Alena Cowell, DVM

Veterinarian

I have quite the menagerie at home, with 5 pets! Daisy is our sweet laser and tennis ball-loving Harrier Mix(think tall Beagle). As for the kitty committee: Tater is my sweet old man kitty whom we refer to as “The Walmart Greeter.” He’s first at the door to greet people, and will be in your lap purring in a heartbeat. Next come the brothers from another mother, Ender and Calvin. Ender’s mom and her 2 day old litter were brought to us to raise, having been found in a garage. A few days later, Calvin, a week old, came to us from a client who found him alone and crying in their back yard. Ender’s momma adopted Calvin into her brood, and we adopted them. Tarzan, a Burmese mix, is our latest addition—we call his tail “Jane,” because it truly seems to have a mind of its own!
When I get asked what I love most about being a vet, the answer is always the same: I love the satisfaction of providing the best care and compassion I can to my patients and their humans. I believe this phrase is so very true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
In my free time (free time?), I enjoy spending time with my family while the kids still want to hang out with me, being a 4-H leader, going for walks and reading.

Lisa Ankerstjerne, DVM

Veterinarian

I have 2 cats that roam my house, Milo, a shorthair and Orion, a longhair. There many things about work that I really like, surgery being one of them. Beyond routine procedures I enjoy performing exploratory surgeries, lump removals and cystotomies. I also like working with great people and getting to see all varieties of pets. To relax outside of work I’ll often times go hiking and get involved in yoga.

Amy Hiebert, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Hiebert comes to us from the Canadian prairies, being born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in biology and went on to complete a degree in naturopathic medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. After several years in private practice, she returned to school and graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada, West Indes. She got her first taste of the Pacific Northwest during her clinical year, at Oregon State University. After graduation, she spent some time back in Canada in the Maritimes at a general small animal practice.

Dr. Hiebert’s approach to veterinary medicine emphasizes prevention. She is passionate about client education, as the root of doctor (docere) means “to teach”. Her special interests include internal medicine, integrative medicine, and behavioral medicine in dogs and cats. When not at Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital she enjoys traveling, reading, yoga, good food, and green tea. She is currently owned by two very snuggly cats. Her secret talent is baking a great loaf of bread.

Jo Westcott, DVM

Veterinarian

Other than riding a Triple Crown winner, JW’s childhood goal was to become a large animal vet. Growing up on a sheep farm in Vermont afforded a lot of opportunities for a variety of experiences. She rode with the family’s farm vet for a while, but was too shy to say anything. She outgrew that!

After earning a BS in molecular biology, she did social work with teenage girls for a bit before making a decision to apply to vet school. Not wanting to put all her eggs in one basket, she and her husband also decided to try and start a family at the same time, thinking odds were only one goal would be achieved. She ended up interviewing for vet school at WSU while in labor with twin boys. Somehow, they decided to let her in. Graduating in 2001, she has practiced in the Olympia area since. She joined forces with Hawks Prairie in 2010 and couldn’t be happier. Her areas of interest include infectious diseases, heart disease, emergency medicine and endocrine disorders.

She and her family live on a small farm with 3 dogs, 4 cats, and a couple dozen chickens. Dogs include Junie, a pittie mix; Gump, a 150# lab/,mastiff; and Maia, a shelter border collie cross from vet school.

In her spare time, she enjoys working outside, hiking, mountain biking, hand quilting, and cooking. If she could do more things in her life, she would play guitar in a punk band. Unfortunately, she has no musical abilities. Recent interests include competitive revolver shooting and she just started Search and Rescue with her Junie. We’ll see!

James Yoshimoto, DVM

Veterinarian

Born and raised on the island of Hawaii (Big Island), James has always loved animals which inspired him to become a veterinarian. James attended the veterinary program at Colorado State University and graduated in the class of 2019. His professional interests include small animal medicine, cytology, and soft tissue surgery. He currently does not own any animals but he hopes to rescue a young Labrador mix in a year or two. Outside of veterinary medicine he likes to play sports (e.g. soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee) and video games.

Kendrah Jensen, DVM

Veterinarian

My husband and I have 3 dogs and two cats at home. Arlo, a Great Dane, Jake a greyhound mix, Sammy a Basset mix as well as Munchkin and Jelly Belly; my meow meows. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Although I am an Army Brat and have lived all over, I consider Washington state my home. I attended Saint Martin’s University for undergrad and Colorado State University for veterinary school.

My interest in veterinary medicine includes pain management, acupuncture, preventive care, dentistry, and internal medicine.

Tristin

Office Manager

Born and raised in Olympia, Tristin is a graduate of Black Hills High School. Always knowing she wanted to work with animals, Tristin pursued a degree in Animal Science at WSU. After graduation she took a job as a veterinary assistant at Steamboat Animal Hospital. With her kind and friendly personality, Tristin quickly excelled as Dr. Martin’s assistant and formed lasting bonds with the clients, patients, and fellow employees.
Tristin continues to prove her dedication and versatility as assistant office manager here at Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital. In between managing inventory, guiding everyone through the transition to become a completely computerized practice, and her many other responsibilities that keep the office running smoothly, Tristin still finds time to do what she loves most, caring for the animals!
At Tristin’s home you will find four dogs, four cats, Rosie a 30+ year old miniature horse and her Arabian horse Domingo aka Mingo.
Tristin enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, travel, reading and riding horses.