Harmony Veterinary Center
13777 W. 85th Drive, Arvada CO 80005 | 303.432.8551
About Us
Dr. Shelley Brown received her BA in Biology from the University of Colorado in 1991 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1997. In 1999, she completed the 140 hour Basic Course in Veterinary Acupuncture at Colorado State University. In 2012 Dr. Brown completed her specialty certification in companion animal pain management. She is currently pursuing certificates in herbal therapies and homotoxicology, and has a special interest in companion animal rehabilitation.
In 2005, Dr. Brown launched Healing Touch Acupuncture for Animals, an in-home acupuncture practice. Realizing the need to fully integrate complementary and traditional veterinary medicine to better serve her clientèle, she teamed up with Julia McPeek and began planning Harmony Veterinary Center. The opening of Harmony Veterinary Center in 2010 is a lifelong dream come true for Dr. Brown, who has been a leader in the emerging field of veterinary integrative medicine.
Volunteering and giving back to the community are vital parts of Dr. Brown's life. When not busy seeing patients, Dr. Brown is an active member of her church, volunteers for the Lutheran Hospital Pet Therapy Program and the Meow Mobile (a low cost spay and neuter service for cats). She also enjoys volunteering with VIDAS, an international organization providing spays and neuters for dogs and cats in Mexico. With the opening of Harmony Veterinary Center she is looking forward to developing deeper relationships with volunteer organizations assisting dogs, cats, and people in the West Metro area.
In her spare time, Dr. Brown holds certificates as a triathlon and cycling coach. "I enjoy introducing women to the sport of triathlon," she says. "It is amazing to see the empowerment they get from completing races." A competitor herself, the last few years have left little time for training, she is finally starting to train again so let's cheer her on!
Julia McPeek, MA
Life at an early age was centered on animals for Julia. Cats, dogs, horses, and bunnies were everyday companions and it was her love of animals that guided her educational choices. Julia received her B.S. in Animal Science from Colorado State University in 1985. Her plans to continue on to veterinary school were interrupted by a 5 year battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Knowing that veterinary medicine was her love she chose to stay in the industry and serve in a different capacity. Julia earned her certificate in Veterinary Hospital Management from Purdue University in 1996 and her Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in 2006, which included a 1-year internship as a volunteer Chaplain at Boulder Community Hospital.
Julia's life has been shaped by integrating traditional and complementary medicine. She specializes in Medical Qigong, human-animal bond counseling, and in assisting veterinary hospital staff with the rigors of balancing clinical life and personal life. As with Dr. Brown, the opening of Harmony Veterinary Center was a lifelong dream come true. She has experienced the balance of working with both sides of medicine first hand and knows how powerful it can be to improving the quality of life for both pets and people.
Julia, who has developed multiple innovative management strategies for veterinary practices, founded the Minnesota Veterinary Practice Manager’s Network, www.MNVPMN.org in 1996. This organization is dedicated to the personal and professional development of veterinary hospital managers. Continuing to this day, the VPMN offers a support network, mentoring, and ongoing educational opportunities for hospital managers. In 2011, after 15 years of successful operation, the VPMN membership awarded her with their Visionary Award.
Volunteerism is a vital part of Julia’s life; she enjoys leading wilderness retreats, helping charities that support the homeless, and traveling with international groups to support nutrition projects for young children in developing countries. As Harmony Veterinary Center takes root she is looking forward to developing ways to work closely with charities that give back to pets and people in the west metro area.
Julia is also an outdoor and sports enthusiast. When not at Harmony Veterinary Center she can usually be found out on a wilderness trek, at a sporting event, playing with her three cats, or just hiking or biking on one of the many trails in our area.
Jamie Gartenmann, CVT, CCMT, CMT
Jamie, a Colorado native, has always felt a connection to animals. She and her first pet, a big orange fluffy cat named Popcorn, were inseparable since day one. At age 3 she decided Popcorn needed to be “shaved” by using a toothbrush and a comb. Needless to say, Popcorn never fully recovered his luxurious coat but Jamie’s grooming skills have improved over the years. Jamie explored several professional endeavors before pursuing a career as a certified veterinary technician. She attended the Healing Arts Institute and graduated as a Certified Massage Therapist in 2002. Unfortunately a car accident forced her to retire from human massage and to reconsider her career. Her love and connection with animals throughout her life inspired her to apply to the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology where she graduated from in 2008. Jamie has been working to combine her two passions over the past couple of years. In the summer of 2010, she attended the Boulder College of Massage Therapy Canine Massage course.
Jamie has been part of the Harmony Veterinary Center staff since it opened in the summer of 2010 and is thrilled to be working at a clinic that truly looks at every aspect of pet health and wellness. Jamie is currently completing a specialty certification in animal rehabilitation therapy and is passionate about getting pets back on their feet and into as active a lifestyle as possible.
She lives with her husband, two very spoiled cats, Madelyn and Riviera Pinkerton, and their dog Mr. Wally Pickles. All of her pets whole heartedly supported her decision to pursue animal massage and rehabilitation therapy and are always willing to let her practice new techniques on them!
