About Us

Dr. Salmon achieved her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2016, completed a 1-year medicine and surgery rotating internship at the University of Minnesota, and then became residency trained in Veterinary Cardiology at the University of Georgia in 2020. She has practiced in Colorado Springs since completing her residency and became board-certified in 2021. Dr. Salmon’s professional interests include arrhythmia management, medical management of congestive heart failure, and catheter-based interventional procedures. Dr. Salmon also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science & a Master’s degree in Environmental Health & Toxicology. In her free time, she enjoys time outside with her dogs, Bee & Ladybug & time with her family in Denver.

Dr. Dani Waite was born and raised in Wyoming. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Wyoming in 2006. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2011. After graduation, she spent two years in small animal primary care in Colorado Springs. Her love for post-operative care and neurologic recovery fueled her transition to rehabilitation work. Dr. Waite completed internships at an emergency and specialty center and an orthopedic practice while completing coursework for her rehabilitation program and certificate in veterinary medical acupuncture. She has spent the last 10 years helping various patients needing rehabilitation. Dr. Waite is passionate about assisting her patients and their families to live their best lives with improved mobility and pain management. In her free time, Dr. Waite enjoys skiing, hiking, yoga, and spending time with her family. She has two boys that keep her busy with soccer, swimming, and lacrosse mom activities. Violet, Dr. Waite’s 2-year-old Olde English Sheepdog, is learning obedience & will start practicing the basics of dog sports soon. Dr. Waite treats your pet like one of her own and loves partnering with pet parents to make a treatment plan that fits the diagnosis and your life.

Dr. Emily Purswell received her undergraduate degree from the University of Denver in 2004 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in Ames, IA, in 2010. After completing a small animal rotating internship, she was commissioned into the U.S. Army, serving 14 years as an Active Duty veterinarian. During her military service, Dr. Purswell completed her clinical residency in internal medicine at North Carolina State University in 2018, subsequently becoming board-certified in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Purswell’s clinical interests include renal & gastrointestinal diseases. She lives in Colorado Springs with her partner, Scott, & they enjoy spending time together in the mountains, taking advantage of all that Colorado has to offer.

Dr. Leigh earned his DVM with honors from Colorado State University in 2001. After graduation, he completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Leigh then practiced emergency and general small animal medicine in the Denver area before being accepted into the radiology residency program at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing his residency training, he became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 2007. Dr. Leigh returned to Colorado and founded Rocky Mountain Veterinary Imaging in 2007 working as a veterinary radiologist at several front range referral hospitals and as a mobile radiologist. His professional interests include abdominal, musculoskeletal and vascular ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine. When not working, Dr. Leigh enjoys time with his family (including two mixed breed dogs), photography, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and backpacking.

Dr. Sutton grew up in Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona for his undergraduate degree where he received a bachelor’s in veterinary science. He then went on to gain work experience in Florida within the veterinary field before attending Washington State University for veterinary school. He graduated in 2020 and has worked in emergency on the front range ever since. He loves all things emergency medicine, especially interventional procedures and surgery. In his free time, you will often find him off in the mountains with his wife, Lexi, and two dogs, Arlo and Addie.

Dr. Summers joined NSVRC after graduating from Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada in 2023. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Summers accumulated over ten years of experience working at general practice veterinary clinics. While pursuing her doctorate degree, she discovered that emergency medicine is where she thrives as a veterinarian. Dr. Summers prioritizes clear and compassionate communication during ER visits to help owners make informed decisions for their pets during their most stressful times. She has empathy for anxious, fearful, and aggressive pets and practices within their comfort level to support a positive experience for pets while still providing the care they need. Dr. Summers grew up in Anchorage, Alaska where she spent most of her free time training and racing sled dogs. She now resides in Colorado Springs with her husband, their dogs Vino and Theo, and their cat, Yuki.

Dr. Butler grew up in Washington State but earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!). Dr. Butler then graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. After graduation, she moved to Colorado for a small animal rotating internship in the Denver area. After a few years working as an ER veterinarian in the Denver area, Dr. Butler, her fiancé, and her three-legged dog, Tater Tot, moved to Colorado Springs. Dr. Butler has a special interest in emergency and critical care and surgery. In her free time, she enjoys taking Tater to the dog park, exploring breweries, and reading.

Dr. Hardcastle grew up in Knoxville, TN attending the University of Tennessee for both undergraduate and veterinary school. Upon graduation, she commissioned into the Army Veterinary Corps, serving in Tacoma, WA, and Junction City, KS. After completing her time in service, she moved to Colorado Springs, where she joined the North Springs VRC team. Her clinical interests include surgery and anesthesia. Outside of work, she enjoys trail running, mountain biking, and spending time with her dogs.

Dr. Liz Braasch grew up in sunny San Diego, California, where her proximity to the San Diego Zoo sparked a lifelong dream of working with animals. She pursued this passion at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with a degree in Molecular Environmental Biology while also playing on the field hockey team (Go Bears!). After gaining practical experience as a veterinary technician, Dr. Braasch earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Drawn to the critical nature of emergency medicine, she completed a specialized small animal rotating internship with an emphasis in emergency care. After her internship, she and her husband moved to Colorado, where she thoroughly enjoys the change in seasons, especially the snow. Now with over a decade of experience, Dr. Braasch excels in client communication, taking the time to discuss the details of a pet’s ailments to ensure owners feel informed and supported. She is also passionate about effective pain management, striving to provide the highest level of comfort to her patients. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Braasch loves spending time with her husband, two children, three cats, and their Great Pyrenees, Fleury. Her hobbies include hiking, skiing, baking, and playing video games.

Dr. Plant grew up near Dallas, Texas. She went to LeTourneau University in east Texas to complete her degree in Biology. She received her veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 2016. During her internship, she found her passion for emergency medicine and critical care. Since then, she has practiced emergency medicine in Colorado Springs and Castle Rock, Colorado. Her specific interests are in managing critical and complicated cases such as sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and immune mediated hemolytic anemia; but she also enjoys emergency surgeries. Outside of work, her hobbies include reading, fiber arts (crocheting and knitting), and camping. She lives with her husband and son, dog (Hazel), and 3 cats (Ferne, Fletcher, and Douglas Fir).

After growing up in Brandon, South Dakota, Matt Hubbell graduated from Creighton University in 2010 with a degree in accounting. He began his career in public accounting, where he earned his CPA certification and discovered a passion for understanding what makes small businesses succeed. Following his time in public accounting, Matt built a successful career in the manufacturing and construction industries. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for North Springs Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center, Matt provides strategic leadership for the center’s business and finance functions. He is dedicated to creating efficiencies by leveraging technology and fostering a healthy, inclusive work climate. Matt is a personable, reliable, and accomplished professional who demonstrates integrity in all he does. He believes that business success and employee well-being are intrinsically linked. In his free time, Matt enjoys golfing, camping, and skiing.

military transplant from Manhattan, Kansas, Cathy’s journey brought her to Colorado Springs. After her service, she pursued her passion for veterinary medicine, beginning her career as a veterinary assistant in a general practice in 2006. To advance her career, she graduated with honors from Pima Medical Institute in 2019 as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). She soon discovered a love for emergency medicine while training under Dr. Lindsey Ganzer. In 2022, Cathy earned both a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Pima Medical Institute, preparing her for her current role as Staff Manager of North Springs Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center. She is currently working toward her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in Emergency and Critical Care. Cathy is deeply involved in mentoring future veterinary technicians; she has founded a scholarship, developed externship programs, and serves on the advisory boards for two veterinary technician schools in Colorado Springs. She also works closely with the El Paso County K-9s and the North Springs’ blood donation program. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Brent, their menagerie of three dogs and two cats, reading in her hammock, or tending to her garden.

A Colorado Springs native, Blaine graduated from Western Colorado University with a double major in Business Administration and Outdoor Leadership & Resort Management. She brings a wealth of diverse business and customer service experience to her role as Hospital Manager. Previously, Blaine has managed for Vail Resorts in Breckenridge, run a commercial rafting company, and coached Division II women’s basketball. As an entrepreneur, she has owned and operated several small businesses, including two coin-laundromats, and worked as a real estate agent for over a decade. Seeking a change of pace, she joined North Springs Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center in 2024. This role is a perfect fit, allowing her to combine her love of business with her passion for helping people and animals. In her free time, Blaine enjoys traveling, mountain biking, camping, and rafting with her husband, Brooks, their papillon, Roo, and their Portuguese water dog, Kevin.