My name is Dr. Christina Hansen and I originally hail from Chicago. Much like half the population of the valley, I grew weary of the 5 month long Chiberian winters… and decided to move somewhere warm, preferably where I would not need to own a shovel or anything made of down or wool. Settling in Arizona in 2013, I could not be happier with my decision, and I still get giddy every morning, like I am on a permanent vacation, seeing mountains and palm trees on my way to work. In my spare time, I hike, shoot, sit outside basking like a lizard in the sun at any opportunity, and give my young son swimming lessons. Despite my slow metamorphosis into an Arizonian, my loyalty still lies with one of the great loves of my life: DA CUBS.

I am a 2007 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and passionate about helping our furry, four-legged companions and the people who love them. With extensive advanced training in veterinary dentistry, my general practice focus is on improving the quality of life of pets with painful and diseased oral conditions. I am a supporter of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and almost all of my continuing education training revolves around oral health, and the treatment and prevention of dental disease. In the last few years, I have developed a strong love and appreciation for working dogs, their capabilities, and their contribution to keeping our military, police and communities safe. Recently I toured Lackland Air Force Base and the LTC Daniel E. Holland Military Working Dog (MWD) Hospital, the only Tier 4 Veterinary Hospital in the entire Department of Defense. I had the opportunity to learn about the detection and patrol training of MWDs, the exceptional, highly specialized medical care available at the MWD Hospital, the rehabilitation program for physical injuries and PTSD, and the recently developed breeding program that is now supplying approximately 15% of the DoD demand for Belgian Malinois MWDs. Now I cannot read or learn enough about these exquisite creatures and shortly I will be adding my name to the list to adopt a retired veteran MWD through Lackland. I am a proud, personal sponsor of our very own Mesa Police Department K-9 team of Officer Anderson and Aik and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team of Detention Officer Denning and Axa.

My name is Dr. Ryan Ainsworth, I attended Arizona State University and received my undergraduate degree in Agribusiness with a pre-vet concentration in 2004. I then graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and went on to complete a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center in Mesa. I started working in general practice in 2009 and in 2014 I decided to purchase my very first practice, Mesa Northeast Animal Hospital, I then went on to purchase Noe’s Ark Animal Hospital in 2016, and then purchased Bark Avenue Animal Hospital, Bark Avenue Pet Resort, and Bark Avenue Pet Supply in 2018. A very exciting time! I became interested in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2012. I am an integrative practitioner, meaning I practice both Western and Eastern medicine. I currently see dogs, cats, reptiles, and small mammals including ferrets and rabbits.

What is your experience, including any schooling? Repair and improvements of residential and commercial properties. Project management, purchasing negotiation aircraft maintenance, cost estimating.

What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? Right now we have a female cat named Baby.

Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? The animals

What do you like to do in your free time? Accepting this position gave me a way to combine two things I love which is building/facilities management and animals of all species.

If you could be any animal, which would you be? Our one and only dog was a Jack Russell Terror…I mean Terrier. I loved his energy. 

What are you passionate about? Life and all it has to offer and all sports, especially baseball, which I played for 16 years.

What is your secret talent? I can sing with the best of them on karaoke night…after a few beers.

Anything else you would like to mention? My wife and I are originally from Chicago. We relocated to Arizona in 2008 to be with family. Karla (my wife) and I have been married for 26 years and have no children.

Coming soon!