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 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 had gotten.

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

Angela Van House, DVM

The Rocky Mountains may not have been where Dr. Angela Van House grew up, but they did beckon her to live here, and we’re glad she listened to her heart and moved to Colorado Springs.  After working some long emergency room hours, she felt a change of pace was in order allowing her to focus on her family. Hard work is nothing new to Dr. Van House, though.  Starting out as a kennel assistant, she quickly climbed in rank and found herself in one of the best veterinary teaching universities in the United States.  She received her doctorate from Texas A & M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in 2008.  Upon completing an internship at Kansas State University in internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine, Dr. Van House finally found her forever home overlooking our majestic mountains.  She is joining Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital with fresh new ideas and a number of years’ experience working emergency medicine and general practice.    

Growing up in Texas, the Houston Astros were a mainstay in the Van House family household!  Her love for her team has never wavered, and she never misses an opportunity to drive down to Texas to see her team hit one out of the ballpark.  Her daughter, at a very young age, is following in her mommy’s footsteps and not only loves the drink but loves visiting Minute Maid Park to see her Astro’s play. 

Dr. Van House shares her home with a number of dogs and a beloved cat.  When not taking care of her patients or hiking the Rockies with her Australian Shephard, Cheno, she can’t wait to get home to spend time with her beautiful daughter, Finley.  They love going to the park, playing in the snow or watching the Astros!    

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Born in Ohio but grew up in Sugar Land (suburb of Houston) Texas

FAVORITE ANIMALS?

Dogs, Dolphins

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN COLORADO?

Hiking and exploring new areas

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO COLORADO?

Desire to live in the mountains with lots of outdoor activity options

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

Fall aspens and snowy mountain peaks

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Baseball (Go Astros!), hiking, cycling, skiing, college football

WHAT ARE YOUR PETS AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?

Cheno – 10yr old Australian Shepherd
Jack – 9yr old heeler mix
Lily – 6yr old Springer Spaniel
Ally cat – 6yr old DSH

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Houston Astros

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

Popcorn, chips and salsa

FONDEST MEMORY WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Seeing how much stronger animals are than us when it comes to illness and pain – they can handle so much but still want to please their people and make everyone happy

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

The great teamwork

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

I had a case of during my internship that was a pregnant springer that had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and cryptococcal meningitis that stayed in the hospital for the duration of her pregnancy for treatment. I got to manage the case for about a month and really bonded with her and her owner. She did great and went home after whelping 6 puppies – and my Lily is one of those puppies!

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

Completed a rotating small animal internship at Kansas State

Veterinary Technician

Debra Dusack

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Pitbulls and a Beluga whale.

PETS?

I have four dogs: Marshmellow and Twix, two Pitbull mixes, Chocolate a lab-boxer mix, and Twinkie, a Chihuahua.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

Being able to help animals and their owner both medically and mentally through quality medicine.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital really is the gold standard of medicine and staff.

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITY?

Hiking.

FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

The mountains and the sunrise.

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.”

Certified 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.

Administrative Assistant

RaLynn Botzler

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Horses and Polar Bears.

HOBBIES?

Fishing, camping, and photography.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I love the connection between humans and animals. And getting to help animals and being a part of the process between owners and their pets is a real honor.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

There are two views I love at Pine Creek Vet:

1. The inside view: I am privileged to work with a team of doctors and staff that will stop at nothing to do the best for our clients and who understand that importance of meeting the individual needs of our client and their pets.

2. The outside view: I get to see one of the most beautiful views of Pike’s Peak. (Check it out while you are in the lobby!)

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Fishing, camping, hiking, 4-wheeling, and anything outdoors!

FAVORITE HIKE?

The Crags, beautiful view!

FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHTS?

Wildlife in their natural setting, like seeing elk in a meadow.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLORADO?

The places where the only sound is the sound of your own heartbeat.

Veterinary Assistant & Customer Care Representative

Colton Matthews

FAVORITE ANIMALS?

My favorite animals are an Australian shepherd, green iguana, and a blue and gold macaw.

HOBBIES?

I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and just about anything that deals with being outdoors.

PETS?

My pets are Mushu the bearded dragon, Ariel the sugar glider, and Butch the chuweenie.

AWARDS?

Perfect attendance award for six months straight.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

How extraordinarily tough they can be. And I love seeing how passionate some of the owners are about their animals and how they really do treat them as family.

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Hike, go to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or go to Manitou Springs.

FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

Looking out at Colorado Springs from Gold Camp Road or the tops of Pike’s Peak.

Patient Care Advocate

Robin Botzler

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Zebra.

HOBBIES?

Making greeting cards, cooking, and fishing.

SPORTS TEAM?

Broncos.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PINE CREEK?

Working for a management team that recognizes the effort put forth and so generously rewards it.

MOST GRATIFYING MEMORY WHILE WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

As I was leaving the hospital one day, I met the gaze of a very sick puppy who was trying hard to communicate just how sick he was. Later that day, Dr. B. saved his life when she extracted several socks, a toy, and a dead creature from within him. Thankfully, the puppy recovered, and is doing just fine.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLORADO?

Bison Lake

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES?

Fishing.

FAVORITE HIKE?

The hike from the truck to the middle of Bison Lake in my chest waders.

Customer Care Representative

Elisa Campbell

FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Tiger.

FAVORITE SNACK?

A peanut butter sandwich.

FUNNIEST MEMORY FROM WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

One time, an unneutered male dog came in for tics and marked a coworker.

THE BEST THING ABOUT PINE CREEK?

How family-oriented the staff and owners are.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

I love being the voice for animals and educating owners on how to better their lives.

MOST GRATIFYING EXPERIENCE WHILE WORKING WITH ANIMALS?

When I was working in Seattle, I was able to help a patient with back issues to walk again by using acupuncture.

FAVORITE COLORADO SIGHT?

Pike’s Peak

FAVORITE COLORADO ACTIVITIES

Driving around the mountains and looking at the color change of leaves