Donald W. Holmes, DVM, Medical Director

When he was six, Dr. Holmes named his new Dalmation, “Spot.”  While he did not have the most creative name, Spot ignited a love affair between his owner and animals that lives on today.

Dr. Holmes is Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital’s medical director and one of its three veterinarians.

The Arizona native earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  He continues his education by regularly following the advances in medicine for dogs and cats through clinical journals, specialized classes, and veterinary conferences.

His affiliations include the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.

That Dalmation called Spot was just the beginning.  He and his wife, Nancy, share their lives with four dogs and 16 cats.  When they aren’t caring for this pack, they enjoy hiking, camping and fishing in Arizona’s beautiful outdoors.

Velvet Lynn Edwards, DVM, Staff Veterinarian

Growing up in Wisconsin, Dr. Edwards was the kid who brought every stray or injured animal home, much to the dismay of her parents.  Then it struck her that if she became a veterinarian, she could take care of animals and no one would complain.  In fact, scores of pets and their owners have benefited from her decision.

As one of Pecan Grove’s three veterinarians, Dr. Edwards is dedicated to small animal medicine with a special interest in feline care.

Dr. Edwards earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and her DVM from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine.  She joined Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital in 2001 and is licensed in Arizona, Illinois, and Wisconsin. 

Dr. Edwards never grew out of being the kid who takes in animals in need.  She shares her life with 2 Chihuahuas and 11 cats.

Holly Tuttle, DVM, Staff Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Dr. Tuttle wanted to be a veterinarian ever since she was a young child growing up in Ahwatukee.  Animals have always played an important role in her life, with dogs being constant family companions in the household.  She fondly recalls her “own” first pet Molly, a chocolate Labrador retriever.

She worked at a boarding kennel while in high school and as a veterinary technician for four and a half years prior to attending veterinary school.

A graduate of Arizona State University, Dr. Tuttle earned her DVM degree from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  She joined Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital as its third fulltime veterinarian in January of 2009.  Being able to see just how strong the human animal bond can be and what a positive impact a pet can have on a person’s life is a source of daily inspiration to her.

Dr. Tuttle and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter named Brooke, into the family in August of 2010.  They share their lives with three Labrador retrievers, one of each of the colors – chocolate, yellow and black, as well as two cats.  She and the dogs are active participants in AKC dog shows.  Their interests also include running, hiking, gardening and fixing up their home.

Marilyn Blevins, Office Manager

The compassion and attention we give our patients starts with Marilyn.  Since 1998, she has been in our reception area to greet patients, schedule appointments, answer questions, and truly make sure every visit is pleasant for both our patients and their owners.

Growing up in Bisbee, Marilyn cannot remember a time when she did not have cats.  Currently, Felix, Gabby, and Samba, all stray cats, have become part of her family.  She also enjoys her non-working time with her husband, Fred, and ten grandkids.

Janel Ellis, Certified Veterinary Technician

When Janel joined Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital in 1998, many of her current patients were just puppies and kittens.  She has loved watching them grow.  Her career has grown with them.

Janel started her career in animal care at age 15 in the kennel area.  Her role evolved and in 2005, she became a Certified Veterinary Technician.  Her responsibilities now include drawing blood, taking X-rays, monitoring anesthesia, and supporting the veterinarians.

Not only have Janel’s training and responsibilities grown during her time at Pecan Grove, but so has her pet family – she now shares her life with one dog and three cats.

Matthew B. Sontheimer, Veterinary Technician

South Carolina native Matt Sontheimer discovered a hidden passion for working with animals that moved him to study to become a veterinary technician.  No doubt a golden retriever named Sandy, his faithful companion for 13 years while growing up, played a key role in planting this seed.

At Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital, Matt is committed to aiding and comforting animals through their sick times.  His special bedside manner is focused on care and compassion for both the pet and its owner.

In his off-time, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking and caring for his Jack Russell Terrier named Teyla.

Amy McInteer, Veterinary Technician

Mesa, Arizona native Amy McInteer knew as a little girl that she wanted to work with animals.  In fact, as a four year old she informed her mother that she was going to be an “animal doctor.”

She began her veterinary technician studies at age 17 and graduated with honors in February 1999 from Pima Medical Institute.  Amy joined the staff of Pecan Grove Veterinary Clinic in July 2010 and enjoys working with people who are committed to providing honest, compassionate, quality care.

Away from work, Amy enjoys riding quads, bowling, camping and spending time with her family which includes “four beautiful children.”  Her household also includes four cats and two dogs, Goddi and Azul, with whom she works to bring honor and pride back to the pitbull name one dog at a time.

Liz Hulen, Veterinary Technician

Liz Hulen has always enjoyed spending time with animals and sees her job as a veterinary technician as the perfect fit.   The Tempe, Arizona native received her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University (ASU) in 2011.

Liz particularly likes helping the puppies and kittens that visit the clinic, and she has always been impressed with the compassionate nature that is representative of the staff at Pecan Grove.

Her pet family includes a husky mix, a Border Collie mix, two tuxedo cats, and a rosy boa.  During her off-time, Liz enjoys walking her dogs and spending time with her friends and family.  She is continuing her education and is currently assisting in sociological research at ASU.

Mark Quintero, Kennel Technician

When Mark describes Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital, he says, “TLC – Tender Loving Care.”  This not only applies to how we treat our patients, but to the dedication Mark gives to his job as Kennel Technician.

Whether he is preparing a kennel for a patient or cleaning every nook and cranny of our clinic, he takes tremendous pride in the loving care that makes our patients feel cared for and comfortable.

In 1960, Mark’s dad brought home a German Shepherd named Randy.  Mark fell in love with that dog and has loved animals ever since.  In 1999, he joined our clinic team and has put that love to work by ensuring our kennels are well-equipped, safe and comfortable for our patients.