DR. BURDETTE, DVM
Dr. Burdette grew up in New York and graduated from Colgate University, Amanda worked to protect ranch and farmland in D.C. for a few years before moving to Colorado in 1999. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her amazing husband and two beautiful children, dog, and two cats . In her free time she loves baking and cooking, trail running, yoga, or just enjoying the amazing Colorado life.
DR. JORDAN, DVM
Dr. Jordan grew up Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2012. She and her husband called Houston home for 7 years before moving to beautiful Colorado to spend more time outdoors hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. They now call Boulder home with their dog and two cats. Missy loves her chosen profession, enjoying the special relationship that she shares with pets and the people who love them.
DR. VESPA, DVM
I grew up in Springfield Illinois. I graduated from Saint Louis University with a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics, then from the University of Illinois with my DVM in 2021. I spent much of my time in veterinary school as the manager of the Wildlife Medical Clinic. I enjoy working with wildlife and non-traditional pet species such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals. I also have a certificate in Veterinary Forensics. My husband, Alex, and I have 2 beautiful husky mixes, Addy and Shiya, that we love to spend time with outdoors, and a talkative affectionate senior orange tabby named Tiger. We recently lost our spunky ferret, Whiskey, but she is very much with us in spirit. I enjoy outdoor activities, cooking, baking, puzzles, crafting, and true crime documentaries.
Cassie Vespa, DVM
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2021
Wildlife Medical Clinic Co-Manager
DR. FUCHS, DVM
Dr. Fuchs (pronounced “Fox”) is a Midwest native of Springfield, Illinois. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and graduated with degrees in Integrative Biology and Environmental Studies. After a couple of years working for an animal shelter called the Animal Protective League in his hometown, he returned to the University of Illinois to complete his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.
Dr. Fuchs’ professional interests include preventive medicine and soft tissue surgery. He practiced as an emergency veterinarian for several years prior to his current work as a primary care veterinarian. He continues to strive to expand his knowledge in veterinary medicine, and his next interest lies in canine rehabilitation and physical therapy. Dr. Fuchs often credits his dog Addy, a 13-year-old malamute mix, for sparking his passion for veterinary medicine, but he has always loved animals of all kinds. He and his wife also share their home with their 3-year-old malamute mix named Shiya and their 19 years young cat named Tiger. During his free time, Dr. Fuchs enjoys spending time in the outdoors and staying active. He loves both watching and playing baseball whenever he gets the chance!
Dr. Klafin, DVM, CVA
Originally from New York, Dr. Klafin has been serving the cats and dogs of the Boulder and New York City communities for over 10 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Communications from New York University in 1998, and spent 10 years working in the music industry at a boutique record label before pursuing her veterinary career. Dr. Klafin then went on to complete a post-baccalaureate premedical program at Columbia University in 2005, and pursued her doctor of veterinary medicine degree at St. George’s University. Dr. Klafin spent a year in Philadelphia, finishing her veterinary training at the University of Pennsylvania. After school, she completed a rigorous internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York, where she developed an interest in all aspects of Internal Medicine. Since finishing her internship, she has worked in general practice in Boulder, Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Dr. Klafin has always been interested in the health benefits of eastern medicine. In 2019, she began her traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) studies at the world-renowned Chi Institute in Florida, focusing on the practice of acupuncture, and she received her certified veterinary acupuncture degree in 2020.
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s own immune system through placement of specialized needles at critical points on the body. The benefits of acupuncture have been extensively studied under both eastern and western medical standards. Thousands of peer-reviewed studies show its benefits for a variety of conditions, including arthritis/orthopedic pain, neurologic abnormalities, gastrointestinal diseases, kidney and liver disorders, cancer, as well as heart and lung conditions.
Dr. Klafin incorporates an integrative approach to practicing veterinary medicine, using acupuncture and other TCVM modalities to complement western diagnoses and therapies. The addition of acupuncture for treatment of any veterinary disease offers a more holistic approach to treatment, incorporating the well-being of the whole body in a non-invasive way, with little to no side-effects.
Dr. Klafin is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, and is a USDA-accredited veterinarian. She lives in North Boulder with her rescue cats, Z and Gigi, and her rescue Chihuahua mix, Chilaquiles. When not practicing veterinary medicine, she takes advantage of all that Colorado has to offer. She enjoys music, film, reading, traveling, vegan cooking, boxing, hiking, cycling and rock/mountain climbing.
