instead of hydrogen peroxide in a de-skunking formula.

MOST GRATIFYING THING ABOUT WORKING AS A VET?

I was able to save a pet’s life who had Addison’s disease. I was the third opinion the owner sought.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Relieving pain and making them feel better.

FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

The Aspens turning around Vail in October.

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Trout fishing.

Associate Veterinarian

Alex Arangua, DVM

Pine Creek Vet crossed the equator to South America to find Dr. Alex Arangua. He hails from beautiful southern Chile, born and raised, surrounded by volcanoes and blue water lakes. Since childhood, Dr. Arangua has felt the pull to veterinary medicine and helping animals.

He completed his veterinary education at Universidad Austral de Chile in 1984. After graduation he established his own small animal practice which served his community for 16 years. In 2000, Dr. Arangua and his family migrated to the United States to follow his dream of practicing veterinary medicine the “American way”. A few years later, he discovered what would become a new found passion: teaching. As an instructor first and later as the Program Director of the Veterinary Technology Program at Broadview University in Salt Lake City, UT, Dr. Arangua helped thousands of students achieve their goals to become the newest generation of veterinary technicians.

Dr. Arangua moved from Salt Lake City to Colorado Springs in November 2010. He and his wife, Lorena, enjoy spending time with their three daughters and two sons. In his free time, he loves playing his guitar, hiking, trekking and being surrounded by nature to capture its beauty with his camera.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Osorno, Chile

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Pets: Dogs and cats.

Wildlife: Panda bears, cheetah, dolphins, meerkats.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Guitar playing, woodwork, collecting musical instruments and being outdoors.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

USA gymnastic team

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Helping people through helping their pets. The science and technology aspect of it.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

Respect expressed between team members. Organization, goals and vision. High standards regarding medical care, customer service, physical appearance, etc.

WHAT WAS THE MOST GRATIFYING THING THAT YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?

Boomer was a 4 month old Boxer puppy that was attacked by a housemate dog resulting in a fractured maxilla, molar and premolar teeth inside the eye socket, loss of the lateral nasal cavity wall and nasal cavity exposure, and half of his face skin gone. Owners wanted to treat but no means to afford the multiple surgeries anticipated for an undertaking of this magnitude. Thanks to a charity fund established in the clinic for these kinds of cases, and with a poor prognosis, Boomer started a series of surgical procedures including hemimaxillectomy, enucleation, months of advanced bandaging techniques and finally reconstructive surgery of the face. After eight or so months of procedures, medical and pain management, nursing care and a lot of love for this dog, Boomer finally recovered with no major consequences. Interesting is the fact that during all this time Boomer showed up to the clinic for his treatments, every week, wagging his tail and demonstrating affection the way only puppies know how to. The amazing abilities of the body to heal itself!… with a little help from veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and loving caring owners!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN COLORADO?

Hike, Visit mining, historical and ghost towns, artistic events, and fly fishing

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HIKE?

Lone Peak in SLC, UT, Hanging Lakes in Glenwood, CO, Donut Falls in Utah, and Barr Camp cabin.

Lead Veterinary Technician

Jared Coupland, CVT

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Brown bear, elephant, giant squid, and bats. There’s too many to count, really.

HOBBIES?

Hiking, fishing, hunting, reading, photography, and snowboarding.

PETS?

Freya, an Australian-Kelpie mix.

FUNNIEST MEMORY FROM WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I was at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo a few years ago and I was scrubbing in on my first exploratory. I found it extremely fascinating, especially considering we ended up pulling out three socks and a pair of panties from the dog.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Seeing really sick animals recover fully and playing with puppies.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

The staff and practice owners really care about what they do, and strive to practice the best medicine possible. You feel like you are truly part of a team and are appreciated here.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLORADO?

Buffalo peaks, Maroon Bells, and San Luis Valley.

FAVORITE HIKE?

That’s a secret.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Yana Hook, CVT

PETS?

I have one dog, Piper, and six cats: Spencer, Haylee, Lips, Junior, Mulder and Sharkbait.

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Skiing, hiking, rafting, and being outside.

FAVORITE HIKE?

Estes Park.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

The high standards of care from both doctors and staff members.

MOST GRATIFYING THING YOU EXPERIENCED WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I adopted a stray dog that the shelter found; she was mostly blind, had a proptosed eye, a broken leg, terrible teeth, and she was covered in mats. On her first day home, after we fixed everything and helped her heal, I came home to find her curled up in her bed. When she recognized I was there, she got so excited, and was barking and wagging her tail. It was so touching that she was so sweet and happy to see me, even after all the hard times she had endured.

Veterinary Technician

Morgan Tahara

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Manatee.

HOBBIES?

Cooking, reading recipes, swimming, hiking, yoga, snowboarding, walking my dogs, and going to Formula Drift events.

PETS?

I have two dogs: Doc, a thirteen-year-old Pitbull and Sammy, an eleven-year-old Chiaweenie.

FUNNIEST MEMORY OF WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

It happened when I was volunteering at the SC Aquarium in Charleston. I was prepping fish in the kitchen to feed the loggerhead, and there were other volunteers prepping mice, mealworms, etc. My fellow volunteer went to wash her hands, and wasn’t paying attention as she dried her them on this big, fluffy, white rabbit that was thawing on the counter for the Burmese Python!

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I love developing that level of trust to where the pet understands that you are there to help them, and you can be an advocate for them. Pet advocacy is crucial, since they can’t speak for themselves.

MOST GRATIFYING EXPERIENCE WHILE WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

When I was a neurology technician, our patients arrived unable to walk and in a lot of pain. But they left able to walk again and usually returned to a normal life. Since you’re working with critical patients, their lives are frequently at stake and dependent on your care. There was no room for error, and we were constantly taking in emergency surgeries. That environment taught me to remain calm and to be efficient and precise at all times.

FAVORITE HIKE?

Going past Seven Bridges to the Aspen Meadow.

FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Jen Finley, CVT

FROM?

Portland, Oregon.

HOBBIES?

Cycling, swimming, shooting, and watching University of Oregon football.

FUNNIEST MEMORY OF WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I took the temperature of one of our patients for an annual exam. After the exam was over, I went out to the lobby just as they were checking out. As soon as the dog saw me, she sat down on her bottom as quickly as she could. One guess where I took her temp?

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Animals have an amazing ability to live in the moment. Working with them provides such a great reminder for me to take and enjoy each day as it comes.

MOST GRATIFYING EXPERIENCE WHILE WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

It’s gratifying to help maintain the health of our senior pets so they can be with their families and have a wonderful quality of life for as long as possible.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

I so enjoy meeting all the different people we have as clients and their furry family members. I’m a people-person, and I love animals, so this is a perfect fit!

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Biking, taking our Jeep four-wheeling in the snow, and snow shoeing.

HOW MANY 14ERS HAVE YOU HIKED?

I’ve raced to the top of Pike’s Peak on-foot and on my bike multiple times – that’s the only 14er I’ve done so far. Completing a few more is definitely on the “list.”

Veterinary Technician

Jennie Rigney

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Mesa, Arizona but have been in Colorado Springs for 31 years

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL?

Apex College of Veterinary Technology

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Pugs and otters.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Crochet, fishing, hiking and spending time with my dogs and husband.

WHAT ARE YOUR PETS AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?

2 pugs – Norman and Leory, 1 cat – Alize

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Colorado Avalanche

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

Chips and dip

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Helping them when they can’t help themselves. Bonding with animals can really be something special.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

Being able to see a client’s reaction when their beloved pet’s health turns around and we were the ones able to help.

WHAT WAS THE MOST GRATIFYING THING THAT YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?

(Is there a specific pet/ owner that you helped that sticks out in your mind?)  During the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires, I was part of an organization that was called out to help. I was able to help take care of families displaced pets and also got to be a part of reuniting pets with owners that were lost during the fire.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN COLORADO?

Anything outdoors.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN COLORADO?

Pagosa Springs.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO COLORADO?

Family.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Fishing, hiking, and camping.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

Pass to Cripple Creek during fall.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Emily Baez, CVT

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Illinois. Midwest is the best.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL?

Parkland College Champaign, Illinois.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Birds. Especially Cockatoos and Budgies, Dogs too.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Hobbies? I have kids what are hobbies? They used to be cooking, sewing and crafts.

WHAT ARE YOUR PETS AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?

Unfortunately, we are petless at the moment.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

I don’t “sport”.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

SUSHI!!!!! All day every day if I could!

WHAT’S YOUR FUNNIEST OR FONDEST MEMORY FROM WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

A Bichon that smiled. It was the first time I had worked with this pet and he was recovering from anesthesia wrapped up in a blanket. All I saw every time I approached his kennel was him showing me his teeth. I asked co-worker for help getting vitals they instantly open the kennel door, tossed out the blanket and scooped him up. At that point I could see his tail wagging and the big grin on his face. He was a super sweet boy.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Just one? I love that they’re so trusting. Let’s face it we do some pretty scary things to them, all for a good cause, but scary none the less and they trust us no matter what.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

I love how knowledgeable all the staff is and that everyone truly seems to want to be the best at what they do.

WHAT WAS THE MOST GRATIFYING THING THAT YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?

(Is there a specific pet/ owner that you helped that sticks out in your mind?)  We helped a blind client with her seeing eye dog that had a chronic ear infection. Eventually, he got a TECA. The whole process was very rewarding.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT OR RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND AWARDS?

I’m am now licensed in 2 states as a CVT.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN COLORADO?

Unfortunately, we’ve lived here for less than a year and have a 2 year old and five month old. We haven’t gotten to see much of Colorado.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN COLORADO?

Sleeping in my bed.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO COLORADO?

My husband’s military career. Even though we didn’t have a choice coming here we really do love it here.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo it makes the whole family happy.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HIKE?

Hiking to bed at night.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

Garden of the Gods is beautiful but we haven’t gotten to see much else.

HOW MANY 14-ERS HAVE YOU HIKED?

0.

Veterinary Technician

Amber Tricarico

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Technically San Diego, California, but I grew up in Colorado.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Dogs, sloths, cows.

HOBBIES

Hiking, gardening, exploring new places, watching Titanic, and spending time with family.

WHAT ARE YOUR PETS AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?

I have a Basset Hound, her name is Molly Brown.

FUNNIEST MEMORY FROM WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I had a patient who was so excited to see me, that without failure, would pee on me every time. He couldn’t control himself. He’s a ham. 

WHAT WAS THE MOST GRATIFYING THING THAT YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?

(Is there a specific pet/ owner that you helped that sticks out in your mind?)  There are a few patients that come to mind. Too many stories to pick from just one. So I’ll list their names instead. Bear, Brucie, Clarkey, Raja, and Jasmine. Each one of these patients holds such a special place in my heart.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I think my favorite part about working with animals is not only showering them with unconditional love, but also getting to bond with their owners over the mutual love we have for our pets.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN COLORADO?

Adventure around in the mountains. Taking a day drive to Cripple Creek.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HIKE?

It’s a tie between Mount Muscoco or Raspberry Mountain.