Staff

Helen Hansen, DVM

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas (as far west in Texas as you can get) and my entire family still lives there. I received my bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins Colorado in 1994. From there, I went to Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine and received my D.V.M. in 1998. Upon vet school graduation, I completed a one year Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at Texas A & M acting as a faculty member overseeing senior veterinary students on medicine and surgery rotations as well as on-call emergency duty.

I moved to Seattle in spring of 2004 and have been at Cascade Pet Hospital ever since. I enjoy Internal medicine and soft tissue surgery as well as dentistry.

On a personal level, I started riding and competitively showing Quarter Horses from the time I was 5 until I started veterinary school. I don't find I have too much time for riding these days, but maybe someday later on when life is less hectic I can start riding again. At home, I have one "child" an 8 year old mixed breed cat named "Zippers". Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy cultivating orchids(which often reside in the reception area), reading, gourmet cooking and wine, dark chocolate, kayaking, camping, hiking and working out.

Nick DeWees, DVM

Dr. Nick Dewees

Ever since I can remember I have been fascinated with animals. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas I was always bringing critters home,and not just the furry kind. I drove my mom nuts with some of the bugs that came home with me. Going through primary school most of my summers were involved in some type of camp that involved learning about and going on field trips to learn about animals. I guess being a Veterinarian and helping those without a voice as an advocate has always been my calling. I earned a BS in Marine Biology and a BS in Veterinary Science before receiving my Doctorates of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. My primary interests in veterinary medicine are dentistry, diagnostic imaging and surgery.

My side interests primarily revolve around motorsports. I have been involved in racing karts since about 10 years of age and still race. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, camping, and fishing, and hobby aquariums and gardening. Just about anything outdoors!

Rebecca, Veterinary Nurse

Rebecca, Veterinary Assistant

It wasn't until I was 22 years old that I decided to work with animals. I have always loved them and lived with them, but when I nursed my sick cat back to life I knew I would love to help animals everyday. I enrolled in PIMA Medical Institute's Veterinary Assistant program in Las Vegas, Nevada. I completed my program with honors in the winter of 2003. Upon completion I chose to move to Seattle, Washington where I now reside with my daughter and our two cats: Erik and Attica. I began working at Cascade Pet Hospital in January 2005. While at work, I most enjoy assisting with surgeries and dentistry, as well as all laboratory work. When not at work you can find me swimming or at the park with my daughter.

HEATHER, Veterinary Nurse

I graduated from the Vet Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute in January of 2007 and am currently taking classes to become a Licensed Vet Technician. I have spent my life around animals and have always known I would build a career around them.  Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than to be a part of a caring team of providers working closely to promote the health and happiness of our furry patients.

Growing up in the Northwest, I have enjoyed spending time outdoors in nature, when school and work schedules allow.  When not in the clinic, I can be found in the company of two messy, unruly, and loveable roommates, my cats Gandalf and Magic.

Receptionist

 

 

 

Kris, veterinary assistant

I was raised in California and after attending college I decided on a career as a dental assistant.  After several years working as an assistant, I began thinking about changing careers.  I have always been a animal lover and was lucky to find work at the Monterey Bay SPCA Wildlife Center.  There I had a chance to work with some amazing animals.  After moving to Seattle I worked again as a dental assistant and had a brief diversion as an aircraft mechanic at Boeing. I now work at  Cascade Pet Hospital.  I have the best of both worlds.  I can help in the care of pets and also apply my dental skills. I live at home with my husband Glenn and 3 cats.  Squawk, our orange tabby and one-time stray has ambassadorial aspirations, Klickitat, our gray tabby is an expert in Egyptian history and regards herself- with good reason- as much better than the rest of us, and our gray part-torti Lilliwaup, who was a feral kitten is convinced she is actually a lynx. I am delighted and privileged to be a part of the staff at Cascade Pet Hospital.   I am interested in all aspects of care and service for our clients and patients, with particular interest in pet dentistry, and I am dedicated to the support of all the Cascade Pet Hospital staff in the service of animals and their people.