Staff

We take great pride in our staff at every level. Meet the animal care professionals that make ACVH the favorite vet practice in the Ahwatukee Foothills. If you'd like to meet them in person, consider becoming a new client or schedule an appointment.

Doctors

Linda R. Elliott, DVM

Dr. Elliott was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and received her DVM degree in 1978 from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. The call of the West brought her to Arizona after graduation to work in a Mesa practice specializing in small animals. In 1979 Dr. Elliott opened her own practice in Mesa, then moved into this very up-to-date facility she designed as Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital in 1989. Dr. Elliott shares her east valley home with two dogs, three cats, a herd of 40+ alpacas. Additional members of the equestrian family are stabled nearby. The colorful and exotic member of the clan, an Amazon parrot named "Beaker", can be found every day at the clinic for your enjoyment and entertainment.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Elliott.

Jen Howard Appell, DVM

Dr. Howard Appell grew up in Tucson, AZ. She decided to become a veterinarian at the age of 5, telling her father that she wanted "to become a horse doctor". She received her B.S in Microbiology from the University of Arizona and her D.V.M. from Colorado State University. Her areas of interest are: internal medicine, oncology, surgery and infectious diseases. Dr. Howard married her high school sweetheart, Matt, and in 2010, they welcomed their first child, Korbin. Their other "kids" include 3 dogs: Electra (Doberman), Indica (German Shepherd), and Gus (English Mastiff); 2 Domestic Shorthair and 1 Domestic Mediumhair cats: Lt. Dan, Mee Lo, and Ivy, respectably; and 1 horse: Blast Off, an ornery but loveable older Quarter Horse. Her time off is spent reading, horseback riding, and chasing after her son, not necessarily in that order!

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Howard.

Reception

Courtney

Although Courtney has been a receptionist with our hospital since May 1997, she has worked in various prior positions in other hospitals since 1990. Courtney prides herself in "exceeding expectations", not only with clients but also with fellow staff members. She says that the best part of her job is, "working with great doctors and staff and our wonderful clients". Courtney's pets include three cats and two dogs. Other members of her family include her husband and two sons. In her time away from work, she coaches sports for her youngest son, and enjoys swimming, dancing, and music.

Becky

Becky is one of the rare Arizona natives that we have in our practice. She has been surrounded by animals her entire life and currently has 3 dogs, Buford T., Ava, and Darla; 2 cats, Cassey & Chloe; 1 bunny, Frankie, and 1 horse, Pro. Her hobbies include horseback riding, soccer, dance and spending time with her friends. She has her bachelors degree in Biology from ASU. Her ambition is to become a physician specializing in neonatology.

Brandi

Brandi is a second generation Arizona native who currently resides in Mesa. She holds a BA in Art History and is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up! Her ambition in life is to be happy! She also enjoys reading, playing board games and baking. Brandi shares her home with her husband, one dog and two cats. She also owns two alpacas!

Certified Technicians

Ashley

Ashley is a born and raised native of Phoenix, Arizona. Right after graduating from high school in 2009 she went straight to Pima Medical Institute where she got her Associates Degree of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She is now a Certified Veterinary Technician as of January of 2013 which she is proud of. Ashley is proud to be part of the Ahwatukee Commons staff where she can share her love and knowledge of pets to clients. She has one wonderful kitty cat, which adopted her, named Annie. In her spare time she enjoys learning more to better herself as a CVT, hiking, camping, and reading. 

Assistants

Raeme

Raeme is an Arizona native, born and raised here in Phoenix. She is currently pursuing studies to become a Certified Veterinary Technician and has worked as a veterinary assistant since 2007. In her spare time, Raeme enjoys basketball (watching and playing), watching movies, spending time at the art museum and taking her dog to the dog park. Raeme shares her home with her lovable golden retriever Nash and her cool cat Willow.

Jessica

Jessica, originally from San Diego, California, has called Arizona home since 1997. She also spent two years living in England as a child. She is currently attending ASU pursing Animal Physiology/Behavior and Spanish Literature degrees. After graduation, Jessica plans to further her studies and attend veterinary school. Outside of school and work, Jessica enjoys running, reading, traveling to Sedona and Zumba! Jessica shares her home with two dogs, Nala, a pit bull mix and Oreo, a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix.

Robbia

Robbia was born in California then spent her early childhood living at the beach in Florida before moving to Arizona in 2000. Most of her family lives in Arizona so this is where she calls home. Robbia graduated from the Honors College at ASU, double majoring in Biochemistry and dance. She likes to spend her free time outdoors, hiking, teaching dance and volunteering for both animal and human organizations. Robbia shares her home with a number of four-legged family members: Luna the greyhound/lab mix, 4 shorthaired cats named Jude, Sakina, Cary & Claire, and two parakeets named Lois & Clark.

Kennel & Boarding Technician

Maddie

Maddie is an Ahwatukee native! Maddie grew up with many pets and that is where her passion for working with animals stemmed from. She therefore wants to always have a career working with pets. She enjoys listening to music, reading, crochet, spending time with friends and playing with her dapple mini doxie Raven and her mom’s lab Harley. Maddie is always up for a good time and enjoys good jokes!

Practice Manager

Jill Foley

Jill is a new Arizona resident, relocating from Chicago where she was born and raised. She has a B.S. in Health Science and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Accounting and Financial Management. She has been in the veterinary field since she was 17 years old, starting out as a receptionist. She came to us after managing a 5 doctor veterinary practice in Chicago. Jill and her husband Greg share their home with their “kids” kitty cat Jezi, English Bulldog Shamrock and Shar-Pei Mix Clover. In her spare time she enjoys live music, hiking, camping, traveling and drinking wine with her husband.