Meet the Team atElk Park Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

After 30 years in private veterinary practice in Northern Vermont, Dr. Donald Thompson relocated to Pagosa Springs and acquired Elk Park Animal Hospital in 2013. Dr. Thompson began his lifelong relationship with animals, both large and small, on his parent’s Registered Holstein-Friesian dairy farm with his nine siblings near the Canadian border in Northern New York. A 1984 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, he is a true mixed animal practitioner, treating pets, horses, cattle and camelids.

Dr. Thompson began integrating acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine into his general practice in 2003 after becoming certified in both specialties by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society as well as by the Chi University of Traditional Chinese veterinary Medicine. Since that beginning, he has been named Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, lectured to veterinary practitioners and students in China three times, as well as at the Chi University in Florida and various schools of Veterinary Medicine. He is a contributing author to Chinese Medicine reference textbooks published by the Chi University for use by practitioners throughout the world.

Dr. Thompson has introduced additional complementary treatment modalities to the Elk Park holistic medicine armamentarium, including cold laser therapy, medical ozone therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field microcurrent therapy via the Assisi Loop, many modalities of which are unique to the region. It is this multimodal approach and its integration with traditional Western medical and surgical therapy that drives Dr. Thompson’s success and Elk Park Animal Hospital’s growth in a competitive veterinary market. From horses to alpacas and cattle to dogs and cats, all species can benefit from this therapeutic approach, utilizing what best suits each individual patient for optimal results.

The staff of Elk Park Animal Hospital knows that every pet and ranch caregiver has many veterinary clinic options available to choose between in Southwestern Colorado. We deeply appreciate the loyalty of our existing clientele and look forward to the opportunity to assist those patients that we have not yet met.

Originally from Michigan, Tonya moved out to Colorado after graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in 1996. She lived in Boulder and Greeley until her and her husband found their dream property here in Pagosa Springs. In 2017, They made the leap and relocated to this beautiful mountain town. Tonya currently has an Australian Shepherd/Terrier mix named Lily, Nikki an African grey parrot (the office mascot), and 6 feral cats (Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer, Thunder, and Struck). With her background in customer service combined with her love and appreciation for animals, her previous work experience has provided her with the foundation on which to build new experiences in the field of animal care as a Practice Manager. She enjoys connecting with clients and their pets and values being part of the dynamic team at Elk Park Animal Hospital.

Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida; her love for animals started at a young age, visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Seaworld, and Gatorland theme parks.

Growing up she owned dogs, chickens, birds, and fresh water fish tanks.
In 2018 Vallerie moved to Pagosa Springs to be closer to nature and the great outdoors; where she was able to adopt her very first cat, Grayson!
Her love for animals has never stopped as she has over two years experience working in emergency veterinary medicine and plans to continue her education in veterinary medicine. Vallerie joined our team here at Elk Park in fall of 2023.

When she’s not working in the office you can catch her out in the wild hiking, riding ATVs, camping, and paddle boarding!

Maria is originally from Kansas and moved here in 1998. She has been a groomer for 13 years but has worked with animals for almost 20 years. Wife and mother of 3 great grown kids. She loves horseback riding in the mountains and enjoys spending time with her husband, horses, and dogs.