LORA, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Hi! My name is Lora! I am one of our team members at Animal Wellness Center. I started in 2006 and have loved my job ever since! Sometimes you will find me up front in reception or in a room assisting one of our wonderful doctors. I have been married for over 25 years and we have 3 great children and 1 beautiful grand daughter. We also have a great dane named Diesel, that you may see at one of our events, 2 cats named Shelby and Wilhelmina, along with many chickens. Some of my loves besides spending time with family and friends is being on our Harley and attending as many Chicago Blackhawks games as we can. I’m a huge fan! I look forward to seeing all of you and getting to know you more. You can find me usually between our Burlington and Waukesha locations. Have a great day!

KATIE, CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Hi I am Katie, a Certified Veterinary Technician here at Animal Wellness Center. With 15 years of veterinary medicine experience, caring for pets and interacting with their families is why I enjoy my career so much. I currently have 2 geriatric cats, Newby and Skip. I am originally from the Green Bay are and moved here in 2008 and am a Cheesehead at heart. In my free time I enjoy plays cards, socializing with friends, and reading.

BETH

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Burlington Team Photo

Burlington Clinic Interior

SARAH D.

Hello! My name is Sarah. I have been in the veterinary field for over 7 years. I graduated from Globe University in 2016 with my associates degree. I have been with Animal Wellness Center since 2018. I have a wonderful husband, Buck and we have 4 cats named Milo, Penelope, Hemi, and Linus. We also adopted a senior dog named Bo Bo. Outside of work, I love to travel and spend time with friends and family.

KARISA

Hello, my name is Karisa! I have been in the veterinary field since 2020 and at Animal Wellness Center since 2021. I love all animals and can’t wait to meet new pets! I personally own two ball pythons (Kurage and Tarzan) and a spoiled cat named Demo. When I’m not working I enjoy baking, watching horror movies, or spending time with family and friends.

SAVANNAH

Hi! My name is Savannah and I work at the Fond Du Lac clinic! I have been working in the veterinary and animal field off and on for about 5 years, but have been with the Animal Wellness Team since 2021. I grew up in Mukwonago and attended college at UW Milwaukee. My love for animals has been ongoing since I was a little girl, growing up with various different dogs, cats, fish, reptiles; I knew my heart always belonged in this field. I currently live in Fond Du Lac and have 2 dogs; Bodhi a Rough Collie and Lillian a Blue Heeler. My dream is to own a farm someday with Highland cows, which are my other favorite animals! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and taking my dogs on adventures. I cannot wait to meet you and help care for your fur babies!

SHANNON, CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Hello, my name is Shannon. I have spent most of my life involved in veterinary medicine and joined Animal Wellness Center in 2023. I graduated from Purdue University in 1999 with a degree in Animal Science. When not at work, I spend time with my children supporting their activities, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy hiking, walking, and reading.

BRIANNA

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Barb

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CARLY

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JESSICA

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LIZ

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SARAH W.

Gluten tag! My name is Sarah, I work at the Fond du Lac location. I have been working with pets ever since I was old enough to work. Practices I have worked at include general medicine, emergency care, internal medicine/specialty, and water therapy. I love furry pets just as much as the scaley ones. My home(or my zoo as I like to call it) consists of three cats(Cocoa,Peanut & River), four Snakes( 2 reticulated pythons, a ball python and a California king) and last but not least a bearded dragon named Yoshi. I love that I continue to grow and learn with Animal Wellness Center in pursuing technician work and I hope to one day help be apart of bringing in a veterinarians who specialize in exotics for this area!

RENUKA

Hello! My name is Renuka and I have been working in the veterinary field since March of 2008. I truly love my job and working with all of our wonderful clients and their pets. I feel that all of our furry patients deserve the best care and treatment from us and their families because they are only on this earth for a little while. I look forward to meeting and caring for new clients in the future. When I am not working first and foremost, I am devoted to my amazing husband and our 3 precious dogs. I admit I am one of those people who treat their pets as their children because they are the only kids I will ever have. Needless to say, they are very spoiled. I enjoy gardening, painting and spending weekends exploring new places for food and entertainment with our family and friends.

EMILY

Hello, my name is Emily and I have been working in the veterinary field since 2019. I am also currently a student in the Veterinary Technician program at Madison College to further my education in this field and in reaching my goal to be a CVT. I love the opportunities and experiences I have gained here with Animal Wellness Center and each day look forward to meeting all the new clients and patients. I grew up taking care of cattle on my grandparents’ Hereford farm as well as being around lots of horses and family dogs growing up, and knew from a very young age I wanted to work in the veterinary field. This career path here has been very enriching; I especially enjoy seeing the unwell patients get healthy and love being a part of that process.At home, I currently have a black mouth cur named Sedona; who is my whole world. In my free time I enjoy horseback riding, farm/pet sitting and spending time with my boyfriend and our families.

ALIYANA

Hello! My name is Aliyana. I’ve been involved with veterinary medicine since 2018. My favorite part of being in this field is that look you get from a pet when they know they are safe with you. I’m known as the cat whisperer and have two cats myself! In my free time I enjoy graphic design; you might have seen some of my work on our clinic Facebook posts. I look forward to meeting you and your pets soon!

KRISTEN

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JAY

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CHRIS

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IRIS

Hi! I’m Iris. I have 1 corgi named Riften and two tiny humans. I have always had a deep love for animals ever since I was a small bean and my passion for them brought me to Animal Wellness Center. Compassion and understanding are very important to me and I bring this with me everyday to care for all the clients and patients that come through our doors. There is no concern too little or too big for me to tackle! Animal Wellness Center has helped me grow not just in the vet field, but as a person. I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!

MERCEDES, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Hello, I’m Mercedes! I’ve been with the AWC family since 2018. I grew up with animals all my life, but currently I only have one spunky cat named Stark. When I’m not at the clinic I enjoy doing a variety of things from hiking to playing video games. But after hours, I’m most likely just cuddling up with my cat watching a movie.

ISABELLA, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Hi I’m Isabella! I started working at AWC in the spring of 2023 but have cared for animals my whole life. I have a mini pincher named Frankie with a big attitude but a loving heart. My hobbies include photography, thrifting, cooking, and going to concerts. If I’m not spending time with friends or family I’m most likely wrapped in a big blanket snuggling up with my dog.

KAYLA

Hi, I’m Kayla! I started at AWC in April of 2024. I have been in the veterinary field since 2018. I am originally from Northern Wisconsin but prefer Southern Wisconsin, less cold weather! I earned my associate degree in veterinary medicine from Broadview University in September 2017. What I love most about this field is being able to advocate for animals while also building strong connections with their owners to help support them in providing the best care for their pets. At home, I’m kept busy by my five cats-Dolly, Willow, Bernadette, Jack, and Taco. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. My husband and I love to go hiking or kayaking. I’m also a fan of relaxing with a good book, always with a cat curled up by my feet!

HALEY

Hi! My name is Haley. I joined the AWC team in the summer of 2024, but I have been in the field since graduating from Madison Area Technical College in 2016. Currently I have a derp of a dog named Obi-pug Kenobi and two wonderful and adorable step-cats named Thor and Loki. If you couldn’t already tell, I am a self-proclaimed nerd! In my free time, I enjoy snuggling up in a warm blanket and either reading or crocheting.

ELI

Howdy, I am Eli! I have been with AWC since April 2024. I have always loved animals, especially large animals and exotics. I am currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Madison College and plan to graduate and pass the VTNE. At AWC I work as a veterinary assistant, building my skills everyday. In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, including my two dogs Akeela and Thumper, and two cats Chewy and Nala. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, kayaking, hiking, and hunting.

RAQUEL

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THERESA, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Hi, my name is Theresa.  I have been working at Animal Wellness Center since 2019 but I’ve been working with animals since 2001.  I have 3 cats of my own.  In my free time I like to play games on my iPad and spend time with my twin daughters.

JULIE, APPROVED VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Many of our regular clients will recognize this lovely lady! Julie, or “Leave-it lady” as many of our pets (and their people) have come to know her throughout her years of training, is another of the originals, joining the clinic back in 2006. Julie joined the clinic with a broad range of animal experience between her own numerous pets, participating in 4-H, Barrel racing, as well as working at and managing a pet store! All of these experiences helped Julie to seamlessly transition into her role at the clinic. Since joining the clinic, Julie has obtained her Approved Veterinary Assistant certification. Drawing on her extensive animal experience, Julie serves as an excellent educator and mentor to both our younger staff, as well as our numerous clients!
When Julie is not at the clinic, you may also run into her continuing to expand upon her passion for animal care working at the Watertown Humane Society, or teaching a “Puppy Kindergarten” class at the clinic, after-hours! In her extremely rare spare time, Julie can be found on her hobby farm with her husband of almost 20 years (Patrick) and 3 kids (Alex, Gracie, and Garrett), where they have a variety of both small and large animals. After years participating in 4-H in her youth, Julie is now giving back by serving on the 4-H board for Jefferson County, as well as the Horse and Pony club. She is an avid gardener and enjoys fishing, hiking and all things horses. She is also a hobby breeder of Cockapoos and Cavapoos.

ANDREA (DREA), APPROVED VETERINARY ASSISTANT

This lovely lady is Gentle Healer’s very own personal ray of sunshine! Andrea “Drea” Walsh is one of the original team members hired shortly after Dr. Scott first opened Gentle Healer. She joined the clinic with very limited veterinary experience. Having originally gone to school for cosmetology and subsequently obtaining her manager’s license, the experience she brought to the clinic helped her rapidly grow as a team member, leading her to become the clinical support staff’s Team Lead! Since she initially joined the staff in 2005, Andrea obtained her Approved Veterinary Assistant license (AVA) and now serves as the clinic’s manager!

Outside of work, Andrea and her husband of 19 years, Travis, enjoy their country living with their two kids, two cats, two dogs, and one goat!! When she is not running around watching her kids Owin and Aliviah participate in the activities they love, you’ll find her crocheting, sewing, hunting, or just hanging out at home.

COURTNEY, CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Courtney has been a Gentle Healer family member long before joining us in her current role as CVT! Courtney and her four-legged family members first got to know Gentle Healer’s team as clients. After that initial impression, she shadowed at the clinic and was eventually hired as a veterinary assistant in 2018. While working as a veterinary assistant, she went through the veterinary technician program at MATC and graduated in May 2020. She passed her national board exam, the VTNE, later that summer and officially became a certified veterinary technician.

Courtney recently married her high-school sweetheart, Ryan in June of 2022. They have been together since freshman year of high school. Together, they have two dogs, Oakley (Australian Shepherd) and Ruger (Golden retriever). They also have two cats, Lizzy and Ralphie.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, animals, family, and friends. She also enjoys horseback riding, side-by-siding (UTV), and boating. Before pursuing her career as a Certified Veterinary Technician, Courtney had been a member of the Watertown Blue Revue dance team from 4th grade to senior year. It was a massive part of her life that she left behind to begin her new career in the vet world. She hopes that one day she can go back to it.

KATELYNN, VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Katelynn joined Gentle Healer almost four years ago. Armed with a love of animals and excellent people skills, she started in the role of Customer Service Representative. Having begun her journey with Gentle Healer with very limited veterinary/animal handling experience, Katelynn has grown immensely in her short time here. She now functions as a veterinary assistant and handles almost all of our specialty food/Prescription diet ordering.

Having grown in her skills-sets and progressing in her love for veterinary Medicine, Katelynn is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Madison College. Upon completion and passing her national board exam, Katelynn will become a Certified Veterinary Technician!

Katelynn worked on a dairy farm in high school, and this is where she was first introduced to veterinary medicine. During her time there, she also found her love for Jersey cows, and, at one time, she owned 5 Jersey cows of her own!

When not working or in school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family or just hanging out with her dog, Tater, and two cats, Casper and Luna.

HEATHER, VETERINARY ASSISTANT

While relatively new to the world of small animal veterinary medicine, Heather has a unique background working with a variety of other animals. She came to us with experience in wildlife and zoology, having graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife. Throughout her college years, she had the incredible opportunity to work at several zoo’s! Unfortunately, these days the only wild animals she gets to work with are her co-workers!

A few years after her graduation, she made the transition into vet med, and we were thrilled to have her join our team in October of 2021. She started as a Customer Service Representative, and has since been adding to her skills and working as a veterinary assistant. Heather is currently enrolled in the veterinary technician program at Madison College, and will soon become a Certified Veterinary Technician!

Outside of work and school, Heather enjoys spending time with her pets; 2 cats, and a chocolate lab named Ruger. She also loves spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting, boating, and camping.

EMILY, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

While it might sound cliché, Emily has always loved animals and has wanted to work with them ever since she was young. With the ultimate, long-term goal of becoming a veterinary assistant and possibly a Large Animal Technician, Emily has gained a wide variety of experience through working at a number of area veterinary clinics! With her love of animals, and a plethora of experience, Emily was an easy hire and a natural addition to the Gentle Healer team. She has been one of the smiling faces of our front desk since October of 2021.

In her spare time, Emily loves to be out in nature adventuring, reading books, playing video games, or painting and flexing her artistic muscles. She also enjoys spending time with her 4 cats, Lucy, Tootsie, Julius, and Grim Reaper. Long term, Emily would love to get more involved with large animals and take horseback riding lessons. Ultimately, Emily dreams of having a rescue farm for horses, and if time allows, traveling the world!

KEELIN, VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Having just joined us in October 2022, Keelin is one of the newest members of our team. Although she may be new to the Gentle Healer family, she is far from new to the world of animal care and husbandry.

Her love affair with all 4 legged critters began in animal shelters when she was 10 years old. From there Keelin moved on to raising and training service dogs and has personally assisted with the raising, training, and placement of over 50 service dogs over the past 15 years.

While completing her BA in Animal Behavior from Ripon College. Keelin completed 300 hours of volunteer work for AmeriCorp which aided her in obtaining a position working at the Menominee Park Zoo for two years post graduation. Her favorite animals to work with were Dash, a 20 year old African Spurred Tortoise, and Keyahna the teenage Blue and Gold Macaw. After spending the last several years working with several dog rescues and shelters, Keelin joined the Gentle Healer team. She is enjoying getting to know all the clients and patients, while still having a work/life balance to keep up with her busy family and activities.

Keelin is happily married to her husband of 6 years, Alex. They have two children, Ashildr (5yrs) and Atticus (1yr), along with 3 large dogs, Stitches and Georgie (both German Shepherd Dogs), and Ccota (a Burnese Mountain Dog). She also enjoys crafting, baking, playing percussion and traveling in her free time. Keelin looks forward to becoming a familiar face here at the clinic as she gets to know all of you and your beloved furry friends.

SAMANTHA

Sam is the newest member of the team, joining us during her internship in January and accepting a position as a Certified Veterinary Assistant in April.

Sam is currently going to Madison College where she is studying veterinary science. Upon completion and passing of her national board exam, Sam will become a certified veterinary technician.

Being raised on a dairy farm, Sam’s love for animals started at a very young age. Growing up she was actively involved in her local 4-H, Watertown FFA, and Dodge County Jr Holstein dairy judging and dairy jeopardy teams. She has also had many successful years of showing dairy cattle on county, district, state, and national levels. In addition to working at the clinic, Sam also has her own business; ProPulse PEMF LLC, where she provides pulse electromagnetic therapy to livestock, equine, dogs, cats, and even humans. She also works at a group home, where she helps take care of four individuals that struggle with behavior and the tasks of every day living.

In her “free” time, Sam enjoys photography, hunting, spending time with her family and friends and going for hikes with her dog Harlee. She also enjoys cattle shows, rodeos, horseback riding, and modeling with Cardenas Captures for Prohats Co.