Dr. Chris Franklin
A native of western Colorado, he went to Mesa State College, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. He then attended Colorado State University, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
After graduating, Dr. Franklin worked in the Denver area for 2 years at an extremely busy veterinary hospital where he gained extensive experience in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency care. Later, he practiced a year at a small animal hospital in Fort Collins, CO that was a member of the of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Chris then moved to Utah after being offered a position at a very busy veterinary hospital in the Salt Lake City area. He was brought there to help transition the hospital to a more progressive and more full service small animal veterinary care facility.
Involved in all aspects of veterinary practice, he performed a majority of the the major surgeries. He became certified to perform Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies (T.P.L.O.), an advanced surgery used for the correction of “ACL” injuries. He greatly enjoyed working with the police “K-9” units in the Salt Lake Valley. After practicing in Utah for 8 wonderful years, he decided it was time to return home to Colorado.
Professional Interests: Surgery (esp. orthopedics), small animal medicine, trauma and emergent care.
Personal Interests: Family, anything outdoors….camping, fishing, hunting, shooting, etc…
Dr. Will Sims
Dr. Sims grew up on a farm and ranch in southwest Kansas. He was surrounded by animals and loved when his veterinarian grandfather visited to work cattle and neuter tom cats. Wanting to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, he went to Oklahoma State University and majored in biochemistry and molecular biology before entering vet school after his junior year. After vet school, he moved to the Western Slope to practice mixed animal medicine in Cortez, Colorado. Despite his love for the people and farm calls, he wanted to further his education and obtained an ACVP/STP fellowship for an anatomic pathology residency at Texas A&M University with a masters in pathobiology. Wanting to stay in public service, he went to Little Rock, Arkansas and worked for the Livestock and Poultry Commission performing necropsies and reading biopsies on a wide variety of species. He also obtained a certification from the USDA as a foreign animal disease investigator and was part of the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). After five years in Arkansas, he moved to Amarillo, TX to continue his service work in diagnostics with Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). Needing to move back to Colorado to be near family and help his parents out, he worked as a remote pathologist for TVMDL from Lake George, Colorado. Seeking a career change with a new challenge and wanting to live back on the Western Slope, Dr. Sims decided to return to clinical medicine and joined San Juan Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Sims brings a unique point of view to general practice with his 10-years veterinary diagnostic lab service. He has professional interests in diagnostics, oncology, dermatology, pathology and infectious disease cases.
When he is not in the clinic, he spends his time outdoors hiking, backpacking and traveling. This was one of the driving factors that drew him to Montrose area. Additionally, he is an accomplished pianist and often plays at church. He also loves to sing in choirs and worked as a choir director in Breckenridge. He frequently attends Sacred Harp shape note singings in Colorado as well as travels to various singings across the country. Dr. Sims is partial to cats and has an orange tabby that keeps him company.
Dr. Becky Sondergard
A native of Colorado, Becky grew up in Littleton and attended Colorado State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 1995, a Master of Science in Physiology emphasis in Equine Reproduction in 1998, and ultimately a DVM in 2004.
Prior to attending veterinary school, Becky had the opportunity to work for National Jewish Hospital with a team researching rapid detection techniques for tuberculosis and to also work for the Audubon Zoo collaborating on projects in gamete cryopreservation and embryo transfer in endangered species.
Upon graduation from veterinary school, Becky relocated to the Western Slope where she has now practiced for 21 years. With a big emphasis on equine field practice but also years of experience treating cats, dogs, and small ruminants Becky brings a well rounded background to her everyday practice. Upon joining San Juan Veterinary Clinic full-time Becky will no longer be seeing large animals and is looking forward to concentrating on her small animal patients full time — no more frozen toes working outside!
In small animal practice she enjoys following patients through every aspect of their care and life stages, from that first puppy visit to making sure those last years are filled with comfort and good quality of life.
In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, hunting, and exploring.
Dr. Emily Lashaway
Dr. Emily Lashaway developed a love for animals at an early age. At just 12 years old, she began spending time at her local veterinary clinic as an observer after convincing the veterinarian to let her shadow. What started as observing quickly evolved into working as a kennel technician and later as a veterinary assistant, solidifying her passion for the profession and inspiring her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
She earned her undergraduate degree from West Texas A&M University, where she discovered a passion for cattle production and feedlot medicine. During her undergraduate studies, Dr. Lashaway gained valuable hands-on experience working in several feedlots and as a data collector at a beef carcass research center.
Dr. Lashaway went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine as a member of its inaugural graduating class. As one of the schools first students, she embraced unique leadership opportunities, serving as a founding member of both the Food Animal Club and the Palpation Team.
After graduation, Dr. Lashaway chose to build her career in a community that has long held a special place in her heart. Although she is not originally from the area, she spent many summers in Lake City fishing and hiking with her family. The opportunity to live and practice veterinary medicine in the region was a natural fit. While she has a special interest in beef production medicine and enjoys partnering with producers to support herd health and productivity, she also loves caring for companion animals and building lasting relationships with pets and their families.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Lashaway enjoys spending time with her husband, their two dogs, and their cat. She and her husband are involved in their church. She is an avid fly fisherman and enjoys exploring the outdoors. During the school year, she also volunteers her time assisting the Montrose FFA Veterinary Science Team, helping inspire the next generation of veterinary
professionals.
