Dr N. Scholten D.V.M -

Dr. Scholten is an Arizona native. Born and raised in Tucson, he attended the University of Arizona for his undergraduate studies. After three years he was accepted to Colorado State University. While at CSU he was awarded the prestigious Upjohn award for Proficiency & Excellence in Small Animal Medicine. After graduation he returned to Tucson to work as an associate in a small animal practice. While in Tucson he met and married Valerie Jo Otte M.D. After the wedding they moved to Omaha, Nebraska for Dr. Otte's OB/GYN residency program.

While waiting for his wife to finish residency, Dr. Scholten joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. During this time Major Scholten was responsible for maintaining the health and wellness of the bomb and narcotic detection dogs stationed in the area. At the end of his tenure he was "loaned" to the United Nations and was assigned as Commander of the 53rd Med Det VC and was the veterinarian in charge during Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

After Dr. Otte finished her residency they returned to Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Scholten started working for Hopi Animal Hospital two weeks after returning to Arizona. Six months later he bought the practice and began a seven year makeover of the practice turning it from a low cost spay neuter clinic into what it is now, one of the most medically advanced private veterinary practices in Arizona. Three years ago Dr. Scholten moved Hopi Animal Hospital from its previous location at Scottsdale and Shea Blvd to its current location on Bell Road.

Dr. Scholten focusess his time and energy between practice management, small animal medicine and surgery, two children, two dogs and a staff of 25. Practicing medicine for 17 years, Dr. Scholten's medical interests include surgery, diagnostic ultrasound, and ophthalmology. His practice motto is "Quality without Compromise."

Dr S. Pruden D.V.M -

Dr. Shaina Pruden grew up in a small town in Indiana. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Indiana University. After completing her undergraduate studies Dr. Pruden performed cancer research in Chicago at Northwestern University's Medical School. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with high honors from the University of Illinois in 2003. Dr. Pruden continued her veterinary education by completing a rotating small animal medicine and emergency internship at the University of Georgia. She has published articles in peer-reviewed journals during her undergraduate, research and veterinary studies. Dr. Pruden's areas of special interest include exotic animals, internal medicine, infectious diseases and pathology. She also enjoys hiking, fitness training, yoga, cooking and spending time with her two
dogs and cats.

Dr C. Sunderman D.V.M -

Dr. Carin Sunderman was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Sciences. She then attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins and graduated with honors from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. Dr. Sunderman practiced for several years in Fountain Hills, Arizona before joining the Hopi team. Her primary interests include preventative medicine, client education and communications and preserving quality of life. Dr. Sunderman enjoys caring for her husband, their 2 young sons, and their dog. She also loves cats and horses and enjoys anything involving the great outdoors.

Dr L. Ciminello D.V.M -

Dr. Lauren Ciminello was born in Columbus, Ohio but has spent most of her life in Phoenix. She attended Saint Mary's College of California and graduated with honors with a degree in Biology. She then attended Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, earning her DVM in 2006. Dr. Ciminello has very much enjoyed honing her skills at Hopi Animal Hospital and working with the other doctors in the practice. Her special interests include dermatology, behavior, the human animal bond and client education. She hopes to establish herself as part of the community and make a difference in the life of people and their pets. She is currently spending all her free time working on her new home with her dog, Stargell and cat, Sydney.