Your Love, Our Calling

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Your Love, Our Calling

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Our people have incredible backgrounds – some have won world championships, and others have dedicated their lives to impassioned causes.

Doctors

Deah M. Hessian, DVM

Deah M. Hessian, DVM

Medical Director

Dr. Deah Hessian is the owner and Medical Director of Palisades Veterinary Hospital. She purchased the fledgling PVH in 1993, her vision was to create a world class facility with a small-town feel. In the spring of 2000, Dr. Hessian moved the hospital into its own building near the center of Fountain Hills and the fountain.

A native of California, Dr. Hessian holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Arizona in Animal Health Science, Education, and Agriculture Engineering. She attended Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1990. She worked at the World Health Organization’s primate lab, the Hawaii Zoo, and the Hawaiian State Veterinarian. After graduating from veterinary school, she spent three more years honing her craft at Tri-City East and Main Street Veterinary Clinics.

Dr. Hessian traces her love of animals to her childhood, where she spent countless hours caring for and developing a deep understanding of animals. She purchased her first Quarter Horse while in veterinary school and soon became a competitive rider. Today, she competes in both American Quarter Horse Association and National Reined Cow Horse Association shows and has won multiple world championships.

In addition to her many years of service to the Fountain Hills, Rio Verde and North Scottsdale communities, Dr. Hessian is an active and respected member in the veterinary and animal care community. She has served on the Boards of the Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association, A Dog Owners Group (ADOG, Fountain Hills), Arizona Quarter Horse Association and The Watumull Trust for the Preservation of the Indian Elephant. She also is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AzVMA), where she is recognized as an AzVMA Academy member with more than double the amount of continuing education credits required for membership.

When not working or riding, Dr. Hessian enjoys giving back to her community through work with various non-profit organizations. She is married to Scott Ruple, her best friend and business muse since 1990. They share their Fountain Hills home with their French Bulldog, Hudson.

Teresa Juetten

Teresa Juetten

DVM

Dr. Juetten is a resident of Fountain Hills, Arizona, with deep roots in the surrounding community. She was raised in Mesa and worked in Scottsdale from 1974 to 2022, bringing decades of experience and dedication to her profession.

Her career in animal care began in 1976 as a kennel assistant at a local animal hospital, where she developed a strong work ethic and a passion for veterinary medicine. While working, she became a certified veterinary technician and pursued her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1985.

Dr. Juetten is a proud member of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association’s Academy Fellowship. Her early professional experience included training Arabian and other horse breeds at McCormick Ranch Stables. She has since transitioned to small animal medicine, where she is known for her compassionate care and particular affinity for feline patients.

A lifelong animal lover, Dr. Juetten is a valued member of the team at Palisades, where she continues to provide dedicated, high-quality veterinary care.

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”
-AD Williams

Care Team

Morgan E.

Morgan E.

Veterinary Assistant

Originally from New Mexico, Morgan is now a full-time resident of Arizona. She earned her Veterinary Assistant Certificate from Animal Behavior College and has applied her training across a wide range of animal care services, including pet sitting and fostering, dog walking, pet nutrition, first aid and CPR, and pet massage.

In addition to her professional work, Morgan maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys spending time with friends while participating in sports such as soccer, softball, swimming, and bowling. She is also a member of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association.

Morgan currently serves in a Veterinary Assistant role, where she continues to expand her skills and experience in animal care while working toward completing the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician certification program. She shares her home with Raven, her German Shepherd, who is a valued member of her family.

Kaitlyn N.

Kaitlyn N.

Veterinary Assistant

Kaitlyn is a former California resident who moved here to Fountain Hills and became part of the Palisades team in late 2024. She has spent years working with animals and has a deep passion for helping pets in need. Before moving to Arizona, she volunteered as a foster for animal rescue in California, providing a loving home for pets awaiting their forever families.

At home, Kaitlyn shares her life with her dog, Colty, and her cat, Gracia Lou, who bring her endless joy and companionship.

Kaitlyn was a Veterinary Assistant certification student prior to joining our team, and she is eager to continue her education in veterinary medicine and expand her ability to care for animals. Her dedication, compassion, and animal care experience make her a wonderful addition to the Palisades family.

Shannon F.

Shannon F.

Resort Attendant

Shannon is a Fountain Hills native and has been a valued member of the team since 2017. She is dedicated to providing attentive, compassionate care to every patient she meets. Shannon oversees our boarding kennel and kitty condos, and provides quality interaction to enrich your pet’s time while they stay with us.

Outside of the clinic, Shannon enjoys spending time with her longtime canine companion, Chuy. In her free time, she can often be found going for walks, enjoying scenic hikes, or simply relaxing at home.

Danni C.

Danni C.

Resort Attendant

Danni grew up in California and has been calling Arizona home for the past few years. She joined Palisades Veterinary Hospital in 2024 and has been a dedicated member of the team as a Kennel Technician, where she helps ensure every patient receives compassionate care in a clean and comfortable environment.

A self-proclaimed nerd, Danni loves learning and gaining knowledge in all areas of life, and she brings that curiosity and enthusiasm to her work every day. She has a deep love for animals, especially cats, and enjoys getting to know each patient she cares for—even though she doesn’t have any pets of her own at the moment.

Outside of the clinic, Danni enjoys spending her free time reading, watching anime, and going for bike rides to explore the outdoors. Her passion for learning and her kind, caring nature make her a valued member of the Palisades team, and she looks forward to continuing to grow her skills while providing excellent care to every animal she encounters.

Michael M.

Michael M.

Practice Manager

Originally from Wisconsin, Michael has called Fountain Hills home since 1999. He earned his degree in Veterinary Technology from Kaplan College in Phoenix and has been a Veterinary Technician since 2013. He joined the Palisades team in early 2022 and now serves as Practice Manager.

A true ailurophile, Michael is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and has been working to certify Palisades as a Cat-Friendly Practice. He shares his home with his kid and two cats: Fizzgig (Fizzy), a sweet grey kitty, and Nandor the Relentless, a black cat with a personality all his own.

In his free time, Michael enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, video games, and commissioning and collecting fantasy and cat-themed art. He hopes to someday retire and become a writer/game designer and operate a cat café in his free time.

Stephanie C.

Stephanie C.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Stephanie moved to Arizona from New York in 2019 and joined the Palisades team in 2023, making Fountain Hills her new home. She is a graduate of SUNY Canton, where she was a member of the Tau Phi Zeta Honor Society for Veterinary Technicians and earned a place on the President’s List every semester. Stephanie is a Certified Veterinary Technician in Arizona, having previously been a Licensed Veterinary Technician in New York.

Stephanie enjoys swimming, tennis, and other outdoor activities that let her soak up the sun. At home, she shares her life with her husband, Adam, and their German Shepherd/Golden Retriever named Charlie, and cat, Gossamer. She has a special interest in caring for senior pets and hopes to work with exotic animals in the future.

Katie M.

Katie M.

Veterinary Technician

Katie joined the Palisades team as a Veterinary Technician in 2023 after moving to Arizona from Illinois, where she was a Certified Veterinary Technician. She is excited to become certified in Arizona and continue developing her skills.

Katie shares her home with her husband, Nate, and their furkid, a shepherd named Raya. When she’s not at the clinic, she loves cozy nights watching scary movies with her pets by her side. Always dedicated and passionate about animal care, Katie enjoys keeping up with the latest veterinary research and sharing what she learns to help the whole team grow.

Alex T.

Alex T.

Veterinary Technician

Alex was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and joined Palisades Veterinary Hospital in early 2026. He is passionate about animal care and plans to become a Certified Veterinary Technician, continually expanding his skills to provide the best care for every patient.

Alex lives with his wife, Stephanie, along with their chihuahua, Maple, and their cat, Mika. A huge soccer fan, he enjoys cheering on his favorite teams and staying active. When he’s not at the clinic or watching a game, Alex loves exploring Arizona, discovering unique places, scenic spots, and hidden gems across the state.

Elijah M.

Elijah M.

Client Services Representative

Elijah joined the Palisades team as a Customer Service Representative in mid-2023. While this is his first role in the veterinary field, he’s quickly found his footing and is excited to continue learning. Elijah hopes to cross-train as a Veterinary Assistant and eventually pursue a career as a Veterinary Technician.

Outside of work, Elijah is a proud dog dad to his lovable pup, Gracie. He enjoys spending his free time bowling and hitting the dance floor whenever he gets the chance. Family means the world to him, and he often spends weekends helping his family with various projects, always ready to lend a hand.

Elijah’s positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and strong sense of family make him a wonderful addition to the Palisades team.

Alex J.

Alex J.

Client Services Representative

Alex has been a valued member of the team since May 2022. She began her journey as a Customer Service Representative and has since been cross-trained as a Veterinary Assistant. She continues to grow her skills and provide compassionate care to patients every day.

Known for her friendly demeanor and willingness to help, Alex brings a positive attitude to every aspect of her work. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys painting, traveling, and backpacking.

Alex shares her home with her two adopted dogs, Kindred and Rosalina, and looks forward to one day sailing around the world and experiencing new cultures and adventures.

Alex T.

Alex T.

Client Services Representative

Alex was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, and grew up in Wellington, Florida. She joined Palisades Veterinary Hospital in early 2025 as a Customer Service Representative, where she enjoys helping clients and supporting the team.

A devoted animal lover, Alex shares her home with four cats—Belle, Spencer, Ellijay, and Sasuke—and her dog, Lola. Outside of work, she enjoys diving and snorkeling, exploring arts and crafts projects, and spending time gaming.

Alex is passionate about the environment and hopes to one day earn a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Florida Atlantic University. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in coral reef restoration, combining her love of the natural world with her dedication to making a positive impact.

This could be you! Check out our career opportunities to become part of an amazing team.