Meet the Team

Jordan Nesbit, DVM

Dr. Jordan was raised locally in Rupert, Idaho and graduated from Minico High School in 2009. He received his undergraduate degree from Boise State University in 2013 and then went to veterinary school at Washington State University, receiving at his DVM in 2018. Dr. Nesbit moved back to Rupert in the spring of 2018 and began his career at Ark Animal Hospital. He and his wife Kathryn have one son, Lawson along with their two fur babies Nikko and Maeve.

“While growing up, I always enjoyed helping with my family’s animals and have always had an aptitude for science; I decided to combine my two interests and go into the veterinary profession. When I was working as a veterinary assistant during my time in Boise, I really enjoyed helping with surgical procedures and found that the most rewarding part of the profession was seeing the gratitude that clients expressed for your efforts.

My favorite thing about being a veterinarian is solving the mystery of what ails an animal. Because our patients cannot talk to us to tell us what is going on, we must become detectives to try and piece together the issue. It is satisfying when you figure out the problem and you can correct it.

My professional interests are pain management and incorporating low-stress handling techniques to help make veterinary visits less stressful for all parties involved. I think pain management is important because an animal’s pain is often misunderstood. People think that just because animals do not express pain the same way humans do that they do not experience pain as much as we do, which is incorrect. Pets have all the pain receptors that humans have, and appropriate pain management is important to keep pets healthy and happy.”

Outside of work, Dr. Jordan enjoys golf, going to the movies, and watching college and professional football.

Ashley H.

Ashley moved to Idaho from Utah in the summer of 2022 and has been loving it! She attended Utah State University to study Pre-Veterinary Science in 2018, and from there she transitioned to a Veterinary Technician program that allowed her to have time to work and attend school. She plans on continuing her education and obtaining her DVM once the time is right.

When she was younger she had this cat, Tiger Lily, that was diabetic. Being the oldest, and Lily's favorite, it was her responsibility to give her the insulin she needed morning and night and to monitor her for changes in her health. Being able to provide the care that she needed sparked her interest and love for veterinary science.

She and her husband got married in the summer of 2021, and have a Golden Retriever named Liliuokalani (``Lili``) and a cat named Maylee. They love to go on hikes together, take Lili for walks, and go for icecream runs.

Kari Kuta

Kari became a member of the Ark team in 2015. She was born and raised on a small farm in Eastern Oregon. Kari attended Dallas Community College where she obtained her license as a Certified Medical Assistant. She moved to Idaho in 2014 and was given the opportunity to follow a lifelong dream of working in the animal medical field. Kari and her husband have 3 amazing children, who they raise on their small hobby farm.

“I have always had a desire to help both humans and animals and in this position, I get the chance to do both. Working with animals is an exciting challenge, they are unable to express what is wrong and it is the medical team's job to find out. Every day is an exciting adventure, that is full of diversity. It is a rewarding job being able to help a client's beloved pet.

My family and I enjoy all the great outdoor activities that Idaho has to offer, and we are truly blessed to live in such a great rural community.”

Saebree Robinson

Saebree became a team member of Ark Animal Hospital in 2019. She has spent most of her life living in Idaho but is originally from Utah. In the spring of 2019, she became a Certified Equine Massage Therapist. Later, she graduated Minico High School in May 2021.

She started to work in the veterinary industry in September of 2019. When she was younger, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. The summer before she started, her dog got kicked by a horse and had to get surgery. This event was a catalyst for Saebree to pursue her dream to work with animals.

Saebree enjoys almost everything outdoors, mostly branding and riding her horse but she also enjoys camping and swimming in the summer.

“My favorite thing about working with animals is helping them and their owners. I knew I was in the right profession when I would come to work happy.”

Lisette Ruiz

Lisette was born and raised in Rupert, Idaho. She graduated from Minico High School in May 2022 and also completed the CNA program at Minico High School.

She has always dreamt of becoming a vet since she was 7 years old. Becoming a vet tech is just a step closer for her to reach her goal. Her favorite thing about working with animals is that she gets to live her childhood dream. She knew she was in the right profession because she enjoys coming to work every day and time flies when you are doing what you love.

She is the oldest of 2 in her family. Her interest has always been animals due to the fact that she was introduced to animals at a young age. She has had experience with large and small animals throughout her life.

Danica Blacker

Danica is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Ark Animal Hospital. A lifelong resident of Rupert, Idaho, she graduated from Minico High School in June of 2023. Danica has always had a deep love for animals, a passion that began in her childhood and led her to pursue a career in the veterinary field.

Her favorite part of working with animals is witnessing their progress and seeing the joy on their faces when they are healthy and ready to return home with their owners. This sense of fulfillment confirmed for Danica that she had chosen the right profession.

Outside of work, Danica enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring the mountains, and attending truck shows. She brings the same enthusiasm and dedication to her personal life as she does to her work with animals.

Alyssa Hood

Alyssa is a passionate Veterinary Assistant at Ark Animal Hospital. Originally from Burley, Idaho, she moved to Colorado in 2016 and graduated from Grand Valley High School in 2020. During high school, Alyssa took EMS and Firefighting courses at Colorado Mountain College. After returning to Idaho in 2020, she attended Idaho State University to complete prerequisites for the veterinary technician program at the College of Southern Idaho, where she hopes to enroll soon.

Alyssa's love for animals started at the age of eight, inspired by her desire to help animals in need. Her 12-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix, who was diagnosed with a heart murmur in 2022, has been a significant influence, teaching her the importance of veterinary care. Alyssa enjoys comforting pet owners during stressful times and discovering new ways to save and care for animals, always eager to learn something new.

Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys puzzles, video games, and adventuring around Idaho with her long-time partner, Chance. She draws inspiration from her mother, who worked at veterinary clinics in Colorado, and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and their owners.