Our Team
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the veterinarians and team of Viking Veterinary Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional veterinary care for your pets!
Meet the Team of Viking Veterinary Hospital
Please click an image to read their bio.
Doctors
Dr. Dan Richardson
Owner & COO
Dr. Natasha Laughter
Owner & CMO
Dr. Drew Davis
GP Veterinarian
Dr. Cassidy Smith
ER Veterinarian
Dr. Trever Listman
ER Veterinarian
Dr. Justin Jensen
ER Veterinarian
Dr. Lonchar
ER Veterinarian
Dr. Jordan Bateman
ER Veterinarian
Managers
Jordyn Walters
CVT, Clinical Manager
Leads
Abby
General Practice Manager
Dawn
Financial/ CSM Assistant
Sarah
Assistant Clinical Manager
Hailey
CVT, Shift Lead
Mel
Client Services Representative Lead
Mindy
Client Services Representative Lead
Staff
Kelly
Orthopedic Coordinator
Christy
Certified Veterinary Technician
Alexx
Certified Veterinary Technician
Lexie
Certified Veterinary Technician
Mary
Certified Veterinary Technician
Maddie
Veterinary Assistant
Ronni
Veterinary Assistant
Jannae
Veterinary Assistant & Operations Coordinator
Kylie
Veterinary Assistant
Teagan
Veterinary Assistant & Blood Bank Outreach Specialist
Christa
Client Services Representative
Elise
Client Services Representative
Dr. Dan Richardson, Owner & COO
Dr. Richardson, originally from rural western Nevada, attended the University of Idaho (2005) for undergraduate study and Oregon State University (2009) for Veterinary School.
He is proficient in Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (abbreviated TPLO), several other stifle surgeries, and numerous fracture repair methods. Dr. Richardson has practiced general medicine since graduating in 2009 and has always been interested in surgery, specifically orthopedics; he started his own mobile surgery business in 2020 before joining his other partners in creating Viking Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Richardson is proud to be part of a team that offers 24-hour emergency & critical care and general practice and orthopedic surgery services to the Treasure Valley and beyond.
Dr. Richardson, his wife, and his daughter enjoy camping and spending time on the water, fishing, paddleboarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. The Richardson Family regularly adds to their pet family of one 2.5lb Teacup Chihuahua, Peanut, by fostering pets whenever needed. Dr. Richardson has a particular interest in sporting/hunting breeds and working dogs, and during the fall and winter seasons, he very much enjoys pursuing several game species.
Dr. Taylor Wardwell, GP + ER Veterinarian
Dr. Wardwell is a native of the Boise area. He attended undergraduate and veterinary school in St. Paul, Minnesota, and returned to Idaho in 2017 to be closer to family as he started his own. Dr. Wardwell lives with his wife, Clair, and two young children, a son and daughter, who receive most of his time outside of work.
Dr. Wardwell is extremely dedicated to the practice of high-quality but adaptive veterinary medicine and believes he has the best job in the world. He is passionate about client education and spends a great deal of time discussing diagnoses and treatment options with pet owners to determine the best plan for everyone. His specific areas of interest include soft tissue surgery – especially cancer surgery, dentistry, feline medicine, exotic species, geriatric, hospice, and end-of-life care, complex internal medicine, neurology, and cardiology, among others. Dr. Wardwell also enjoys sharing his passion with others interested in the profession, often taking on undergraduates to shadow him, hosting veterinary externs, and mentoring newer graduates.
Dr. Drew Davis, GP Veterinarian
As is clear through appointments, he strives to communicate effectively, diagnose efficiently, and to care for your pets as if they’re his own.
Dr. Davis earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degrees all at Auburn University in Auburn, AL.
After Auburn, Dr. Davis then completed a 1 year Small Animal Surgery and Medicine Internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Nashville, TN. While in Nashville, Dr. Davis fulfilled his childhood dream of treating pets owned by many of his favorite musicians while simultaneously training under some of the country’s top veterinary specialists in small animal surgery, critical care, radiology, internal medicine, and oncology.
Dr. Davis took his training one step further by completing a 1-year specialty Surgical internship in Dothan, AL. While there, he trained to efficiently perform numerous specialized and routine procedures during the daytime while concurrently providing overnight emergency services to most of northwest Florida, southeast Alabama, and Southwest Georgia.
He has been taking care of Idaho pets since 2022, but a veterinarian since 2019.
Dr. Davis’ veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery, cancer care, cardiology, feline care, ultrasonography, and geriatric care. He also treats most exotic species with scales and fur. (His feathered care is limited to chickens and ducks!)
When not at work, Dr. Davis enjoys life with his wife and kids, hiking with his dogs, fishing, and watching Auburn University basketball and football.
Dr. Trever Listman, Veterinarian
From a young age, Dr. Listman has always had a passion for caring for animals. Dr. Listman’s love for veterinary medicine began after he shadowed various veterinarians in middle school. Dr. Listman was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, and completed his undergraduate studies at Dakota State University in South Dakota, where he played four years of college football.
After graduating in 2019, he worked as a veterinary assistant at a mixed animal general and emergency clinic in Elko, Nevada. He developed a strong passion for small animal emergency medicine and surgery during this time. Dr. Listman recently graduated from the Idaho State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2024. While in veterinary school, Dr. Listman worked as a student hourly in the small animal urgent care department, where his passion for emergency medicine solidified.
Dr. Listman’s interests in veterinary medicine include surgery, specifically orthopedics, emergency, and critical care. Outside of work, Dr. Listman and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and hiking with their dog, Benny. Dr. Listman has a special interest in hunting breeds and enjoys pursuing several game species during the fall and winter months.
Dr. Jordan Bateman, ER Veterinarian
Jordan’s love of animals started at the age of 8 when she moved from Oregon to Idaho and began taking horseback riding lessons. She once wrote in a 2nd grade assignment that she wanted to be a veterinary receptionist because being a veterinarian would be too sad. Her perception changed as she got older and realized how much fulfillment and good comes from being a veterinarian, even if there are sad moments.
She completed her bachelors degree at Boise State University and graduated from Oregon State in 2024 where she obtained her doctorate of veterinary medicine. Her love for large animals as well as emergency medicine grew from there.
In her free time she enjoys all outdoor activities from camping, backpacking, and hiking with her Golden Retriever, June.
Dr. Natasha Laughter, Owner & CMO
Dr. Laughter’s love for veterinary medicine began before she could even remember. Growing up in middle America, Dr. Laughter and her family seemed to collect critters. Eventually, finding her way into her hometown clinic and reading all the James Herriot writings began her dream and addiction to this field and the relationships it has brought her. Instead of her family’s plan of a law career, Dr. Laughter worked her way west and pursued her path to veterinary school.
Dr. Laughter’s first stop was Arizona State University, where she simultaneously earned her undergraduate degree and license as a certified veterinary technician. It is also where Dr. Laughter discovered her love and passion for emergency medicine. Arizona did not have a veterinary school in the early 2000s, so her travels took her to Oregon, where she decided to become a resident before applying to vet school. During Dr. Laughter’s time before, during, and between semesters in vet school, she worked at the teaching hospital at Oregon State, Dove Lewis Emergency & Specialty Hospital, and helped to lead a brand new hospital into a 24-hour clinic. Graduating from Oregon State in 2012, Dr. Laughter mostly stayed in emergency medicine. Still, she also developed skills outside of emergency medicine in a high-volume, non-profit spay-neuter clinic and became acupuncture certified for all creatures. Dr. Laughter’s primary medical interests include soft tissue surgery, multi-modal pain control, anesthesia for the critical patient, a fear-free clinic environment, positive training, her favorite rabbit hole, complex medical cases, and sepsis management/urgent care.
While Dr. Laughter’s focus in medicine is small animals and pocket pets, she enjoys owning, riding, and training horses. Dr. Laughter is grateful for and blessed with a fantastic husband and a family of 3 horses, two goats, three dogs, three cats, chickens, quail… (Stay tuned- this number is constantly changing!). Dr. Laughter is also a reader, a hiker of public lands, an amateur photographer, and a genuine geek.
Dr. Stephanie Permenter, Medical Director & ER Veterinarian
Dr. Stephanie is an Idaho native whose love for animals and veterinary medicine developed at an early age while helping to care for the numerous animals on the family farm. She grew up nursing sick kittens, bottle feeding calves, and actively showing horses.
She received her veterinary degree from Washington State University in 2011 and did an internship in equine medicine in Minnesota. After returning to Boise, she worked in general practice seeing dogs and cats, as well as numerous years running her own equine practice. In 2015, she attended the Chi Institute in Florida to become acupuncture certified and enjoys studying the Chinese medicine philosophy of health and healing alongside conventional healing modalities.
When she is not at work, Dr. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband and son, riding horses, camping, photography, and she is learning to paint.
Dr. Justin Jensen, ER Veterinarian
Dr. Justin Jensen is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for animal care and welfare. He was raised in Nampa, Idaho, for the majority of his childhood, and after his father’s work took his family to Montana, he finally returned. After completing his veterinary education at Western University of Health Sciences, he began work as a general practice veterinarian. After a year of general practice, he made the switch to urgent care and emergency medicine. He has a special interest in wound management, ultrasound, veterinary dental medicine, and soft tissue surgery. At home, Dr. Jensen, his wife, and two rambunctious boys are accompanied by a handful of critters. He has two dogs, Birdi and Reba, a tortoise named Tiny Tim, and a flock of homing pigeons. Depending on the season, you can find Dr. Jensen and his family on the lake waterskiing and enjoying the sun, and in the fall, training versatile hunting dogs and hunting upland game.
Dr. Karlie Lonchar, ER Veterinarian
Dr. Karlie Lonchar started her veterinary journey with the goal of being an equine practitioner. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked alongside equine veterinarians and sports medicine specialists. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she spent a gap year working and gaining more experience in a small animal general practice. While attending veterinary school, she worked as an inpatient veterinary assistant at a fast-paced general practice/emergency hospital. It was during that time she fell in love with small animal medicine and decided to dedicate her career to smaller creatures. In July of 2023, she completed a year-long emergency and critical care-focused rotating internship and soon after moved to Idaho with her partner of almost 9 years. Outside of work, you can find her golfing and enjoying campfires with her fiancé and miniature Australian Shepherd Stella (and cat Bogey).
Education:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University.
Bachelor of Science in Equine Science, Idaho State University.
Emergency & Critical Care Focused Rotating Internship, (AVECCC)
Dr. Cassidy Smith, ER Veterinarian
Dr. Smith can never recall when she decided she was going to become a veterinarian. It just always was; it’s who she was and is. It was never hard deciding on the right career path for her because veterinary medicine was just the path she was always meant to be on since she began walking and dragging every feral cat and homeless dog she met on that path along with her (whether they wanted to or not). Dr. Smith comes from a small town in Wyoming. The entire population of that sleepy little agricultural town can fit in the arena auditorium in Laramie, WY, five times over, where she obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming. While at UW, she ran track for the D1 school, was on the collegiate meat judging team for UW, which allowed her to travel all over the country, and worked in Thailand for 1 month at an elephant and canine sanctuary. Dr. Smith was also a manager of a non-profit animal shelter in Cheyenne, WY, for 4 years during her undergraduate studies, and worked in biosecurity at the BSL-3 Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory.
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Smith obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, where she fell in love with emergency medicine. She worked in the intensive care unit in the teaching hospital of WSU, beginning her second year of veterinary school, and that solidified her future in emergency and critical care of small animals. Dr. Smith simultaneously worked on the necropsy floor of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. After graduating from WSU, she worked as an emergency veterinarian in Idaho Falls, ID, for 3 years before joining the team at Viking Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Smith’s particular interests in emergency and critical care include critical internal medicine cases, transfusion medicine, and soft tissue surgery.
Beyond veterinary medicine, Dr. Smith’s other passions include traveling, weight and power lifting, reading, puzzles, home renovation/flipping homes, cooking, and fine dining. She has 5 animals, 4 of which she rescued along the way, and all named after food items (Cats – Pistachio and Chicken Wang (born with a paw defect and named for that personality paw). Dogs – Bean (Dr. Smith’s first canine neuter patient on her shelter medicine rotation during veterinary school), Tater Tot, and Honey Buns (job description: blood donor; saving lives of the many canines across South East Idaho, Northern Utah, and Eastern Wyoming).
Jordan Wohlert, Executive Assistant
I’ve been in the veterinary field since 2019, with my first job in a 24/7 ER clinic. I have fallen in love with this field and the fast-paced environment of the ER. I have seen a variety of things and learn something new every day. Over the years, I have slowly worked my way up to the Hospital Admin of VVH, and I cannot love my job more!
When I’m not doing what I love for a career, I am home with my husband, our tiny human, our German Shepherd, and our Manx mix cat. I love the outdoors and try to get outside as much as possible when I’m able to! I enjoy hiking, riding quads, skiing, camping, and anything that gets me outside with Mother Nature.
Michael , Kennel Tech
I’ve had a passion for working with animals ever since I was a kid. I wanted to further my career in the animal science field so I decided to get a bachelor’s in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production from the University of Idaho. While in school, I fell in love with large animals and currently work in a veterinary diagnostics lab dealing with mastitis and other diseases in dairy cattle. Outside of work, I love all outdoor activities. In the winter, snowboarding is my pride and joy, while in the summer, you can catch me at any golf course. If I’m not doing either of those things, I am more than likely riding my motorcycle all throughout the PNW. I love to travel, and riding a bike is the best way to get from point A to point B!
Bryan, CVT – Tech Lead
I have spent the majority of my working career in veterinary medicine. Animals have always been a passion in my life. I attended Carrington College, where I graduated Cum Laude with an A.S in Veterinary Technology. I received my license in 2019 as a C.V.T. Working in Vet med has been one of the greatest accomplishments in my life. I am a father of 2 wonderful sons and a husband to an amazing wife that I met in college. Together, my wife and I work with Boxer Lovers Rescue to foster pets that are timid and shy. We strive to bring their true personality out in hopes of finding them their forever home.
Jordyn Walters, CVT – Clinical Manager
Since 2015, Jordyn has been working in the veterinary field, gaining experience in both general practice and emergency/urgent care settings. Over the years, she developed a strong interest in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine and critical care. Jordyn has been with Viking Veterinary Hospital since its opening, starting as a CVT and working up to the role of Clinical Manager. Despite taking on a leadership position, she still enjoys working closely with the team and applying her technical skills on the floor.
Outside of work, Jordyn enjoys spending time in the gym or exploring the mountains. At home, she loves being with her son and their crew of cats and dogs.
Ronni, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Jannae, Veterinary Assistant & Operations Coordinator
Jannae has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember and currently shares her small farm with three horses, three dogs, and three cats—though that number is always subject to change. She began her veterinary career in 2020 working with horses and later joined the Viking Veterinary Hospital team in early 2023. Drawn to the fast pace of emergency medicine and inspired by the high standards at VVH, Jannae returned to school to continue growing her skills and knowledge, earning her degree as a Veterinary Technician in 2025. She also serves as our Operations Coordinator, taking on many behind-the-scenes responsibilities to help keep VVH running smoothly. Always looking for the next challenge, Jannae hopes to continue furthering her education, and someday earn specialty credentials in Emergency and Critical Care.
Teagan, Veterinary Assistant & Blood Bank Outreach Specialist
Sara, Veterinary Assistant
My name is Sara, I’ve been in vet med for 20 years now, in my spare time I like to spend time with my husband and our three dogs, or riding around in our side by side.
Mary, Certified Veterinary Technician
Mary is a dedicated veterinary professional who relocated from North Carolina. She graduated from Penn Foster with a degree in veterinary technology and has four years of experience as a veterinary assistant, including two years as a lead shift/floor manager. Passionate about advancing her skills, Mary aims to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in either anesthesia or laboratory settings. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her daughter and her two beloved senior dachshunds, who are the center of her world.
Faith, Veterinary Assistant
Hello, my name is Faith, and I moved here 4 years ago from the Bay Area, California. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that one day I would end up in Vet Med, and I have been in the field now for 3 years! I have a huge passion for animals, big and small.
When I’m not working, I enjoy competitively barrel racing with my horses. I also enjoy spending time with my Australian Cattle Dog, Ryder, and my foster fail tri-pod kitty Critter!
When it’s not barrel racing, I am showing English Labrador Retrievers in conformation.
Other hobbies of mine include fishing, paddleboarding, and photography.
Elena, Veterinary Assistant
Hi, my name is Elena Gomez, and I was born in Pueblo, Idaho, and moved to Boise in 2020. I grew up with a passion for animals, and I’ve worked with many, including an albino skunk, a red panda, and a lion! I absolutely love working with our fur babies every day!
Abby Swapp, General Practice Manager
Abby has been working in veterinary medicine since 2013, though her love for animals spans her entire life. Veterinary medicine naturally captured her heart along the way. She grew up on a farm with a variety of animals, showed sheep and horses at the state fair, and has had many pets throughout her life.
When she’s not working, Abby enjoys crafting, off-roading, and spending time outdoors camping with her husband, three dogs, and two adventure cats. Most of all, she looks forward to coming home after a long day to snuggle with her pets.
Dawn, Financial/CSM Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Sarah, Assistant Clinical Manager
Bio coming soon!
Lexie, Certified Veterinary Technician
Lexie is a CVT who graduated from Homedale High School and spent time exploring the Treasure Valley before finding her home in Boise. Her favorite hobbies include skiing, paddleboarding, and reading. Lexie shares her home with two dogs and two very laid-back cats. She is a relaxed, easygoing person who looks forward to new experiences.
Alexx, Certified Veterinary Technician
Alexx is a CVT who is excited to be part of the Viking Veterinary team. She graduated from Brown Mackie College in 2017 and has since worked in both emergency and general practice, discovering a strong passion for emergency medicine. Alexx loves helping people care for their pets.
At home, she shares her life with three dogs, four cats, and several reptiles. She enjoys gardening, walking, and spending time with her husband and family.
Hailey, Technician Shift Lead
Bio coming soon!
Tatiana, Veterinary Assistant
Hello, my name is Tatiana Bruns! I own a Bernese Mountain Dog named Bear, plus my two cats, Olaf and Nugget. I’ve been an animal lover since I was a little kid, and it has never stopped, and I’ve never had a job that hasn’t had animals involved.
Bailey, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Maddie, Veterinary Assistant
Maddie has been in the veterinary field since 2009 but her love for animals started before she could even walk. Raised in Washington State with a wide assortment of family pets and the occasional wildlife rescue, she’s never gone a day without some sort of critter to take care of. Maddie is very passionate about emergency veterinary care and is one of our dedicated weekend warriors! On her days off she’s hanging out with her 10-year-old border collie mix, Petey, and 1-year-old Bengal cat, Archie.
Christa, Client Services Representative
Bio coming soon!
Mindy, Client Service Representative Lead
Mindy has been in the veterinary field since 2007, embracing each day as an opportunity to learn something new. She has a passion for her work and for helping others, and she feels fortunate to have found a home at Viking Veterinary Hospital, where the family-like atmosphere extends to both the team and the clients.
Mindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and hopes to pursue her Master’s degree in the future.
At home, she shares her life with her Newfoundland, Fiona; an English Bulldog, Hazel; a cat, Hamilton; a Bearded Dragon, Lego; and a Fire Eel, Butters. When she’s not working, Mindy enjoys being a mom, restoring antiques, gardening, and gaming.
Maddison – Veterinary Assistant
Maddison was born and raised in sunny Southern California, but has spent the last few years in Boise pursuing one of her passions by working with animals. She has a knack for reuniting lost and found pets and volunteers with rescues to help find homes for those in need. She would love to one day add ‘foster-pet parent’ to her list of titles and have an animal rescue of her own. In the meantime, she loves getting to interact with pets on a daily basis and help care for them in a professional capacity.
Kylie, Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Elise, Client Services Representative
Elise Rosenberger has been playing competitive beach and grass volleyball for about five years and continues to enjoy the sport regularly. When she’s not on the court, Elise enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing other sports, watching anime, and crocheting. Animals are a central part of her life, and she loves and cherishes every pet she meets, caring for them as if they were her own.
Mel, Client Services Representative Lead
I’ve been with the company since we first opened our doors three years ago. I started as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) and since then, I’ve had the chance to grow with the company, moving up to CSR 2 and now as a Department Lead for our Client Service Representatives. Caring for animals was always a passion of mine that I was able to embrace fully when I joined the company and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else than at Viking. When I’m not at work, you can find me relaxing with my husband and our four cats curled up with a good fantasy book and a cup of coffee or decompressing by watching TV with my mom. Outside of the house, I enjoy hiking and getting a breath of fresh air among the trees.
Kelly, Orthopedic Coordinator
Kelly grew up in Boise and is a proud mom to five children and grandma to two wonderful grandchildren. After retiring from a career she loved spanning 24 years, she knew her next chapter would be something completely different. She discovered the veterinary field and quickly fell in love with it. Kelly truly enjoys meeting new people and their pets, ensuring both have a positive experience at Viking Veterinary Hospital.
Her dog Jax came into her life after her previous dog crossed the rainbow bridge. Jax shares the home with two other companions, Groot and Murphy, a foster fail.
On her days off, Kelly enjoys cycling, mountain biking, or hiking outdoors with her dogs.
Christy, Certified Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!