Dr. Mike Whittington

Dr. Whittington grew up in central Florida where his parents had retired from the US Air Force in 1970 after 20 years of active duty.  He attended college and veterinary school for eight years at the University of Florida; after graduation in 1991 Dr. Whittington and his wife Lili came to Eagle River Alaska and quickly fell in love with his exciting Alaskan experience.  Dr. Whittington has worked emergency services at a variety of hospitals in different states, and owned his own practice in Ecuador.  Dr Whittington decided to settle in Alaska and opened Far Country Animal Hospital in order to serve the people of the Mat-Su Valley.  Dr. Whittington and his wife enjoy hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, and occasional cycling.  He owns two adopted mixed breed dogs; Nala and Paika.

Dr. Cynthia Collins

 Dr. Cynthia Collins joined the Far Country Animal Hospital Team in 2007.  She is excited about our future vision to be the first Veterinary Hospital in the valley to provide 24 hour/7 day a week emergency care, a tremendous service for our Matanuska-Susitna pets and owners.  She aspires to vastly expand FCAH’s diagnostic capabilities with her interests in ultrasound technology.  Diagnostic imaging has been a keen interest of hers for years. Before her passion for medicine led her to veterinary school, Dr. Collins worked researching Type II diabetes mellitus for nearly four years.  She graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince Edward Island, in Canada.  Dr. Collins owns two mixed breed dogs and a crafty little black cat.  Dr. Collins has been an Alaskan resident for over 25 years and LOVES the Mat-Su Valley.  Her attention to detail and sensitivity towards her patients and clients makes her an essential part of the Far Country Animal Hospital team!

Dr. Amanda Taylor 

Dr. Amanda Taylor has experienced a connection with animals since she was a young girl. She grew up in Eagle River, Alaska and went to Chugiak High School. After High School, She started Veterinary School at Oregon State University, and completed an internship at Atlantic Veterinary College/ University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Her interests in the Veterinary profession are internal medicine, oncology, and radiology. Dr. Taylor is the proud owner of many furry critters. She has three dogs named Chloe, Ceileidh, and Reese, two cats named Lenny and Sterling, two guinea pigs named Oscar and Felix, and a Bearded Dragon named Gondor. When Dr. Taylor is not helping animals at Far Country, she can be found outdoors with her husband and pets hiking, camping and enjoying the great State of Alaska.

Dr. Samantha Yeltatzie

Dr. Samantha Yeltatzie started at Far Country in November of 2010. She studied at Texas A&M and graduated from Cornell University in 2005. Her love of animals began with her tuxedo cat Socks as a child. Socks got sick and the veterinarian and technician that treated him went above and beyond, which left a lasting impression on her. It was their care, compassion and dedication that inspired Dr. Y to become a veterinarian. Today, Samantha owns Mateo, a Hungarian Vizsla who goes everywhere with her! Mateo and Dr. Y love going hiking, camping and traveling together. He is her constant companion and is like a child to her. He’s also her favorite subject to photograph! Samantha is 1/2 Alaskan Native (Haida) and was raised in Texas. In her spare time, she has also enjoyed worked as a trail veterinarian for the Iditarod for the past 3 years. Working on the Iditarod trail is what motivated her to move to Alaska.

Cassandra, Office Manager 

Cassandra grew up with a miniature farm and loves animals.  Starting as a receptionist when the hospital opened in 2006, Cassandra’s friendly nature and fantastic organizational skills help the FCAH team greatly. Cassandra has now grown in the position of our Office Manager while also seeking a degree in Small Business Management at UAA/Mat-Su College. Her love and compassion for furry critters are certainly appreciated by clients and staff alike. Moving to Alaska in 2004 from Washington State, Cassandra enjoys four-wheeling, hiking and marksmanship training at the shooting range.  She also enjoys shopping! Cassandra owns three Rabbits named Buttercup, Bandit, and Pepper. She also has a Pug named Diezel, and a very energetic Husky named Taxie.

Rebecca, Licensed Veterinary Technician

Rebecca was born in New York, but spent most of her childhood in Kodiak Island. She has always known that she would make a career out of loving animals. Rebecca recently graduated from Portland Community College in Portland Oregon with a degree in Veterinary Technology, and is now a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  Rebecca is a member of several different clubs in the Veterinary community, including the American Animal Hospital Association, the North American Veterinary Technician Association, and the Alaska Veterinary Technician Association. Her hobbies include riding motorcycles, hiking, camping, video games, and reading. She has two mixed breed dogs named Copper and Leia, and a domestic shorthair cat named Cruiser.

Billy, Veterinary Technician

Billy joined Far Country in 2009. Billy has fulfilled his lifelong dream of living in Alaska, with his two Akitas named Pandora and Nakita. With over 15 years of experience in the Veterinary field, Billy chose Far Country because he prides himself on providing progressive medicine. Billy has become a great asset by using his skills in dental cleanings, anesthesia, and canine behavior & training. Billy has also studied the behavior of captive wolves throughout several different states to further his knowledge of canine behavior. During his time off he plays hockey and loves to go hiking with his dogs, Sitka and Kenai. He also owns two horses, "Lakota" a paint horse, "Spirit" a Kiger mustang, and 5 mixed breed cats. Billy’s love for animals is shared with his wonderful wife Millie and their two children Tristan and Autumn.

Jamie, Veterinary Technician and Receptionist 

Jamie’s passion for animals is innate. She was born and raised in Alaska and enjoys horseback riding. Jamie joined the Far Country Team in 2007. Learning about animals medically by on the job training and through online courses, Jamie aspires to improve her technical skills and become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  Jamie is a proud Staffordshire Bull Terriers owner and fancier, and AKC exhibitor.  Jamie is active members of the following K9 clubs: Cook Inlet Kennel Club, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America, and Northern Outpost Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.  Jamie has two daughters who are aspiring Junior Handlers in the Sport of Purebred Dogs.

Christa, Veterinary Technician

Pets have always been a part of Christa’s life. Christa enjoys working at Far Country because of the friendly environment and very friendly clients and patients she sees on a daily basis. She enjoys making anyone laugh when possible. Christa recently moved to Alaska from Arizona. She has been working as a Veterinary Technician for over 6 years and she aspires to one day become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Christa’s hobbies include watching football games (Go Steelers!), Playing softball, and playing the piano. She has a Bloodhound named Ziva, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Guinness. Christa is known for her friendly and caring personality.

Rebecca- Veterinary Technician 

Rebecca has lived in Alaska her entire life, and wouldn’t change a thing about it. She grew up with lots of animals and always had an innate passion to help them in any way possible. Rebecca is especially noteworthy for her excellent customer service and patient care. Her goal while she is at work is to soothe worried pet parents and help their pets in any way possible. She is currently completing an online Veterinary Technician degree at San Juan College and is determined to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Rebecca has 5 animals; a wiggly Boxer named Dinah, a petite Pug named Beatrix, a handsome Golden Retriever mix named Rusty, a smart cockatiel named Squirt, and a crazy cat named Ms. Bianca. When Rebecca is not at work she can be found experiencing the great Alaskan outdoors while camping, hiking, dirt-biking, fishing, and of course playing with her pets.

Tia, Veterinary Technician

Tia is from Arkansas and has always grown up with animals. She relocated to Alaska in August of 2008 with her husband Matt who was stationed at Fort Richardson. They are in love with Alaska and plan to stay here to continue with the great outdoor activities they enjoy, which include hiking, fishing and camping. Tia gained her experience being a Veterinary Technician by working at various veterinary facilities over the last six years. Tia and Matt share their hearts with Sadie, an adventurous Schnauzer mix and a Dachshund named Rudy, who is a “Champion Wiener Dog Athlete”.  Tia’s dream is to someday retire with a farm full of rescued wiener dogs!

Samantha, Veterinary Technician

Samantha was looking for a new adventure and found her way to Alaska. She settled in Palmer after deciding it was a great central location for fishing! Although she is unsure where her love of animals came from, she’s pretty certain that she was simply born with a passion for helping creatures in any way possible. Samantha is a 2011 Graduate of Muscatine Community College in Iowa; an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician School. She hopes to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician this year as well as work towards specializing in Emergency Care. Her best buddy is Max, a 6 year old Wire Fox Terrier who’s first and only love is his tennis ball. Samantha recently adopted an elderly husky from the shelter named Mercedes. She enjoys yoga, fishing, and painting. She also loves to cook for her roommates and co-workers! Samantha is known for her self-described “annoyingly positive attitude” and crazy personality.

April, Veterinary Assistant

April feels a deep connection with animals.  She has raised cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, horses and goats. April wanted to work somewhere where she knew she could help and make a difference, which is why she chose Far Country. April completed her Veterinary Assisting Program with Honors through Ashworth College. She aspires to continue her education and become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. April owns a brindle Boxer named Harley and Zeus, an Akita/Rottweiler. Recently, her family adopted a ball python named Monti. She also enjoys gardening, biking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding and everything else that life has to offer.  April is a loving wife and mother of two daughters named Jamie and Alyssa whom bring many joys in her life.

Morgan, Veterinary Assistant

Morgan joined our team in July of 2010. She has always loved animals. The first word Morgan ever spoke as a child was her dog’s name!  Her prior animal experience includes giving the homeless pets at Mat-Su Animal Care and Control lots of love and attention. Morgan owns a sweet Cocker Spaniel named Chewy, who was a rescue. Morgan admires Chewy’s ability to forgive humans for the cruelty she suffered before finding a lifelong home with Morgan. She loves treating the patients here at Far Country as though they were her own pets, and hopes to go back to school to become a veterinary technician. Outside of work, Morgan still volunteers at local animal shelters, and loves to go hiking with her kids. Morgan is known for being passionate about anything and everything she sets her mind to.

Lea, Veterinary Assistant

Lea grew up in rural Alaska. While living in rural Alaska, not only did she interact with all the pets she owned, but also the wild animals that called the area home. Throughout her life, her love and interest in animals only grew more as she continued to learn about her surroundings. Lea first visited Far Country as a loving pet owner bringing her furry friend in for basic treatment. She fell in love with the clinic and was inspired at the level of care provided. After attending Animal Behavior College and completing her degree as a Certified Veterinary Assistant, Lea joined our team. Lea owns an American Bulldog named Tuffy who she rescued from the local animal shelter at just 8 months old. Tuffy is now 6 years old and enjoys long walks in the summer, relaxing in front of the heater in the winter… and of course his beloved Kong toy! In her spare time, Lea enjoys writing, sketching, sledding and spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors!

Emily, Veterinary Assistant

Emily was welcomed into the Far Country team in December of 2010. Growing up, she owned every animal imaginable, including Dogs, cats, fish, exotic birds, ponies, horses and even chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Believe it or not… Emily self-taught her geese obedience lessons! She has always loved caring for each of her pets and treated each one like a member of her family. Emily enjoys working with people and pets alike. As a receptionist, she is always the first to greet you with a friendly smile, and as a veterinary assistant she loves helping with the care and handling on the patients who visit our clinic. Her ultimate career goal is to continue her knowledge and become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Currently, Emily’s furry family includes a 7 year old Quarter Horse Gelding, a 6 year old Pit-bull/Husky mix and a 3 year old tabby cat.

Noelle, Veterinary Assistant 

Growing up, Noelle was a storyteller. She would always make up stories about the color purple and cats. So naturally, Far Country was a good fit! She always grew up with pets and cannot go a day without being with them. Noelle’s current pets include Boo, a ragdoll/ Siamese mix who got his name because he loves to pop out and scare you! She also is the proud owner of Lilly, a Shetland Sheepdog, and Wilson, a Columbian Rainbow Boa. Noelle is known for her great memory, she never forgets a face. She loves interacting with clients both at the hospital, and outside of work. Noelle enjoys chatting with clients about pets, their health care, and progress. She aspires to continue her education somewhere in the veterinary field. Noelle’s interests outside of animals and work are going camping and enjoying the beautiful wilderness of Alaska with her fiancé.

Jennie, Veterinary Assistant 

Jennie grew up loving animals and in high school took every FFA class available.After graduation, she began working at a hog farm. Jennie's life has always been surrounded by animals and pets either at home or at work. She was originally introduced into the Veterinary field by Dr. Pickle at Alvin Friendswood Veterinary Clinic in Texas where she worked for two years before moving to Alaska. Jennie aspires to continue her education and knowledge of animal healthcare. Jennie and her family own a rescued Bloodhound named Zydeco and a rescued Yorkshire Terrier named Phebe. She loves sharing her time with her husband and three children.Together, they all love to hike, sightsee, go fishing and hunting, horseback riding and overall enjoying the great outdoors with the entire family!

Dacia, Receptionist & Veterinary Assistant

Dacia grew up with animals as her parents encouraged her involvement with 4-H when she was young.  Dacia joined the Far Country team in 2008. She likes to work at Far Country because of the great doctors and staff.  She appreciates the ability to grow in her career that is offered here.  She is currently cross-training as an assistant once a week to help her further her personal career goals.  Dacia owns three dogs; Gizzy, a purebred Pekingese, Otis a pug/sheltie mix and Milo, a lab mix.  She also has two cats named Booboo and Deekin.  In her time off Dacia likes to watch movies, read books and work in her yard.  She is noteworthy for her organization and great attention to detail on her job. Her family is supportive of her in her goal to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Rebecca, Receptionist

Becca grew up in central Minnesota, and moved to Alaska at a young age. Her love of animals was instilled in her from the start. Growing up, her family bred and raised AKC Chocolate Labrador Retrievers. Into adulthood, her fascination turned to reptiles. She now owns a Ball Python named Kratos, a Colombian Red Tail Boa named Kahn, and a Rose Hair Tarantula named Michael . Although she doesn’t currently own a dog, her favorite dog breed is a Boxer. Becca hopes to continue her education by obtaining a degree in Herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians). She hopes to someday open her own reptile specialty shop! Becca also has an attraction to other unique animals like tarantulas and scorpions! Becca’s hobbies and interests outside of work and creatures include music, cars, video games, camping, fishing and marksmanship. Becca is known for being very laid back and easy going. She has a caring nature and friendly personality, and most importantly, always looking to serve her clients at Far Country!

Amanda, Receptionist

When Amanda was younger, her family always shared their home and hearts with pets. She enjoys interacting with people and animals, and is known to be very personable. She would love to pursue a degree in either business or continuing her education in the veterinary field. She owns two cats whose names are, Lynx and Rascal, a 2 year-old chocolate lab named Jag. Amanda and her husband also recently adopted a mixed breed Black Labrador/ German Wirehair Pointer puppy named Trigger. Outside of work she enjoys hunting, fishing, Frisbee golf, hiking and playing with her dogs.