AZPetVet Bell Ridge Animal Hospital & Grooming

Dr. Caitriona Rafferty

I come from Yonkers, New York, but spent many summer vacations in Arizona. In 2015, I received my Bachelor of Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire. I attended Midwestern University here in Arizona for my DVM degree, and decided I loved living in the desert year ‘round!

My clinical interests include preventative care medicine, animal behavior, and soft tissue surgery.

When I am not working I enjoy traveling, hiking, rock climbing, reading, and spending time with my vet school foster fail kitty, Pitch.

Kiersten Griesback

I grew up in the small town of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. I attended Arcadia University, just outside of Philadelphia, for my undergraduate degree in biology, where I was able to spend time abroad in both Greece and Australia. During college, I also worked at a low-cost clinic and cat rescue agency. I received my DVM from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona in May of 2023. During veterinary school I worked as a technician in an emergency and critical care hospital, as well as for Newborn Kitten Rescue, with whom I also fostered adorable little kittens! My professional interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, emergency medicine, and preventative medicine. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, and going swimming at Lake Pleasant with my soon-to-be husband and our two pups, Scout and Lucy!

Dr. Jennifer Starkel

I'm from a small town in Connecticut. I received my Bachelor of Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire in 2001, then my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2005.

I enjoy spending free time with my husband and our two energetic sons, as well as our four-legged furry babies. We also like to visit family and friends in the Midwest and New England when we can. When I can find some alone time, I love to read and run (aside from chasing around those energetic boys).

Dr. Greta Heinemann

I was born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois. I have worked for AZPetVet for over 22 years. This organization has been my home since graduating from the University of Illinois - College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with and mentoring many talented and caring AZPetVet doctors and team members throughout our family of hospitals. I appreciate the need for compassionate veterinary care and strive to meet all pet and client needs with flexible health care options. I understand that each case is unique and I personally strive to provide quality, individualized medical, dental, and surgical care for all patients.

I have been married for 22 years, and we are blessed with 2 amazing, energetic daughters. We also love our spoiled, long-haired, tabby cat named, “Griffin”. He is the epitome of the mythological creature: part eagle/part lion. We actually think he may actually be a dog posing in a cat’s body.

My free-time is spent with family: cooking, hiking throughout Arizona while appreciating nature, reading, sewing, painting, and making the most out of each and every day.

Thank you for allowing us to care for your beloved furry family members at Bell Ridge Animal Hospital and Grooming!

Dr. Nicole Johnson

I grew up in Simi Valley, California, and studied at California Lutheran University, receiving my undergraduate degree in 2015. I continued my education at Midwestern University and graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Before attending veterinary school, I was a veterinary assistant and technician for 4 years at a clinic in California. My clinical interests include preventative medicine and dentistry - with plans on getting certified in acupuncture in the future!

I live with my husband, and we recently welcomed our first baby boy! When outside of work, you can catch me watching football (Go Saints!), riding horses, and spending quality time with my family and our 2 dogs and 3 cats!

Dr. Megan Tuttle

Although I was born in Boulder, CO, I’ve lived in Arizona for most of my life. I received my Bachelor of Science at the University of Arizona in 2004 (Go Wildcats!) and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in May of 2008. During my time in Colorado, I realized I missed Arizona and wanted to return to the valley to practice veterinary medicine. My professional interests include dentistry, internal medicine, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery.

In my spare time, I enjoy Triathlon, watching live music, and traveling with my husband, Andrew and our two children Beckett and Mayla. Our 4 legged family includes a Border Collie mix (Dixie), a scruffy Terrier (Sophie), and a feisty orange tabby named Flash. I look forward to caring for your four-legged family soon!

Dr. Matthew Hay-Roe

I was born in Canton, Ohio, and my family moved to Phoenix in 1998. I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson and graduated with my Veterinary Science bachelor’s degree in 2011, and followed with vet school at Colorado State, which I completed in 2016. During both undergraduate and veterinary school, I performed in bands on some weekends and continue do so. I have worked at several veterinary practices in the Phoenix area, and am excited to get to know the people in north Phoenix. I currently live in Phoenix with my wife, two sassy cats and a very sweet dog.