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.

Sam

Hello! My name is Sam. I was born and raised here in Alamogordo. I have a Bachelor of Animal Science degree from New Mexico State and am working on getting into Veterinary School. I have always had a passion for animals stemming from childhood. I have had the honor of many many animals in my lifetime from cats and dogs to ferrets. I love being able to come to work and learn, as well as see all the different personalities of the pets I meet. I tend to treat all animals as if they were part of my family. My fur babies are Baggerah, Joy, Tigger, Olive, Thomas, Nani, and Figaro.

Nyssa

Hi, I’m Nyssa! I moved to Alamogordo with my family when I was a baby and have been here ever since. My background is in human medicine, but I have really come to enjoy working in veterinary medicine. I have been a receptionist with Paw in Hand Veterinary Care since January, 2024. I love getting to know all of the pets and their people. My family and I have one crazy orange tabby cat named Klaus.

Carina

Hi, I’m Carina! I grew up in Tucson, AZ where I was a member of 4h and FFA and competed in various competitions and activities with my dogs, horses, and other livestock.

In 2013 my husband and I moved to his hometown of Chinle on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. We were very active in the rescue community there and fostered numerous dogs, cats, and horses until we moved to Alamogordo in June of 2019.

Animals have always been my passion, and I absolutely love working in the veterinary medicine field. As a front-desk receptionist, I take pride in being your and your pet’s introduction to Paw in Hand Veterinary Care.

Emily

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.

Brandon

Hi, I’m Brandon! I’ve been involved in veterinary medicine in one way or another for pretty much my entire life. My mom is a Registered Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Hospital Manager. I’ve been working for Paw in Hand Veterinary Care since October, 2024. I really enjoy working with animals and hope to make a career of it! In my free time, I enjoy riding motorcycles and exploring the Tularosa Basin.