John Sylwester, DVM

Lead Veterinarian/Practice Owner      

Dr. John Sylwester was born in Seattle, Washington in 1951, and spent his childhood traveling the world as the son of an Air Force Chaplin. He attended and graduated from Colorado State University with his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Sylwester began his career with Lakewood Veterinary Hospital in 1976 working with Dr. Braley. In 1979 the two entered into a partnership and in 1986 Dr. Sylwester became the sole owner. He currently lives in Wheat Ridge with his wife, Deb, and two dogs, Sassy and Harley. Dr. Sylwesters daughter Joanna is currently studying at The University of Washington and spending her summer in Alaska. 

Larisa Cusimano, DVM

Relief Veterinarian, Owner of  'Good Dog Mobile Vet'

A Colorado native, Dr. Cusimano grew up in the suburbs of Denver and quickly developed a love of animals.  She followed that passion to Fort Collins, CO and completed her education at Colorado State University in 2004. After receiving her degree, she returned to her home town, working at several small animal hospitals along the front range.  Dr. Cusimano has  14 years experience as a veterinarian and has worked in the veterinary field for over 22 years.   She is the   Owner of   Good Dog Mobile Vet  that can make house calls for all you furry needs in the Denver Metro area. 

When not playing with your furry loved ones you can see her playing with her husband and 2 children  in the Arvada area 

Leila Worth, VMD, PhD, DACVR

Specialist Veterinarian, Co-Owner of Diagnostic Imaging

Dr. Worth earned her college degree at Williams College, then a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of California-Santa Barbara. She taught at the University of Pennsylvania for a couple of years before starting veterinary school, graduating with her VMD in 1994. She then did an internship in large animal cardiology and ultrasound at New Bolton Center before completing her residency in radiology in 1998. She then joined Diagnostic Imaging in Denver, Colorado, one of the largest private practice veterinary radiology groups in the country. Dr. Worth was Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 1999.
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Having grown up in Europe Leila brings an international view of the world to her life. She is an avid sportswoman, participating in telemark, downhill and cross country skiing; cyclocross, road and mountain biking, as well as ice climbing and running. She enjoys her life Golden with her  dog.

Dr. Worth has been a great attribute to Lakewood Veterinary Hospital and to the patients here for 20+ years. She comes every Wednesday to perform our Ultrasounds/Echocardiograms and read all the radiographs (x-rays) that are performed on our patients here at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital.

Donna Cox

Safety Manager

Donna is a sixth generation Colorado native. She  has been at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital since 1977, currently working part-time while pursuing her other career as an award winning artist. Donna says, "I've tried to retire several times but can't seem to stay away!" She's married to her husband, Jack since 1978, her family also consists of her   son Cody  who is an active fire fighter/EMT, Cody's wife Amy; and Donna's son Logan.

Dawn Williams, CVT

Practice Manager, Lead CVT

Dawn has been with the Lakewood Veterinary Hospital family since 2001. She is a certified technician who attended the Bel-rea Institute of Animal Technology.

​Dawn is the proud mother of two lovely daughters, and step mother to 2 more beautiful women. Dawn is the head technician here at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital and a member of our management team.

Lena Heard, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Hi I'm Lena! I have been a certified veterinary technician for about 3 years now. I have been working in the veterinary field from the young age of 16 years old. I have always love working with animals ever since I was a small child.
At the end of the day I go home to my two dogs and two cats. I also have large collection of geckos and other reptiles as well as two chinchillas. In my free time I enjoy hiking, exploring, and traveling the world! 

Michelle Hickey

Assistant Veterinary Technician

Hi I’m Michelle! I’m a certified veterinary assistant and bring eight years of experience with me. My favorite part of the job is meeting and bonding with all of our furry four legged patients and their humans. I feel absolutely blessed and grateful to be a part of the amazing team here at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital.
When I’m not at the hospital, you can find me practicing yoga, paddle boarding on the lake, traveling, reading, and spending time at home with my husband Joe and our three rescue dogs.
Sarah  Steveson
Certified Veterinary Technician
Bio to follow....

Christie Medford

Office Manager, Lead Client Service Representative

I came to Lakewood Vet. Hospital in 1998, but left in 2004 to pursue a degree in Biology. While I've been gone I married my wonderful husband Tim, gave birth to my 2 beautiful girls, and rescued multiple dogs and fish.  Now I'm back at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital to enjoy all the cute pets that come in. My passion is in the animal industry and I strive to help the practice here at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital to continue in growing.

When I'm not here I'm either hiking, kayaking, fishing, hanging with family or playing with my girls. 
​Rachel Estrada
Client Service Representative
I have been in the veterinary field since 2016, working at different clinics in Colorado Springs and the Denver area.  I am originally from California but have made a home here in Colorado.  I am very excited to be working with the Lakewood Veterinary family and look forwarding to meeting all of the furry friends that come through our doors.
During my off time I like to go hiking, fishing, going on road trips or spending time with my own fluff ball at home, an orange kitty named Chunky.
Chris Moses
Client Service Representative
​Hi, I'm Chris! I moved to Colorado in late 2018 to pursue a career with wildlife or small animals. I have a passion for animals and look forward to helping you and your furbabies here at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital! I also currently work as a vet technician assistant for another hospital, making sure the "overnight residents" remain stable and comfortable.
Outside of work, I enjoy bonding with my boyfriend and my cat. You may find me hiking, riding my bike, or exploring local festivities to learn more of the area.

Cassandra Creese

Kennel Technician

Cassandra came to Lakewood Veterinary Hospital when she was still in high school, in 2003. She is a kennel attendant and one of the best technician assistants around. She has learned everything on the job and is one of the best at what she does.

She enjoys life with her son. She has much love for her son, and her family. When she's not at the clinic she out racing her car and rooting for the Broncos football team!
Amanda Maxwell
Kennel Technician
Bio to follow.....