Dr. Carola Stevenson
Hello! My name is Dr. Stevenson. I am a Colorado native and was born at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. When I was a child, I spent a lot of time on dairy farms. My grandfather and his brothers started a general store and trucking company during World War II. They hauled milk and wheat from farms and dairies to the processing plants in semi-trucks. The trucking company was then handed down to my dad, and the dairy and wheat farming eventually became a family business for many of my uncles.
I spent much of my time wandering around the farms trying to cuddle with the barn kitties that had runny eyes and noses. I would also have complete conversations with the baby calves as I helped bottle feed them. At the same time, my mother’s parents owned a dog kennel in Parker, Colorado. I would hang out in the grooming room while my grandma groomed the dogs, and my favorite spot to nap was in the drying kennel.
In middle school, I decided that I wanted to become a veterinarian, and once I want something, there is no stopping me. I completed all eight years of my college education, including my biology degree and veterinary school, at Colorado State University and graduated in 2001. In 2004, I became the owner of Bear Valley Veterinary Clinic.
The hospital has grown from one support staff member in a 1400 square foot leasehold in a strip mall, to our beautiful 8,000 square foot building, our pet resort, and 15 and counting staff. At work, I thrive on building long-term relationships with clients that consider their pets family members and improving the efficiency and quality of the work environment for our staff who are so incredibly dedicated and work tirelessly for the love of animals. Outside of work, my passion is with my husband and caring for our many foster children, our two amazingly beautiful and driven adult girls, and our funny and tender-hearted boy. We enjoy camping and paddle boarding with our dogs, and you would never hear me say no to a tropical beach vacation where the family enjoys snorkeling every chance we get.
The veterinary industry has been going through very difficult times over the past two decades and has lost many veterinarians and staff members to suicide. This is due to the difficult and stressful job we perform, and it has become very important to set boundaries in our profession. We will gladly serve any client who is interested in helping their pet and will in return be kind and respectful to our team. I look forward to meeting you and your family pet.
Dr. Rebekah Erdman
Hello, I am Dr. Rebekah Erdman! I was born and raised in Southern California where I spent most of my life; except for a two-year stent in Florida while my Father built Universal Studios Islands of Adventure.
At the age of three my parents say it was decided, Rebekah would be a vet; as it took three months to get me out of the 101 Dalmatians costume I wore for Halloween. When December came, I was gifted a “Little Tikes Veterinarian Kit”, which was the official beginning of my long journey. Growing up I was always surrounded by family pets ranging from the usual cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, fish, guinea pigs, and hamsters to the not so traditional tadpoles, ant farms, poisonous dart frogs, and the occasional horse. There was never a dull moment, or lack of animal chores.
During high school, I had several goals: to not be noticed as a 5’11” female, to maintain a 4.0 GPA while participating in multiple extracurricular activities, and to build the foundation for my professional aspirations. At the end of my high school career my coach gave me a “Little Tikes Tool Box” to symbolize my hard work and dedication to all I perused. To this day it stands as a constant reminder of my strength, perseverance, and work ethic.
From there, I received my Bachelors of Science in Animal Science-Pre-Veterinary Medicine from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. During this time, and for a year after graduation, I worked in a variety of veterinary practices in Southern and Northern California, the SPCA of Lake County, and volunteered at a large animal rescue in San Diego. (Ask me about being attacked by a Zebra when we meet)
I obtained my DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and performed my clinical training at Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine. It was during this time that I had to quickly adapt to the significant differences in temperature as I performed emergency C-sections on cattle in freezing conditions and held an umbrella over my surgery patient during a classic Oklahoma thunderstorm.
When not at work you can be sure to find me exploring the beautiful state of Colorado by hiking, camping, and practicing my photography skills. I also enjoy playing volleyball, soccer, and spending time with family and friends.
I truly value my relationships with clients and patients, and I am devoted to providing the highest quality of care to your beloved pets. Rest assured you will receive the best of what I have to offer. I am very excited to hopefully have found my forever home here in Colorado at Bear Valley Veterinary Care Center.