Staff of Cottage Grove Animal Hospital
Joanne R., CVPM, Hospital Manager, Veterinary Technician and Radiation Safety Officer
Joanne joined the Cottage Grove Animal Hospital in 2000, a month before the practice opened. She wears many hats due to over 25 years of experience in the field. As a veterinary technician, she takes patient histories, handles laboratory work, takes radiographs, monitors anesthesia, assists during surgeries and dental procedures and educates clients.
Beyond those responsibilities, she also implements management software, ensures adherence to administrative policies and procedures, including bookkeeping, sales tax, payroll and purchasing, and implements Hospital Management Plans, which include OSHA, Radiation Safety and Emergency Action Plans. She has an Associate's degree and excels in organizational management and problem solving.
"We are a very tight-knit family – most of us have worked together for years," she says. "I'm proud to say we don't have any turnover with our staff. Great clientele is a bonus!"
Joanne has a Golden Retriever named Kai and a Paso Fino horse named Desi. She spends her free time training Kai and trail riding Desi. Kai is an AKC Obedience Trial Champion, Tracking Champion and models for various advertising and dog food companies. Joanne is a member of the Greater Twin Cities Golden Retriever Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America.
Tammy B., Certified Veterinary Technician
Tammy joined our practice in April 2001 and brings over 20 years of animal care experience to the team. As a veterinary technician, she is responsible for patient histories, laboratory work, X-rays, anesthesia, surgical preparation, dental work, medications and patient care. She is a certified veterinary technician in Minnesota and has an Associate's degree.
"I have worked with many of my co-workers as long as I have been in the field," she says. "We all work very well together and have a great clientele." Tammy has two Labrador Retrievers named Gump and Dixie and two cats named Lovebug and Harry. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, walking and playing with her dogs.
Penni T., Certified Veterinary Technician
Penni is a certified veterinary technician who joined the Cottage Grove Animal Hospital team in October 2000. Her responsibilities include checking in patients, assisting our doctors during examinations and surgery, performing dental cleaning, helping educate clients and nursing surgical patients during recovery. She particularly enjoys grooming. Penni has two Associate's degrees in science and arts.
"The people I work with are like family – we get along well inside and outside work," she says.
When not at the hospital, Penni enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband Rob and their two sons Jesse and Chase love camping, exploring, sports and family game night. They have two cats named Pickles and Olive.
Cassie S., Certified Veterinary Technician
Cassie joined the Cottage Grove Animal Hospital in October 2016. Her responsibilities as a certified veterinary technician include monitoring patients under anesthesia, administering medication to animals, performing dental cleaning procedures and filling prescriptions and medications. Cassie has a "go with the flow" attitude, and her calmness transfers over to the wide variety of animals she works with. Cassie earned her veterinary technology degree from Argosy University.
"This hospital is a good fit and we treat each other like family," Cassie says.
At home, Cassie has four cats named Riley, Cleo, Axel and Chiana, as well as two dogs named Bridgette and Wheeler. Bridgette is a Vizsla mix and Wheeler is a boxer mix. Cassie enjoys snuggling with her fur babies, crocheting and reading. She spends her free time with family and friends. Cassie and her boyfriend purchased their first home in 2015.
Jennifer G., Certified Veterinary Technician
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Jennifer is known for her calming demeanor, helping patients and their owners feel safe and secure! She has an A.S. in Veterinary Technology with previous experience in emergency and critical care as well as specialty surgery.
“I love getting to know clients and their pets and building relationships that show my love for animals. I grew up in Cottage Grove, and have been able to help neighbors and past friends, which has been great. I love Cottage Grove and being able to help the community’s animals.”
Jennifer has three dogs: a two-year-old Pyrenees mix named Frankenstein, a three-year-old Presa Canario named Cider, and a six-month-old Pit/Shepherd mix named Daphne. She also has four cats named Ava, Bennet, Duke, and River, a rat named Sabrina, and last but not least, a six-month-old Axolotl named Hippo. Her dog Daphne will soon begin barn hunt and search and rescue when she’s older.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys reading and writing, DIYing her house, watching scary movies, taking her dogs for walks, and spending time with friends and family.
Britt B., Veterinary Assistant
Britt joined Cottage Grove Animal Hospital in January 2021 as a full-time veterinary assistant. In this role, Britt helps with appointments, provides client education, assists our technicians, fills patient medications, and more. Her sense of humor and cool personality under pressure makes her a great asset to our team.
When asked about her favorite part of the job, Britt shares, "helping our patients feel safe while here and easing our clients concerns and worries about their fur babies." And, of course, "making sure my patients are happy and healthy."
Britt has been working in an animal related field for about 10 years, from pet sitting, to doggy daycare/boarding, pet grooming, dog walker, to vet receptionist and now assistant at CGAH.
"I love working at Cottage Grove Animal Hospital because we're like a family," Britt says. "We're a close-knit small business who really care about their clients and patients. We all care about our jobs and the good we do for our community."
At home, Britt has two cats and one dog; Zeppelin, a blind six-year-old Bengal cat mix; Stevie Jean, a two-year-old domestic long hair, and Hot Rod, a 13-year-old Lab/Pit mix. In her free time, Britt enjoys reading, writing, watching movies and TV, playing fetch with Stevie Jean and cuddling with Zeppelin.
Zach E., Veterinary Assistant
Starting with us in November of 2023, Zach excels at problem-solving difficult situations with his seven years of experience in the field. As a veterinary assistant, he assists veterinarians and technicians with patients, lab work, and other duties, and deeply enjoys helping all our patients. He’s currently enrolled at Oregon State University studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology.
“I enjoy the atmosphere and work culture here, as well as the commitment to patient care.”
Zach has a seven-year-old German Shepherd named Foxy and two three-year-old and two-year-old cats named Stella and Sparrow. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and camping with his wife, and playing basketball with friends and family.
Jessica M., Receptionist
Jessica joined the staff at Cottage Grove Animal Hospital in September 2016. As a receptionist, she is responsible for scheduling appointments, filing, assisting clients, as well as verifying patient and client information. Jessica holds an Associate degree in Applied Science with a concentration in Veterinary Technology from Globe University. Jessica prefers working as a receptionist.
"We truly are one big family," Jessica says. "Everyone always has each other's back and we have wonderful clients."
Jessica shares her home with a Teddy Bear dog named Zoey, a red-eared slider turtle named Hubbell and a goldfish named Macaroni. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys reading, photography, yoga and spending time with her family.
Lisa S., Receptionist
As a customer service representative Lisa's duties include scheduling appointments, answering the phones, filing, assisting clients, as well as verifying patient and client information. Since joining the practice in December 2009, she finds great satisfaction in making sure all of our patients and clients have good experiences. Lisa has a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Minnesota Crookston.
"The staff here is amazing!" she says. "I consider them all close friends, not just great co-workers. We strive to take care of the pets to the best of our ability and listen to our clients' wants and needs."
Lisa enjoys spending her free time at the family cabin, playing volleyball, scrapbooking, fishing, hiking, watching Minnesota Twins games, and hanging out with family. She has two teenage Chocolate Labs named Grace and Chloe. They love being social and really enjoy going on walks, riding on the kayaks, and playing fetch.
Hannah D., Receptionist
Known for her friendliness and excellent organization skills, as a full-time receptionist who has been with us since February of 2023, Hannah schedules appointments, greets clients, checks clients in and out, and completes paperwork. She has an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education.
“The team and clients are very welcoming and kind. I’m excited to learn more about pet care.”
Hannah has a six-year-old tuxedo cat named Bella. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She also enjoys reading, watching shows and movies, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and peaceful walks when the weather is nice.
Moonface, Clinic Greeter, Staff Counselor and Security Guard
If you visit the clinic and find a friendly cat brushing up against your legs who you didn't walk in with, chances are it's Moonface, our self-appointed greeter and ambassador of goodwill and comfort.
"The staff here is great!" meows Moonface. "I have trained them extremely well. The clientele is also the best at being able to be so flexible and pay attention to my needs. I even have a special delivery of catnip from one client and another one comes to just spend time with me."
When not soliciting affection from clients and staff, Moonface can often be found sleeping on the fridge, sunbathing or eating hay. She also takes obedience classes with Joanne, who is teaching her to drink water only from designated areas and not to beg for treats.