Dr. Mike Whittington

Dr. Whittington grew up in central Florida where his parents had retired from the US Air Force in 1970 after 20 years of active duty.  He attended college and veterinary school for eight years at the University of Florida; after graduation in 1991 Dr. Whittington and his wife Lili came to Eagle River Alaska and quickly fell in love with his exciting Alaskan experience.  Dr. Whittington has worked emergency services at a variety of hospitals in different states, and owned his own practice in Ecuador.  Dr Whittington decided to settle in Alaska and opened Far Country Animal Hospital in order to serve the people of the Mat-Su Valley.  Dr. Whittington and his wife enjoy hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, and occasional cycling.  He owns two adopted mixed breed dogs; Nala and Paika.

Dr. Stan Diment

 Dr. Diment primarily lives in Clermont, Florida where he is the owner of  two other veterinary hospitals.  He graduated from Michigan State University with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.  He travels to and from Alaska throughout the year and brings his sunny Florida smile to Far Country Animal Hospital.  He has a special way and a kindness to staff, patients and owners alike; we enjoy his time with us undoubtedly.  Dr Diment loves all animals with a tail wag!  He owns a terrier mix named Dodger who he rescued from animal control and a long haired domestic cat named Scotch.  Dr. Diment enjoys boating, offshore fishing, volunteering for the Iditarod, and traveling.

Dr. Cynthia Collins

 Dr. Cynthia Collins joined the Far Country Animal Hospital Team in 2007.  She is excited about our future vision to be the first Veterinary Hospital in the valley to provide 24 hour emergency care, a tremendous service for our Matanuska-Susitna pets and owners.  She aspires to vastly expand FCAH’s diagnostic capabilities with her interests in ultrasound technology.  Diagnostic imaging has been a keen interest of hers for years.  Recently, she attended the International Veterinary Radiology Conference in British Columbia, Canada, and met many radiologists working worldwide.  Before her passion for medicine led her to veterinary school, Dr. Collins worked researching Type II diabetes mellitus for nearly four years.  She graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince Edward Island, in Canada.  Dr. Collins owns two mixed breed dogs and a crafty little black cat.  Dr. Collins has been an Alaskan resident for over 25 years and LOVES the Mat-Su Valley.  Her attention to detail and sensitivity towards her patients and clients makes her an essential part of the Far Country Animal Hospital team!

Dr. Amanda Taylor 

Dr. Amanda Taylor has experienced a connection with animals since she was a young girl. She grew up in Eagle River, Alaska and went to Chugiak High School. After High School, She started Veterinary School at Oregon State University, and completed an internship at Atlantic Veterinary College/ University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Her interests in the Veterinary profession are internal medicine, oncology, and radiology. Dr. Taylor is the proud owner of many furry critters. She has two dogs named Chloe and Reese, two cats named Lenny and Sterling, two guinea pigs named Oscar and Felix, a Rex Rabbit named Tawney, and a Bearded Dragon named Gondor. When Dr. Taylor is not helping animals at Far Country, she can be found outdoors with her husband and pets hiking, camping and enjoying the great State of Alaska.

Dr. Cindy Richardson- Picture Coming Soon!

Dr. Cindy Richardson grew up on a hobby farm raising a milk cow, horses, and the families' dogs and cats. Dr. Richardson has been in the Veterinary field for 23 years and has loved every minute of it. She at one point was one of the owners of a 24 hour emergency animal hospital in Anchorage, but has since decided she would like to get back to being a veterinarian rather than a practice owner.  Dr. Richardson is known for her positive attitude and compassion towards her clients and patients. She enjoys being a Veterinarian because she is able to get to know her clients and patients throughout the pet’s lifetime. In her free time, Dr. Richardson enjoys hiking with her two Airedale Terriers named Kramer and Otter. Kramer and Otter are especially noteworthy for their stubbornness, ability to always find porcupines while hiking, and willingness to “sing” on command.

Coming in Late September- Dr. Catherine Hefley!

Cassandra, Office Manager 

Cassandra grew up with a miniature farm and loves animals.  Starting as a receptionist when the hospital opened in 2006, Cassandra’s friendly nature and fantastic organizational skills help the FCAH team greatly. Cassandra has now grown in the position of our Office Manager while also seeking a degree in Small Business Management at UAA/Mat-Su College. Her love and compassion for furry critters are certainly appreciated by clients and staff alike. Moving to Alaska in 2004 from Washington State, Cassandra enjoys four-wheeling, hiking and marksmanship training at the shooting range.  She also enjoys shopping!  Although working full time, Cassandra proudly carries a 4.0 grade average in college.  Cassandra owns four Rabbits named Buttercup, Bandit, Cadburry, and Pepper. She also has a Pug named Diezel, and a very energetic Husky named Taxie.

Millie, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Millie’s best friend growing up was an intelligent and gentle American Pit Bull named Sarge.  Her relationship with Sarge fostered a desire to work with animals. Millie attended Veterinary Technician school at Bergen Community College in New Jersey and is now a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Millie joined the FCAH team in November 2007. Millie is currently a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and seeking certification to be a Certified Emergency and Critical Care Technician.  She enjoys working at growing hospital like Far Country. In Millie’s spare time she enjoys horseback riding, hiking and spending quality time with her husband Billy and two children, Tristan and Autumn. Millie is the proud owner of 2 Akitas; Kenai & Sitka; a cute Chihuahua named Aleu; 2 horses; Tallan & Lakota; 5 cats; Kovu, Sora, Sabor, Nakoma and Kiara; and 2 tarantulas.

Rebecca, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Rebecca was born in New York, but spent most of her childhood in Kodiak Island. She has always known that she would make a career out of loving animals. Rebecca recently graduated from Portland Community College in Portland Oregon with a degree in Veterinary Technology, and is now a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  Rebecca is a member of several different clubs in the Veterinary community, including the American Animal Hospital Association, the North American Veterinary Technician Association, and the Alaska Veterinary Technician Association. Her hobbies include riding motorcycles, hiking, camping, video games, and reading. She has two mixed breed dogs named Copper and Leia, and a domestic shorthair cat named Cruiser.

Billy, Veterinary Technician

Billy joined Far Country in 2009. Billy has fulfilled his lifelong dream of living in Alaska, with his two Akitas named Pandora and Nakita. With over 15 years of experience in the Veterinary field, Billy chose Far Country because he prides himself on providing progressive medicine. Billy has become a great asset by using his skills in dental cleanings, anesthesia, and canine behavior & training. Billy has also studied the behavior of captive wolves throughout several different states to further his knowledge of canine behavior. During his time off he plays hockey and loves to go hiking with his dogs, Sitka and Kenai. He also owns two horses, "Lakota" a paint horse, "Spirit" a Kiger mustang, and 5 mixed breed cats. Billy’s love for animals is shared with his wonderful wife Millie and their two children Tristan and Autumn.

Danika, Veterinary Technician

Danika’s parents shared their love of animals with her at a young age. When she was a little girl, Danika would bring home orphaned wildlife and take care of them until they were healthy enough to be released into the wild. Danika works at Far Country because she enjoys being able to see the puppies and kittens from when they come in to get their first vaccines, all the way up to when they become adults. Danika values client education and always makes sure her customers are up to date with knowledge on their pet's health. Danika has worked in the Veterinary field for over 14 years and has experience in working with wildlife and zoo management in addition to working at Veterinary clinics.  Danika aspires to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician and go back to school to learn more about Veterinary Technology. Danika is the proud owner of a wide variety of animals including two Bloodhounds, two Chihuahuas, two cats, two horses, two dairy goats, a turkey and a goose, a uromastyx lizard, a parrot, and even a sled dog team! Danika dreams of one day completing the Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races.

Jamie, Veterinary Technician and Receptionist 

Jamie’s passion for animals is innate. She was born and raised in Alaska and enjoys horseback riding. Jamie joined the Far Country Team in 2007. Learning about animals medically by on the job training and through online courses, Jamie aspires to improve her technical skills and become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  Jamie is a proud Staffordshire Bull Terriers owner and fancier, and AKC exhibitor.  Jamie is active members of the following K9 clubs: Cook Inlet Kennel Club, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America, and Northern Outpost Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.  Jamie has two daughters who are aspiring Junior Handlers in the Sport of Purebred Dogs.

 Christa, Veterinary Technician

Pets have always been a part of Christa’s life. Christa enjoys working at Far Country because of the friendly environment and very friendly clients and patients she sees on a daily basis. She enjoys making anyone laugh when possible. Christa recently moved to Alaska from Arizona. She has been working as a Veterinary Technician for over 6 years and she aspires to one day become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Christa’s hobbies include watching football games (Go Steelers!), Playing softball, and playing the piano. She has a 7 year old Rottweiler named Titan, a Bloodhound Puppy named Ziva, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Guinness. Christa is known for her friendly and caring personality.

Harley, Veterinary Technician- Picture Coming Soon!

Harley joined the Far Country Animal Hospital Team in January. He currently works the overnight shift on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. His love of animals came from caring for them as a child. Harley has been a veterinary technician since 1988 and hopes to stay in the veterinary field of work for years to come.  Harley is known for being a hard working Technician and very helpful to clients. He enjoys answering questions for clients about their pets, and ensuring that their pets’ needs are met.  His activities outside of work include fishing, hunting, camping, four wheeling, and barbecues. He enjoys life with his 8 year old Boxer named Bouncer.

Rebecca, Veterinary Assistant- Picture Coming Soon!!

Rebecca has lived in Alaska her entire life, and wouldn’t change a thing about it. She grew up with lots of animals and always had an innate passion to help them in any way possible. Rebecca is especially noteworthy for her excellent customer service and patient care. Her goal while she is at work is to soothe worried pet parents and help their pets in any way possible. She is currently completing an online Veterinary Technician degree at San Juan College and is determined to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Rebecca has 5 animals; a wiggly Boxer named Dinah, a petite Pug named Beatrix, a handsome Golden Retriever mix named Rusty, a smart cockatiel named Squirt, and a crazy cat named Ms. Bianca. When Rebecca is not at work she can be found experiencing the great Alaskan outdoors while camping, hiking, dirt-biking, fishing, and of course playing with her pets.

April, Veterinary Assistant- Picture Coming Soon!!

April feels a deep connection with animals and has always enjoyed their company. In April’s lifetime she has raised cats and dogs as well as rabbits, chickens, horses and goats.  April wanted to work somewhere where she knew she could help and make a difference, which is why she chose Far Country. She pays close attention to detail with our clients and patients.  She aspires to further her education and obtain her license to be a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  April owns a handsome brindle boxer named Harley and an Akita/Rottweiler mix named Zeus.  In her time off she enjoys gardening, biking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding and whatever else life has to offer.  April absolutely loves her job, patients, clients and co-workers here at Far Country.  Millie, our lead Technician, is April's mentor and friend.  Her family and friends are very supportive in her life as well.  April is a loving wife and a mother of two daughters named Jamie and Alyssa whom bring many joys in her life.

Dacia, Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant

Dacia grew up with animals as her parents encouraged her involvement with 4-H when she was young.  Dacia joined the Far Country team in 2008. She likes to work at Far Country because of the great doctors and staff.  She appreciates the ability to grow in her career that is offered here.  She is currently cross-training as an assistant once a week to help her further her personal career goals.  Dacia owns three dogs; Gizzy, a purebred Pekingese, Otis a pug/sheltie mix and Milo, a lab mix.  She also has two cats named Booboo and Deekin.  In her time off Dacia likes to watch movies, read books and work in her yard.  She is noteworthy for her organization and great attention to detail on her job. Her parents and husband are supportive of her in her goal to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Ashley, Receptionist- Picture Coming Soon!!

Ashley was born and raised in Alaska, and lived her life right here in Palmer.  Ashley’s love for animals derived from her mother and father who bred Golden Retrievers. Ashley was allowed to help rescue lost animals,care for them, and find them homes. Currently our receptionist, Ashley has a strong desire to achieve the status of Licensed Veterinary Technician.Working with animals is her dream. Keenen is her German Shepherd and Gypsy is her Blue Heeler mix.She also has a Siamese cat named Braveheart. Ashley enjoys Alaskan adventures such as snow machining, camping, fishing and traveling.  She is noteworthy for her innate smile and friendliness.  Her biggest hope in life is to visit Greece, as she spent some time in England during college which was very memorable for her.  Ashley loves Mexico and Mexican food as well.  She shares her zest for life and love of animals with her beautiful eight year old daughter Bayley.

Sabrina, Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant 

Sabrina has always wanted to work around animals as they have always been part of her family.  Sabrina loves working at Far Country as our receptionist; meeting new clients, patients and enjoying her staff team members.  She is known for her friendly smile.  Sabrina’s career goals include obtaining a college degree as a Veterinary Technician, and passing the state exam to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  Sabrina loves her two pets, Jackson a phenomenal cat who enjoys car rides, leash walks; he can even sit, lay-down and stand on command.  She also has a purebred Great Dane named Artemis who can be a bit shy, but loves everyone, especially other puppies.  She enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking, back-packing and hiking in her time off.  She loves to spend time with family and friends and reading books.  Sabrina is a quick learner and works well under pressure which makes her a valuable receptionist here at Far Country.

Please check back soon for our other staff members to be added!