The Golden Paws Team

Our AAHA-accredited team of veterinarians, techs and office staff look forward to meeting you. We strive to deliver excellent care for pets—because pets deserve nothing less.

Owner, Veterinarian

Dr. Sam Lane

I graduated from veterinary school at the University of Missouri in 2002 and traveled to Wheat Ridge to complete their coveted internship. For several years, I worked with some of the best doctors at the best hospitals in the Denver area. I honed my skills in surgery and medicine and learned how to use the many tools in our profession including ultrasound, laparoscopy, and digital radiography. Then, I was recruited by Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis), the largest Animal Health company in the world. I served as a technical advisor and educator on their many innovative treatments for dogs and cats. I want to be your neighborhood veterinarian, and to deliver the highest quality medicine for which my experience and training has prepared me.

Veterinarian

Dr. French Aguirre-Wong

My mission with Golden Paws is to share my knowledge with clients so that we can improve the quality of life for our companion animals and make this care part of daily routine. I’d like to show you how fascinating our profession truly is.

Veterinarian

Dr. Sara Golubovich

My favorite part of my job is nurturing the human-animal bond. I believe we as people can learn a lot from our pets about enjoying the simple things in life. It is my goal to provide the highest quality veterinary care to help pets live their healthiest and happiest lives. As a veterinarian who is Fear Free Certified, I strive to make each visit a positive experience.

Veterinarian

Dr. Alison Bokas

I attended Michigan State University for undergraduate studies and then graduated in 2008 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. I grew up in veterinary medicine, spending a lot of time at my father’s veterinary hospital in Michigan. After graduation, my husband and I moved to Colorado to enjoy all the outdoor activities that this amazing state has to offer. My goal is to provide client education, so that we can make decisions about your loved pet companion together as a team. I look forward to meeting and building a relationship with you and your furry family members.

Veterinarian

Dr. Colleen Mathews

I graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University, and I also hold a Certificate of Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians. In my experience as a veterinarian, I have worked at some amazing hospitals from Colorado Springs to Evergreen. I have a wide range of experience, including dentals, digital x-rays, laser cryosurgery, animal acupuncture, and surgical expertise. I live in Golden and enjoy bringing my experience to my beautiful community. I love what I do, and I love where I live, because my favorite place to spend my free time is in the mountains.

Technicians

Certified Veterinary Technician

Annie Wolski

Before becoming a CVT, I aspired to be a professional fisherwoman. I went to Michigan State University and majored in Fisheries and Wildlife before becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician and moving to Colorado. When I’m not at work, you can find me exploring the trails and camping with my husband and two dogs (Zeke and Walter) or cheering on the Spartans.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Char Russ

I graduated from San Juan College Veterinary Technology in 2017, and obtained my license that year. Being a veterinary technician has been the most rewarding career path that I could have ever chosen, and I am so very excited to meet your fur family!

Veterinary Assistant

Cheneya Gutierrez

Since I was little, I have had a love for all animals. I’m new to Colorado and I am excited about my new career as a vet assistant. I’m looking forward to hiking and exploring this beautiful state. I am also looking forward to spending time with Golden Paws Animal Hospital, helping the pets that come in and getting to know my team.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Chris Cowan

Ever since I was young, I have been drawn to animals. I attended Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. The greatest joy I find as a technician is seeing our animal family members reunite with their loved ones after recovering from an illness.

Office Manager / Veterinary Technician

Holly Morris

I started my animal career volunteering in shelter medicine. I graduated from PIMA medical institute as a Veterinary Assistant. I have three cats named Twiggy, Bingo, and Mavis and two dogs named Winston, Preacher, and Sage, plus 65 chickens, five ducks, two turkeys, two rabbits, fish and a crab.

Veterinary Assistant

Michelle Lujan

I graduated from Metro State University with a BS in Integrative Medicine and worked in human medicine until I followed my love for animals to Golden Paws. When not at work, you can find me gardening, baking, hiking, or spending time with my husband and our three dogs and two cats.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Roxanne O’Connell

I graduated in 2011 with my vet tech degree. I live with my husband in Black Hawk with our three senior dogs Rocko, Paul and Ted.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Sara Collison

I have been involved in veterinary medicine since I was 14 years old when I started working for a local veterinary clinic in Neenah, WI in their boarding facility. To me, there is nothing better than watching a formerly sick patient trot out the door healthier and tail wagging!

Veterinary Assistant

Sarah Ayala

I have been working in various settings in the veterinary field for about 8 years, ranging from shelter medicine to emergency medicine. I moved to Colorado from the east coast in 2020 with my husband and fur family. Since moving to Colorado, I have fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a small hobby farm. Working at Golden Paws allows me to share my love of animals with coworkers and pet parents in order to provide the best care and foster a sense of community.

Veterinary Technician

Teri Matlack

I am a Colorado native and have been in the veterinary field for 22 years. I share my life with my husband, 3 cats, 2 dogs, 3 Adult children, 7 grandchildren, and numerous grandpets.

Administration

Chief Connections Officer

Krista Ferndelli

My experience with Golden Paws – as a customer first – has been the easiest, best, most straightforward, and comfortable one for my family yet. I bring a degree in Communication and more than 15 years of strategic marketing, communications and public relations, and my passion for pets to Golden Paws.

Veterinary Technician / Golden Paws Mobile Vet Co-Owner

Maggie Nelson

I have been in the veterinary field since 1998. I graduated from Bel Rea in 2000 after going to school at CSU for 2 years. I have been a technician and practice manager at several hospitals in my career. I have worked at some specialty hospitals that focused on exotic pets and ophthalmology.

Receptionist

Kalah May

Dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, and parrots have all been members of our family. We have loved and cherished their furry or feathered personalities for enriching our lives. I am excited to combine this love for animals and my customer service experience with the opportunity to help pet owners and their pets live their healthiest best lives.

Receptionist

Vanda Black

I’ve been married for 33 years and have five grown children and seven grandkids. I graduated from PIMA Medical Institute in 1995, and I’ve been a veterinary technician for over 23 years. I love the animals and the clients and I feel like it’s my life’s work to do my part in making sure all of the furry children stay healthy and happy.

Receptionist

Lottie Looney

As a little girl in rural Pennsylvania, I wanted to bring all the wild and domesticated animals that needed love home with me. I couldn’t save them all, but I sure tried! I’ve had several career paths, but my favorite is mom to two amazing humans and a menagerie of fur babies. In my free time, I enjoy being a student of nutrition therapy, volunteering at a farm animal sanctuary, hiking with my dog, cooking/baking, and finding new adventures.

Marketing, Receptionist

Helen Scanu

I grew up in New Jersey, and owned and loved a black lab named Duffy during my youth. That is why my husband and I got a black lab named Stella when we moved to Colorado. Stella was a patient who received great care at Golden Paws, and when there was an opportunity to work here, I jumped on it! I graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, and I am excited to bring my graphic design and business administration experience to Golden Paws.

Receptionist

Jenene Nicholson

I grew up in Willoughby, Ohio and have always owned all kinds of animals, including ducks, rabbits, dogs, etc. I currently have five dogs, two cats, one pig, seven rabbits, and three parakeets.

Receptionist

Maggie Bengston

I joined Golden Paws to continue with my passion for helping others. My early career in social work focused on helping children and families, more recently I have been volunteering with at-risk community members, and now I get to support owners with their furry family members. I am mom to two amazing teenage girls and a handsome rescue dog. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, yoga, hiking and volunteering.