WESTSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Lead Veterinary Technician

Courtney grew up in a small town just north of Boston, Massachusetts. While attending the medical occupations program during high school, she met her husband, Anthony. He joined the military shortly after graduating and they have been traveling and moving ever since. Through all the moves, she found a love for the veterinary medicine world. Courtney began her career as a kennel attendant in Fayetteville, NC. During her time at that clinic, she was trained to monitor surgical procedures, run laboratory tests, assist doctors in rooms, client services, and much more. Courtney and Anthony moved to Colorado Springs in 2018 with their 2 dogs, Charlie and Mac. Soon after that, she decided to go to technician school to become an RVT and further her knowledge. Courtney graduated from Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology cum laude, obtaining an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2021. While in school, she took special interest in rehabilitation. Courtney joined the Westside family in September 2021, completing her internship and restoring the rehabilitation program with Dr. Parrent. During her free time, Courtney enjoys reading, training their new German Shepherd Dog Rukia, and spending time with friends and family. She looks forward to helping your fur babies feel their best!

Dr. Abby Parrent is a recent graduate from Oklahoma State University, where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but always dreamed of living in Colorado. Dr. Parrent attended Austin College in Sherman, TX where she played Division III soccer and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Parrent married her college boyfriend, Alan, in a beautiful ceremony in Breckenridge, Colorado in June 2019. They have two boxers named Roo and Breck. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, traveling, skiing, and spending time with her family and dogs. Dr. Parrent's veterinary interests include wellness and preventive medicine, soft tissue surgery, and ultrasound. She comes to us from a very busy small animal practice in Oklahoma and is excited to be a member of the Westside family.

Dr. Cecilia Gustafson graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2023 with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia prior to moving to Minnesota for her undergraduate degree and doctorate. Dr. Gustafson attended Carleton College in Northfield, MN where she played Division III basketball, and received a Bachelor of Science of Biology, and met her husband Andy. Dr. Gustafson stayed in Minnesota for her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, and shortly after made the move to Colorado Springs with her husband. Dr. Gustafson has five fur babies; two dogs named Rainey and Dexter, and three cats named Duck, Squish, and Beans. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, skiing, spending time with friends and family, and off-roading in the mountains. Dr. Gustafson has a special interest in surgery, internal medicine, and client education. She is very excited to bring her love of animals and passion for veterinary medicine to the Westside Animal Hospital team.

Dr. Jesse Hand grew up in the Colorado Springs area, and is a Manitou Springs High School graduate. He then went on to graduate from Colorado State University in 2010 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Zoology. During his time at CSU, Dr. Hand spent countless hours living/working/volunteering at a Wolf and Wolfdog Sanctuary. Dr. Hand also worked in CSU's Veterinary Ophthalmology department as a student technician. To this day, Dr. Hand still retains a special interest in eyes. Dr. Hand has one very spoiled Great Pyrenees mix dog at home. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting and restoring vintage toys, as well as tinkering with his classic VW's.

Dr. Geist moved to Colorado Springs in 2014 with his wife and 1-year old daughter with the intention of raising their daughter and retiring here. He joined the Westside Animal Hospital family in September, 2014. Dr. Geist was raised in the state of Washington, attended vet school at Washington State University, and graduated in 1996. He worked for many years at practices in Washington and Oregon. For the last 10 years Dr. Geist operated his own veterinary surgery business, also working in emergency medicine. Dr. Geist brings with him many years of experience in some areas of complicated surgeries, as well as the prevention and long-term management associated with them. These include TPLO (for cranial cruciate ligament injuries), fracture repair, corrective orthopedic surgery, minimally-invasive surgery (endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, etc.), reconstructive surgery, and major abdominal surgeries. He is currently in the process of getting certification for PennHIP screening (for early identification and intervention of canine hip dysplasia). Dr. Geist's other areas of practice interest include pain management, wound healing, and helping to build the human-animal bond. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hiking, climbing, biking, and fly-fishing.

Dr. De Waal is a 1982 graduate of The Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He loves all sports and is currently riding his mountain and road bikes as well as playing tennis. He has been married to Merrilee for over thirty years; she is a residential Real Estate Agent. Their son, Kyle, loves sports and entertainment, still plays hockey and works for a software company in San Francisco. Currently his animal family consists of 3 energetic dogs and two lazy cats. Dr. De Waal's goal is to be devoted and passionate about his family, friends, work, spirituality, and life in general.

Dr. Dye came to Westside Animal Hospital in the summer of 2006 from Oklahoma, where he earned degrees from The University of Oklahoma, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Oklahoma State University for Veterinary Health Sciences. Dr. Dye and his wife, Deanna, have two adorable sons, Dylan and Lennon, who keep them both busy at home. They are also proud parents of two dogs, Squiggie and Charlie, and two cats, Skippy and Marley.