Dr David Kowalek, licensed veterinarian and co-owner of Riverside Veterinary Hospital, is always looking to learn something new to incorporate into his veterinary toolkit. He is dedicated to his family, his clients, & his community. His interests include: preventing disease by improving the health & well-being of animals & strengthening the human-animal bond. Dr Kowalek’s education includes the University of Pittsburgh (BS Anthropology & Biology), University of Liverpool (BSC HONS Veterinary Conservation Medicine), & University of Glasgow (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery). He met his partner, Micaela in veterinary school. Upon qualification in 2011, they moved to South Wales to start their veterinary careers. They relocated to Carson City in 2015. Dr Kowalek has experience working in a variety of settings outside of small animal general practice including: mixed ambulatory, emergency small animal, shelter medicine, & international volunteering. He shows his devotion and commitment to the community by working with many nonprofits such as Feeding Pets of the Homeless, which he serves on the bord. He enjoys a nice cup of tea and rainy days while spending quality time with his greatest treasures, his family (Micaela, 2 wee humans, 2 dogs, & a desert tortoise). With a great head of hair and a sharp wit, he is ready for the days to come. 

Originally from Santa Cruz, California. Dr Micaela Collins moved to New York for her undergraduate degree at Vassar College majoring in Bio-Psychology and minoring in Chemistry. She resided in New York City after graduating where she became certified as a yoga instructor while working for a prominent animal shelter until 2006. She then continued her education by attending the University of Glasgow in Scotland to complete her veterinary degree. It was in vet school where she met Dr. Kowalek and they both graduated in 2011. The two started their professions in veterinary medicine in Wales, UK. She started her professional career at an Affordable Care Small Animal Clinic and Emergency work. While there, she completed a veterinary certificate in chronic pain management and western acupuncture (CPMWA). Prior to moving back to the United States, Dr. Collins traveled internationally to locations such as India, Mexico, and Africa engaging in her passions for veterinary activism in Rabies prevention andd sterilization campaigns.  She returned to the US in 2013 with her partner and an assortment of pets and is delighted to have settled in Carson City in 2015.  She has a profound attachment to the human animal bond, and supportive pain management including end of life care. In addition to their dogs and tortoise, in Sept of 2018, Dr Collins and Dr. Kowalek welcomed their first human child, and again a second child in 2020. 

Naomi works as the hospital administrator and relief LVT. She received her degree in animal science in 2014 and is currently pursuing her CVPM degree through the VHMA. Her favorite part of her job is establishing good rapport and an ethical culture with both employees and clients. Before settling in the Reno/Tahoe area she lived in Douglas, AK training dog sled teams and living one of her dreams as a dog musher. She then moved to Carson City and accepted a role as hospital administrator of an animal emergency facility. It was there that she found her passion for emergency and critical care medicine. 

Her professional interests include critical case studies, DVM academics for foreign Veterinary graduates, and improving work/life balance amongst her team. 

In her free time she can be found spending time with her family and their three dogs Ira, Bear, and Daisy. 

Riverside Veterinary is excited to announce a new Associate Veterinarian has joined our team! Dr. Abney Brown, a long-time Nevadan, exudes passion and dedication to the veterinary field. Dr. Brown received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Nevada Reno. She then received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. Dr. Brown is a valued and appreciated addition to the Riverside Team. She aids Riverside Veterinary in supporting our mission to provide ethical, collaborative, and compassion veterinary care to all of our clients and patients. She provides services such as soft tissue surgery, urgent/sick medical practices, preventative wellness, chronic disease management, dental health and awareness advocation, and so much more! Dr. Browns practice focus includes both small animal and exotics. When not working, Dr. Brown enjoys spending time wedding planning, hanging with her pets, and spending time with her partner Chris. 

Nikki is a licensed veterinary technician. She graduated in 2012 from Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, CO. Her career for the love of animals started at a doggie boarding/grooming/daycare facility. In college, she worked at a canine rehabilitation group where she enjoyed seeing the impact it had on recovering or injured pets.

Nikki was born and raised in western South Dakota. She and her husband, along with their dogs and duck, moved to Nevada a few years ago.

Nikki loves being outdoors and anywhere her furry kids can join. Hiking, movie watching, kayaking, skiing and traveling top her list of favorite activities.

Marggret Mauricio is over the moon to be working at Riverside Veterinary Hospital. Not only does she bring a sassy wit and a plethora of knowledge to her job, she also has over 30 years of experience in a mix of emergency/critical care and general practice working with small, large,

exotics and wildlife. Marggret’s true passion in life revolves around her loving family and to finally be able to swim with the sharks that she is obsessed with, well that and Santa Cruz.

Raeley has lived in the Carson Valley since 1989. Raeley is originally from Southern California. She has always had a love for animals, but has only been working in the field since 2014. Growing up, Raeley has had a variety of pets from small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, flocks of poultry, as well as dogs and cats. In her spare time, Raeley enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, gardening, and raising/breeding her chickens and turkeys. 

Micaela is a licensed veterinary technician who was born and raised in Northern Nevada. They have always held a special place in their heart for animals (to the dismay of their parents who would come home to new critters at random). They started in the veterinary field as a receptionist for a local animal shelter clinic where they discovered their desire to become a veterinary technician. Micaela holds a special interest in dentistry and working with exotic patients of all kinds. They spend their free time reading, cross-stitching, playing D&D, and enjoying time with their spouse, 2 dogs, 4 cats, and 3 cockatiels.

Bailey moved to Nevada from Colorado in 2022 for a fresh start, and to be closer to her partner. She has always had a passion for animals, loves hiking, off-roading, and spending time with her 2 dogs. She has been working in this field since 2017 and is loving it. Her hopes are to someday have her own facility where she trains and rehabilitates dogs.

Veterinary Receptionist Cierah!

Bio coming soon!

Our Riverside Team welcomes Sarah! Born in Anaheim but raised in Nevada, Sarah has spent her professional career specializing in customer service. Sarah has always had a strong desire to work in the veterinary field because of her huge love for all animals. In 2023 she transitioned her role of customer service in the food industry to the role of customer service in the animal world! In her free time she enjoys spending time with her pets, traveling with her husband, working out, roller skating and reading about true crime.