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. 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. 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. 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.

Veterinarian

Dr. Ben Read

I grew up in the suburbs of Boston where I began working with animals at my father’s veterinary hospital. I graduated from veterinary school in 2016 from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. Following vet school, I worked as a small animal veterinarian for a year in Connecticut before moving to Colorado in 2017. I love spending time with my wife Jen, our son Kieran, our two dogs Bowen and Sorrel (Caribbean island dogs), and our turtle Sam. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, hiking, and playing guitar. I take a keen interest in surgery and providing the best care possible to both my patients and clients.

Veterinarian

Dr. Olivia Reed

Dr. Olivia Reed received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Occidental College in 2013 prior to earning both her Master’s in Toxicology (2017) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2021) degrees from Colorado State University. Dr. Reed loves building relationships with clients and their pets, performing soft tissue surgery, and working up interesting medical cases. Originally from Monterey, CA, Dr. Reed has an avid love for the outdoors. While in Colorado for school, she hiked 20 of the Colorado 14ers and is looking forward to doing more since moving back to the area. Dr. Reed’s hobbies include reading, painting, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and toddler.

Veterinarian

Dr. Penny Sidhu

Originally from San Francisco. I attended UC Irvine for my undergraduate degrees and then went on to complete a Masters in Animal Biology and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis. Started out in general practice in San Francisco before transitioning to emergency medicine with Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Denver and helping open VEG Boulder in 2023. As a veterinarian I love all things cats and I am fear free certified. I am here to work with you to provide the best care to your fur babies so they live their best life by your side. Outside of work I am an avid reader (support your local library!), love cooking/baking, and enjoy being dragged along on hiking/camping/rafting/fishing adventures with husband and daughter.

Technicians

Mobile Practice Manager / Registered Veterinary Technician

Maggie Nelson

I’m a Native of Colorado, and have been in the veterinary field since 1997. I graduated from Bel Rea in 2000 after attending CSU for 2 years to work with Autistic and Down Syndrome children and found my life long dream in Veterinary Medicine. I have been a technician and practice manager at several hospitals in my career and worked at some specialty hospitals such as Exotics, Emergency and Ophthalmology. My passion has always been to run a mobile clinic to be able to help families and their animals close to home. I hope to bring joy and care to each and every animal and their families in a more personal setting.

Registered Veterinary Technician

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.

Registered 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!

Registered 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.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Emma Minnick

I started working in veterinary medicine in 2012, after graduating college in 2017, I moved to Colorado and now live in Golden. I have a cat named Raisin and a huge soft spot for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!

Office Manager / Registered Veterinary Technician

Holly Morris

Ever since I could remember I have had a love and passion for animals. I started my animal career volunteering in shelter medicine in high school. I graduated from PIMA Medical Institute as a Veterinary Assistant and have now been working in Vet Med for over 10 years and love the career I have chosen. I enjoy spending time with my 3 Great Danes, a Black and Tan Coonhound and 2 cats when I am at home.

Registered 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.

Registered 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.

Veterinary Assistants

Veterinary Assistant

Amy Farler

Hi, my name is Amy! I have a big heart for animals and an even bigger soft spot for Australian Shepherds. I’m passionate about making every pet feel safe, comfortable, and cared for—whether they’re here for a routine visit or something a little more serious. I believe that a gentle touch, patience, and a little extra love can make all the difference in a pet’s experience. Helping animals feel at ease (and sneaking in a few extra cuddles when I can) is my favorite part of the job.

Veterinary Assistant

Dia Floyd

Hello everybody! I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I’ve been living in Colorado for almost 5 years! I studied one year of vet medicine there, when I decided to come to the states as a cultural exchange student. I got married 3 years ago and I decided to go back to school to finish my vet tech degree. I’m fear free certified and I love to learn something new everyday! In my free time I like spending time with my pets Benji, Rebel and Chori (pictured); and I love playing volleyball too. I am so happy to be working here and excited to see all your amazing pets!

Veterinary Assistant

Megan Lenhart

Hi all, I look forward to meeting you and your beloved pets! I am currently attending Bel-Rea pursuing my registered vet technician license. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a psychology degree, I moved to Colorado to chase my love for outdoor adventure. I spent years in mountain towns working in restaurants and resort services, often volunteering at animal shelters and pet sitting as often as possible! Animals are a guiding light in my life. It is an honor to find myself here at Golden Paws to grow and develop my new career.

Veterinary Assistant/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.

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.

Veterinary Assistant/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.

Veterinary Assistant

Jazlyn Quish

My journey into the realm of animal care began in 2014! Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of settings including general practice, emergency care, pet toxicology, grooming, and pet sitting. At home, I have three cats, two rabbits and one dog who definitely keep life interesting. I appreciate the opportunity that Golden Paws has given me to continue contributing to my community and their beloved pets.

Administration

Wellness Coordinator/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, families, and at-risk community members. Now I get to help owners with their furry family members as well as support the mental health of our awesome employees. I am mom to two amazing teenage girls and a handsome rescue dog, Murphy.

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

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

Angela Oramas

Since moving to Colorado in 2001 from NJ, my husband and I have enjoyed living in the mountains, enjoying all it has to offer, and raising 2 kids. I’m also a momma to a beautiful black lab/collie mix rescue dog who is just enjoying life. I’m excited to continue this journey of helping this amazing team at Golden Paws take care of their adorable fur patients.

Marketing Coordinator, Receptionist

Helen Scanu

My dog, Stella, was a patient at Golden Paws, and the exceptional care she received left a lasting impression on me. When the opportunity came to join the team, I jumped at the chance to be part of a place I already trusted and admired. With a background in Graphic Arts and marketing, I enjoy promoting Golden Paws, connecting with our community, and supporting day-to-day marketing needs.