Julie Oghigian, DVM CVA
Owner
Dr. Julie Oghigian has been working in the veterinary profession for well over 30 years, with over 20 of those in practice as a small animal veterinarian. She graduated from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and chose to pursue a prestigious rotating internship at the nation’s third largest small animal referral hospital.
Dr. Julie has a strong interest in canine reproduction, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, feline medicine/surgery, dentistry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), zoo animal and wildlife
medicine/rehabilitation. Dr. Julie is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), having undergone extensive training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She was a Founding Fellow of the International Association of Cat Doctors and Fellow of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and is currently a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Montana Veterinary Medical Association, Society For Theriogenology, American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association and multiple other organizations. Dr. Julie was the staff doctor at Guide Dogs of America for almost 5 years and was very excited to see the advancements and growth of the GDA veterinary program during that period.
Outside of work, Dr. Julie loves spending time with her husband, who grew up in Montana, and their children, friends, family, cats, and enjoys competing with her champion Labrador retrievers in the AKC conformation ring, hunt tests, obedience, rally, and other performance venues. Dr. Julie is a veterinary columnist in the world-renown Labrador Quarterly magazine. She also enjoys movies, books, photography, SCUBA diving, art, and the outdoors- hiking (especially with their pack llamas!), camping, fishing, shooting, gardening, rock-climbing, and exploring the wilderness.
Laurel Nelson, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Laurel Nelson has been working in veterinary medicine for 13 years. She graduated from University of Glasgow in Glasgow Scotland back in 2011. Dr Nelson grew up loving the All Creatures Great and Small book series by James Herriot. This series jump started her passion for veterinary medicine. As such, she jumped at the opportunity to study Veterinary Medicine at his alma mater.
She is passionate about geriatrics as well as end of life care appointments. End of life care is something that is so difficult to talk about and she is very passionate about making that transition as smooth as possible while advocating for both the pet and the client. Dr. Nelson also enjoys the rigorous subject of endocrinology and takes an interest in soft tissue surgical procedures.
Dr. Nelson loves Wirehaired Griffons and in her spare time you can find her spending time with her Griffon, Logan. You can also find her in her kitchen baking up a storm or hanging out with her adorable nieces and nephews.
Colette
Office Manager
Colette is the Office Manager at Alpenglow Animal Hospital. A fourth-generation Montanan, she was raised in central Montana, where her love for animals first began. With several years of experience in veterinary medicine, Colette is passionate about supporting both clients and the clinic team. She has a special interest in organizing, creating smooth systems, and helping the clinic run efficiently and positively. Colette finds it deeply rewarding to be part of a team that cares so much for pets and their people. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Vinnie. A fun fact about Colette: she loves dog training and has interned with several local trainers to deepen her knowledge of animal behavior.
Christine
Veterinary Technician
Christine started working at Alpenglow Animal Hospital in 2022. She lived in Memphis, TN for 26 years and graduated from St. Benedict at Auburndale High School in 2013. She spent some time at The University of Memphis, eventually, her husband got a job in Big Sky at the beginning of 2021.
She has always loved animals and used to work at an animal hospital in TN. She knew the Veterinary world was right for her when she became a technician and got to save lives. At that point, she knew there was nothing else she wanted to do. She feels it is the most rewarding job she has ever had and can’t imagine not working with animals. Christine and her husband Brandon live a busy life with two kids, Abby and Kade, and all her focus goes to them.
In her spare time, she likes to draw and do puzzles. One day she hopes to open an animal shelter. Animals are her passion and they always have been. Dogs are her favorite animal, hands down.
Felicity
Veterinary Technician
Felicity joined the Alpenglow team in June 2023 after completing her Bachelor’s in Microbiology at Montana State University. Felicity has a strong interest in veterinary medicine and hopes to attend veterinary school this upcoming fall. Until then, she is enjoying her time in Bozeman, MT with her boyfriend and their cat Oliver.
Felicity has had a strong passion for veterinary medicine all her life, and before becoming part of the Alpenglow team, she worked as a socialization/clean-care volunteer at Town Cats in Morgan Hill, CA for two years. Felicity has also worked at the local Bozeman Petco as a cashier and even passed a dog training course while employed there!
Despite working all over, Felicity has always felt happiest and most fulfilled when working in a clinic- after shadowing her uncle at 15 years old, Felicity dreamed of being able to make a living doing what she loved and she is so happy to be here to help with all of your furry friends and their needs!
Jacob
Veterinary Assistant
Originally from Colorado Springs, Jacob is currently a pre-veterinary student at Montana State University, with plans to apply to veterinary school soon. A lifelong love for animals, especially horses, has inspired Jacob to pursue a career as a veterinarian specializing in large animals. Horses have always played a significant role in his life and are the main reason behind his passion for veterinary medicine. In addition to his deep connection with animals, Jacob has a strong interest in genetics, further fueling his desire to become a veterinarian. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his two rescue dogs, Rip and Lucy.
Megan
Veterinary Assistant
Megan is originally from Southern California and moved to Montana to pursue her passion for animal care while studying Animal Science at Montana State University. As a veterinary student, she is focused on gaining experience in both large and small animal care, with the goal of one day owning her own mixed-animal practice. Megan has a strong interest in animal reproduction and enjoys learning about breeding management and reproductive health across a variety of species.
