Our Team Members

Meet the Franktown Animal Clinic Team

It’s really no great secret: what makes Franktown Animal Clinic so special is our people. From our managers to our certified veterinary technicians to our experts in client services – we do whatever we can to provide you and your pets the best care possible.

Our Doctors

Kimberly Vanderholm, D.V.M.

Kimberly Vanderholm, D.V.M.

Owner and Managing Partner

Dr. Vanderholm received her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. She worked at Franktown Animal Clinic from 1997 to 2004, and then 2007 to the present (in between she practiced in South Florida). Dr. Vanderholm is married with one daughter and loves motorcycling, snow boarding and music.

Cindy Alsobrook, D.V.M.

Cindy Alsobrook, D.V.M.

Owner

Dr. Alsobrook received undergraduate degrees in Wyoming before obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University in 1986. She worked in practices in the Denver area before joining the Franktown Animal Clinic team in 1994. Dr. Alsobrook is married and has two sons. She enjoys cardio kick-boxing, skiing, reading and a bit of quilting (when she has the time).

James Akers, D.V.M.

James Akers, D.V.M.

Owner

Dr. James Akers is a native Coloradoan from West Denver.  He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1987.  Since graduation, his career has taken him from mixed animal practice to emergency medicine, relief veterinary work and finally small animal medicine and surgery. Out of the office, Dr. Akers’ family consists of his fiancé Debbie, her sons Justin and Cody, and an array of animals including Emma the boxer mix, Delta the standard poodle, Hank and Annie the cats and Smokey the cockatiel. When not practicing he enjoys classic cars, bicycling, dancing, travel, and Colorado history.

Angela Hinton, D.V.M.

Angela Hinton, D.V.M.

Owner

Dr. Hinton started in veterinary medicine at 16 years old when she was a kennel assistant. She worked her way up to veterinary technician by age 21, and has been working as a veterinarian since 2005! Dr. Hinton is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She chose veterinary medicine because of her passion for caring for others and being an advocate for those that don’t have their own voice.

Angela was voted as the #1 veterinarian in San Diego in 2015 and earned #2 in 2016. An honor that is voted on by the general public annually through a readers poll conducted by The San Diego Union-Tribune, a county-wide newspaper.

Her favorite things are being outdoors in the sunshine, reading, and yoga! She lives with her husband JD, her twin daughters Kaitlyn and Catherine, and her two pets – Zara the pitbull and Lela the Siamese mix.

Miguel Zarpate, CVBL,CCFP

Miguel Zarpate, CVBL,CCFP

Practice Manager

Miguel was born and raised in California, and then he moved to Colorado most recently. He received his Veterinary Practice Management Undergraduate Certificate from Penn Foster. He is in the final stages of receiving his Certified Veterinary Practice Management Certificate (CVPM). Active in the veterinarian community, Miguel joined the Veterinary Hospital Manager’s group to help the community with empowerment and emotional Intelligence.

Miguel is a busy father of three. He enjoys spending time with his family; his wife Cherise, and three beautiful children; daughter Celeste 10 years, son Ayden 7 years, and youngest son Jaxson, 4 years. They love to go camping and hiking with their beloved Labrador, Dakota.

Jennifer Menning, D.V.M.

Jennifer Menning, D.V.M.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Menning grew up in the Chicago area. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and then went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Missouri in 2012. She completed an internship at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital and worked in the Denver area before joining Franktown Animal Clinic in September 2015. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, and going to concerts in her free time. 

Sara Monaco, D.V.M.

Sara Monaco, D.V.M.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Monaco is a dedicated veterinarian here at Franktown Animal Clinic. With a passion for animals and a commitment to their well-being, she has been providing exceptional veterinary care since June 2023. Her journey in veterinary medicine began at North Carolina State University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science with a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience. Later she pursued a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Choosing to work in veterinary medicine was a natural calling for her. She recognized the importance of being a voice for animals, advocating for their health and comfort. With a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive approach to medicine, she understands the significance of her role as animals cannot communicate their needs verbally. Dr. Monaco strives to provide the best possible care, ensuring that her patients live their lives to the fullest and healthiest. For her, it’s a humble way of reciprocating the unconditional love and loyalty animals bring into our lives. Starting as a kennel technician during her first year of college, she worked her way up to become a veterinary assistant. Throughout her collegiate career, including veterinary school, Dr. Monaco continued to gain invaluable experience in both emergency/urgent care and general practice. She also had the opportunity to be associated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador during her bachelor’s degree. Additionally, she contributed as a research assistant in pharmacology and clinical sciences at NC State CVM, expanding her knowledge and expertise in the field.

Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys savoring a cup of coffee, indulging in medical TV shows, and immersing herself in captivating book series. Exploring new trails with her beloved dog, Bentley, brings her joy and allows her to appreciate the beauty of nature. A little-known fact about Dr. Monaco is her talent for playing the piano, which she has honed for over 18 years and continues to nurture.

Vanessa Schilling, D.V.M.

Vanessa Schilling, D.V.M.

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Schilling embarked on her journey in the veterinary world at the age of 15, commencing at a veterinary clinic, and has remained dedicated to this profession ever since. Graduating from CSU’s DVM program in 2018 marked a significant milestone in her career. With five and a half years of experience as a Veterinarian and an impressive twenty-year tenure as a Veterinarian Technician, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Schilling finds joy in various activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and exploring new destinations through travel. Adding to her unique persona, she shares her life with 13 guinea pigs and boasts of her travel to Nepal.

We’d love to talk to you!

Call us today: 303-688-4690

Our Team

Wendy T., C.V.T.

Wendy T., C.V.T.

Lead Technician

Wendy has been with Franktown Animal Clinic since 2004 and has worked in the veterinary industry for 18 years! She graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in 2003. Wendy decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine because she “wanted to be part of something that helps animals in some way.”  Originally, she wanted to become a zoologist but started to respect the vet techs while watching Animal Planet.

In her free time, she loves spending time with her cat, Bling, and all of her house-sitting furry family members. She also likes reading, movies, computer games, and doing crafts such as handmade gifts for the holidays. Something interesting about Wendy is that she has a twin sister and enjoys drawing and painting.

Amy W., C.V.T.

Amy W., C.V.T.

Technician

Amy has been with Franktown Animal Clinic since 2011 and has worked in the veterinary industry for 11 years! She chose to work in veterinary medicine because her “kids were in school and I had always loved animals. It was a good challenge.” When she’s not helping animals, she enjoys traveling, exploring interesting things to do in Colorado, movies, and reading.

Fun fact – she once had a pet skunk!

Ryan T.

Ryan T.

Technician

A veterinary technician with more than 14 years of experience, Ryan holds a degree in Zoology from Southwestern Community College as well as his vet tech certificate from Bel-Rea. An outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing, Ryan also tends to a menagerie of cats, dogs, lizards, horses, a snake and other animals.

Heather-Jean B.

Heather-Jean B.

Technician

Heather-Jean joined Franktown Animal Clinic in 2021, and we’re so happy to have her here. She has a real passion for caring for animals and making them feel better. She is also a graduate of the Pima Medical Institute.

When she’s not at work, she loves to draw, read, and spend time with her two kids. She also has a passion for archery and is looking to spend more time with the hobby.

Fun fact – she owns sugar gliders and loves that they help with her son’s sensory issues.

Brooke D.

Brooke D.

Technician

Brooke has been working in the veterinary field for 3.5 years and started working at Franktown Animal Clinic in 2022. She decided to work in veterinary medicine because she notices how grateful an animal is when you love and take care of them. Brooke started vet tech school in 2018 and started working her way up in clinics. In her free time, she enjoys playing PC games with her friends. An interesting thing about Brooke is that she works in the autograph area of a SiFi convention and always meets really cool people.

Emilee S., C.V.T.

Emilee S., C.V.T.

Technician

Emilee started working at Franktown Animal Clinic in February 2022 but has been in the veterinary industry for two years. She decided to go into this field she has always loved. Emilee attended CCD, passed her VINE, and became licensed in early 2021.

In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding and has been doing it since she was 7 years old. She trained professionally for a year before becoming a veterinary technician. The most interesting thing about Emilee is that she competes in horse cowboy mounted shootings which is a timed event where she gets to ride a horse through an obstacle while shooting a gun at a specific target.

Rachael M., C.V.T.

Rachael M., C.V.T.

Technician

Rachael started working at Franktown Animal Clinic in 2020 and has been in the veterinary medicine field for two and a half years. She attended the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal technology and recently became a CVT. She has always loved animals, and helping them in their time of need is extremely rewarding.

Outside of work, Rachael enjoys hiking, playing soccer, painting, hunting, and camping. She has played soccer since she was four years old and has played competitive soccer at the club level for many years.

Faith L., C.V.T.

Faith L., C.V.T.

Technician

Faith has been working at FAC since March 2022. She has been in the veterinary field for about three years. Faith enjoys the challenge of learning medicine and being a voice for patients. She has her Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology from the Community College of Denver.

In her free time, Faith enjoys camping, shooting, and being outside. The most interesting thing about Faith is that she won the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion team in 4-H livestock quiz bowl in 4-H.

Ali W., C.V.T

Ali W., C.V.T

Lead Surgery Technician

Ali started at Franktown Animal Clinic in 2021 and has been working in the veterinary industry for 5 years. She chose veterinary medicine to be an advocate for those who cant advocate for themselves. Ali started her veterinary career as a kennel technician and worked her way up to lead surgery technician. As she learned more about veterinary medicine world, she realized surgery is her passion. In her free time, she spends time with her husband, riding her horses, and home improvement projects. The most interesting thing about Ali is that she used to carry flags horseback in multiple rodeos and compete in horse shows.

Kate T., C.V.T.

Kate T., C.V.T.

Technician

Bio coming soon!

Jennifer M.

Jennifer M.

Patient Coordinator Supervisor

Jennifer joined us at FAC this year (2017) and has worked in the veterinary industry for the last ten years. She chose veterinary medicine because she has always helped animals. She tried to pursue a different career, but she can’t see herself doing anything else. She just ended up going back to vet medicine.

When she’s not at work, she enjoys swimming and playing pool.

Jennifer is very social but loves living out in the country where she can just get away and spend time with friends and family.

Diane C.

Diane C.

Lead Patient Coordinator

Diane has been working in the veterinary field for 15 years. She wanted to work in veterinary medicine because of her love of animals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 8 grandkids, her frenchie Odie, and traveling with her siser.

Angel A.

Angel A.

Patient Coordinator

Angel started at FAC in 2019. She strives to make a difference in the lives of both people and animals.

When she’s not at work, she enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, exploring, reading, and hanging out with her cats.

Angel thinks the most interesting thing about her is the fact that she is the youngest of 10 children.

Linda C.

Linda C.

Patient Coordinator

Linda joined Franktown Animal Clinic in 2001 after forty years of customer service experience because of her love of animals.

When Linda is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs. She loves outdoor activities, hiking, biking, gardening, cooking, and baking!

Madison M.

Madison M.

Patient Coordinator

Bio coming soon!

Abigail M.

Abigail M.

Patient Coordinator

Abigail joined Franktown Animal Clinic in 2020 and is the newest member of our Franktown family. She is a recent high school graduate who discovered the joy of working with animals when she began work at a doggy daycare. Abigail loves working with animals, and seeing them happy and healthy makes her feel the same.

In her downtime, Abigail enjoys spending time with her pets, reading, and fashion. She is an aspiring costume designer, business owner, and artist.

KateLynn Q.

KateLynn Q.

Patient Coordinator

Bio coming soon!

Gayla A.

Gayla A.

Patient Coordinator

Gayla has recently retired from 40 years working in the Corporate World in Finance and lT. She has always had pets (especially dogs!). Her dream has been to work with animals, especially dogs! Upon her retirement from Corp America, she started searching for that perfect mix of dogs and all pets. Gayla has two grown daughters and between all of them, they have five dogs and lots of slobbers and love!

Meet our clinic cat, Jynx!

Hi, I’m Jynx! Now that you’ve met my people, let me tell you about the most important FAC team member: ME!

I was fortunate to become part of the Franktown Animal Clinic family on October 10, 2014. I was 4 months old, under 2 pounds, and so sick with ringworm and intestinal upset that the doctors didn’t think I would survive.

But my new family didn’t give up on me. They gave me everything I needed to beat my illness. Today, I weigh a healthy 10 pounds, and I run the clinic! I have to remind my staff about my hourly snack requirements, and they often discourage me from sneaking into exam rooms to meet new clients. But, I have them well-trained to maintain regular playtime and cuddle sessions with me!