Dr. Erica Merrill grew up in Colorado and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2006. She took a four-year break to spend time in the workforce and did a six-week trip to Arusha, Tanzania. There, she volunteered at a nursery school, as well as a hospice and orphanage for those affected by HIV and AIDS. Dr. Merrill graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and completed a year-long internship at VCA Mission Animal Referral and Emergency Center in Mission, Kansas.

She always had a soft spot for the PNW, having spent summers at her grandmother’s house in Indianola, Washington. She accepted a position in Washington and worked in the emergency field for her first three years in the area. While the emergency practice was exciting, Dr, Merill missed the continued client and patient interactions and decided to move into general practice.

Dr. Merrill has a Pug/Bulldog mix, named Trace, and two Siamese mixes, named Monty and Beth. In her free time, she enjoys walking, spending time with her pets, paddle boarding, playing the piano, and spending time with friends. She has a special place in her heart for angry Chihuahuas and nervous Greyhound breeds and loves all of the dogs and cats that walk through the doors of Renton West!

Dr. Codee Harris grew up in Utah and served in the United States Air Force before returning to complete his undergraduate degree at Weber State University. During college, he volunteered with non-profit animal organizations and shelters, developing a passion for the care of underserved animals in the community. Along the way, he took in four cats: Scout, Autumn, Ember, and Dark Lord. After gaining veterinary experience through volunteering, he enjoyed working as a veterinary technician before leaving for veterinary school.

Dr. Harris attended a regional program in veterinary medicine, spending his first two years at Utah State University before graduating from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. While completing clinical rotations, he felt at home in the Pacific Northwest. During his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, trail running, paddle boarding with his wife, and spending time with his cats. He is excited to join the team at Renton West and looks forward to serving the pets and pet parents of the community!

Kylen was born in Burien, WA and has lived all throughout the Puget Sound area. Kylen’s love for animals started at a young age after adopting his first pet, a Lhasa Apso named Puddles. Growing up with dogs, cats, goats, frogs, and hamsters, Kylen knew his passion was with helping animals in need. Beginning his career as a kennel attendant in 2019 at the Animal Hospital of Newport Hills in Newcastle, WA, Kylen quickly worked his way up to veterinary assistant. In his spare time Kylen enjoys spending time with his 4 dogs Lily, Skye, Coco, and Pucca, spending time with his family/friends, and collecting supply donations for his local animal shelters. 

Kylen joined the Renton West family in September of 2022 and plans to get his Veterinary Technician license as well as his phlebotomy license to further his career.

Courtney grew up in Boise, Idaho working at a horse ranch and learning to ride every summer, where she fell in love with animals. She attended Washington State University for 2 years before she took a break and joined the U.S. Army in 2015. After 7 years of living all over the world, Courtney knew she was meant to work with animals and took an Animal Care Internship at Pasado’s Safe Haven where she participated in many rescues and the daily care of animals healing from their past lives. Working with animals every day made Courtney happier and more fulfilled than any other endeavor in her life.

She loved seeing animals come to the rescue needing all the love and help in the world to later leave with a family willing to love them and change their lives further. It fueled her fire to make animals her entire life.

Soon after, she started working as a veterinary assistant and is currently enrolled in school to become a Veterinary Technician; always wanting to help animals and help their people love them longer. Courtney loves taking her dogs on adventures, exploring the mountains, going to the beach, or doing any single thing where she can take her dogs with her. She and her husband have a Rottweiler/Boxer mix named Bodhi and a German Wirehair Pointer named Olive.

As a dedicated veterinary assistant with a lifelong passion for animals, Kirsten has turned her love for pets into a fulfilling career. Growing up in a household where dogs were always a cherished part of the family, Kirsten developed a deep connection with animals from a young age. Her early experiences nurturing and caring for her own pets instilled in her a profound understanding of animal behavior and health.

Kirsten’s enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her commitment to providing exceptional care in her role as a veterinary assistant. Whether she’s assisting with medical procedures, offering compassionate support to pet owners, or ensuring that every animal feels comfortable and safe, her work reflects her genuine dedication to improving the lives of animals and their families.

Outside of her professional life, Kirsten enjoys spending time with her own pets. Her blend of hands-on experience and heartfelt passion makes her a valued member of the veterinary team and a true advocate for animals.