Meet Our Team
For these people horses are not just animals – they are friends and their passion!
Brandi Wurtz
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Brandi Wurtz was raised on a small farm in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. She spent all her time on horseback exploring back country trails with her dad or participating in various horse events. Brandi's love for horses carried her on to obtained her veterinary technician associates degree through Penn Foster College. She has been part of the McKinlay and Peters team since May of 2012. She enjoys assisting Dr. Schneider with lameness exams and in the surgery room. When Brandi isn't busy working at the clinic, she is spending her time with her family. Husband Tom, daughter Haylie, and son Clayton all share in her love of anything out doors. Her daughter has her passion for horses and together they participate in trail challenges and other riding events.
Nichole Gilbert
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Nichole grew up riding horses in the mountains of Northern Idaho. Her love for horses came early and naturally for her. Nichole first worked in the veterinary field at a mixed animal practice for 3 years, until she had her son. Riding bikes and horses with her son Mussy are some of her favorite activities. Though all horses are special for her, she has a passion for the pure Spanish horse (Andalusian), and has been a breeder for 17 years. Nichole joined McKinlay & Peters in March of 2008 and enjoys her work deeply as a continued source of connection with the equestrian lifestyle.
Morgan Shank
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Morgan was born & raised in North Spokane where she developed her love for horses. Morgan spent many years working as an instructor & trainer for beginner riders, where she watched many young people progress into competent horse people. Now working at MPEH she enjoys being part of a team that is dedicated to improving the lives of horses. Horses give so much to humans & working at MPEH gives her a chance to give something back to them. Outside of work & horses Morgan enjoys anything that keeps her active. Her spare time is filled with anything from gardening to bike rides, or taking the dogs for a walk.
Alyssa Miller
Alyssa is from Yakima, WA where she grew up riding and being involved with horses for most of her life. She earned her AA in Veterinary Technology at Yakima Valley College in 2019. When she's not working Alyssa enjoys riding and showing horses, going on hikes, camping, and spending time with friends and family.
Krista McTavisch
Krista grew up in Coeur D’Alene Idaho, watching her dad train wild mustangs. Her passion for horses started early, observing the magic unfold as a horse learned to trust a human and bond with them. Krista was always doing something daily with horses from training them, to running barrels, drill team competitions, or leisurely trail rides. Though she loves all horses, the foundation Appaloosa breed is her favorite! She married the man of her dreams, Bryce, in 2009. They have two children, son Colby and daughter AnnJolie. Their children are enjoying learning about horse ownership. Besides horses, her family is very active in all outdoor activities. They love all the seasons that the Pacific Northwest has to offer - fishing or tubing the lakes in the summer and hitting the slopes in the winter.
Caitlin Canger
Caitlin was raised in Liberty Lake, WA and has always had a love and passion for horses. She spent most of her childhood in the barn gaining knowledge of horses any way she could. She attended Northwest College in Powell, WY for equine business and equine riding and training. Caitlin worked at MPEH before moving to Nashville with her husband. Following the birth of their daughter, they returned home. Caitlin is excited to be part of the MPEH team again. In her free time she enjoys riding her horses, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
Diane Gleason
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Diane was raised on a 257 thousand acre cattle and sheep ranch in southwestern Montana. From a very young age, she was involved in the care of animals. Diane fed sheep dogs, bum lambs and bum calves. She moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1999. She worked 13 years in the small animal field and joined McKinlay and Peters in 2012. Diane and her husband Steve have three children and four grandchildren. They share their home with two dogs, five chickens, a hive of honeybees and a cat. During the summer they are usually gone camping. Diane enjoys being outdoors. She loves to bike, hike, kayak and fish.
Kimberly Clawson
Kimberly grew up on a small farm in Eastern Washington. Her family got her involved in 4H and FFA where she raised, showed, and sold pigs. Kimberly enjoys backpacking, baking, and spending time with her family. She recalls riding her horses bareback and bridleless with her younger sister while they'd visit them in their pasture. Kimberly graduated high school while also obtaining her AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College in 2020. She has been a part of the MPEH team since 2018!
Max Marchan
Maxima was born and raised southwest of Mexico City. At a very young age he was surrounded by different types of animals as his family raised cattle, goats and pigs. His grandfather also started and raised colts. He wanted to go to school to become a veterinarian but during that time boys were expected to help around the ranch and we're not allowed to go to school. In 2001 he immigrated to California and went back and forth to Washington State working different jobs. He met his wife Sonia in November of 2004 and they married that following year; they have four beautiful children. In December of 2005 they moved to Washington State. Max worked different jobs for the next couple years until he found a job with a horse trainer in Spokane. He has always said he wanted to be around horses which have been his passion all his life. Max joined the MPEH team in 2015. He loves working here and in his heart he knew this is where he wanted to be and he wouldn’t change it for the world!
Tom Vullo
Tom grew up in Elk, WA. Most of his time growing up was spent playing baseball, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors on the water or in the woods! Tom played baseball and obtained his Associate's degree from Wenatchee Valley College in 2019. He found his passion for horses after college which led him to MPEH. Today you’ll find him trail riding his mare with his dog at his side in the hills of Eastern Washington.