Shannon Kesting, DVM

Veterinarian, Owner

My name is Shannon Kesting. I was raised on a farm in Illinois. I received my bachelors degree in biology with a chemistry minor from The University of Missouri-St. Louis. My doctorate it veterinary medicine (DVM) from The University of Missouri – Columbia, College of Veterinary Medicine was completed in 2005. My first year as a practicing veterinarian was in Farmington Missouri. During that first year, I cared for dogs, cats, cows, horses, goats, sheep, and one llama. I had a great time and gained experience in many areas but especially surgery, infectious diseases, and farm animal medicine.

From there I moved to St. Louis and worked for a busy, small animal practice. Here, I gained experience with senior wellness and management of long-term disease processes. The dream of Alaska had been brewing for a few years, and I finally made my way to this great state. I have always been in love with small airplanes, ocean kayaking, hiking, fishing, cabins, cross country skiing, and really all things Alaska. I received a position at Pet Emergency Treatment in the summer of 2007. My dog, cat, best friend, and I drove to Alaska. Since arrival, I have further fallen in love with this state and have made it my home. My experience at Pet Emergency Treatment greatly advanced my medical knowledge with emergency and critical care. I was also granted the opportunity to be a trail vet for the Iditarod. My experience on the Iditarod was one of the best times of my life, and I hope to repeat it again in the future.

I bought Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital with the idea that this could be my final veterinary home. Chester Valley evokes the feel of a small town clinic. Being raised in a small farming community, that feeling is very important to me and I hope to continue it for many years to come. Emergency medicine is a learning experience that every veterinarian should have, but it is time now for me to slow down a little and really get to know my clients. Over the future decades, I am excited to learn more about the people and animals in our little community. My goal for Chester Valley is to offer good, quality medicine at a reasonable price. Life is full of adventure, and I love to help our pets enjoy it.

Dr. Ashley Harmon

Veterinarian

Ashley grew up as the daughter of an Air Force Colonel, so she has called many places home before Anchorage, but she is here to stay! She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, finishing her last year at Colorado State University. Ashley then completed a one-year specialty internship where she trained in emergency medicine, pain therapy, and rehabilitation at Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. She practiced emergency medicine throughout Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver before moving to Anchorage. Ashley and her husband moved here to experience the wildlife, outdoor activities, and nature that Alaska has to offer.

Being able to provide patients with long-term quality pain control through methods such as acupuncture, exercise, and pharmaceuticals is very important to her, and she loves it when dogs and cats can do the daily activities their families want them to do, comfortably!

She loves the smaller atmosphere that Chester Valley offers, the care that each and every staff member shows each pet, and the ability to build good long-term, trusting relationships with clients and their pets. She also has a special interest in some exotic species of animals, especially chickens, and is exited about seeing more of those patients since they don’t tend to come through the emergency room door very often.

When not at Chester Valley seeing patients, Ashley spends most of her time with her husband, in her garden, or running with (or running after, depending on the day) her two rescue mutts Chili and Mongo, or keeping Folly the cat off the kitchen counters. She is an avid gardener and wants to work towards her Master Gardener certification one day.

Brittany Loken

Veterinary Technician

Hi, my name is Brittany, and I am a licensed veterinary technician. I love that my job allows me to do such a wide variety of things, from meeting brand-new kittens to taking x-rays and monitoring anesthesia, and I get to do all of it to help animals live happy, healthy lives. I was born and raised in Alaska and love living here with my clan of animals, which currently includes two dogs, Skidoo and Tug, and a cat, Shika. The dogs and I enjoy exploring parks and teaching high school students about the veterinary field. Shika is more of a window bird-watcher. Be sure to say hello when you come by the clinic!

Kristen Knorr

Veterinary Technician Assistant

Hi, I’m Kristen, and I am a Vet tech assistant here at Chester Valley. I have always loved and worked with animals most of my life, both here in Alaska and in Virginia, where I’m from. I moved up here in 2013 and have loved every minute. My husband Tyler and I are proud parents to my Eastern Box Turtle “Sammy” who has been with me and apart of my family for over 10 years and our 3 hermit crabs “Gary”, “Leroy” and “Atlas”. It’s not always easy to be “Shell Parents” but it’s worth it to see them happy, healthy and living their best lives.

Katie Smith

Veterinary Assistant

My name Kate, and I am one of the Tech Assistants here at Chester Valley. I am currently working on furthering my education in the veterinary profession, and hope to attain my technician license soon. I enjoy anything outside, which includes camping, hiking, and going for long drives out of town. My dog Kenobi is my adventure buddy, and enjoys exploring Alaska with me. I am very excited to share my love of animals with everyone who comes to Chester Valley.

Sierra Engler

Receptionist

Hi! My name is Sierra Engler. My background and education is in agriculture but I am so thrilled to now be a part of the veterinary field! I have always had a passion for animals. I’m originally from Oregon but am loving it here, in Alaska! Most of my free time is spent hanging out with my furry family members. I have a Border Collie mix named Clyde and a Karelian Bear Dog named Zag.

Hillary Mulhern

Receptionist

Hello, my name is Hillary and I am a receptionist at Chester Valley. My Great Dane, Frankenstein, and I moved up here from Georgia after I finished out my contract with the U.S. Navy as a linguist. Along with being a receptionist, I am in the reserves, but hope to be a veterinary technician one day. When I’m not working we’re out at the dog park or hiking someplace new!

Erin Morrell

Assistant Manager

Hi, my name is Erin Morrell and I am a receptionist here at Chester Valley. I was born in Texas but raised in beautiful Eagle River, Alaska. I graduated from Chugiak High School and I am currently working on getting my BS in Biology. My husband Steven and I currently live in Palmer, Alaska with our dog (Jottin), 3 cats (Icarus, Kahn, & Jax), and 3 geckos (Godzilla, Penelope, & Stubbs). I absolutely love the great Alaskan outdoors and cannot imagine living anywhere else. Alaska enables me to enjoy my favorite hobbies such as camping, hiking, four-wheeling, hunting, and fishing. Our goal is to one day own a homestead here in Alaska and farm and live off the land.

Jessica Zambotti

Office Manager

Hi, Iʼm Jessica the office manager here at Chester Valley. I have worked many different jobs, but have found that Iʼm happiest working with animals. I feel that I have the greatest job in the world! Where else could you find such a friendly environment where one minute you are answering the phone, next you are cuddling a puppy, and then five minutes later you are looking through a microscope? I am a very proud to be a member of this team, everyone puts so much heart into the care of each of our patients and clients every day.

Michaella Bernier

Kennel Aid

Hi, my name is Michaella and I’m one of the kennel aids here! I’m currently a second generation in my family to be working in the veterinary field. Growing up in a small, agricultural town in Utah, I have had exposure to and owned a lot of different animals. Because of this, I have always wanted to work with animals. I’m excited to say that work is my happy place since I’m surrounded by animals all day. Right now, my husband and I are on our own and starting a life together with my dog Scruffy, my snake Mr. Danger Noodle, and my cat Sarabi.