Veterinarians, Technicians & Hospital Staff

Dr. Sarah Bashaw

I grew up in a small town in South Dakota. I always looked up to the veterinarian who took care of my dogs and cats, and also our farm animals. He was kind, compassionate, and we often saw him around town. Everyone knew Doc and he was always happy to stop and visit. I decided to attend veterinary school to become one of the respected members of my community.

After graduation from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, the city called me. I never became the small town veterinarian that I knew growing up, but I learned a lot about how much people care for their pets, no matter where they live. I decided to open a practice that would provide to our community that veterinarian who cares as much about the resident's pets as they do. It's my desire to bring small town values and honesty to our practice.

Over the years I have developed an interest in veterinary dentistry. I have been fortunate to learn from some of the top veterinary dental specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Dentistry is only one portion of wellness care, and we integrate it with all other areas of medicine and surgery to provide complete care for dogs and cats. This comprehensive care is combined with an ongoing effort to educate and guide pet owners in maintaining and improving their pets' health, and an understanding of the bond between pet owners and their pets.

My husband, David, and I have been residents of Fountain Hills since 2005. We have one dog named TJ; five cats, Rocky, Ping, Grackle, Lupo and Frankie; and an African Tortoise named Ninja.

Dr. Bashaw is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is a graduate with honors from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Megan Marshall

Dr. Marshall is a Gallup, New Mexico native who attended the University of Missouri-Columbia for both her Bachelors of Science in Biology and D.V.M. at the College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing her D.V.M. degree, Dr. Marshall and her husband Brandon moved to the St. Louis, Missouri area. Dr. Marshall has been practicing general medicine and surgery for 6 years prior to joining El Dorado Animal Hospital in June of 2014. Dr. Marshall has two dogs, a Standard Poodle named Brinkley and a terrier mix named Truman, and two Siberian Forest Cats named Vlad and Katya. She is happy to return to her southwest roots and looks forward to providing the best care and enhancing the bond owners have with their pets.

Dr. Marshall is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Kerry Mead

Dr. Kerry Mead is the newest addition to the El Dorado Animal Hospital team, joining in February 2017. Originally from New Hampshire, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.  She obtained her DVM degree from St. Matthews School of Veterinary Medicine in Grand Cayman, BWI. During her time in Grand Cayman, she served as President of the St. Matthews Veterinary Business Management Association, as well as the Zoetis Student Representative for St. Matthew’s.  After leaving the island in 2015, Dr. Mead traveled to the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine to complete her clinical training. Dr. Mead has also attended continuing education courses in canine and feline dentistry. When she isn’t interacting with her clients and patients, she spends time with her dog Uri, and the boss of her household, Pluto the bird.

Dr. Mead is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.

David Bashaw, Hospital Administrator

David has many responsibilities at El Dorado Animal Hospital, including hospital administration, inventory management, bookkeeping, human resources, handyman/repairman and even landscape and janitorial duties. He's the behind-the-scenes man that keeps the hospital running smoothly. He also is available at anytime for client needs, whether it's special ordering medications or food, or helping transport a pet to and from the hospital. 

Kelsey Oakman, CVT

Kelsey is originally from Prescott, AZ. She joined El Dorado Animal Hospital in February 2014 as a veterinary technician after completing her veterinary assisting and technician externships. In March 2014 she graduated from Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technician program and has since become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Kelsey has one cat named Iris, two chihuahuas named Dylan and Rue, a German Shepherd named Ruby, and a extra large dachshund mix named Raven. Kelsey hopes to work with elephants someday.

Jessica Tuohy

Jessica joined El Dorado Animal Hospital in June 2015 as a veterinary technician. She graduated from the veterinary assistant program at Pima Medical Institute and graduated in February 2015 after completing her VA externship at VCA Mesa Animal Hospital in December of 2014. Jessica is planning to continue her education by completing the veterinary technician program online. Jessica has two cats named Penelope and Katnip.

Kamilla Benforte

Kamilla has tried many things in her life. She is an artist, has owned restaurants and was part of fashion industry in New York and Paris. However, working with animals is definitely where she is meant to be. She completed animal science study at the University of Georgia in 2005. Before joining El Dorado Animal Hospital in August 2016 she spent 4 years working at Sea World and Koala Sanctuary on the Gold Coast (Australia). Kamilla shares her life with her daughter Alessandra and their two cats, Neko and Jinx. Her other daughter Natalia also lives in the area. Art is still a big part of her life and if there is any free time her itchy fingers are constantly looking for a new surface to paint on.

Lacey Markert

Lacey joined El Dorado Animal Hospital in March 2017 as a veterinary assistant, thinking she may pursue a career in veterinary technology. Lacey is native to Arizona and grew up working with animals in a rescue organization. She has two cats, Bubba and Purdy, who both have feline leukemia virus but are healthy and happy. Lacey has a large family and likes to spend time with them, especially late night board games. She also loves camping and hiking. Her plan is to attend Maricopa County Community College starting in the fall of 2018.

Rebecca Harrow, Customer Care Representative

Becca is an Arizona native with a background in communications, retail and customer service. She joined El Dorado Animal Hospital in August 2016. While working full time she is continuing her studies torward a major in communications at NAU. Becca enjoys traveling, watching movies, baking and spending time with family. She has two cats, Pumpkin and Sebastian, a pomeranian named Bentley, and a Walker Hound dog named Toast.

Jamie Gorman, Customer Care Representative

Jamie is an Arizona native who spent 7 years in Indiana, but loves the town of Fountain Hills. She's worked in the veterinary field since 2005, both as a technician and receptionist. Jamie also has experience as a human phlebotomist. She joined El Dorado Animal Hospital in April 2016 as a customer care representative, and more recently has started splitting shifts working as a technician as well. Some days you may see Jamie greet you at the front and other days she may be with the doctors during your pet's exams and treatments. Jamie has two cats, Kitten, a Siamese mix, and Ish Kitty, a black shorthair. She is also a proud mom of two teenage boys, Hunter and Dakota. Jamie likes arts and crafts such as quilting and crocheting, cooking, and anything outdoors.

Alyssa Kotol, Customer Care Representative

Alyssa is a recent addition to the El Dorado team, joining the reception staff in May 2017. Alyssa has over 6 years of customer service experience, and enjoys the interactions with clients and their pets. She is an Arizona native who likes to spend her weekends in the cooler northern Arizona country, but also enjoys dining experiences, trying different restaurants throughout the valley. Alyssa is currently enrolled in her second year of college full-time online, taking general studies. She has three dogs, a Yorkie named Lana, a Husky named Sevie and a Shepherd mix named Doug.

James Hancock

James is a part time assistant to all of the technicians and doctors, and when he's not attending high school you may see him in the background helping out on afternoons and Saturdays. James has two small dogs, Loki, a chihuhua mix and Cocoa, a miniature pinscher mix. James has been a part of the El Dorado team since December 2016.