Get to know our wonderful, accomplished team of veterinarians and staff at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic. Not only do we love what we do; we love being together and helping pets and people every day.
Veterinarians
Dr. Nicole Wagnon
DVM, CCRT
Dr. Nicole Wagnon came to the Olympic Peninsula ten years ago from her home state of Missouri to join the team. After a five-year stint in the west Texas desert, the green grass and rain of our community was a welcome change!
Dr. Wagnon purchased the practice from Dr. Jensen in 2016 and is furthering her involvement in the community while continuing to offer top-tier veterinary medicine to her clients and patients.
A natural clinician, Dr. Wagnon also possesses a keen interest in the art and science of surgery. She enjoys surgeries of all kinds and displays a distinctive affinity for complicated orthopedic problems. In addition to her amazing surgical skills, Dr. Wagnon has become very adept with Ultrasound technology. She has also achieved advanced certification in canine rehabilitation therapy, which is known to improve the outcomes of orthopedic procedures.
Dr. Wagnon and her husband, Chris, now spend their “spare time” chasing their son around as he explores his world. Sharing the experience is Brexie, a foundling who was fortunate enough to end up at our clinic. She now calls the clinic and Dr. Wagnon’s house “home.” Scruffy, a terrier of dubious parentage is a co-conspirator in their daily shenanigans. Spaz the naughty kitty, and Jax the mischievous one, love to join in, causing mayhem and the occasional broken object. Their ever-expanding chicken flock flourishes while contributing eggs to the Wagnon household.
Dr. Andi Thomson
DVM
A Port Angeles native, Dr. Thomson has had a passion for animal care and worked in the veterinary field since the age of 16. After graduating high school, she attended Pierce College in Tacoma where she obtained her veterinary technician license. Dr. Thomson later attended Ross University in St. Kitts, where she earned her DVM and finished her last clinical year at Washington State. She was a staff veterinarian at Angeles Clinic for Animals for 15 years before joining us here at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic.
Dr. Thomson shares her home with her husband Eric and son Bruce, as well as a sweet and gentle English Labrador known as “Hank the Tank” who loves kids, playing with his favorite stuffed carrot, swimming, and eating ice cubes. In her free time, Dr. Thomson enjoys hiking and being outdoors, enjoying all the Olympic Peninsula has to offer.
Dr. Alex Thiel
DVM
Dr. Alex Thiel grew up in Michigan before coming to the Pacific Northwest. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington State University, she graduated from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Dr. Thiel then started her career on the Olympic Peninsula and joined the caring team here at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic.
Dr. Thiel’s interest in science began when watching the Discovery Channel and Planet Earth, inspiring her amazement for wildlife and the natural world. When she was young, their family cat gave birth to a litter of kittens and Dr. Thiel began to feel the reward that comes from loving animals and providing care. Working as a veterinary general practitioner allows Dr. Thiel to connect with people and their pets, honoring the bond that is so important with our furry family members.
Dr. Thiel shares her home with Whiskey – a majestic black longhair cat who went from avid hunter on the family farm to the true indoor queen she was meant to be. She also has a friendly gray corn snake named Albus who likes to explore new places when he manages to escape from his tank (to Dr. Thiel’s dismay). Dr. Thiel likes to spend her free time outdoors hiking, gardening, or reading and she aspires to learn everything there is to know about mushroom hunting.
Dr. Thiel is working to learn more about exotic pets and hopes to soon provide care for more unique patients.
Our Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Lindsy Bevins
DVM
Dr. Lindsy Bevins and her husband, Ryan, made the move to the Olympic Peninsula from Corvallis, Oregon where Dr. Bevins finished her veterinary schooling at Oregon State University. She has also studied medical acupuncture for veterinarians through Colorado State University. Dr. Bevins and her husband met each other in Seattle and both had been to the Peninsula several times. The couple had hoped that someday they would be able to call this area home, so when the chance arose to move here, they did not hesitate!
Dr. Bevins and her husband share a love of animals and have created a home for their son and an assortment of pets. They have three cats with ten legs between them and two dogs, Vegas, a Hound mix, and Banjo, an American Bulldog-Husky mix, with the appropriate number of legs. A smallish creature that looks like a cat but is actually the embodiment of adorableness with a touch of naughtiness wrapped up in a warm, fuzzy, body is their kitty, Krill. Kona and Diego, the BLM Mustangs, round out the animal portion of the Bevins clan.
When not looking after the animals, the family enjoys playing outside. “We love the outdoors and pray for waves in the summer and snow in the winter.” They are learning all the best places to hike, the best places to ride, and the best places to paddleboard and surf.
Our Specialists
Dr. Katie Nadolny
DVM, DACVIM
Cardiology
Dr. Nadolny attended veterinary school at the University of Missouri and then completed a rotating internship at North Carolina State University, where her interests in cardiac physiology and caring for cardiac patients were solidified. Following her internship, she headed to the University of Wisconsin for a 3-year cardiology residency and a crash-course in the delights of cheese curds. As an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Nadolny enjoys all aspects of diagnosing and treating cardiac disease, but particularly enjoys the relationships she forms with her clients and patients. Her academic interests are in electrophysiology and advanced treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Dr. Nadolny understands the stress that having a beloved pet with heart disease can place on a family and endeavors to work with clients to determine what options can give their pets the best quality of life for as long as possible.
Dr. Brian Heiser
DVM, DACVS
Orthopedics
Dr. Brian Heiser graduated from Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. He worked as a general practitioner in southwestern Washington for three years prior to completing a small animal surgical internship in Boise, Idaho in 2009. He since has completed a small animal surgical residency at Summit Veterinary Referral Center and joined the Summit surgery team in the summer of 2016. He enjoys the Pacific Northwest with his wife & three young daughters and German Shorthaired Pointer named Private William Goober.
Dr. Brianna Backlund
DVM, DACVIM
Internal Medicine
Dr. Brianna Backlund is a Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine(DVM, DACVIM, Internal Medicine). She completed her small animal internal medicine residency at Texas A&M University, and an internship at the College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, Texas. She also did an internship in small animal rotating surgery at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Dr. Backlund received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature and Psychology from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Our Staff
Elizabeth
Lead LVT
Elizabeth started her journey to her career as a licensed veterinary technician in 2008. She had always had a love for animals and wanted to help pets in need. She started as an assistant at a local veterinary clinic, gathering knowledge to move forward towards her goal.
In 2012, she and her boyfriend (now husband) moved to Seattle so she could attend the 18-month immersive, fast-paced Vet Tech program from PIMA Medical Institute. During this time she worked part-time at a local clinic in Shoreline. She graduated in Spring 2014 and continued to work full-time as an LVT until she moved back home to Port Angeles.
Elizabeth has been with us since 2016 and quickly became a valuable member of our team. When the position of Lead Veterinary Technician was created, she stepped forward to fill those shoes by helping manage and guide other fellow employees. She plans to continue her education and gain certification in the use of CBD for pain and anxiety in animals. She currently resides in Port Angeles with her husband Emery, dog Floki, and two cats Katacat and Kausi.
Kendra
LVT
Kendra is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and has been lucky enough to spend her entire 10+ year career as an LVT at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic. From the small veterinary clinic she joined years ago to the constantly growing practice Dr. Wagnon has created today, Kendra is very proud to be a part of the BMAC team.
Being a technician requires intuitively providing the best assistance to the veterinarian they are supporting. The flexibility and versatility of the role are part of what appeals to Kendra. This ranges from dietary consulting (a special interest of hers) to being a Dental Hygienist. Kendra loves highlighting and educating on the diverse skills that LVTs possess, and brings this passion with her to work every day!
Family is a priority to Kendra; she was born and raised right here on the Olympic Peninsula and she and her husband Jason are surrounded by several generations of family. Kendra and Jason are the parents of three beautiful children. The Hoffman’s dog Dennis, cat Pickles, and chickens are an important part of the family too. When she is not working, Kendra enjoys camping, hiking, and spending quality time with her beloved family.
Barbara
LVT
Barbara grew up on a farm near Longview, WA, where she got to know animals of all shapes and sizes. She knew at a young age that she wanted to work with them, so she went to Mount Hood Community College in Portland, where she became a certified veterinary technician. She and her husband spent time living in Bonney Lake before moving to the Peninsula.
They share their home with Captain Jack Sparrow, a one-eyed cat she hand-raised 16 years ago, along with cats Jude, 12, Stanzi, 7, and Akela (aka Mr. Rotten), 5, who were all adopted from Auburn Valley Humane Society, and recent addition Penny, a 14-year-old Retriever mix.
Barbara enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, and traveling and experiencing new things. Music is close to her heart and she and her son like to exchange new and old music and go to concerts together. She’s also a true blue and green Seattle Seahawks fan!
Hailee
LVT
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Hailee settled in Sequim when her husband’s work brought them there in 2002. After working as a veterinary assistant for a few years, she earned her veterinary technician license in 2006. A foundation of teamwork has always been extremely important to her, which is why she knew she had found a home in 2011 when she joined Blue Mountain Animal Clinic. The years have flown by with many changes, and she has enjoyed every one of them. When not working, she spends time with her recently retired husband and their two miniature Australian shepherds, Eli and Ethel, who are the epicenter of their universe. They love camping the most but also enjoy easy hikes by the river and playing chuck-it. When the opportunity allows, they also enjoy visiting family out of state, which includes seven grandchildren.
Courtney
BS, AS, LVT
Courtney was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula, and 5 years on Afognak Island in Alaska. Her family has roots in agriculture and logging on the Peninsula. She grew up raising sheep, beef cattle, and dairy cattle to show in both 4H and FFA.
A 2011 Washington State University graduate, Courtney earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science Production Management. Courtney is a die-hard Coug and can be found loudly cheering on her team every fall, GO COUGS!
At Blue Mountain Animal Clinic, Courtney can be found snuggling all her furry friends. She has a passion for canine rehabilitation and ultrasound. She has a huge heart for hounds and Chihuahuas.
Courtney and her husband Brian are raising their two kids, Bristol and Luke, in Port Angeles. They also have a big goofy treeing walker coonhound, Chip, who enjoys walks, sunbathing, eating all the food he can find, and talking to everyone in the neighborhood.
Schelle
LVT
Bio coming soon!
Claire
Veterinary Assistant
Claire is a native of Sequim and is enjoying living here after a short departure residing in Kentucky. When Dr. Wagnon asked her to join the practice, it was a given! A graduate of Sequim High School, Claire began her veterinary career after spending 2 years at Washington State University. She began working in equine sports medicine and surgery in Lexington, Kentucky and has a passion for rehabilitation and large animal medicine.
A lover of animals all her life, Claire has a home full of love and furry friends. You may often find Claire going on adventures with her family on an ATV, gardening, or cuddling up to a good book with her pets in her free time. Claire’s family includes her wonderful husband, Brad, beloved daughter, Jane, and a new bundle of joy that is due to arrive in April of 2022! Her furry family includes a very energetic black Lab named Penny, a kitten named Duckie, and Ellie, a senior cat that adores snuggles.
Sarah
Veterinary Assistant
Sarah grew up in Oregon, but was born right here in Port Angeles—and she has now returned home to be closer to family. As there were always pets in the house while she was growing up, Sarah developed a love for animals and started working in the veterinary field in high school. She went on to take classes in animal science at Linn Benton Community College in Oregon and has now joined us to help provide exceptional care to our pet patients as a kennel tech.
Though she doesn’t have pets of her own at home right now, Sarah is a loving “auntie” to her family’s pets, which include a Golden Retriever named Gus, a Pug named Sophie, and Kona, a chocolate Labrador. When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys hiking, going on Jeep adventures in her Wrangler, or just chilling inside watching TV and playing video games.
Emily
Veterinary Assistant
With more than two decades of experience under her belt, Emily still loves every minute of the time she gets to spend with your animal companions! She’s now helped pets in five states – Washington, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, and Hawaii – and we’re fur-ever grateful she found a home here at our clinic.
Emily’s furry family consists of three cats: Marvel, Princess Peach, and Phillip J. Fry. They all have their own unique personalities. Marvel, the oldest, is a veteran in the tricks department. She can outdo most dogs. Princess Peach, the middle child, is a sweet lap kitty. And Phil does not yet trust humans, so he’s Emily’s socialization project.
When she’s not tending to your best friends, Emily loves to cook and travel. She’s also into gaming and fosters/raises bottle-fed kittens for a local rescue organization.
Tenille
Veterinary Assistant
Growing up in the Peninsula, Tenille has a love for the beautiful outdoors and all creatures, big and small. In her free time, Tenille enjoys playing soccer, hiking, surfing, and hunting for the world’s best Chilli Relleno Burrito! She shares a house with her beloved mutt named Teva, who is the best hiking partner! Also at home is her sweet pug named Sushi, who is learning to love the outdoors but has always had a love for food and cuddling.
Chloe
Veterinary Assistant
Chloe has been a lover of animals all her life, and grew up in Valley Springs, California, surrounded by creatures great and small. Her childhood passion never wavered, leading her to graduate from California State University, Chico, in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. At CSU Chico, Chloe gained invaluable hands-on experience caring for larger animals at the college’s Organic Dairy Farm. After graduation, when her cousin invited her to be a roommate in Port Angeles, Washington, Chloe spontaneously decided to make the move! She started working at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic in June 2022, where her lifelong love for small animals found its perfect home. Chloe has two adored cats, Poseidon and Hades, who rule the roost at her house. Chloe’s compassion and dedication to animal care shines through in everything she does. Outside the clinic, you’ll often find her getting active on her paddle board, going on a hike, or cuddling up with a good book and her cats. The Blue Mountain family is so happy to have such a warm-hearted animal lover like Chloe as part of the team.
Ryan
Veterinary Assistant
Born and raised in Port Angeles, Ryan is no stranger to the vibrant animal community in the region. Before joining the dedicated team at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic in January, she honed her skills and deepened her passion for animal care at the Angeles Clinic for Animals for a remarkable ten years. A proud graduate of Port Angeles High School, Ryan’s love for animals can be traced back to her early years, having been brought up in a home where animals were cherished family members rather than just pets.
Outside the clinic, Ryan’s own furry family includes Thelma, a three-legged terrier with a heart full of courage; Goose, a playful yellow Lab; and Bang, a mischievous cat who happens to be Goose’s wrestling partner and zoomies companion. When she isn’t catering to the needs of animals, Ryan cherishes every moment with her son and husband. Together, they embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, exploring its mountains and oceans.
Sunrise
Pharmacy Technician
Growing up in the Northeast, Sunrise has spent more time out west in recent years and has traveled to many places in between. Few places in the world rival the Pacific Northwest for its incredible beauty.
The Pacific Northwest offers a wonderful environment for cycling. While enjoying as much time as possible on bikes and exploring the mountains, Sunrise acknowledges starting to slow down a bit. Consequently, Sunrise now also enjoys reading various kinds of books and appreciating the occasional well-thought-out pun.
Before joining the amazing team at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic, Sunrise worked as a massage therapist, learning extensively about soft tissue, dynamic movement, and the human body. It is remarkable how much of that education and experience translates to veterinary medicine.
Being part of the clinic allows Sunrise to have and care for more pets than he ever hoped for. Some of the most special animals pass through the doors, each with their own stories, often creating new ones during their stay.
Kate
Office Manager
Kate, our office manager, hails from a plethora of places. Before moving to Sequim, she grew up in Maryland, Hawaii, Germany, and New York, where she received her BA in economics. Although she lived in Sequim for 8 years in the mid-2000s, Kate opted to move back to the area in 2020.
Before working in the industry, Kate always had a love for animals, growing up with a variety of dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, parakeets, and hermit crabs! Her current furry friends include Dr. Cuddles, an 80+ lb Mastiff/Pit mix who is a gentle giant, and Deka, an 11-year-old Seal Point Siamese who has decided to accept Cuddles recently…after living with him for 8 years. Kate loves the natural beauty of the area, and when she isn’t at work you may find her taking strolls outside or relaxing with her pets in the backyard.
Kimberly
Lead CSR
Kimberly joined our reception team in 2024, bringing her previous customer service skills to the forefront of our clinic. She grew up in sunny San Diego, CA and transplanted here in late 2006 with hopes of new adventures. Kimberly and her husband of 26 years are raising their 6 children while exploring the peninsula and some day hope to add traveling abroad to their itinerary. They have hosted over 13 international exchange students, housed several Lefties baseball players and enjoy introducing their guests to all that our charming town has to offer.
Kimberly’s true passion is fitness and sports, specifically cheerleading as you can often find her at her favorite spin class or guiding the youth on the sidelines of the field. Kimberly and her family have 3 dogs, 2 cats and numerous chickens.
Holden
CSR
Holden was raised in Seaside, Oregon. He has loved animals all his life, inspired by his dad – whom he helped at his veterinary clinic in New Mexico. After working at a variety of places, he found a work home here at Blue Mountain. Because pets have been a great joy in his life, he finds helping other families with their pets to be meaningful and worthwhile. His animal companions are Annie, a Doberman, and Autumn, a black Lab, along with cats Moriarty, Allie, Cece, Snickers, Noel, and Perdue. In his free time, Holden loves to write stories and play video games or join the family for some Kraken hockey. On Sundays, he hosts Dungeons and Dragons for a group of international friends.
Jess
CSR
Bio coming soon!