Utah Veterinary Hospital is owned and operated by Dr. Samuel Rivera. Dr. Rivera was born in Durango, México, and grew up in Southern California. He attended the University of California, Davis, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, with an emphasis in Captive and Companion Animals in 2004. He went on to veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2009. Dr. Rivera has a well-rounded résumé with over 15 years of experience in corporate hospitals, private hospitals, high- and low-cost clinics, animal shelter medicine, relief veterinary care, and private ownership. Now, he has chosen to settle down to provide the best quality veterinary medicine at Utah Veterinary Hospital, in American Fork, UT. Dr. Samuel Rivera is married to his wife, Elizabeth J., and is father to Samuel James, Sadie Jayne, and Sawyer Jack. He has his companion dog, a yellow lab named Sally, and cares for Koi fish in his home. He enjoys veterinary medicine, wellness and preventative medicine, and veterinary surgery, with a strong interest and experience in orthopedic surgery. His hobbies include exercise, fishing, snowboarding, and spending time with his family. He is also a big LAKERS fan!

Dr. Rivera is currently enrolled in an international surgical certification program, expected to be finished in 2025. Recently he has engaged in offering exotic animal medicine, small animal endoscopy and orthopedic surgeries, aside from his extensive small animal medical and surgical offerings. He has additional training in the following specialized areas: Proper Dental Prophylaxis and Surgical Dental Extractions (2008, 2010); Ophthalmology Corrective Surgical Procedures (2010); General Soft Tissue and Respiratory Corrective Surgery (2010, 2011); Canine & Feline Endrocrine Diseases (2013-2014, 2019); Fracture Repair in Toy Breed Dogs & Cats (2018); Principles of Fracture Repair (2019); SOP for Fracture Repair, MMP Progression of TTA Procedure for Canine Cruciate Repair, and RidgeStop Patellar Luxation Repair Technique (2019).

American Fork, UT Veterinary Team

Hannah Paul (Lead Veterinary Technician)

Although Hannah grew up in Utah, she has lived in many areas of the
U.S. She has always had animals in her life and was motivated from a very early age to love and care for as many creatures as she can. Hannah graduated from Broadview University with her Associate’s of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, and she has since found her career home here at Utah Veterinary Hospital. She has multiple pets, but her best friend and road trip buddy is her Springer Spaniel, Pepper. In her rare free time, Hannah enjoys archery, video games, and spending time with her friends and family.

Erin Rourke (Veterinary Technician)

After being born and raised in the Chicago area, Erin moved to Colorado Springs, where she attended the Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology, graduating Magna Cum Laude with her Associate’s of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. After graduating, she and her partner relocated to American Fork to be closer to family, and she became a proud member of the Utah Veterinary Hospital team. In her free time, Erin enjoys reading, camping, spending time with her partner and their 3 rescue dogs, and watching the Twilight Saga movies WAY too many times.

Emily Christian (Veterinary Technician)

Emily was born in Utah and has always had a love for animals. Emily attended JATC and received her certification as a Veterinary Assistant (CVA). She enjoyed taking classes involving animals such as Animal Science, Zoology and Equine in High School. When Emily was a Senior in high school she started college classes at Broadview University and graduated with her Associate’s of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. Emily has many years of experience in animal care and is happy to be a part of the Utah Veterinary Hospital team.

Emily and her husband have a Shih Tzu named Milo, a Norwich

Terrier named Leo, and a Yellow Lab named Dexter who is a family dog. In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling with her husband and her dogs to the National Parks.

Kaitlyn Maye (Executive Veterinary Assistant)

Kaitlyn moved here to Utah from her hometown in Sacramento, CA, with her partner to start a new life journey. With her love for animals and experience in all areas of their care, she has been thrilled and honored to be a member of the Utah Veterinary team. She is currently enrolled at Penn Foster working towards an Associate’s of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Kaitlyn has a chihuahua mix named Sola who is her loving ESA, 3 cats; Jasmine, Tiger Lily & Juniper, a bearded dragon; Mushu, a milk snake; Bindi, a slider turtle; Kiwi, a leopard gecko; Star, a parakeet; Petrie, a rat; Pepper, and a ferret; Meeko. When she is not at work, Kaitlyn spends time with her animals, goes on weekend adventures with her partner, and enjoys reading and self-care.

Ivee Bingham (Veterinary Assistant)

After living in Washington for 15 years, Ivee returned to her hometown here in American Fork and joined the Utah Veterinary team. With a background in child care, Ivee brings patience, compassion, and a love for teamwork to her role as a veterinary assistant. She adores her big family and proudly holds the title of “Best Aunt Ever!”. Ivee does not currently have pets of her own, but is the Godmother to all of Kaitlyn’s animals. Alongside her passion for animals, Ivee finds joy in music, movies, and drawing.

Hailey DeGroff (Veterinary Assistant)

Hailey has lived in American Fork for all of her life and has developed a strong love and knowledge of different types of animals and their care in that time. She currently has over 15 pets in her care, including a tiny deaf chihuahua named Willy, 4 cats, 4 rabbits, 2 corn snakes, 2 pigeons, 2 parakeets, and a betta fish. She is currently training to be a

Veterinary Technician and hopes to become certified in the future. When she is not spending time with her pets she enjoys reading, hanging out with her 4 siblings, and rollerblading.

Sydney Baker (Veterinary Assistant)

After moving from Utah, to Arizona, to Idaho, to California, Sydney has made her way back to Utah. She has always had a strong love and passion for animals. She has cared for dogs and horses her whole life. Right now, Sydney lives with her husband and 3 cats, Nyx, Loki, and Remi. In her free time, Sydney loves listening to music while riding her horse, Rowan.

Sofía Duarte (Receptionist)

Sofía moved here from Colombia to pursue her education and is currently attending Penn Foster in pursuit of an Associate’s of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. Sofía attended JATC for veterinary assistance. She has worked with all types of animals and has brought her experience, love, and passion for their care to the Utah Veterinary team. When not at work, Sofía is a ballerina, volleyball player, singer, pianist, and a proud owner to 2 Cocker Spaniels; Brandy & Naomi, 2 cats; Julieta & Keeva, and an adorable St. Bernard/Husky puppy; Tofi.

Ashley Hair

Born and raised in Utah with Colombian roots, Ashley is an animal lover who is passionate about creating a welcoming experience for pets and their families. She adores spending time with her fur baby, Gordo, an English Lab/Retriever mix. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, traveling, and reading. Ashley is excited to be part of a team dedicated to helping animals.