The Blue Ridge Team

Kelly Burke, DVM

Veterinarian, Owner

Dr. Kelly Burke was raised in Lakeside, Arizona where she attended Blue Ridge from second grade on. She participated in softball, basketball, track, volleyball, band, and Spanish while attending Blue Ridge. After graduating in 2007 she attended Arizona State University. While attending ASU she went to Guatemala and Mexico several times for missions working with children. After graduation from ASU in 2010 she attended Washington State University for veterinary school. She traveled to Mongolia with Christian Veterinary Mission in 2011 to teach children English in the Gobi Deset. She graduated from veterinary school in 2015.

Blue Ridge Pet Clinic has a special place in Dr. Burke’s heart as she started working here in 2004 at the age of 14. She worked her way up from kennel assistant to now the practice owner. She met her husband while working at Blue Ridge. He was a veterinary technician. She focuses on the veterinary client relationship and enjoys partnering with clients to achieve the best care for their animals. She has special interests in soft tissue surgery, pain management.

In her free time, Dr. Burke loves spending time with her husband and two children exploring the beautiful White Mountains. She enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking with her two golden retrievers. She also has two cats and tortoise waiting at home (they don’t enjoy hiking as much). She and her husband are involved in their church family and the community. She will occasionally umpire for Blue Ridge softball games. She also loves traveling and visiting as much of the world as possible. She loves the White Mountains and looks forward to helping it be a great place.

James Ponder, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. James Ponder brings over 40 years of veterinary experience to Blue Ridge Pet Clinic. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Zoology (1979) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1985) from the University of California, Davis. While he pursued the small animal track, he also spent three summers on the equine ambulatory service, originally planning to enter mixed animal practice.

Dr. Ponder began his career at Lassen Veterinary Hospital and later served as an emergency clinician for the Salinas area, covering all weekend and holiday cases for six independent veterinary hospitals. In 1987, he purchased Romie Lane Pet Hospital in Salinas, CA, which he owned and operated for over 30 years. His practice was known for its comprehensive care, blending advanced Western medicine with a compassionate, personal approach.

In 1999, Dr. Ponder became the first veterinarian in Monterey County certified in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. While he offers acupuncture as an option, his primary focus has always been on medicine and surgery. Throughout his career, he has integrated cutting-edge tools like endoscopy, ultrasound, and laser therapy to ensure the highest standard of care.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Ponder regularly attends continuing education events and stays current with veterinary advancements. From 2012 to 2020, he provided after-hours emergency care until midnight, often following a full day of appointments. He also hosted a weekly call-in animal advice show on KSCO 1080 AM radio in Santa Cruz from 2015 to 2017.

After selling his practice in 2020, Dr. Ponder remained on as an associate before joining Blue Ridge Pet Clinic in April 2022, where he continues to offer expert care in small animal medicine and surgery.

In his free time Dr. Ponder enjoys skiing, boating and spending time in the outdoors with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Jordan Clark, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Jordan Clark grew up in Hahira, GA on a horse farm, giving her a passion for animals at an early age. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a Biology Degree and was then accepted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

During veterinary school, Dr. Clark became involved with Christian Veterinary Mission, which led her to take several veterinary mission trips to places such as Romania, the Navajo Reservation and the local White Mountain Apache Tribe. Through these mission trips to the WMAT, she met her (now husband) Curtis and the door opened for her to work at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic after graduation.

Dr Clark’s favorite part of being a veterinarian is encouraging people through their animals. Her interests include senior pet care, critical care and equine medicine.  Dr. Clark’s family includes her husband, Curtis, and daughter, Hannalin, along with their two rescue pups. Her favorite hobbies include traveling, hiking the White Mountains, and spending time doing youth ministry on the reservation.

Cimmeron Madrid, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Cimmeron Madrid is proud to call the White Mountains home. His family originates both locally in the Eagar area and all the way from Minnesota. He was born in Show Low, but has also lived in Gilbert and Sierra Vista. He graduated from Buena High School in Sierra Vista in 2013. By his own admission, he did not know what he wanted to do in high school. His desire to become a veterinarian began after watching an equine veterinarian suture an injured foal’s leg while he worked for a dude ranch near Alpine and Big Lake. He then started down the veterinary path at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. In late 2014, he moved to the Dominican Republic to serve a 2-year mission for his church where he achieved fluency in Spanish. In 2017, he moved to Rexburg, Idaho and attended Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he graduated with a bachelors in Animal Science in 2019. Thankfully, he was accepted into veterinary school at Washington State University in 2020 and graduated in May of 2024.

In 2019, he needed an internship to complete his undergraduate degree. He got in touch with Blue Ridge Pet Clinic and they were nice enough to hire him on and train him as a veterinary assistant, where he worked during that summer and before graduate school. Dr. Madrid is grateful that they were willing to take him back upon completion of veterinary school and is glad to be in the White Mountains again. Dr. Madrid enjoys being out in the woods, having spent several summers on horseback in the Apache National Forest.

He and his border collie Rue have been all over and through many adventures. He is active in his church, likes to hike, read, watch a good movie, and come up with hilarious puns (at least he thinks so).

Jesse Blum, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Jesse Blum was raised in Prescott, Arizona, and fostered a deep love and respect for the natural world from a young age. In addition to growing up with dogs and cats, she also rode horses for most of her life, in both Western and English disciplines. She started undergrad at Yavapai College, in their Equine Science/Agribusiness associate’s degree track, and concurrently worked at a dressage barn. She then transferred to ASU, where her major focus was in Biological Sciences (Ecology) with a minor in Public Health. While in undergrad, Dr. Blum worked as a tech in GP, ER/ICU, internal medicine, dermatology, and behavior. She also had experience with several wildlife sanctuaries and an Audubon Center, a tilapia hatchery, and a 6-month internship with the Arizona State Veterinarian that focused on infectious disease. These experiences helped her form a fully-immersive understanding of how veterinarians contribute to animal health and welfare.

Her passions and interests helped pave the way for her to matriculate a year early from undergrad into University of Arizona’s 3rd graduating DVM class, where she served as the IM Club’s president-elect, the Animal Behavior Club’s vice-president elect, and a Student Representative. She was also active in SAAEP Club (equine) and Food Animal Club. During school, she honed her interests by volunteering at UA CVM’s farm while working relief as an ER technician and a remote behavior technician.

Since Dr. Blum grew up in the mountains of northern Arizona and always wanted to return to cooler weather (although she loves cacti and desert wildlife), she was overjoyed when her husband was assigned to be the priest at a Show Low area Orthodox church, as it gave her an opportunity to explore a life in the Eastern Arizona pines. During a clinical rotation at BRPC, Dr. Blum fell in love with the positive clinic culture, nurturing mentorship, and detail to patient care. The clinic, and the entire surrounding town, immediately helped her feel at home and at ease during this transition period.

In practice, Dr. Blum values open client communication and welfare education, and is looking forward to meeting lots of new faces. Her clinical interests include trauma and emergencies, behavioral management and quality-of-life conversations, infectious disease, maternity care, and internal medicine. She’s hard-pressed to name a favorite animal, but it’s probably goats! In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her husband, exploring gourmet cooking, trail running, choir directing for the local Orthodox Church, reading, sewing and knitting, and cuddling her two children.

Chris Reed

Office Manager

Chris started with Blueridge Pet Clinic in late 2022. He brings over 15 years of management experience with him. Chris is from Boise Idaho and decided to move to Lakeside after meeting his wife who grew up in the area. He lives here with his wife, five children, two dogs and three cats. He fills his free time with his family doing things with his community and local church.

Amberlee

Practice Manager

Amberlee has been a dedicated part of Blue Ridge Pet Clinic for over 8 years. Originally from Sanders, Arizona, she graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business. With over a decade of experience and a passion for leadership, she helps keep the clinic running smoothly every day. Outside of work, Amberlee enjoys spending time with her husband of 12 years and their three boys.

Cassie

Front Office Supervisor

Cassie has proudly called the beautiful White Mountains home for nearly seven years, alongside her husband, Travis. She serves as the Front Office Supervisor at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic, where she has been a valued team member for the past two years. Her love for animals and people shines through in every interaction.

Before joining Blue Ridge, Cassie spent five fulfilling years at the Humane Society of the White Mountains. Her lifelong passion for animal care extends beyond the clinic—she and Travis often foster kittens and provide pet sitting services in their spare time.

For Cassie, helping animals and supporting their families isn’t just a career—it’s a true calling. She feels fortunate to do what she loves every day and looks forward to continuing this meaningful work for many years to come.

Janet

Certified Veterinary Technician

Janet Rislund grew up in Payson, Arizona, where a childhood spent exploring the outdoors sparked a lifelong love for animals and nature. She began her career as a Veterinary Technician in 2003 and quickly discovered her passion for veterinary medicine. Driven to deepen her skills, Janet earned her Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license and has been dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care ever since.

Janet moved to Lakeside eight years ago and has been an integral part of the Blue Ridge Pet Clinic team. She enjoys working alongside a supportive team and serving the pets and people of her community. Outside of the clinic, Janet loves spending time with her children and playing with her four amazing grandchildren.

Sandra

Veterinary Technician

Sandra started her career in the animal field at 18, volunteering at Wildife World Zoo. She helped in several areas of the Zoo for several years until taking an internship at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. She was then hired as a trainer after her internship. While at Sea Life Park, Sandra became involved with the park’s Seabird Rehabilitation Facility, eventually running it for 11 years.

Sandra moved back to Arizona at the beginning of 2020 to be closer to family. Sandra started working at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic as a veterinary technician later that year. Sandra enjoys being able to assist in helping pets in the community.

In her free time, Sandra volunteers with the raptors at the White Mountain Nature Center. She also enjoys exploring the White Mountains, looking for and photographing wildlife. During the summer you can find her teaching line dancing.

Matt

Veterinary Technician

Matt has been dedicated to the veterinary field since 2006. He began his career working in emergency and specialty clinics, gaining valuable experience and a deep understanding of animal care in critical situations. In 2016, he found his home at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic, where he continues to serve the pets and people of the White Mountains with compassion and expertise. Matt is passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals and their families and is proud to be part of a team that shares that same commitment.

Mae

Veterinary Technician

Mae enjoys hunting and camping as well as good places to eat here in the white mountains oh and we can’t forget her wonderful family and pets that she absolutely love to spend time with. Mae was born and raised in Flagstaff, AZ. When she was a very young kid, she had a love for all animals big or small, that’s how she knew what type of work field she wanted to be in, that’s what led her to Blue Ridge Pet Clinic. She enjoys working at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic with all her wonderful Doctors, coworkers and wonderful community that we have here in the white mountains.

Mae is grateful to be a part of Blue Ridge Pet Clinic .

Kiana

Veterinary Technician

Kiana is a dedicated Veterinary Technician at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic with nearly five years of experience in the veterinary field. A proud graduate of the University of Arizona, she holds a degree in Veterinary Science and aspires to continue her education in Veterinary Medicine. Raised on the nearby White Mountain Apache Tribe, Kiana is passionate about using her skills to give back to local communities. Her commitment to animal care and deep-rooted connection to the area drive her to provide the highest level of support for both pets and their families.

Lydia

Veterinary Technician

Lydia is a dedicated veterinary technician who has been part of the Blue Ridge Pet Clinic family for nearly seven years. A proud Show Low native, she began working at the clinic when she was just 15 years old, driven by a deep love for animals and a passion for helping others.

After spending a year and a half in Washington serving an LDS mission, Lydia returned home and resumed her work at the clinic. She’s now a key member of our technician team, known for her fun energy , strong work ethic, and genuine care for every patient she sees.

Lydia shares her life (and sometimes her pets!) with her mom, and together they care for 7 dogs and 4 cats. When she’s not at the clinic, you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her husband and their furry crew.

Jeremy

Veterinary Technician

Jeremy is originally from Chino Valley, Arizona, and brings more than five years of dedicated veterinary experience to the Blue Ridge Pet Clinic team. He shares his home with one dog and three cats, who ensure there’s never a dull moment. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, cultivating his garden, and traveling to new and exciting destinations. Jeremy’s passion for animals and adventurous spirit make him a wonderful addition to the clinic.

Elizabeth

Veterinary Technician

Elizabeth is a veterinary technician at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic with an Associate of Science in Equine Science and plans to pursue veterinary school. Comfortable with both small animals and livestock, she owns cattle and shares her home with several dogs, cats, and a pig. Outside the clinic, Elizabeth enjoys fishing, reading, and exploring the White Mountains. She’s passionate about patient comfort, clear client communication, and supporting the team with a calm, can-do approach.

Joell

Receptionist

Joell is a warm and friendly face at Blue Ridge Pet Clinic in Lakeside, Arizona, where she helps keep things running smoothly every day. From answering phones and scheduling appointments to assisting with physician calendars and supporting the accounting team, Joell brings a calm, caring presence to both our clients and their pets. Her background in retail, communications, and office administration gives her the skills to handle anything that comes her way with grace and professionalism.

With years of experience in customer service and management roles, Joell has worked at Safeway, where she led teams in various departments, and managed daily operations at Kim’s Hallmark Shop. She’s also supported legal and accounting offices, trained with the Pinetop Lakeside Police Department as a dispatcher, and worked in hospitality—all of which make her an expert in staying organized, solving problems, and making people feel taken care of. Joell’s dedication and positive attitude make her an essential part of the Blue Ridge Pet Clinic team.