Meet Our Team

Meet the people behind Airway Veterinary Hospital.

Our Team

Meet the people behind Airway Veterinary Hospital.

Russell Welfare, DVM

Veterinarian, Owner

To Dr. Russell Welfare, being a veterinarian is more than a career – it’s a calling.

He is passionate about meeting every animal that comes through our doors and giving them the best service possible. Each day gives him new opportunities to share his knowledge with pet parents, provide low-stress care for his patients, and serve his community.

Advocacy is at the top of Dr. Welfare’s list when serving his patients. As a veterinarian, he can be the voice for those who can’t speak up for themselves. This translates into his dedication to prioritizing the well-being of all animals and giving them the best lives possible.

Dr. Welfare graduated from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical School in 1995 and completed a surgical internship in 1996. He’s also toured the entire country with his work, gaining a unique perspective every step of the way.

When he’s not at work, he’s known as “Dad.” Dr. Welfare loves spending quality time with his wife and children – especially if it means a trip to the mountains.

Tyler Smith, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Tyler Smith graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2018 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas prior to moving north to Oklahoma State for his undergraduate degree and doctorate. Dr. Smith then made the move to San Jose, California where he practiced from 2018-2021 before making the move here to Colorado Springs.

Dr. Smith enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, but has a special interest in surgery, dentistry, and client education. Veterinary medicine has always been his passion, and he is excited to share his knowledge with clients to help them provide the best care possible for their beloved pets.

When you cannot find Dr. Smith at work, he is most likely with his girlfriend Kayla hiking one of the nearby mountains, skiing, or spending time with their 2 dogs, Calvin and Parker, and 4 cats: Ava, Mosby, Ash and Marley.

Tyler Smith, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Tyler Smith graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2018 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas prior to moving north to Oklahoma State for his undergraduate degree and doctorate. Dr. Smith then made the move to San Jose, California where he practiced from 2018-2021 before making the move here to Colorado Springs.

Dr. Smith enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, but has a special interest in surgery, dentistry, and client education. Veterinary medicine has always been his passion, and he is excited to share his knowledge with clients to help them provide the best care possible for their beloved pets.

When you cannot find Dr. Smith at work, he is most likely with his girlfriend Kayla hiking one of the nearby mountains, skiing, or spending time with their 2 dogs, Calvin and Parker, and 4 cats: Ava, Mosby, Ash and Marley.

Amy

COO, CFO

A Washington State native, Amy moved to Colorado in 2016. She misses the rain of the Pacific Northwest, but loves the people of Colorado!

Amy is a Certified Veterinary Assistant through the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. She enjoys learning under the doctors, and Amy likes to learn as much as possible about different veterinary industry topics in her free time. In addition, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, eating chocolate, playing piano, and adores all things Disney.

Talia

Practice Manager

Talia has been inseparable from animals her whole life. She spent her childhood catching frogs, riding horses, and working at several farms. After pursuing her dual bachelors in Biology and Business & Management, she spent several years working in the animal rescue and welfare sector and transitioned to veterinary medicine in 2021.

Today, when not in the office, you can find Talia working on her own farm where she raises dairy goats and honey bees, or out enjoying the wonderful Colorado wilderness on horseback!

Kaitlin

Lead Veterinary Technician

As a Colorado native, Kaitlin has always enjoyed working with animals and turned her love of animals—large and small—into her career. She graduated from PIMA Medical School in 2016 with her degree as a registered veterinary technician.

Kaitlin enjoys the different methods of treatment available to our pets and is most passionate about seeing animals come full circle—from critical cases to happy and healthy companions again!

Jude

Veterinary Assistant

Jude joined our team after graduating with his Bachelor’s degree from the Maine College of Art. Currently pursuing his veterinary technician certificate, Jude says he finds his motivation in getting to meet each new pet (and all our returning ones) and learning their individual personalities.

When not at the clinic, he can be found playing with his cats and dog and creating art—much of which features our four-legged friends!

Spencer

Reception & Veterinary Assistant

When Spencer isn’t curled up with a good book or playing with her rambunctious kitten at home, she can be found helping to educate our clients on the care of their pets. Spencer is one of our valuable cross-trained staff members and works as both a receptionist and an assistant.

After graduating with her veterinary technician certificate, she hopes to continue her love of working with animals, large and small.

 

The exceptional vet staff at Airway Veterinary Hospital bring experience and compassion to their pet patients from Colorado Springs, Cimarron Hills, East Colorado Springs, and surrounding areas.