Meet Our Team!
Get to Know Our Veterinarian Team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you and hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Dr. Balderrama, DVM
Small Animal, Exotics
Dr. David Balderrama is thrilled to return to Idaho and join the team at Hayden Pet Medical Center as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Balderrama graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. He also holds degrees in Zoology from the University of California Davis and Exotic Animal Training and Management from Moorpark College. Dr. Balderrama’s passion is working with exotic pet species, providing excellent veterinary care to various small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Dr. Balderrama looks forward to meeting you and your furry, feathered, or scaly friend soon. When not at the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as creating educational videos on the care of exotic pets for his YouTube channels.
Dr. Bynum, DVM
Reproduction
Dr. Seth Bynum is bringing a full suite of reproduction services to Hayden Pet Medical Center! He is an adjunct professor at WSU who focuses exclusively on small animal reproduction. He is passionate about responsible breeding and is excited to bring trans-cervical insemination (TCI) to Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, and Spokane.
Dr. Peale, DVM
Small Animal, Exotics, Surgeon
Dr. Peale grew up in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from Oregon State University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, she has practiced in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon and most recently moved back to Hayden aftertwo2 years in Alaska. After an extensive surgical mentorship in Pendleton, Oregon, Dr. Peale has a strong interest in veterinary orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. She believes dentistry and working with owners to develop the best care plan for their pets is the cornerstone of a healthy and happy pet.
Outside of the clinic, you can often find her enjoying “urban hiking” with her husband, daughter, and a standard poodle. She also loves gardening and crocheting. Dr. Peale is excited about being home and close to family and looks forward to serving this community for many years to come.
Dr. Huddleston, DVM
Small Animal, Large Animal/Ruminants
Dr. Leslie Huddleston is thrilled to join our team at HPMC! With a background on an Idaho wheat farm, she pursued her passion for animals, completing her veterinary degree at Washington State University. After starting her career in Washington, she and her husband sought the mountains and trees of Idaho, embracing outdoor activities like archery, four-wheeling, and camping. Their fur family includes Zoey, a lively Border Collie mix, and Tommy and Charlie, two content lazy cats. Dr. Huddleston’s dedication to veterinary medicine and love for animals makes her a valuable addition. We warmly welcome her and anticipate the positive impact she’ll bring to HPMC.
Dr. Nelson, DVM
Small Animal, Horses, Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Natalie Nelson is passionate about providing the North Idaho community with high-quality veterinary care. After graduating from veterinary school with her husband from Washington State University, they practiced in rural Central Montana before planting their roots in Coeur d’Alene. Strong interests of Dr. Nelson include general surgery and preventative care to give your pet a happy, long life. While not at work, you will likely find Dr. Nelson deep in the Panhandle National Forest – on her horse, Ruby, or on foot hiking with her two dogs and husband.
Dr. Sussman, DVM
Small Animal, Urgent Medicine
Dr. Katherine Sussman grew up in Idaho Falls, ID. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Idaho and received her veterinary degree from Washington State University. She enjoyed exploring North Idaho during her schooling so much that she decided to start her career here! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and yoga. She is a proud dog mom to Taffy, the yellow lab, and Moose, the chocolate lab.
Dr. Clemons, DVM
Small Animal
Dr. Eric Clemons has lived in a couple of different states but grew up mostly in Fort Worth, TX. He obtained both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Texas A&M University. Dr. Clemons started in mixed practice in South Texas before moving to Austin to focus on small animal exclusive practice. Most of his time in Austin was spent practicing at a 24-hour hospital that managed routine and emergency cases. He has particular interests in dentistry as well as radiology.
Dr. Clemons is excited to be starting a new adventure here in North Idaho. He and his wife love the outdoors and have three kids. In his free time, Dr. Clemons enjoys building electric guitars and basses as well as mountain biking. The rest of the family includes a neurotic shepherd named Rocket, a happy-go-lucky hound mix named Willow, two cats, Tater Tot and George, and four chickens.
Dr. Blum, DVM
Small Animal
Dr. Kayla Blum graduated from the Oregon State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include dentistry as well as mixed animal practice, particularly working with small ruminants such as sheep or goats. Dr. Blum is passionate about educating clients with the knowledge they need to make the best decision for their pets, inside and outside the clinic. Dr. Blum grew up in Idaho but moved to Oregon for vet school. She has three pets of her own: a cat named Rue, a Dane/Lab mix named Bucky, and a Collie/Lab mix named Luna. When not caring for pets, Dr. Blum enjoys any outdoor activity, including hiking and camping. She also enjoys getting to be creative through painting.