Our Team

MEET THE TEAM

For these people horses are not just animals – they are friends and their passion!

Brandi Wurtz<br><font size="4"><a href="mailto:brandi@mpevh.com">brandi@mpevh.com</a></font>

Brandi Wurtz
[email protected]

Practice Manager
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<br><font size="4"><a href="mailto:nichole@mpevh.com">nichole@mpevh.com</a></font>

Nichole Gilbert
[email protected]

Lead Receptionist
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<br><font size="4"><a href="mailto:morgan@mpevh.com">morgan@mpevh.com</a></font>

Morgan Shank
[email protected]

Lead Technician
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 Dees

Alyssa Dees

Veterinary Technician
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.
Lauren Garrett

Lauren Garrett

Technician
Lauren was born and raised in Spokane where she grew up riding horses. After graduating from Cheney High School, she attended Yakima Valley Community College; there she earned her AA in Veterinary Technology in 2008. After 14 years as a small animal technician, she was ready to follow her passion for horses into equine medicine, joining our team in March of 2022. Outside of work you can find her outside with her horses and dogs or even on the ice Curling.
Lorelei Wright

Lorelei Wright

Technician
Lorelei grew up in western Washington on a small farm, her love of horses was passed onto her through her Mom. She grew up riding in the Cascade Mountains, galloping on ocean beaches and camping with her horses. Bedtime stories of the adventures of Dr. James Harriot inspired Lorelei, at a young age, to pursue a career in the veterinary field. In 2016, she graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Animal Science – pre-vet med and then met her husband, Ben. They now have 3 beautiful children, 4 Tennessee Walkers, 1 Quarter Horse and a herd of black Angus cattle. In her free time, Lorelei loves to explore the mountains, rivers and lakes of eastern Washington on her horse, fishing, boating, camping, gardening, canning, ranching, living off the land and sharing her passions with her family. Lorelei knew that when her youngest started Kindergarten she wanted to join McKinlay & Peter’s Equine Hospital because of the incredible care her own horses received there. She loves horses, science, reproduction and the mutual passion each team member at MPEH shares for these incredible animals we are blessed and entrusted to care for each day.
Caitlin Canger

Caitlin Canger

Pharmacy Technician
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.
Kimberly Clawson

Kimberly Clawson

Office Staff, Colbert
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!
Dawn Parks

Dawn Parks

Receptionist
Dawn grew up as an Army brat living and traveling across Europe and North America then settled in Otis Orchards, WA when her father retired. She has always had passion for horses since she was little and started riding at a young age, including jumping and Vaulting. She got her first horse at 14 and started dressage where she found her true love. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys being with her husband Robert and family, reading, riding and hiking in the mountains with her beloved Belgian Malinois. Dawn started in the mixed practice veterinary field many years ago and is excited about being a part of McKinlay and Peters team.
Haley Thorp

Haley Thorp

Receptionist
Haley grew up in Spokane where she spent most of her time riding, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. Haley spent a lot of years riding and showing her first horse, a one eyed appaloosa, at various events. As a young teen, Haley worked on Green Bluff doing hay and sleigh rides. Haley spent every moment she could harnessing, driving, and working horses. Her passion for Draft horses bloomed during her time there. Haley now spends her time training, riding, and driving the Belgians she and her family own. She is excited to be a part of the MPEH team!
Max Marchan

Max Marchan

Barn Staff & Facilities Manager - Newman Lake Hospital
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 Vullo

Facilities Manager - Colbert Hospital
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.