AZPetVet White Tanks Animal Hospital & Grooming

Dr. Gretchen Koch

I was born just outside of Philadelphia (Go Eagles!) but was raised in Gilbert, Arizona. I studied at the University of Arizona and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science in 2015. I moved on to Colorado State University, where I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. While I was studying for my DVM, I worked part-time as a veterinary assistant. This experience strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine, and I knew that I had found my calling. Although I find most aspects of veterinary medicine fascinating, I particularly enjoy emergency medicine and surgery.

My partner, Ashley, and I both are veterinarians; so naturally, we have a house full of pets! We share our home with our two dogs, Lucy and Kaiser, and three cats, Reid, Sunshine Boots, and Champ. I enjoy hiking, fly-fishing (I’m still learning) and baking! I'm looking forward to building long-lasting relationships with you and your furry family members.

Dr. Stephanie Athavale

I was born and raised in Southeastern, Michigan (just outside of Detroit.) I attended The University of Michigan from 2008-2012 majoring in biology and minoring in anthropology. I then went to vet school at The Ohio State University from 2013-2017, and moved to Minneapolis shortly after graduation. I worked as a small animal associate veterinarian at a private practice before making the move to Arizona in 2019. Clinically, I am interested in internal medicine, behavioral studies, and performing ultrasounds.

I live with my husband, Aditya, and our 2 fur children: A Beagle-Collie mix named Jasper, and a tuxedo cat named Winston. In my free time, I enjoy reading, bird watching, and spending time with my family. My husband and I also like to go for scenic drives and nature walks!

Dr. Shannon Foster

I am a southern girl born and raised! I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and received my DVM from Mississippi State University in 2002.

My passion for veterinary medicine began with my summer work experiences. I spent three summers as a veterinary assistant at the animal hospital around the corner from where I grew up. The time I spent as an assistant really ignited my enthusiasm for animal care. I spent an additional two summers as a kennel assistant for racing greyhounds. I loved them so much my family adopted a former racing dog when the kennel closed!

My areas of interest in the field of veterinary medicine are internal medicine and surgery. I am absolutely fascinated by physiology and how body systems work together with such perfection. Surgery gives the opportunity correct conditions, repair injuries and perform procedures that allow pets to live longer, live stronger and elevate their quality of life. The most rewarding and most enjoyable part of being a veterinarian for me is meeting so many different people who have opened their hearts and their homes to pets. I truly enjoy the stories of how these pets found their homes and changed their owners lives for the better.

My family includes my 15-year-old daughter Deanna, my mother and father who have had the blessing of being married for almost 50 years, and in addition, I share my home with a cat named Baby. She gave me the honor of being her new pet parent about 3 years ago after being taken in by my hospital when she needed a new home. In my free time I like to catch up on a number to interesting television shows thanks to my Netflix subscription. I’ve recently gotten back into bowling and skating, and this year I’m trying my hand at gardening as well!

Dr. Abigail Rivera

I grew up in San Diego and attended California State University, San Marcos, graduating in 2016 with a degree in Biochemistry. I moved to Arizona in 2018 where I attended Midwestern University and graduated with my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Throughout vet school, I discovered my passion for soft tissue surgeries and ophthalmology.

I live with my fiancé, Zach, and our three kitties Olive, Salem, and Emma. We adopted Olive and Salem in my first year of veterinary school, and added Emma about 1 year ago. We are hoping to add a dog to the mix soon- though I think the kitties may object. In my spare time, I enjoy biking through the beautiful Arizona desert. I also love horseback riding and have competed in the San Diego Hunter/Jumper show circuit for over 10 years.

Dr. Lindsey O'Connell

I was born and raised here in Glendale, Arizona. Veterinary medicine has been an excellent way for me to blend my early love of animals with scientific curiosity.

I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 2013, and I earned my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2018. I joined the Arrowhead Ranch team in 2018 upon returning to Glendale, where I currently live with my three cats Phoebe, Gretchen, and Jack. My professional interests include behavior, preventative care, and feline medicine.