Theriogenology is an exceedingly specialized field, with fewer than 400 board-certified theriogenologists worldwide. Dr. Christensen is a respected authority within this elite cohort and among the canine breeder industry, recognized for his clinical expertise and his academic achievements. He’s received numerous awards and honors, authored dozens of articles in peer-reviewed veterinary research journals, trained hundreds of veterinarians and veterinary students, and has served in professional specialty organizations.

Dr. Christensen founded Kokopelli in 2017, giving the Northern California breeder community a level of specialized knowledge and skill in assisted reproduction that was previously unavailable in this region.

“We understand the canine and equine reproductive systems from a cellular level on up,” he says. “I believe that if Kokopelli can’t get puppies or foals for you, no one can. And we don’t just produce puppies and foals; we also help improve our clients’ programs so that they’re breeding healthier dogs and horses.”

Prior to founding Kokopelli, Dr. Christensen held posts as senior veterinarian at an Australian equine hospital and clinician at large- and small-animal hospitals at the University of Florida. On the academic side, he has served as an assistant professor at both UC Davis and Iowa State University, and is currently an honorary professor at the Veterinary University in Budapest, Hungary.

He received his DVM degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, completed his residency in theriogenology at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists in 2006. He earned a Master of Science degree in reproductive physiology from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and his undergraduate degree in conservation/wildlife biology from Brigham Young University.

Dr. Marco Bregliano, DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists (DACT), is a distinguished veterinarian whose career in Okotoks, Alberta, which started in 2009, has significantly impacted the local community. His involvement with the local community reflects a commitment to community service and providing exceptional animal care, in small animal medicine, emergency services, specialized reproductive care, and advanced surgical procedures.

Recognizing the need for emergency veterinary services in Okotoks, Dr. Bregliano spearheaded the opening of the Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE) Hospital in 2016, providing much-needed small animal emergency care to the local community. In 2022 Dr. Bregliano left SAVE, passing the torch to new ownership to fill another crucial service, mobile veterinary care. Pet owner’s unable to take their pets in for veterinary care, are now able to be seen by Vetdirect offering them an at home veterinary clinic service.

Vetdirect is a clinic on wheels, providing accessible veterinary care, including routine exams, vaccinations, laboratory, ultrasound, and radiology diagnostics, and end-of-life services. In response to demand, Dr. Bregliano opened a brick-and-mortar practice in Okotoks at 184 N Railway st, complementing his mobile practice to include elective and non-elective surgeries including orthopedic surgeries (e.g., cruciate ligament repairs, Z-lig, lateral suture stabilization), advanced soft tissue procedures and hormone-preserving sterilization procedures (ovary-sparing spays, vasectomies). The clinic features state-of-the-art technology, including ultrasound and laser surgery equipment.

Dr. Bregliano also provides telemedicine through earning praise for his compassionate and informative remote consultations. His theriogenology expertise remains a cornerstone, with services at Vet Direct focusing on reproductive care, including insemination, semen cryopreservation, neonatal care, and genetic testing. Dr. Bregliano’s integration of mobile, in-clinic, and telemedicine services positions Vet Direct as a leader in accessible, cutting-edge veterinary care in Okotoks.

As part of his ongoing commitment to the community, Vetdirect is a proud supporter of Moe Animal Rescue Mission.

Dr. Michelle Kutzler is a native of Kent, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation, Dr. Kutzler worked in dairy practice in Minnesota for four years before going to Cornell University to pursue a theriogenology residency under the supervision of Dr. Vicki Meyers-Wallen and Dr. Rob Gilbert. Dr. Kutzler stayed on at Cornell University for a PhD under the tutelage of Dr. Peter Nathanielsz. Her thesis research investigated the effects of multiple courses dexamethasone on placental vascular blood flow in sheep. Dr. Kutzler also completed a Master in Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Oregon State University.

Since 2002, Dr. Kutzler has been at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.  Dr. Kutzler teaches numerous courses including Companion Animal Production, Equine Reproduction, Calving School, Mammalian Reproductive Biology, and Hormone Action. Dr. Kutzler also enjoys giving lectures to colleagues and lay audiences. She has published widely in the fields of both large and small animal theriogenology. Dr. Kutzler spends much of her day mentoring undergraduate and graduate research students.

Dr. Kutzler has been an active member of the Society for Theriogenology since 1994 and an active member of the American College of Theriogenologists since 1999. Within the ACT, Dr. Kutzler has served on the Scientific Abstract Committee and the Certifying Examination Committee. Dr. Kutzler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the AVMA Conference Content Coordinator for Companion Animal Theriogenology. Dr. Kutzler also holds positions in several small ruminant associations: American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (student chapter advisor, Region 4 Director, Treasurer), Llama Association of North America (President), and Alpaca Owners Association (membership committee). Dr. Kutzler is also on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs and the Chair of Scientific Committee for the Quadrennial International Symposium on Canine and Feline Reproduction, and the Director of Business Operation for the Oregon Women for Higher Education.