Our Staff

• Dr. Robert R Spencer , DVM

  
  

  I graduated from the Iowa State University's veterinary school of medicine in 1971.  I started the practice at Hillside Animal Hospital in 1974.  In 1985, I established our satellite clinic, Appletree Pet Clinic, located in La Crescent, MN.  I am very active in the local and state veterinary communities.  I served as secretary and president of the CRVMA, was elected to the board of directors of the WVMA, and was elected president of their executive commitee.  I was appointed by Governor Doyle to two terms in the Department of Regulations and Licensing's Veterinary Examining Board, and am currently Chairman of the Board.    I received the Meritorius Service Award from the WVMA in 2001.  I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Coulee Region Humane Society, and I donate spay/neuter surgeries for shelter animals on a regular basis.  I enjoy doing surgery, as well as seeing patients, but I think that the best part of my job is working with our incredible team here at Hillside Animal Hospital. I share my home with my wife, Robyn, our son, Peter, and our newest "yellow dog", Lucy.  She was recently adopted from the Humane Society and keeps the family on their toes.  Lucy loves to bring in the newspaper every morning.  When not working, I enjoy golfing, traveling with my family, sailing my boat, skiing, and working in my yard.

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• Dr. Janet D Veit , DVM

  
  

  I joined the Hillside Animal Hospital staff in 1996. Originally from rural North Dakota, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Dakota in 1992, and in 1996 graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. My special interests include care of pocket pets, dermatology, and internal medicine. The best part of my job is getting to know my clients and celebrating the special bond they have with their pets. My husband Brian and I have 2 dogs (i.e. children!): Deacon, a pointer born in 2006, and Dora, a Vizsla born in 2007. Both are show dogs which Brian and I show in conformation, hunting, and agility competitions. Both are my constant companions on the hiking trails, and Deacon is my assistant when I teach pet care classes to local youth groups. In my free time I enjoy hiking and swimming with my dogs, kayaking, traveling, cooking and eating, reading, sewing, and visiting historical sites.

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• Dr. Mackenize M Smith , DVM

  
  

  I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UW-Eau Claire in 2003. I received my DVM degree from UW-Madison in 2007. What I like best about working here at Hillside animal Hospital, is helping animals, while helping to build the owner-pet bond. I have a Guinea Pig "Ferdie" who I recently adopted from the Coulee Region Humane Society. My favorite pet growing up was my goat "Oreo" When I'm not at work, my hobbies include downhill skiing, fishing, and scrap booking.

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• Dr. Steven Timm , DVM

  
  

  I graduated in 1986 from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine I have extensive experience in small animal emergency and critical care, and currently work as a consultant and orthopedic surgeon for companion animals of Hillside Animal Hospital.   Living in scenic Vernon County surrounded by wildlife, I pursue my hobbies of woodworking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

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• Cheryl Friell , Practice Manager

  
  

  I am so excited to join Hillside as Practice Manager after being a client with the hospital for 15 years. With 20 years of management experience, I am excited to be working in a field that I am so passionate about. I am honored to be part of a team that is so compassionate for providing superior care to the pets whose owners entrust us with their care. I live with my husband, Craig, our two cats, Sophie and Buddy and our black lab, Allie. I’m not sure if we found her or she found us. Regardless, after four years she has made her way into our heart and is here to stay. In addition to loving our pets, I have a passion for gardening, long walks and frogs. I also love nothing more than spending time with our two grown children, Josh and Ashley.

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• Michelle Hemp , Practice Manager

  
  

  I have lived in the beautiful La Crosse area all my life. I have over 20 years of customer service experience, 13 of which have been working at Hillside Animal Hospital. I feel so honored to work at a place that gives such exceptional quality care, not only to our patients, but to the clients as well. I live with my husband Brian and our son Sam, who is 7 years old and loves animals like his mom (maybe he'll become a veterinarian). I have 2 beautiful Border Collies, Teddy and Swift. Teddy was a pet therapy dog for 9 years and our visits together taught me how strong the animal-human bond is. She is retired from her days of pet therapy work and spends her days napping and going on walks.

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• Ms. Mandy Grams , CVT

  
  

  I joined the Hillside staff in June of 2008 after completing my degree with Rochester Technical College.  I am excited to be working with a team of doctors and staff who share my passion for providing the very best care to all the pets seen at Hillside.  My cat Oliver enjoys helping me get ready for work.  He hangs out on the bathroom counter and often finds mischief by getting into my contact solution. I also have a cat Milo, both keep me entertained and always make me laugh. For fun I enjoy camping, fishing and spending time with my family.

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• Sarah Lohse , CVT

  
  

  I have worked for Hillside since 2002.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2002, and achieved my Master's of Education-Professional Development in 2007.  My favorite part of my job is providing surgical support and nursing care to our hospitalized patients, while ensuring a safe and comfortable recovery.  I strive to be the best I can be to make our patients happy.   My husband Mike and I share our home with their golden retriever Rowdy, and our cats Condaleeza and Number 2.  In my free time, I enjoy gardening, camping, sewing, reading, skiing, and spending time with my family and friends.

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• Miss Ariel Ruhling , CVT

  
  

  I joined the Hillside staff in 2007. I attended UW-Eau Claire, and graduated from the Madison Area Technical College's Veterinary Assistant Program in 2007. I enjoy being a Veterinary Technician, because it allows me to participate in the care and recovery of our patients. I have a Border Collie/Huskie cross named Ember that I adopted from the Coulee Region Humane Society. Ember enoys basking in the sun outside, snuggling, people watching, and getting into garbage when no one is home. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach, canoeing, volleyball, taking Ember out hiking on the trails, and relaxing with friends and loved ones.

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• Ms. Rachel Seabern , CVT

  
  

  I joined the Hillside Staff in 2005.  I have been a veterinary technician for over 15 years.  I graduated from the Medical Institute of MN in 1992.  My favorite part of my job is feline behavior, and I am often referred to as "The Cat Whisperer".  I share my home with my new husband Jason, my son Jackson who will be 2 in June, my 13 week old Rottweiler "Mambo",and 3 cats. I am an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and can be seen wearing purple on most any day.  My hobbies include reading, hiking, and walking my dogs.

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• Laurie Berger

  
  

  View I have lived in the La Crosse area my whole life. I love the opportunity to provide the very best customer service  to both our clients and pets. With 20 years of customer service experience and love for animals, I find Hillside to be a perfect fit. I have 2 great kids, Jared and Jenna, and a wonderful man, Mike. I enjoy taking long walks, playing tennis, shooting pool, and spending time with my family.

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• Ms. Lindsay Carlson

  
  

  I have a degree in Sociology and Psychology from Viterbo University. I also have experience in grooming and dog obedience. I love knowing that the animals are getting the best care they can at Hillside.  It's a great feeling to see the appreciation of the client's face.   I have 2 cats, Cocoa and Trooper. I took in a litter of feral kittens and when they were ready for adoption, I couldn't give them up! They keep me very entertained. When I'm not at work, I love to be on the river or hiking, and biking on all the trails.

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• Tori Latimer

  
  

  I was born and raised in La Crosse, and went to Logan High. I enjoy all of the pets and their owners who come to Hillside Animal Hospital, there is never a dull moment. I love my job!! I live with my husband Dennis, and our Border Collie "Jack". We adopted Jack 2 years ago from the Coulee Region Humane Society. In my spare time, I collect autographs and scrap book, I also love to read.

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• Crystal Wood

  
  

  I am currently a student at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse majoring in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The thing I enjoy most about working at Hillside is seeing how each animal has a unique personality. My favorite pet is my dog Rosie, she likes to lay on top of her dog house. When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading and listening to music.

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• Molly Burns

  
  

  I have a B.S. in Psychology with emphasis on AODA counseling. I have worked with farm animals, small animals, as well as exotic breeds. I have completed a 12 week internship with the Chicago Zoological Society in working with Pachyderms. What I like about caring for animals at Hillside is seeing the bond between our customers and their pets, and being a part of the team that gives quality care to every patient and every concern I have a dog Sparky, a cat Patches, a rabbit Babe, a Salamander named Essie, and a Bearded Dragon named Irwin, they are all my favorites. I also recently adopted my cat Eddie from the Coulee Region Humane Society. My hobbies outside of work include: spending time with my family and friends, reading, going for walks, spending time outdoors, and going for road trips.

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• Ms. Jackie Johnson , Exam Room Assistant

  
  

  I came to Hillside Animal Hospital in 2001 with over 25 years of customer service experience.  My favorite part of my job is comforting people in a time of sadness or loss.  I share my home with my 7 rabbits, one cat, a parakeet, and two beautiful collies.  In my spare time, I am a pet portrait artist.  I specializes in portraits on glass ornaments.  Though I loves working at Hillside, someday I hopes to be an artist full-time.

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• Ms. Kate Zboralski

  
  

  I am originally from Manitowoc, WI, and attended Ripon College in Ripon, WI. I have degrees in both Anthropology and Art History. My favorite part of working at Hillside Animal Hospital, is being a part of the staff that provides such quality care to our pets and our clients. Our dog, Bindi-Roo, is a Cattle Dog mix that we adopted from the Coulee Region Humane Society. She knows all of her toys by name, likes to hide her "chewies" on the windowsill for later, and loves to watch soccer on T.V. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and being outdoors. I also like to read, cook, and try to knit (even though I can't really do it well).

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• Jessie Hermes

  
  

  I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse majoring in Biology with a Biomedical Science concentration and Pre-Vet as a second major. I plan to attend Veterinary School at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.  My favorite part of working at Hillside is meeting all the clients that check in for boarding. My favorite pet is my English Hunting Cocker named Jazz. When I'm not at work, I enjoy playing piano, tennis, and haning out with my friends.

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• Kerry Kopelke

  
  

  I am originally from Wisconsin Rapids and graduated from Lincoln High School in 2005.  I am currently a senior at UW-La Crosse where I am majoring in Microbiology and Chemistry.  My goal is to be accepted into veterinary school.  I enjoy my job with Hillside Animal Hospital where working as both an Exam Room Assistant and Kennel Attendant allows me the opportunity to interact with a variety of pets daily.  At home in Wisconsin Rapids I have a chocolate lab, Emma. In my spare time from school and work I enjoy fishing and hunting.

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• Savannah Thomas

  
  

  I attend Aquinas High School as a sophomore. I live in a home with my parents and four pets; 2 cats, 1 dog, and 1 rat. I am going to pursue a career in Veterinarian Medicine after high school. My favorite thing about the patients and boarders is that each has their own personality. A wagging tail brightens my day. I have 2 favorite pets, My rat "Stickey" who I adopted fromthe Coulee Region Humane Society, she was abandoned in an apartment and caught on a sticky trap. My dog "Lewey" is a comical Cairn Terrier who knows many tricks. I enjoy reading a book, playing softball in the spring, and volunteering. I am a leader in a group in school called IMPACT. My favorite place to volunteer is the Coulee Region Humane Society.

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• Clarence, Ivan, and Nabbie , Hillside's resident cats

  
  Visitors and patients of Hillside Animal Hospital are often greeted by our resident feline companions. 
  
  Clarence Garfield is our longest resident, who came to live here in 1997.  He is a special-needs cat with the knack for finding trouble, and living at Hillside allows him to be himself.  Clarence is particular about his "kingdom" and has little fear.  He often "greets" our kitty patients by walking up to their carriers to say hi with a hiss.  Clarence likes to be brushed, and he often helps our staff share their lunches. 
  
  Ivan the Great was a stray cat who was rescued around the holidays in 2000.  He was badly injured but with the TLC of our doctors and staff he soon recovered and is a staff favorite.  Ivan believes he is a dog and will often greet our large dog patients.  His favorite thing to eat is dog biscuits, and we often find him on top of the cupboards in our exam rooms, hoping to find a forgotten treat.  He has a knack for comforting people and pets in time of sadness. 
  
  Nabbie Kat (aka Princess Nabriella, Dutchess of Spencer) was a stray who arrived in 2001.  She soon captivated our staff with her beauty and air of elegance.   Our staff often refers to her as our resident princess.  Nabbie's favorite thing is napping and watching the birds out the window. 

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• R Adam Spencer , IT

  
  

  I have been employed by Hillside Animal Hospital since 2001.  I am in charge of inventory control and provide technical support for our computer system.  My favorite part of my job is working in a family-like environment.  My favorite pets are my yellow lab Aspen and my Chihuahua Maple.  In my spare time, I enjoy archery, trap shooting, camping, and boating.

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