The Hermosa Family
Dr. Lori, as she is known, was born in middle Nebraska. At a young age she moved to Denver for 8 years, then her family moved back to Nebraska where she finished High School. In High School she was a journalist, photographer and involved in several choirs. She joined the US Army and was a 91T (veterinary technician) during the Vietnam conflict but stationed at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver. While in the Army she participated in skiing and sports, especially highly competitive volleyball.
After leaving the Army she attended the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. She has practiced in the Denver Metro area since that time. Dr. Gulzow joined the Hermosa Family in 2018.
Her interests include feline medicine and general small companion animal medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, she has performed in a Cabaret group, fronted a 4-piece Jazz ensemble and a big band, acted on stage and is in a movie that will be released soon. She has also performed as a vocalist with her piano players at night clubs and other venues. She plays golf badly.
Lorileah Gulzow, DVM
Senior Veterinarian
A Colorado native, Amber Richard was brought up learning how to love, care for and train animals by her father, Dr. Kurth. From the time she was a small girl, she was allowed to help her father at Hermosa with all different types of animals, which nurtured a deep love and respect for not only the animals, but the field as well. She grew up learning all aspects of the facility, from kennel technician to receptionist. As her interest in the field grew, she moved on to become a Technician and eventually assisting her father in running the practice. Her house is home to many animals, including two French Bull Dogs, an American Bull Dog, two cats and a boat load of fish! She has devoted her life to helping the voiceless and is determined to carry on her father's legacy of quality care and his compassionate heart.
Amber Richard, RVT
Practice Manager
Born and raised in the state of Colorado, Rachel has grown up in and around the veterinary field. She started at a very young age under the guidance of her father, Dr. Kurth, who taught her animal care as well as managing a very busy practice. She learned every aspect of operating a clinic, from patient care to client care and practice management. She owns three dogs, three cats and has a strong love and passion for animals.
Rachel Demmer, RVT
Hospital Administrator
Crystal has worked for Hermosa for 20 years and her inspiration came from her father, Dr. Kurth, who served the city of Denver for over 30 plus years. Through the years she has made many animals a part of her family. Currently she has three dogs. A pit bull named Star, a blue healer, Peyton, a pug, Nemo. She also owns four cats, Angel, Ash, Storm and Cloudy.
"Animals are one of the things in life that bring me great joy. Everyday is a new day of learning and is an amazing experience at Hermosa!"
Crystal deHeld, RVT
Assistant Manager
Izzy has been in the veterinary field since she was 15 years old. She worked in a variety of clinics in Texas before moving to Colorado and joining our team in 2017. She will soon hold a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Tarleton State University, where she showed an interest in livestock through the local FFA and 4H show programs. She developed a special interest in emergency medicine and surgery, which fits right into the busy days at Hermosa. She loves helping people and could not think of a better way to do it than through animals. She has two dogs at home, a one-eyed crazy kitty and a 15 year old quarter horse in Texas.
Izzy Ostert, RVT
Assistant Manager
Born and raised in Colorado, Danielle has always wanted to work in the veterinary field since she was little girl. So, she decided after graduation that she would enroll at Pima to begin her career. Danielle worked in general practice for about 2 years but took a brief break to work in emergency. Danielle loves being able to help give back to our community by caring for our patients. Her fury family is made up of an American Staffordshire mix, a Shar Pei, a Chiweenie Pug, three cats and a ton of lizards.
Danielle Espinoza, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Damien started working at Hermosa Vet. Clinic around 2017. He works on Sundays, helping to assist with Hobo Care Boxer Rescue and taking care of the animals in the facility.
Damien
Kennel Technician
Piper is currently attending CSU. She is in her junior year studying Zoology. She is aspiring to one day become a Veterinarian. She has always had a passion for helping animals; in fact when she was three years old all she wanted for Christmas was a stethoscope and scrubs. She has two amazing dogs, Franklin and Zoey, who are total love bugs. In her free time she loves painting, drawing, fostering XL dogs and playing soccer.
Piper Shira, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Emrys has loved animals since he was a kid helping his grandparents in Wales care for show sheep for the Royal Welsh. Either helping nurse lambs, helping the herd with sheepdogs, and mending the occasional bird in need, you would find Emrys running around the farm to lend a hand.
In 2018 he graduated with a degree in Anthropology and Critical Identity Studies from Beloit College and entered the vet field in 2019. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in veterinary technology. In late 2020 Emrys uprooted his life to move from Chicago to Denver to pursue his dream of helping animals and becoming a veterinary assistant.
Emrys is a proud cat dad of two: Alwyn and Eirlys (one of who he adopted a week after starting at Hermosa). He also is the Uncle to a 5-year-old beagle rescue and a 13-year-old cockatiel that he loves dearly.
Emrys, PVT
Veterinary Technician
Arianna is a senior at Colorado State University. She is pursuing a degree in fish, wildlife biology and conservation. All her life she has loved animals. After interning at the Denver Zoo, Arianna knew that her devotion to animals was meant to be. She chose to go into the field of veterinary medicine because she wanted to help make an impact in her community in some way and to teach others about the importance of animal health. Arianna is very passionate about educating others about the importance of caring for their pets as well, especially when becoming a new pet owner. Arianna owns a crazy loving cat named Safari. He is the sweetest yet sassiest cat ever, who keeps her on her toes!