Meet Our Team

Dr. Colin Kertson, DVM

Dr. Kertson has been with the hospital since we first opened our doors in 1990! Dr. Kertson graduated from Washington State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). He is currently associated with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA), and American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP). Dr. Kertson's hometown is Stanwood, WA. He is happy to be able to continue to serve you in his home state! Outside of work you can find him leading worship at church or at home enjoying spending time with his family or reading a good book.

Dr. Eric Long, DVM

Dr. Long hails from Dallas, TX. He has graced us with his presence since 2010 and has been a wonderful addition to our staff. Dr. Long studied at Dartmouth College where he received his BA in Biochemistry and Psychology. His education continued at Cornell where he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Professionally he is affiliated with Small Ruminant Practitioners, as he loves working with farm animals such as goats, alpacas, pigs and chickens. He is currently associated with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) In his free time Dr. Long enjoys the great outdoor activities that the Northwest has to offer including kayaking, hiking, cycling and participating in mud runs. He adores his two dogs Maddie and Herbie.

Dr. Suzannah Strauss, DVM

Dr. Strauss came to us in 2011 from Amenia, NY. She brought 6 years of experience in mixed animal practice from her prior job in Columbia County, New York State. Dr. Strauss studied at Houghton College where in 2000 she received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in biology. She then attended Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She is associated with American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) and Christian Veterinary Mission. In her free time, Dr. Strauss enjoys spending time with her son and husband. She also enjoys hiking, traveling and overseas development work. At home you can find her playing her piano or gardening.

Dr. Travis McKinzie, DVM

Dr. McKinzie came to our hospital March of 2019 after his wife and him moved from up north. Dr. McKinzie joined out hospital with a large amount of Small and Large animal experience. He and his wife owned a mixed animal practice from 1996-2014 in Kansas and then started working at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Monroe from 2017-2019 before making the decision to join our team. Although his main focus is in Equine medicine, he enjoys a variety of all animals.

Dr. Tara Beyerlin, DVM

Dr. Beyerlin came to us August after recently graduating form Washington State University in 2019 where she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She is associated with American Association Of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), and Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART). She has a specific interest in mixed animal practice and loves working with cattle and heard health. Outside of work she enjoys playing with her dog "Levy" and her cat "Moxie".

Dr. Ethan Walsh, DVM

Dr. Walsh came to us September of 2020 and has been a great new addition to our practice. He studied from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland where he received his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S). And will soon be receiving his accreditations with the USDA. Dr. Walsh grew up in Chicago then moved to Ann Arbor Michigan where he worked as a veterinary assistant for 9 years at Lilly Veterinary Medical Center. He loves working with Dogs, Cats, All Ruminants, Chickens, And Honeybees. Outside of work he enjoys playing music (banjo, Guitar, Piano, Harmonica, and ukulele), Hiking, and camping.

Dr. Eli Butler, DVM

Dr. Butler joined our team in June of 2022. She moved to Washington from another beautiful state, Alaska!!! Dr. Butler loves hiking with her dog, so Washington was a natural choice to begin her career.

She is very passionate about her patients and eager to get to know all of her new patients and clients!

Ashley, Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician

Ashley joined our team June 2013 as a graduate of Pierce College Veterinary Technician Program and became the lead L.V.T. of TVH within just two years of joining our team. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and her adorable St. Bernard, Henry. They also share their home with three cats, Chloe, Romeo and Theodore.

Darian, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Darian Joined our team in November 2019 with six years previous veterinary experience at a small animal practice. Outside of work she enjoys outdoor activities, riding her horses and spending time with her family and animals.

Alli, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alli joined our team in 2016 with one previous year of veterinary assisting experience. She enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her 4 labs, Josie, Champ, Jackson & Benny.

Kaycee, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Kaycee joined our team in October after graduating from the Pierce College Veterinary Technician Program class of 2018. Kaycee has 2 dogs, 4 cats, 2 goats, 4 chickens, lots of rabbits, and a horse. In her spare time she enjoys relaxing watching TV/Netflix and spending time with her all her animals.

Jessica, Veterinary Assistant

Jessica Joined out team in August 2020 with 4 years of previous assisting experience at other hospitals. Outside of work she fosters animals in need, enjoys, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. She shares her home with her three cats Ragnar, Mango, &Penny, her dog Cadet and Lizard Stanley.

Felica, Lead Veterinary Assistant

Felica joined our team in March 2014. She enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping with her family and spending time with their four dogs, Copenhagen, River, Timber & Trigger.

Tylor, Veterinary Assistant/ Inventory Manager

Tylor joined our team in May 2015 with three years previous veterinary related experience. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, camping and hiking. She is very much a cat person and her three cats Sasquatch, Church and Skid have her heart. She also has a dog named Baya and two goats, Starsky and Hutch.

Stephanie, Receptionist

Stephanie joined our team in June 2017. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her dog Henry and riding her horse.

Lacey, Lead Receptionist

Lacey joined our team in August 2016. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family outdoors hiking, bike riding and playing with her three dogs, Parker, Millie and Larry and two cats, Bridget and Marley.

Cameron, Veterinary Assistant

Cameron joined our team in June of 2020 with previous experience with large and small animal assisting. Outside of work Cameron enjoys Reading, Cooking, playing board games an spending time with his family. He shares his home with his two dogs Peaches and Joel.

Nikki, Lead Kennel Assistant

Nikki joined our team October 2018. She shares her house with her 3-year-old pit bull “Lucy” and two cats “Skittles” and “Sprocket”. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching suspenseful movies, and hiking.

Autumn, Kennel Assistant

Autumn joined out team in January 2020 with previous experience working at a doggie daycare and pet resort. Autumn shares her home with her two lizards "Oketch" and "Smaug", and her dog Roz. Outside of work she enjoys spending time at reptile expos and indoor trampoline parks.

Alyjah, Kennel Assistant

Alijah joined our team in September 2021. She shares her home with her Cat Lucifer, Dog Tristan, and Turtle Thooter.

Mackenzie, Veterinary Assistant

Mackenzie Joined our team November 2021 with many past years of veterinary hospital experience. Outside of work she enjoys riding her horse, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with her animals.

Dr. Colin Kertson, DVM

Dr. Kertson is not only one of our outstanding veterinarians but is also the owner of Tahoma Veterinary Hospital. When we first opened our doors in 1990 he was a co-owner but became the sole owner in 2006. Dr. Kertson graduated from Washington State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). He is currently associated with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA), and American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP). Dr. Kertson's hometown is Stanwood, WA. He is happy to be able to continue to serve you in his home state! Outside of work you can find him leading worship at church or at home enjoying spending time with his family, raising his own livestock and reading a good book.
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Dr. Eric Long, DVM

Dr. Long hails from Dallas, TX. He has graced us with his presence since 2010 and has been a wonderful addition to our staff. Dr. Long studied at Dartmouth College where he received his BA in Biochemistry and Psychology. His education continued at Cornell where he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Professionally he is affiliated with Small Ruminant Practitioners, as he loves working with farm animals such as goats, alpacas, pigs and chickens. He is currently associated with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) In his free time Dr. Long enjoys the great outdoor activities that the Northwest has to offer including kayaking, hiking, cycling and participating in mud runs. He adores his two dogs Maddie and Herbie.
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Dr. Suzannah Strauss, DVM

Dr. Strauss came to us in 2011 from Amenia, NY. She brought 6 years of experience in mixed animal practice from her prior job in Columbia County, New York State. Dr. Strauss studied at Houghton College where in 2000 she received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in biology. She then attended Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She is associated with American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) and Christian Veterinary Mission. In her free time, Dr. Strauss enjoys spending time with her son and husband. She also enjoys hiking, traveling and overseas development work. At home you can find her playing her piano or gardening.
Dr. Jessica Cooper, DVM

Dr. Cooper is originally from Duvall, WA. However she attended Colorado State University where she received her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Equine Science pre-vet concentration in 2005. She then graduated from Washington State University where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2011. She spent 2 years practicing in Moses Lake and moved here to join us at TVH. Dr. Cooper is associated with Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In her free time, she enjoys trail riding, skiing, camping, scuba diving and hanging out with her husband and three dogs, Apollo, Chula and Bear.
Dr. Chandra LeFevre, DVM

We welcome Dr. LeFevre from Oceanside, California where she finished a year-long internship working in a 24 hour clinic that treated dogs, cats, exotics and wildlife. Prior to working at Tahoma, she did quite a bit of volunteer work with wildlife and shelter animals. Originally from Lake Forest Park, Washington she completed her undergraduate education at Washington State University where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Zoology in 2010. She then went on to attend the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Since graduating from this particular school, she is eligible to practice medicine in the UK, all of North America, Australia, and New Zealand but she couldn't stay away from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. When she isn't working at the hospital or volunteering with wildlife and animal shelters she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest by hiking, backpacking, skiing or anything near water from sea kayaking to swimming and sailing. She loves lavishing all of her animal adoration on her dog, Orion; a mixed breed rescue from California.
Taran Johnson, Practice Manager

Taran joined our team in November 2015. She is also a Licensed Veterinary Technician and graduated from Pierce College June 1998. She enjoys her wonderfully, busy family life, fulfilled with horse shows and fast pitch! In her spare time you can find her at a horse show or on the ball field with her husband cheering their daughter on. They share their home with five horses, Dream, Faith, Lady, Flynn and new Mustang on the way, three dogs, Gary, Carmen and Lucky Puppy, a cat named Gordon and a few chickens.
Erin, Marketing Manager

Erin joined our team in May 2013. She started as a Veterinary Assistant and moved into managing the social media & marketing for the hospital in early 2014. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, riding horses and photography. Her furry family members are her horse, Dolce, four dogs, Sadie, Bentley, Cece & Cowboy, and a fat orange cat named Rusty.
Ashley, Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician

Ashley joined our team June 2013. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two adorable St. Bernard pups, Lucy and Henry. They also share their home with three cats, Chloe, Romeo and Theodore.
Crystal, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Crystal joined our team in July 2014. She has been a veterinary technician for 5 years and enjoys camping, fishing, archery, shopping and cooking in her spare time. She shares her home with four dogs, Brue, Cabela, Luke and Russel Wilson and a bunny named Mr. T.
Alli, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alli joined our team in 2016 with 1 previous year of veterinary assisting experience. She enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her two labs, Champ and Josie.
Hailey, Veterinary Assistant

Hailey joined our team in November 2014. Outside of work, she enjoys going on hikes with her dog Abby, playing video games, star wars, and cooking Korean food.
Felica, Lead Veterinary Assistant

Felica joined our team in March 2014. She enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with her daughter, Oaklee Anne and Chocolate lab, Copenhagen.
Tylor, Veterinary Assistant

Tylor joined our team in May 2015 with 3 years previous veterinary related experience. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, camping and hiking. She is very much a cat person and her two cats Sasquatch and Skid have her heart. She also has a dog named Baya and two goats, Starsky and Hutch.
Ashley, Lead Receptionist

Ashley joined our team in September 2015 with 5 years previous veterinary related experience. She enjoys fishing and outdoor activities with her two boys. She shares her home with her two dogs, Charlie Mae and Junie Bug, and her two cats Buff and Meow Meow.
Lacey, Receptionist

Lacey joined our team in August 2016. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family outdoors hiking, bike riding and playing with her three dogs, Sarah, Parker, and Larry and two cats, Bridget and Marley.
Brittney, Receptionist

Brittney joined our team in September 2016. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, riding her horse, Dixie and playing with her black lab, Kona.
Brittany, Receptionist

Brittany joined our team in March 2017 with 4 years previous veterinary related experience. Outside of work, she enjoys going on adventures with her husband and their blue nose pit, Gotti.
Cheryl, Receptionist

Cheryl joined our team in April 2017 with 15 years previous veterinary related experience. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with her family and dog, Maddie.
Becky, Kennel Manager

Becky joined our team in December 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, gardening and fixing up cars. She also shares her home with her best friend Chopper, a blue pit, who also lives with a little old schnauzer friend Dusty, two cats, Cali & Scooby and a 23 yr old corn snake named Snow.
Kate-Lynn, Kennel Care

Kate-Lynn joined our team in April 2017. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing with her various pets and riding horses.

To see more staff photos visit our facebook page and "like and follow us" to stay up to date on happenings around the hospital and promotions here at Tahoma Veterinary Hospital! Meet our team

CONTACT US FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PETLY PLANS!

Location

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed