Familiar Face - Dr. Jess Johnson

You're likely to have noticed this month's Familiar Face, Dr. Jess Johnson, DVM, eating at a local restaurant, browsing in local stores, riding her bike, and on the job at Left Hand Animal Hospital on Franklin Street. She's a quintessential Niwotian because she and her husband are raising their daughter in Niwot and she works in town too. The Courier asked Johnson a few questions to find out about her background and to get to know her better.

Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where are you from and what brought you to the area?

Dr. Jess Johnson (JJ) - I was born and raised in a beautiful coastal town in Southern California called Palos Verdes. I then moved to Davis, the agricultural heart and center of California, to pursue my undergraduate and veterinary degrees. I came to Colorado for my post-veterinary school internship at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and Colorado has been my home ever since.

LHVC - How did you choose veterinary science for your career?

JJ - I was one of those people who wanted to be a veterinarian from the very beginning because of my love of animals. I grew up with all different critters; dogs, cats, mice, hamsters, horses, and even a pet turtle. Becoming a veterinarian seemed like the perfect way to combine my love for animals, the outdoors, and science.

LHVC - Tell us a bit about your work life.

JJ - I work part time as an associate veterinarian at Left Hand Animal Hospital where I spend my days treating dogs and cats and helping their pet parents. I love working with geriatric dogs and cats and finding ways to help them live more comfortable, pain-free lives.

I also own a business, Mountain Rose Veterinary Services, through which I offer part-time mobile livestock veterinary services. I primarily treat goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and pigs.

LHVC - What types of jobs did you have before reaching this point in life?

JJ - I've worked in various types of veterinary jobs before becoming a veterinarian myself. I spent my undergraduate years working in a veterinary parasitology lab where I researched parasites that infect marine mammals and horses. I also worked at several large and small animal veterinary clinics where I assisted veterinarians working with animals ranging from kittens to dairy cows.

LHVC - Can you share a little about your family and any pets in your life?

JJ - I live with my husband Scott, our 4-year-old daughter Rosie, and two pets - Barley the Golden Retriever and Meowi the cat. We're planning to eventually add some goats and chickens to our home in Niwot.

LHVC - What parts of your life are the most rewarding and/or the most challenging?

JJ - Balance is always the most challenging part. As a part-time veterinarian working with both large and small animals and a full time mom, there are times where I feel like a jack-of-all-trades, yet a master of none. I have to keep things in perspective and always find gratitude for all the opportunities to learn and grow and challenge myself.

LHVC - What triumphs or disappointments have made you who you are?

JJ - Without a doubt, becoming a veterinarian and also becoming a mother have been my greatest accomplishments and also the things that challenge me every day. In both of these roles, I'm always learning and growing and finding ways to do better. I never get bored!

LHVC - What are your pastimes and passions?

JJ - My passions outside of work and parenting include spending time in the beautiful outdoors, whether taking a walk around Coot Lake with my family or a trip up to Indian Peaks Wilderness for cross-country skiing. We are so blessed to live where we live. I also enjoy doing yoga, riding horses, baking, and reading.

LHVC - What are the ways in which you connect with the community?

JJ - I love living in Niwot because it has such a unique small town feel and sense of community. I love to support the local economy by dining out and shopping locally. I enjoy getting to know people in the community through my work as a veterinarian and particularly enjoy working with children in local 4H groups.

LHVC - What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

JJ – I'm a dual citizen of England and the USA.