Care You Can Trust

Dr. Katie Lambden

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a small house in the city with a big collection of pets, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. My first career goal as a child was to be a veterinarian. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in biology, I became distracted by bicycling and travel and ended up spending several years bike touring and racing semi-professionally. After starting a family, I made my way to vet school (Tufts, in Massachusetts), and graduated in 2014. I commissioned into the Army and spent 4 years as an active duty Army veterinarian, followed by 4 years in the Army Reserves. While stationed at Holloman AFB, I fell in love with beautiful southern New Mexico and decided to stay. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, hiking, and biking with my family which includes 3 rambunctious dogs and 2 very social cats.

Destiny Mote

Kennel Assistant

Hi, I’m Destiny! I have been working for Paw in Hand Veterinary Care since April, 2023. I am passionate about animals and am dedicated to ensuring quality care. I treat each animal like my own and love each pet that comes through our doors. I enjoy working for Paw in Hand Veterinary care. My goals are to improve my grooming skills so I can get my grooming license and offer professional grooming services. I have a young daughter, one dog named Princess, and a cat named Oco Theo.

Nadia Gallegos

Customer Service Representative

Howdy! I’m Nadia! I was born in Alamogordo and raised mostly in El Paso TX, I was a student at Oregon State University for Biology with a focus on Marine Biology and Ecology and I plan on finishing my degree at NMSU. I have a passion for dog training and love to learn anything I can about animals, plants, and people. I also love theater and enjoy performing. I have had many pets including exotics, my current obsession is with crustaceans! I have pet hermit crabs and I’m currently an active member in the LHCOS for the advocacy of proper husbandry for these amazing animals!

Ian Smith

Customer Service Representative

Hey there, my name is Ian, and I was born in Santa Cruz, CA. I was an Army brat, and so I was raised all over the world with many different pets. I have had many pets, hamsters, cats, dogs, and even a Japanese praying mantis. I served my country for 17 years in the United States Navy handling intelligence based customer care and cyber security. I love animals and have two cats of my own, Charley Sheene and Emilio Estevez. I have been a receptionist with Paw in Hand Veterinary Care since February of 2026, and I can’t wait to meet and get to know you and your fur babies.

Emily

Customer Service Representative

Hi, I’m Emily. I was born and raised in Otero County. I grew up in a ranching family and have always had a menagerie of animals. I started with Paw in Hand Veterinary Care in October, 2024. I am a certified phlebotomist, and am eager to expand my knowledge and skills in the veterinary medicine field. I have a toddler at home, along with five dogs, three cats, three horses, and a bunch of goats.

Owen Gardner

Bio Coming Soon!