Deanna
Client Service Representative

Deanna comes from a Phoenix-based family and has had a strong love for animals her entire life.  She moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, where she received a degree in Animal Sciences.  Upon graduation, Deanna spent some time in Maryland working for a non profit horse rescue but felt the desire to return to the desert.  In recent years, she has worked in both small animal and equine settings, including the local Humane Society.  Deanna is very excited to be a part of an integrative veterinary team. 

In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding and exploring the outdoors.  She also enjoys the company of her horse, Patton, and 6 cats:Huck, Sassy, Penny, Loxie, Oscar and Emmy.
Geren T. Thurston, DVM
Veterinarian/Practice Owner

For Dr. Geren Thurston, a passion and appreciation for animals combined with a love for science and problem solving shaped a childhood dream of becoming a Veterinarian.  As soon as she had her driver’s license, she secured her dream job cleaning kennels and walking dogs at a Veterinary Clinic in Nebraska.  Through this early experience, she was transformed by the profound human-animal bond, the magical connection of meaning and joy that we share with animals.  Witnessing the important role medical care, disease prevention and education have in the lives of people and their beloved pets, resolved her to continue her pursuit of Veterinary Medicine.  Sharing in, protecting and prolonging the relationships that we experience with animals is her enduring source of inspiration and fulfillment.

Dr. Geren Thurston fell in love with Tucson during her undergraduate education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in 1997.  She attended Veterinary School at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and received her D.V.M. degree in 2001.  She was a fine student, recognized through varied academic and service achievements.

Upon completion of Veterinary School in 2001, Dr. Geren Thurston eagerly returned to Tucson to begin her career caring for dogs and cats.  She enjoys the challenges and rewards of general practice, from puppy and kitten exams to end of life care, as well as the preventative, surgical and medical services in between.

After many years of planning, Dr. Geren Thurston and her best friend & husband, Dr. Randy Aronson, opened P.A.W.S. in July of 2008.  P.A.W.S. is the embodiment of their shared passion and vision for the future of Veterinary Medicine, as well as their commitment of caring for pets and people of Southern Arizona.

In her free time, she loves goofing around with their son, Benjamin and daughter, Livia.  She enjoys being outdoors, going to the movies, working around the house, hiking and horseback riding.

Jason B.
Veterinary Technician

Jason has loved animals ever since childhood. When asked in kindergarten class what he wanted to be when he grew up, Jason said a “bunny rabbit”. He grew up in a household full of loved pets. He and his mother would often rescue the stray cat or dog found in the neighborhood. At the age of sixteen Jason accepted a volunteer position at the Micke Grove Zoo in his home town of Lodi California. Within a short period of time Jason became a regular employee of the zoo. It was his passion for animals that allowed him to achieve many great things at the zoo. Jason worked as a sea lion trainer and also worked with baboons, big cats and many exotic birds. Jason then left his hometown to attend the Exotic Animal Training College located in southern California. He gained much knowledge there and as a result became employed with an animal productions company located in San Diego. With this company he worked as an exotic bird showman at many fairs as well as a trainer for movies and television. He once appeared on the Jay Leno show as a guest demonstrating the beauty and intelligence of exotic birds. Along the way Jason has also managed to maintain his career as a veterinary technician. He has been a technician now for twelve years. His experience as a technician includes general practice, exotic care, emergency care and specialty medicine. He is now very excited to be with our practice and learn the integrative approach to animal care. Jason and his partner have recently moved here to Arizona from California. They currently have four dogs. Their names are Dame, Lola, Dior, and Gallup.

Jason L.
Veterinary Technician

Jason is currently a Pre-Veterinary Science major at the University of Arizona.  He joined our team after many months of volunteering and learning about integrative medicine. Prior to working with PAWS, Jason's veterinary experience includes working at a small animal practice in Texas, where he became a Certified Veterinary Assistant. 

He plans on attending Veterinary school upon graduation to fulfill his childhood dream that never changed.  He has always had a love for animals. It started with his Labrador, Zach when Jason was just 4 years old. He also grew up with a dog named Sammy, several hamsters and Texas Chameleons. 

In his free time he enjoys spending his time with friends and family.  As the treasurer of two U of A clubs (Wildlife Disease Association and Wildcat Off-Road) he keeps busy and plans club trips.  Jason has lived in Tucson since 2008.  He really enjoys exploring the mountain ranges via hiking and of roading. Jason will do anything he can to be outdoors and spends a lot of time at his family's ranch in East Texas.

Kathryn Halstead, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Kathryn Beers Halstead was born and raised in Casa Grande, Arizona. She had a love for animals from an early age and was active in 4-H sheep, horse and veterinary science programs.

Dr. Halstead completed her undergraduate studies and doctorate of veterinary medicine degree at Colorado State University, graduating in 2004. During this time she was active with the CSU equestrian team, Habitat for Humanity and was a working student at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since graduation, Dr. Halstead returned to Arizona and has worked in dairy cattle, equine and small animal general medicine and surgery. Dr. Halstead’s professional interests include soft tissue surgery, regenerative medicine and pain management. She is currently a member of the American Veterinary medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association and is a credentialed Vet-Stem practitioner. Dr. Halstead attended the Chi Institute’s Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine acupuncture program in the fall of 2010.

Dr. Halstead’s personal interests include spending time with her dogs, bunnies, birds & tortoise; hiking, river guiding and surfing.

Lisa
Hospital Administrator

Lisa spent most of her life overseas in England and Germany.  She started her animal career as an Aquatic Specialist.   After a few years she decided to further herself and pursue a career in the Veterinary field. She graduated with honors from Pima Medical Institute.

She started her Veterinary career as a  Veterinary Technician.  She quickly worked her way up to Hospital Manager/Director at her previous Hospital. Although she thoroughly enjoyed her time there, her love for animals and interest in alternative medicine brought her to PAWS Veterinary Center.

Lisa enjoys hiking, art, singing and playing guitar.   She spends her time with her best friend and husband Green, 2 cats (Orion and Cyan) and 3 dogs (Buddah, Katsu and Pepper).

Randy D. Aronson, VMD
Veterinarian/Practice Owner

Dr. Randy Aronson has dedicated his professional life to providing innovative veterinary care for companion animals of Arizona. He is never satisfied with the status quo and is determined to provide the best care for his patients and the people who love them. Advancing preventative and diagnostic capabilities as well as enhancing treatment outcomes is his passion. Dr. Aronson augments his 30 years of traditional veterinary experience, as both a practice owner and accomplished practitioner, through the completion and certification in complementary modalities. These therapies include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and physical rehabilitation therapy. His gift is seeing the big picture, embracing the concept of optimum health and accurate diagnoses, caring for the whole animal, not simply treating disease symptoms. Inspired by the synergy of integrating conventional and complementary medicine, Dr. Randy Aronson and his wife, Dr. Geren Thurston; set out to create a new paradigm of care for companion animals of southern Arizona. P.A.W.S. Integrative Veterinary Center is his passion and shared vision for the future of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Aronson grew up in Philadelphia dreaming of becoming an equine veterinarian or an NBA star. He received his undergraduate degree from George Washington University. He went on to pursue his Veterinary Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1980 receiving the Leonard Pearson award, the highest honor of student achievement. He then completed a combined small animal Internship in 1981.

When Dr. Aronson is not caring for animals and educating clients at P.A.W.S., he hosts a call-in talk radio show (The Radio Pet Vet on 104.1 FM, Saturdays 8-10AM). He enjoys educating pet owners through both public speaking and column writing. He is a member of the national Speakers’ Association; he has published numerous articles in both national and local periodicals. To ensure quality and accountability for the safety and benefit of his patients, he directs and co-formulates 2Docs, a comprehensive line of pet vitamins and dietary supplements.

Although he loves biking, hiking, fishing, gardening and reading most of his free time is spent goofing around with his son, Benjamin and daughter, Livia.

Rose
Veterinary Technician

Rose was born and raised here in Tucson, Arizona.  While growing up she always had pets in her home.  "My love of animals definetly comes from my mother.  She took every dog or cat that needed a home.  I knew at an early age that I would make a career out of working with animals." 

Rose attended school to become a veterinary assistant.  She was so excited.  "I wake up every morning knowing that this is what I want to be doing."  Rose loved working as a veterinary technician at her previous veterinary clinics, but left to persue her career in Integrative Medicine.  

Rose enjoys passing on her knowledge, education and experience to others that care about animals as much as she does and is proud to call herself a member at PAWS.

Yolanda
Certified Veterinary Technician

Yolanda has been with P.A.W.S. since the beginning. She graduated from Pima Community College's Veterinary Technology program and has her Associates degree of Applied Sciences.

Animals have always been Yolanda’s passion and she feels very lucky to be working with the pets she so admires.

Yolanda shares her home with her two sons, and various pets.  In her spare time she enjoys beading as a hobby.