Our Team

Carolina Lopez, DVM, Dip. ACVIM

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Carolina Lopez grew up riding jumpers and dressage horses. She went on to earn her Veterinary degree at La Salle University in Colombia and pursue her interest in equine internal medicine and ophthalmology. A former Alamo Pintado Equine intern, Carolina has returned to serve our patients after earning her master's degree and completing her residency. With a special interest in teaching, Dr.Lopez looks forward to mentoring interns and externs classes at Alamo Pintado and to providing clients with thoughtful continuing education. In her spare time Carolina enjoys any outdoor sport, especially cycling and hiking with the company of her beloved miniature American Shepherd, Feliz.

Mariah Kerr, DVM

Dr. Mariah Kerr started riding horses at the age of five. She was part of the Arizona High School Rodeo Association and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. She received her BS in Agribusiness from Arizona State University.  She received her DVM from Colorado State University. Dr. Kerr has a special interest in podiatry and has previously been published on the topic with a second publication currently in the works. She has also spoken nationally on the subject, delivering a talk on “Evaluating and Balancing the Distal Limb Using Specific Anatomical and Radiographic Parameters” at the national conference of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She loves spending time at the gym and applying her knowledge of physiology to her profession.

Jose Madera, DVM

As a child in Ecuador, Dr. Madera always searched for the nearest animal to pet at both of his grandparents’ farms.  When he took to horses specifically at a young age, it was not surprising, as the animals are in Jose’s blood. For three generations, recreational riding and competing in the traditional equine events that took place in his hometown have been part of Jose Madera’s family story. Jose earned his veterinary degree in Universidad de las Americas in Quito, Ecuador. During most of his student life, he assisted his mentor in equine medicine related activities and worked with a group of students to serve in what was, at the time, the only equine hospital in the city. Later he began his professional career working as in-house veterinarian to one of the most important equestrian clubs in Quito, learning from the most relevant veterinarians in the country. He has also participated as a veterinary assistant in multiple FEI events involving showjumping, dressage, vaulting and Endurance. He is passionate about sports medicine. When not working with horses José enjoys camping, riding, competing with his dirt bike and singing at different types of shows with the group he is part of, Forzavu.  

Izabella Pendergast, DVM

At the age of twelve Bella Pendergast’s beloved pony, Magic, passed away and Bella promised Magic she would become an equine veterinarian. Her promise to her horse and a lifelong love of animals, meant Dr. Pendergast knew from an early age that she would spend her life caring for animals and advocating for them. Dr. Pendergast was born and raised in Los Angeles. She headed north to receive her B.S. in Animal Science at UC Davis where she worked at the equine hospital, planned and participated in annual veterinary/medical/dental mission trips to Central America, completed an honors thesis, and was published in the Journal of Animal Science. Bella then attended the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she worked as an after-hours large animal surgery technician, was co-president of the Fracture Program, co-founded the Green Task Force, and was inducted into Phi Zeta. Bella's interests include surgery, emergency and critical care, sustainability, cooking, and crafting. Bella tells us she has “loved Alamo Pintado since bringing her horse here as a young girl” and that she “could not be more excited to be starting her career with such incredible mentorship.”

Devynn Volding, DVM

Growing up in Southern California, Devynn Volding always had a passion for horses and spent her free time on horseback. Dr. Volding graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Animal Science. During her undergraduate studies, she worked for the W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center where she assisted with foalings, reproduction management, all while she showed on the Arabian circuit. 
Outside of school, she also worked as a veterinary assistant for both a small animal general practice and an equine ambulatory practice. After graduation, she attended UC Davis and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. While at UC Davis, she was heavily involved with the school’s Veterinary Emergency Response Team as a deployable unit for California fires and as a trainee/trainer for rescue situations including equine emergency helicopter airlifts. To complement her veterinary education, she completed an all species acupuncture course through Chi University during school and is working towards her certification. Devynn’s medical interests include internal medicine, ICU/critical care, and emergency medicine. Outside of veterinary medicine, she loves to read, explore the outdoors, and go on adventures with her Golden Retriever, Harper.

CLINIC OPERATIONS

Ky Mortensen, JD, MBA

A Colorado native, Ky serves as Chief Operating Officer to the Alamo Pintado team.  He holds an equine science degree from Colorado State University, an MBA from Louisiana State University, and a law degree from Southern University Law Center. Ky began his career in the veterinary industry with the American Association of Equine Practitioners followed by an appointment with the Equine Health Studies Program at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to joining the team at Alamo Pintado, he oversaw Texas based veterinary practice management firm, Inova Partners, working with equine veterinary practices nationwide to help them achieve their business goals. He and his wife Victoria, along with their sons Beck and Jett, now make their home in the Santa Ynez Valley.