Click here to learn About Our Hospital

Walter Rowntree, DVM

              BAMC Veterinarian

Member, AVMA

     Hi!  My name is Walter Rowntree and I pursued my dream of having a beautiful, fun, energy efficient hospital by building BAMC.  I earned a Bachelor's degree in Physiology and a DVM degree from the vet school at the University of California at Davis.  I practiced 2 years in California, then 13 years in NW Montana, near Kalispell.  In 2003 I moved to Pocatello and founded BAMC. 

     When I shed my Dr.'s suit, I enjoy hiking, biking, trail riding, Eventing, reading, cooking, spending time with my wife and pets, and thinking deep thoughts.

     In 1996 my wife, Laura, started a dairy with 50 cows, so I started doing all the house cleaning, laundry, litter box changing, and learned to cook – Thai and East Indian curries are a favorite!  (It was either take over the household chores or learn to milk cows).  I still do most of the cooking, and as little of the other chores as I can manage. 

     In 1994, after 20 years of trying, my wife finally got me on a horse and hasn't been able to get me off.  I compete in Eventing, and although I'm not very good at it, me and my brave horse, Diamond, have a great time.  Click here to see a video of me jumping Diamond over flames!

     My pets include a Doberman dog named Hana and 2 cats named Sherman and Apache.  Click on the image above to go to the website of ODMAD, the Pocatello trainer who taught me and Hana Agility.

     I have been happily married for over 20 years to Laura Reynolds, who manages Alohomora Farm, an equestrian center near Pocatello, where she gives riding lessons, and boards and trains horses.

Jamie Rantala, DVM

              BAMC Veterinarian

Member, AVMA

     My name is Jamie Rantala and I am a native of Southeastern Idaho and have lived in Chubbuck for most of my life.  I was home-schooled until the age of 16 when I obtained my GED and went on to get a bachelor's in zoology from Idaho State University.  I joined the BAMC team in 2007 after graduating from vet school at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

     My husband is also a native of Southeastern Idaho and together we enjoy exploring the Idaho wilderness.  Camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring backcountry roads are favorite activities for us and our German Shepherd dog, Yankee.  I also enjoy pottery, reading, and gardening.

     I currently have four cats in addition to my dog, Yankee, who thinks he's a cat.  

Chad Christensen, DVM

         BAMC Veterinarian

Member, AVMA

     My name is Chad Christensen and I grew up west of Blackfoot on a dairy farm.  I enjoyed working with animals, but didn’t want to milk cows for the rest of my life.  I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Brigham Young University-Idaho and graduated from Washington State University with my DVM degree in 2010.  I am looking forward to starting my career as a veterinarian. at BAMC.

     I married my wife Jessica in 2006 right before we moved up to Pullman, WA for vet school.  She is from Idaho Falls and enjoys her job as a registered nurse.  We have an 11 month old daughter named Kerrington who has become the center of our lives.  She is very happy girl and loves to be outside.  We love spending time together as a family.

     We also enjoy riding horses, camping, playing sports, working in our yard, home improvement projects, and being with our family.  We are excited about the move to Chubbuck and are looking forward to what the future holds for our family.

Shannon

         Hospital Manager

     I was raised in Pocatello, Idaho on a cattle and hay farm.  My family raised chickens, dogs, cats, calves, and horses. One time I was fortunate enough to be acquainted with a perky skunk they named Flower.  I spent most of my childhood at the flat track and chariot racing track.  As a young adult I raced my own chariot team with my younger brother.  As an adult I enjoy riding my motorcycles with my family.  I graduated high school in 1987 and attended one year of college.  I have been married for 13 years and have 2 wonderful children - Camden, 20, and Madison, 11.  

     I started working in the veterinary field by chance in German Town, TN, a suburb of Memphis. I started out as an over-qualified kennel attendant and worked my way up through on-the-job training in 6 months to head technician. I worked for that two-doctor practice until the Spring of 2000.  By the time I left they had grown to accommodate three doctors, with 4 full time techs and three part-time.  The doctors were excellent to work for and leaving was difficult, but my husband had been transferred our family had to move. 

     I took some time off from the veterinary field for a few years and stayed home with my young daughter.  When I moved back to Idaho and saw a beautiful new hospital being built, I knew instantly that I would work there. I have been at Bannock Animal Medical Center since it opened in 2003. Here I have grown even more as a technician and held the Head Tech position until late 2007, when I was promoted to the Practice Manager position.  I have enjoyed the challenges of this new position and will work for Dr. Rowntree for as long as he will have me.

I currently have two dogs - Chopper, a Miniature Pinscher, and Sara, a dog that I got from the shelter. 

C.J.

        Head Technician

      My name is C.J. and I am the Head Technician at Bannock Animal Medical Center.  I have two goofy Golden Retrievers and 2 black cats.  I was recently married and now own a home in Pocatello.   

Julie

       Marketing Director/ Technician

     My name is Julie and I have been working as a Vet Tech since October of 2006.  My pets include: a spunky little mutt named Moxie, a Great Pyrenees named Bruno, an Orange-Point Siamese named Sebastian, and a grey and white cat named Chaps.  I am originally from North Carolina and have lived in Pocatello since may of 2008.  I am married to a wonderful guy who is also my best friend, Justin. I am the oldest of 4 daughters and spending time with my family is very important to me. 

    I started at BAMC in June of 2008 as a vet tech and I never loved a job more than I have working here.  Ever since I was young I have loved animals. We always had pets in our family and I formed a special appreciation for the companionships between animals and people. 

     I completed 3 years of college as a Fine Arts major and plan on continuing my education at ISU. When I'm not at work I love spending time with my husband and my pets.  I am also a photographer and enjoy doing portraits and landscapes work.  Also I enjoy playing the piano and guitar, painting, roller skating, bowling, movies, music, books, and hanging out with good friends.

Lucille Lane

              Technician 

Hello!  My name is Lucille Lane and I am a veterinary technician here at Bannock Animal Medical Center.  I have known since I was a small child that I wanted to work with and help animals, and at age seventeen I was introduced to veterinary medicine with a part time job at a veterinary hospital.   I fell in love immediately.  It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment to know that I am helping these animals and also a feeling of importance to know that people are trusting me to help their beloved pets.  I  would say that this is one of the most rewarding jobs there is, just being able to see the look in the pets' eyes and their owners' faces when you help them gives you a wonderfully happy feeling.  Even if it is just for routine vaccinations or a check up, it is a great feeling to know that these people are trusting you to keep their pets healthy.  Here it is eight years later and I am still doing what I love. 

     I recently moved from Baker City, Oregon to Pocatello and began working at BAMC.  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and pets.  I have three dogs and one cat (Which tends to happen you work in this field).  I love spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, reading, and sewing.  My boyfriend, my daughter, our dogs, and I spend almost every weekend during the Summer in the outdoors at least for a day trip, if not the whole weekend camping. 

Pam

       Head Receptionist       

     My name is Pam and I am the head receptionist at BAMC.  My love of animals started when I was young.  My grandmother raised Appaloosa horses and I would spend the summers on her farm.  Before becoming a Vet Tech, I spent one season at the Pocatello Zoo as a keeper and loved every minute there.  I have been a vet tech for almost 10 years.  I recently took over duties as receptionist which gives me a chance to meet and greet all our wonderful clients and their pets.

     I love music, cooking, and spend my free time camping, fishing, and 4-wheeling.  My husband and I recently adopted two puppies Fisher and Ziva.  They have brought much joy and laughter to our household.

Jessica

        Receptionist/ Technician         

     I hail from a large family that moved all across the United States, finally settling in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  There I met and married a wonderful man, Lance, the father of my beautiful daughter Vivian.  Our family is completed by our cats: Mia, an orange and white tabby, and Motely, a tortoiseshell.  In 2006 our little family relocated to Pocatello, Idaho, which has been great.  We enjoy being active with swimming, hiking, skating, tennis, flying kites, etc. and Pocatello offers it all.  After three years in Pocatello I caught the college bug and started my freshman year at ISU in 2009.  I am working toward a bachelor degree in social work, after which I am planning to go on for a master degree in counseling.

     In August, of 2009 I was delighted to join the team at BAMC.  I have always had an affinity for animals, but believed that the veterinary field was out of reach.  Thankfully I was mistaken and got my start as a veterinary technician, then transitioned to a receptionist.  Working at BAMC is an experience unequalled be any positioned I have held.  I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of my job and the people I work with.  My plan is to continued at BAMC until my schooling is complete, which looks to be another 6 years.  That seems for too short of a time to get to know our wonderful patients and their owners at BAMC.  Till then I'll enjoy every minute of it and hope to see you soon.

Brett Bangerter

             Bookkeeping/Ordering & Inventory           

     My name is Brett.  I was born in Rigby, Idaho and shortly moved to Chubbuck where I lived until I was 9. My family then moved to Beaverton, Oregon where I met my wife Brandi.  We were married in Portland and are now currently living in Chubbuck with our daughter, Ariel. 

Molly

     Technician/Receptionist

     Hi!  My name is Molly and I am a receptionist & vet tech at BAMC.  I have lived in Pocatello since I was 7 years old.  I moved here from Simi Valley, California where we raised all different types of exotic birds.  When we moved to Pocatello in 1991 my true love for animals was unleashed!  My mother also shared my love for animals and we were always getting into trouble for bringing hurt, homeless, or lost animals home!  It didn't take long before we had a regular farm. 

     I currently have my own home that I share with my wonderful three little boys, a Great Pyrenees named Jenny, our Lion Fish named Spike, and six Zebra Finches.  It may seem like a zoo but I wouldn't have it any other way. Animals definitely bring happiness to my life.  When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family.  We love to fish, hike, ski, ride horses, or anything that takes us outdoors.

     I worked at BAMC in 2005 but my life soon took me in a different direction for a few years.  I was very happy to return to BAMC in 2010.  This is truly the best job that I could ever wish for!  I enjoy the familiar faces and meeting new people and their pets.

Vanessa

     Technician

      Hi!  My name is Vanessa and I am a tech here at BAMC.  Working with animals has been a dream of mine since I was little.  My family and I have recently moved to Idaho from Phoenix, AZ where I was born and lived until July of 2009.  I have always been surrounded by animals.  Right now I have 2 dogs, Bear & Snoopy, and four cats, Tatum, Sugar, Jovi, & Kitty Britches.  In September of 2009 my little girl, Riley, was born.  Outside of my work I love spending time with my boyfriend and our baby girl, scrap booking, and hanging out with my family.

Courtney

     Technician

PIC & BIO COMING SOON!