Alyssa Ortiz, veterinary technician, is originally from New Mexico. After high school, she spent two years doing general education course work at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. While living in San Antonio, she adopted a kitten who ended up getting very sick. When she nursed the kitten back to health, it helped her realize that she wanted to work with animals instead of pursuing an English degree. Alyssa then moved to Denver to attend the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology where she graduated with an associate’s degree in December 2007. She knew that she wanted to work in a large clinic that was fast-paced and saw a variety of animals and cases. She did her internship with VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital and continued on with the surgery department where she stayed for two years. While working there, Alyssa realized that the emergency surgery part of her job was what excited her most, so she joined the Alpenglow Vets team in December 2009 to further her education and try her hand at the emergency side of veterinary medicine. In her time off, Alyssa can be found doing numerous things outdoors. She also enjoys oil painting and reading. She lives with two troublesome cats named Morgan, who is four, and Chuchie, the infamous kitten from San Antonio who is now five years old and healthier than ever.