Call Us: 208-847-2547
Our
Team Members
Meet the faces behind your care at the Bear Lake Animal Hospital
Dr. Jake Miller
Veterinarian
A native to the Bear Lake Valley, Dr. Miller graduated in 2018 from the Utah State University/Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Miller purchased the Bear Lake Animal Hospital in the summer of 2018 from Dr. Charles Merrell.
Since the change, Dr. Miller has worked with the routine small and large animals and has even dabbled in exotics and camelids. He has loved the variety in a mixed animal practice and has a special interest in animal reproduction.
When Dr. Miller is not working, he with his wife and five active boys enjoy spending time working outside, camping, hiking, biking and pretty much anything the beautiful Bear Lake Valley has to offer.
Shannon Miller
Office Manager
Shannon is a life-long resident to the Bear Lake Valley, and she has loved reliving her childhood memories at the Bear Lake Animal Hospital with her husband Dr. Miller and five very active boys. Shannon grew up with a deep respect for Veterinary medicine because of the hard work and care each of these men and women have for their profession. She has seen these qualities in her father, Dr. Merrell, and now in her husband, Dr. Miller, as they have navigated the steps of practicing at the Bear Lake Animal Hospital.
Shannon, along with her husband, bought the Bear Lake Animal Hospital in the summer of 2018, and she has found herself working a variety of positions at our clinic ranging from veterinary assistant, receptionist, janitor, interior designer, event coordinator, and now office manager. She enjoys going into work alongside her husband, but she’s found the best place to be is at home taking care of her boys while working from afar.
Shannon has enjoyed being back in the Bear Lake Valley where she treasures the memories that can be made in such a safe environment. She enjoys staying active with her young family and can be found taxiing around her little ones to sporting and school events, beach trips, and hiking adventures.
Trinity Skinner
Office Manager
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Trinity feels fortunate to have been born and raised in the Bear Lake Valley, where she and her husband have also had the joy of raising their three children.
Deeply rooted in the community, Trinity has built a life that reflects her love for family, animals, and the rural lifestyle.
She began her career at Bear Lake Animal Hospital several years ago, working under Dr. Charles Merrell.
In the fall of 2018, she rejoined the team and has since become an integral part of the clinic. Trinity has served as our inventory specialist, where her organization and attention to detail has kept the clinic running smoothly behind the scenes. She has recently accepted the position of office manager, where her dedication and experience are already making a meaningful impact.
Trinity has a lifelong passion for animals—and has made ranching an essential part of her everyday life. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, children, grandchildren.
Abby Nield
OFFICE MANAGER
Abby is a life-long resident of the Bear Lake Valley and has loved being able to call this beautiful valley her home. She grew up on a cattle ranch surrounded by both large and small animals which allowed her to immerse herself into the ranching lifestyle of hard work and drive. She and her husband, Beau, continue to live this lifestyle of hard work and drive with their family consisting of their three beautiful daughters, two hardworking sons-in-law, and six adorable grandchildren.
Abby worked as a receptionist for six years and recently stepped in to the roll of office manager. She genuinely enjoys connecting with our clients and helping ensure that everything we do reflects the clinic’s core values and mission. She strives to make our space feel welcoming for everyone who walks through the door.
Abby has a passion for making life-long memories and deepening family relationships. Her greatest success in life has come from raising her daughters (and now six grandbabies) to be true to themselves and their dreams.
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Rylie Phelps
Assistant
Rylie was born and raised in the Bear Lake Valley, and she is excited to make this valley her permanent residence with her family.
Rylie first started her career at the Bear Lake Animal Hospital in January of 2020, and she has enjoyed challenging herself with the hands-on experiences and interactions with such a variety of animals.
Rylie has a passion for spending time in the outdoors with her family and friends.
Taylor Bales
Assistant
Taylor was born and raised in Northern California, but she’s not foreign to the beauties that surround the Bear Lake Valley. Since she was seven years old, Taylor visited her grandfather in Cokeville, WY every summer which helped in deepening her enjoyment of what this valley has to offer. Taylor moved to Cokeville permanently in the Summer of 2020 from Spokane, Washington.
Taylor has a passion for anything to do with animals, which has aided her while working in the veterinary field since graduating high school in 2014. She loves to learn new facts and techniques when it comes to animal science, and the Bear Lake Animal Hospital has enjoyed having her on the team since the Spring of 2021.
Although Taylor thoroughly enjoys loving on the animals that come through the hospital, she can be found on her days off spoiling her animals while hiking with her dogs, riding her horses, and going to the river.
JoyBagley
Assistant
Joy joined our team in October 2024, bringing her hardworking spirit and genuine love for animals all the way from Banner County, Nebraska. Growing up with six siblings, she learned early on the importance of pitching in and lending a hand—something she brings to the clinic every day with her signature smile and quiet sense of humor.
Originally hired as an assistant, Joy quickly proved to be an invaluable member of our team, always stepping in wherever needed and keeping both pets and people at ease. Her passion for animal care, inspired in part by a close family friend who is a veterinarian, has led her to gain hands-on experience with everything from household pets to livestock. She especially values the moments she’s spent assisting with c-sections—whether for dogs or cows—calling it an unforgettable way to witness new life and support clients during critical times.
Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her horses, whether riding trails or working in the arena. She’s also an avid outdoorswoman who loves hunting, fishing, hiking, and relaxing with her dog. A girl full of talent, Joy also plays both the guitar and piano.
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Gemma Davidson
Assistant
Gemma joined the Bear Lake Animal Hospital team in
January 2025 after relocating from Springville, Utah, to be closer to her fiancé ~ now husband.
While she discovered her love for ranch life after high school, it has since become a core part of who she is—she can’t imagine life without her horses, cows, and her loyal dog by her side.
With a lifelong passion for animals and a veterinarian father, Gemma was naturally drawn to the veterinary field.
Since joining our clinic, she’s quickly proven to be an invaluable member of the team—always busy, always willing to help, and always bringing a positive attitude.
Outside the clinic, Gemma is a woman of many talents. A dancer since the age of five, she now teaches, judges competitions, and choreographs routines.
She’s also does leatherwork, admired for her
custom beautiful work.
For Gemma, the most rewarding part of her job is being able to help both the animals and the community. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her back at the ranch, spending time with her animals or diving into her next creative project—because keeping busy is just her style.
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Jodi Transtrum
Receptionist
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Tatelyn Beckstead
Assistant
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Renee Pymm
Receptionist
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