Our Team

Veterinarians

Greg Ingman, DVM

Veterinarian, Owner
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Dr. Ingman grew up in Grays Harbor County where as a youth he was a nine-year 4-H member with projects in poultry, goats, horses, and cattle. An early interest in animals and their owners had him focused on veterinary school by the time he entered junior high. After high school graduation, he attended Washington State University for three years of pre-veterinary curriculum and was accepted into the veterinary school. While in veterinary school he was active in many student organizations.

After graduating from veterinary school in 1984 he and his wife Barb moved to Sedro-Woolley where he practiced for four years. In 1988 he started the current Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic as a mobile large animal practice. The practice grew and expanded to include small animals in a leased facility on Pulver Road. Soon the practice outgrew the small leased facility and the current Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic was built in 1996.
 
Dr. Ingman lives in Bow with his wife Barb and their three children Brock, Blake, and Haylie. Family pets include a Jack Russell Terrier named Tug, and a very special cat named Me-No. He also raises dairy replacement heifers. Dr. Ingman is a member of the AVMA, WSVMA, and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
 
The Ingman family are big WSU Cougar Fans and make frequent trips to Pullman to support their beloved Cougars.

Peter Brown, DVM

Veterinarian, Owner
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Dr. Brown grew up on a ranch in Ellensburg, Washington where his parents had a registered Angus cattle operation. After graduating from high school, he went to Washington State University. Dr. Brown was accepted into the veterinary school after two years of undergraduate studies. It was a dream come true since he had wanted to be a veterinarian since age twelve. Dr. Brown enjoyed veterinary school at WSU and between his sophomore and junior year he married Karin who had just graduated from WSU in elementary education. After graduating in 1991, he started working at Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic for Dr. Greg Ingman, at which time the practice was located on Pulver Rd in Burlington. In 1994, he became a partner in the clinic and in November 1996 they built the facility that we are currently located in.

Dr. Brown and Karin have three children, Shayla, Pete Jr., and Kyle. Pets include two dogs, two cats, one turtle and many cows. When he is away from the clinic, Dr. Brown is going to football games, swim meets, school plays, or Boy Scout events. He enjoys watching sports (both he and Karin are avid Mariner’s fans), taking care of his cattle and exploring the wonderful world we live in with his children. Over the last two years, Dr. Brown has begun competing in triathlons and marathons.  He enjoys being a veterinarian, and all of the wonderful people he has met throughout his career.

Jake Searle, DVM

Veterinarian, Owner
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Born and raised in Monroe, Washington, Dr. Searle spent most of his time outdoors playing soccer, working with the farm animals, and going to school. After High School, he went to Washington State University for a total of eight years. He received his Bachelors of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology, and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry.

Dr. Searle says “Pullman is a great place to go to school. I grew a lot while I was there and most of all became truly convinced that anyone can achieve their hearts desire.” During his last year at WSU, he concentrated on mixed animal medicine and small animal surgery. This included blocks at Kulshan Veterinary Clinic in Lynden, Washington where he got to see and practice at a large mixed animal clinic, at an equine surgery practice in Gresham, Oregon, Northwest Equine, and at a mixed animal WSU extension clinic in Caldwell, Idaho. 
 
Through continuing education, Dr. Searle has focused on small animal medicine and surgery. Recently Dr. Searle attended AO North America Orthopedic conference on techniques in fracture fixation including external skeletal fixators, intramedullary pinning and bone plating.  Dr. Searle has really enjoyed Skagit County. He says there is a nice mix of all species, great outdoor activities, and wonderful hardworking people.
 
Dr. Searle, wife and children have many pets of their own. Their family loves and enjoys Gus, the trusty black lab, Poppy, the loving DLH kitty, Castano, the friendly llama, Foo, the nervous sheep and the curious Brown Swiss steer, Sunflower.

Emily Knopf, DVM

Associate Veterinarian
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Dr.  Emily Knopf has been an associate veterinarian at Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic since graduation from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. Dr. Knopf was inspired to be a veterinarian at the early age of three. Previous to age three, she had entertained hopes of becoming a lion tamer. Ironically, those skills may have helpful with some of the more reluctant feline patients. Her childhood passion for horses and an especially long-lived family cat named Mitten encouraged a career in veterinary medicine.

After graduation from high school in her hometown of Everett, she attended Washington State University in Pullman. After two years in the Honors undergraduate program, she entered the veterinary school. During veterinary school, she was active in many of the different clubs and even participated in her school’s national academic competitions.
 
After graduation, Dr. Knopf sought a quality mixed animal practice at which to begin her career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Knopf found that type of practice at Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic. She enjoys the ability to work as a team with multiple doctors and the excellent, highly qualified staff as well as specialized equipment. Dr. Knopf particularly enjoys and specializes in internal medicine and feline medicine. She feels it is very important to create community awareness of animal health issues and recently started the successful “Canine Weight Loss Challenge”. In an effort to encourage students to pursue careers in veterinary medicine, she often volunteers to speak at schools and other events.
 
She enjoys living in Skagit County and shares a home in the hillside neighborhood of Mount Vernon with her two cats, Noah and Braun. Her passions include traveling, most recently to Ireland, England and Scotland, hiking, gardening and yoga. 

Matthew Wesley, DVM

Associate Veterinarian
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Dr. Wesley is our newest addition as of July 2008.

Dr. Wesley grew up on the East coast where a love for the outdoors sparked an interest in animals.  A move to Oregon in seventh grade and a job cleaning kennels at a local vet’s office in high school confirmed his desire to be a veterinarian.  After high school Dr. Wesley attended Oregon State University and was accepted into the veterinary program there after three years of undergraduate study.  During vet school he was active in many clubs and activities and had the privilege of serving as his schools SCAVMA president. 
 
Dr. Wesley enjoys the variety of mixed animal practice and the opportunity to meet and work with so many different people.  He enjoys all species but has a special interest in small animals and small ruminants. 
 
When not at work Dr. Wesley and his wife Annie enjoy spending time outside and relaxing with their 6 pets (two dogs, two cats, a horse, and a goat).

Kristen Mowrer, DVM

Associate Veterinarian
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Dr. Kristen Mowrer (Pierson) is a Skagit Valley native and is proud to call this beautiful area home. Having grown up in Bow, she graduated from Burlington-Edison High School and Skagit Valley College as a Running Start student in 2003. She had no doubts she’d continue her education at Washington State University (Go Cougs!).  She earned a degree in zoology before being admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, and graduating in 2010.  During her college and vet school education Kristen spent summers working at Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic as an assistant.  She’s thrilled to be rejoining the team as a veterinarian!

Kristen’s upbringing on a farm just outside of town means she spent her childhood riding bikes through the crop fields, playing with her Barbies in the mud, and raising a variety of different animals including cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, hamsters, and goldfish.  Her true passion was always horses and during her teens she competed very successfully with her paint horse, TJ, at state and national level horse shows in a variety of events.  Although she can’t recall the exact moment she decided to become a veterinarian, her immense love of animals combined with a passion for science meant it was already written in the stars from a young age.  Kristen credits her supportive family and the many animals in her life for encouraging her to follow her dreams into this challenging and very rewarding career.
 
Kristen is very excited to be a part of the CVVC team working alongside her friends and mentors in her hometown community.  Her favorite aspects of the job are preventative healthcare, internal medicine and diagnostics, and equine reproduction.
 
In her spare time Kristen enjoys training and showing her paint horse, Tula, road bicycling, pilates, traveling to warm sunny places, and relaxing at home with her husband, Evan, who is also a Bow native.  Kristen and Evan have two orange cats (Freydy and Tweaker), three paint horses (TJ, Lucy, and Tula), and a border collie-mix named Bennett.  

Technicians & Assistants

Sharon Holcomb, LVT

Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
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Sharon has been with the clinic since May 2003.

Overall, Sharon has 24 years of experience in veterinary medicine. Special areas of interests include patient weight loss, exercise, anesthesia and oncology.

Sharon has 2 cats, Travis and B.C., at home and the world's most handsome dogs, Egan and Boru, which she has rescued. Outside the clinic, she enjoys HOCKEY, boating, HOCKEY, travel and all the benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest.

Brandi Knapp, LVT, CCRP

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
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Brandi started working at the clinic in 2004, moving from central Oregon.

She attended Montana State University studying Animal Science, and then graduated from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. Recently, she has become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner after studying at the University of Tennessee. She is excited about being able to offer physical rehab to the many clients and pets that she enjoys working with.
 
Her animal family at home is comprised of a very sweet and sassy English Bulldog who looks forward to any day she can go fishing, riding in her bike cart, wildlife watching, or find a quiet spot to catch up on her beauty rest. She even loves to retrieve, learning these and many other “big dog” skills from her very special yellow Labrador Retriever sister, Molly, who recently passed away in 2008. Rounding out the family is a quite vocal, and attention loving long-haired kitty, who follows the dogs everywhere, and was adopted into the family after having one of his legs amputated at the clinic in 2005.
 
Brandi has a special interest in all of those athletic hunting breeds, those very wrinkly and entertaining bulldogs, and large animals as well. 

Brett Husby, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician
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Brett joined our clinic in August of 2005.

He attended Pierce College for two years where he received an Associate in Veterinary Technology.  His special interests in the veterinary field include: parasitology, dentistry, and anesthesiology.

He lives in Mount Vernon with his wife, Eilidh, and his cat, Oscar. In his spare time he enjoys playing the guitar, spending time outdoors, and reading.

Kira Matthews

Veterinary Assistant
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Kira started working at our clinic in May 2008.

She has a lot of experience in the husbandry and training of large exotics. After graduating from SWHS she then enrolled into a training facility in Spokane working with lions, tigers, and bears (go ahead say it, “lions and tigers and bears, O my!!”). To continue her education Kira interned for six months at Sea Life Park in Hawaii working with dolphins and sea lions. She then moved to California to work with exotic cats and bears for TV and film work. Missing her family in Washington, Kira moved back and acquired a job at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. There she found interest in the medical side of the job and is now working with us.
 
Having a love for animals all her life, Kira has been around many of them. From cats to pot belly pigs. She has a house full of rescued animals of her own, two pit bull terriers, three cats and a continuous amount of kittens that she fosters through the humane society.

Lori Fisher, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician
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Lori began working in the clinic in April 2008.
 
Lori was always interested in animal health and wanted to become a Veterinarian. She finally got her chance to get into the business in 1985 when she started helping at a clinic in Smokey Point.  After working at a few different clinics in the area, she received her Veterinary Technician license in 2001. She started her own relief technician business in 2003. She accepted a contract job three days a week with Dr. Nancy Lévesque, a board certified surgeon, and worked for 2 years as her technician traveling to different Puget Sound Clinics doing orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries. The other 3 days a week were spent at Northwest Veterinary of Arlington working as a technician/receptionist.
 
She also contracted with Deployment Medicine International, traveling once or twice a month to different military bases in the United States to help train soldiers, who were being deployed, in emergency medical procedures.
 
Lori has 3 dogs, Scout (Scooter) Ginger (the Weasel), Harley (Hardly a Dog) and 1 cat (Boo). She also raises, sells, and mostly feeds 6 Foundation Appaloosa Horses. She has completed the entire Chief Joseph Trail (1300 miles in 13 years) and looks forward to having more time to ride locally now.

Jacqueline Cook

Licensed Veterinary Technician
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Jacqueline joined CVVC in 2009 and began working part time for the clinic while she is pursuing her dream of becoming a licensed veterinary technician.  As soon as we had an opening, CVVC hired her immediately as she proved to us that she is a vaulable asset.

 

Jacqueline married Tyler cook on May 20, 2011 and together they have a Doberman mix, Duke, 4 years old who likes to go "fishing" in mud puddles. She enjoys horseback riding, raising and showing beef cattle, as well as she has a special interest in cattle genetics (beef & dairy). She is the Pacific Time Zone Director for the Board of Directors for the American Galloway Breeders Association.

Jayla Mills

Kennel Assistant
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Jayla joined our clinic in August of 2010.  She will be assisting the techs and doctors as needed and our staff  looks forward to watching her grow in her role as kennel assistant.

Jayla plans are to become a veterinarian.

Cassna Wemple

Veterinary Assistant
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Please welcome Cassna Wemple to our great team.  Cassna began employment in April 2011 and she was selected because of her past experience and her love for animals.

Cassna has been working in Veterinary medicine for approximately 4 years; first at a local clinic and then she moved down to a very busy practice in King County. Cassna is currently taking online classes to obtain her Veterinary Technology degree and hopes to continue to grow and learn from the excellent veterinary staff at CVVC.

Cassna, and her 3 kids (ranging in ages 6 months to 17 years), share their home with 2 dogs and 2 cats: Mini Me, a 6 year old 3 lb. Chihuahua; Tessa, a 4 month old Golden Retriever/Boxer mix; Pitter Pat, a 9 year old "fluffy" lovable male; and Gizmo, the 9 year old ruler of the roost.

Ashley Janz

Veterinary Assistant
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Ashley Janz is new to Chuckanut Valley Veterinarian Clinic and also new to the veterinary medicine field. She joined our practice in July 2011. Having a lifetime interest with animals she received her veterinary assistant license and pursued her dream of working with animals.

Her main interest is dogs as she spends some of her free time at the local dog park or even baking dog treats. Her newest interest is in horses and she hopes to own her own one day to ride the trails.

Growing up with cats while she was younger, she currently has her childhood dog Miss Maggie May who is retired at her grandparent’s home and has two boys named Andre and Buster who are a pit-bull and pit-bull mix. Pit-bulls are an obvious passion of hers and she hopes to help foster and give a second chance to many pit bulls throughout her life.

Ashley hopes to eventually go back to school to get her Veterinary Technician License. 

Michelle Beaulaurier

Veterinary Assistant
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My name is Michelle Beaulaurier and I am a Veterinary Technician Assistant here at Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic. I have worked at Chuckanut for about 3+ years, although took a brief 8 month break where I worked at a clinic that specialized in exotics and avian care! I have special interest in exotic husbandry and medicine but also enjoy working with with domestic and large animals.

My fascination for animals and medical care has been since I was a little girl and I have grown up with dogs, cats, lizards, small rodents, and horses. I went to Bellingham Technicial right out of high school where I recieved certification as a Veterinary Assistant and also studied the advanced certification course. I have worked in animal medicine for about 4 years total now and enjoy every aspect of it.

Mandy Anthony

Veterinary Assistant
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Mandy joined our team in August 2011. 

"I feel lucky to have a job which allows me to do what I love, working with animals." 

"I cannot remember a time that animals have not been in my life.  All of my "kids" (pets) are rescue animals; and I am particularly drawn to those that are old, neglected, abused and/or "broken" (in body, though not necessarily in spirit) in some way."

"I think that the one event that made such an impact on my life and influenced my choice of career was when my family moved out of the city onto acreage in the country when I was five years old.  If not for this I surely would never have experienced raising, living, and working with such a wide variety of animals:  from the "usual" household pets (dogs, cats, fish, gerbils, reptiles, caged birds) and farm animals (pigs, poultry, sheep, cows, horses) to the most unusual exotic (birds of prey, opossums, snow leopards, seals, lemurs, monkeys, etc.).  Even now the smells of a dairy, which usually prompts people to pinch their noses, instead triggers fond childhood memories for me."

"Every day at work is a learning experience, as no two animals are alike.  And, like a sponge, I try to absorb as much new information as I can with hope that in the future I can use that knowledge to help another."

 

Sasha Akaran, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician
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Sasha joined our team in May of 2012.  She is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who is also continuing her studies to become a veterinarian.  She works part-time assisting clients and hospitalized patients.

Haley Pies, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician
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Haley joined Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in June 2012 as a licensed veterinary technician.

Originally from Bothell Washington, Haley made the trek up to Bellingham to persue college. After much debate, she finally came across the Veterinary Technician program at Bellingham Technicial College, and knew it was the perfect suited career for her. Growing up with a passion and love for animals, she couldn't see any other career more fit, and now cannot imagine doing anything else.

Haley currently lives in Bellingham with her husband, Aaron. They have three pets: Gizmo the dog, Kitten the cat, and Ziggy the cat (whom she adopted from S.P.O.T in our very lobby!). Along with working with animals, Haley is an avid photographer on the side, specializing in nature and pet photography. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and step-son, hiking and camping.

Lauren Stanford

Veterinary Assistant
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Lauren joined our team in December of 2012 and is already taking great care of our patients.  She is continuing her education to become a licensed vet tech.

Client Service Representatives

Christy Lyon

Client Service Representative
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Christy has been with our clinic since November 1998.

Christy has many pets at home including dogs and cats. Away from work she enjoys being a 4-H leader of the local Kidz-N-K-9s dog 4-H club, which has dog and service dog projects. She has been a leader of this club since 1999. She also enjoys raising service dog puppies for Summit Assistance Dogs based out of Anacortes. Christy has raised eleven puppies over the years. Each puppy raised by Christy is socialized at our clinic for an approximate period of sixteen months.
 
Christy was Skagit County’s 2009 4-H Leader of the Year.

Terri McCoy Hodgins

Client Service Representative, Inventory Manager
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Terri came to the clinic in May of 1999 with an extensive customer service background.  She has worked in a variety of fields, but being a animal lover, Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic seemed the perfect fit.

 

 

Terri is married with three grown children and is a very proud grandmother to 6 beautiful grandchildren, all who keep her very busy.  Her family also includes "Max" the Rat Terrier, "Hank" the hound mix adopted from S.P.O.T., and "Bruce" the cat.

 

 

Terri's special interests include gardening, landscaping, canning, home improvement projects, and restoring their 1936 Ford with her husband Cliff.

Brooklyn Holmes

Client Service Representative
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Brooklyn joined Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in June 2012. She has been a great addition to our team and has learned the "CVVC" way of assisting our clients. She grew up in Yakima, WA where she previously worked at a veterinary clinic, then made the move to Bellingham in May 2012 to start a new life with her husband. Since she was little, Brooklyn raised many animals and participated in 4-H. She currently has a Boxer named Roxie that she absolutely adores, a box turtle named Speedy Gonzales, as well as exotic freshwater fish. Brooklyn brings her knowledge and experience of working with all types of animals, small and large.

When she is not working, she enjoy's a nice day at the park, hiking, camping, spending time with family,and relaxing.

"Animals are my passion and a huge part of my life!" 

Trista Peterson

Client Service Representative
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Trista began working at Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in June of 2012.  She comes with much customer service knowledge and has been a great addition to our friendly front staff team. 

Trista also is a hair designer and former trainer at a local hair academy.

 

Administration

Tami Schorno

Practice Manager
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Tami joined the clinic in July of 2002. 

Her background includes many years in office management, human resources, and accounting.  She enjoys taking business classes and seminars when possible.  CVVC's evolving business keeps her position challenging and fun.

Tami and her family enjoy their cat Rupert and three Golden Retrievers named Beau, Bella, and Bogey. Outside the clinic she enjoys spending time with family, and watching sports and dance especially when her kids are participating.
 
If you have a suggestion for our practice, please email Tami at tami@chuckanutvet.com.

Laura Hohmann

Bookkeeper
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Laura has been with the clinic since November of 2006.

She has extensive background in customer service. A few years ago she decided that because animals have always held an appeal she would try a career change and see what working for a veterinary clinic would be like. So far it has been an exciting and rewarding change and she enjoys the constant chance to play with puppies and kittens.
 
At home Laura has a wonderful husband and son, and one 5 year old black Labrador Retriever named Jake. The hope is to get another dog someday. In her spare time she likes to backpack, hike, snowboard, read, watch movies, and garden.

Doc

Clinic Cat

Picture of Doc

I decided to adopt the clinic in 2001, when I was just a brand new kitten.  I was found underneath of the clinic while it was being built, cold and shivering by myself, and soon won the hearts of the staff, and became a very proud mascot shortly after.

You'll find me roaming the clinic, checking in on each of the staff members to see if they've got a moment to offer a loving scratch or time for play. My favorite past times include lounging on the warm computers, drinking out of the fish tank, and racing up and down the hallways whenever I've got a bit of energy to spare. If you see me around, say hello. I'm always available and enjoy all the attention I can get!

Employee of the Quarter

Congratulations staff, thank you for your excellent service!


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Employee of the Quarter:

Our team votes quarterly to select an outstanding staff member who works above and beyond the call of duty. These employees show outstanding dedication and compassion for animals, are wonderful teammates, and provide ultimate customer service to our clients.

If you have a staff member that you feels deserves recognition, please email Tami at tami@chuckanutvet.com so she can be sure and relay this great news.

Join us in congratulating the following:

2013:
             Trista Peterson - 1st Quarter
 
2012:
              Christy Lyon - 1st Quarter
              Terri Hodgins - 2nd Quarter
              Jayla Mills - 3rd Quarter
              Michelle Beaulaurier - 4th Quarter
 
2011:
              The Entire CVVC Staff - 1st Quarter
              Brett Husby - 2nd Quarter
              Kristina Oril - 3rd Quarter
              Ashley Janz - 4th Quarter
 
2010:     
              Brandi Thill – 1st Quarter
              Jessie Keller - 2nd Quarter   
              Christy Lyon - 3rd Quarter
              Kira Matthews - 4th Quarter
 
2009:
               Lori Fisher – 1st Quarter
               Michelle Beaulaurier – 2nd Quarter
               Matthew Wesley, DVM – 3rd Quarter
               Tami Schorno – 4th Quarter
 
2008:
               Sharon Novakovich – 1st Quarter
               Brett Husby – 2nd Quarter
               Christy Lyon – 3rd Quarter
               Kira Matthews – 4th Quarter
 
2007:
               Sarah Vanderwerff, LVT – 1st Quarter
               Tami Schorno – 2nd Quarter
               Lana Andrews – 3rd Quarter
               Laura Hohmann – 4th Quarter
 
2006:
               Brett Husby – 1st Quarter
               Wendy Sekora – 2nd Quarter
               Christy Lyon – 3rd Quarter
               Brandi Thill, LVT – 4th Quarter
 
2005:
               Beth Scheenstra, DVM – 1st Quarter
               Jill Mason – 2nd Quarter
               Michelle Slaman – 3rd Quarter
               Suzanne Ostebo – 4th Quarter
 
2004:
               Cathy Mouser – 1st Quarter
               Kat Priebe – 2nd Quarter
               Beth Scheenstra, DVM – 3rd Quarter
               Tami Schorno – 4th Quarter
 
2003:
               Christy Lyon – 1st Quarter
               Tami Schorno – 2nd Quarter
               Emily Axelson – 3rd Quarter
               Wendy Sekora – 4th Quarter
 
2002:
               Emily Knopf, DVM – 3rd Quarter
               Terri Hodgins – 4th Quarter