About Kristi, Vice President
Kristi, MSW, LISW, CCFP (Licensed Independent Social Worker, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional) joined MN Pets in 2013. Originally from rural Wisconsin, Kristi was always surrounded by animals. Her hope to help those around her led her to earn a BA in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. She lives in Minneapolis with her Shih Tzu, Piper, and her husband. Outside of work, Kristi enjoys traveling, experimenting with new recipes, thrifting, and exploring dog-friendly patios in the Twin Cities.
About Maggie, MN Pets Manager
Maggie earned her Veterinary Technician degree in 2013 and became certified shortly after. She interned at an exotic animal practice throughout school and continued her work there for five years before joining the MN Pets team. Maggie is passionate about strengthening her bond with animals by being an advocate for all and helping be their voice. MN Pets helps her do that with aiding and understanding people when they are going through one of the most difficult decisions in their life. She was a client first before becoming an employee and her experience, though difficult, was extremely meaningful and why she’s here. She honors her family dog, Libby, every day that she works. When not working, you can find her spending time with her two couch-potatoes, Diamond and Windy.
About Elizabeth, Support Manager
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and then earned her Veterinary Technology degree from Argosy University. She worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for four years where she found her niche working with senior pets. She also has a soft spot for ALL rescue animals, from her own rescued pets, Margaret and Frank, to working with rescued and abused elephants in Thailand. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys working with her husband to renovate their first home and playing guitar.
About Robin, Support Manager
Robin was born and raised in MN and now lives River Falls, WI with her husband, two kids, and a cat named Norma. After working in human medicine for 15 years she decided to head back to school and pursue her lifelong passion for helping animals. Robin graduated from Argosy University with a Degree in Veterinary Technology and then worked with a large practice in the North Metro. Seeing how much clients appreciated help with end-of-life care, she realized how much of a difference she could make by turning a difficult experience into one that was coming from a place of love. When Robin is not at work she enjoys watching her kids sports, spending time on the golf course with her husband, and attending SCSU Huskie hockey games.
About Anna, Communications Manager
Anna was born and raised in Osceola, Wisconsin. Before continuing her education, Anna was a live-in nanny in Utah, as well as a dog walker in Minneapolis and Des Moines. She is a graduate from Des Moines Area Community College where she earned a degree in Human Services. While finishing up her last semester, Anna interned at a service dog nonprofit where they raise, train, and place service dogs with Veterans and children with disabilities. It was there that she knew she wanted to find a career where she could help others through the human-animal bond. MN Pets has given her the opportunity to do just that. In her free time, Anna enjoys playing the ukulele, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and her Labradoodles, Louis and Oscar.
About Ashley, Clinic Representative
Ashley has worked with animals for 14 years, including at a dog boarding kennel, vet clinic, and through her own pet sitting business. Ashley understands how important it is to keep our pets where they are the most comfortable, and she is honored to be able to incorporate this new level of in-home care for families through MN Pets. Ashley currently shares her home with Cinder, the cutest pit bull you’ve ever seen, and Maybelle SassyPants the rabbit. In her free time, she loves going on adventures with her family. They enjoy visiting family and friends, going to events both locally and away, exploring nature, camping, and traveling.
About Brenda, Aftercare Specialist
Brenda was born and raised in Minnesota and has always had a deep love for animals. She’s completing her Bachelor’s in Biology and then plans to go to veterinary school. She is especially interested in veterinary nephrology and veterinary forensic pathology. Her dream is to offer free to low-cost veterinary care to communities in Mexico and to help bring justice to animal cruelty cases globally. Even while previously working as a certified pharmacy technician, she was always drawn to working with animals. After having an in-home visit for her first Corgi puppy Sweet Pea, she wanted to be able to help families who are faced with the same hard decision. Brenda lives with her four cats Pancho, Guero, Luna, and Blackie, and Corgi puppy Jellybean. She can be found hiking, at local dog-friendly events with Jellybean, thrifting, at concerts, and snuggling up with her cats.
About Misa, Aftercare Specialist
Misa was born in Columbus, Ohio, and relocated several times with their family to various states in the country. They were never without their faithful animal companions of all shapes and sizes, which led to a passion and empathy for all animals. Misa made Minnesota a permanent home in 2016. Misa found a little black cat who needed a home and named him Salem. Misa’s love for animals kept growing stronger and they discovered that helping animals was their calling. They decided to pursue an Animal Science degree at the University of Minnesota with the hope of attending Veterinary school in the future. In Misa’s free time, they volunteer at the Feline Rescue and cuddle Salem the cat.
About Nicole, Aftercare Specialist
Nicole has rarely been without a furry (or scaly) companion and even as a young child she knew she was destined to work with animals. She attained her Bachelor’s in biology at Iowa State University with a course load geared towards animal behavior, husbandry, and human psychology. During her time at ISU, she volunteered at the Wildlife Care Clinic, which later led to an internship. When she returned to Minnesota, she began working at a dog boarding facility and discovered a love for senior pets. Then she found MN Pets and she knew with her background that it would be a perfect match. Nicole hopes to have her own hobby farm where she’ll have a mix of rescue animals and space for simple wildlife rehabilitation.
About Hether, Aftercare Specialist & Support Specialist
Hether grew up on a hobby/horse farm in Corcoran, MN, and has always been surrounded by animals of all kinds and sizes. Currently, she lives in Minneapolis with her cats and dogs, plus the occasional hospice or foster dog. She is passionate about end of life care for humans and animals – and is finishing up her Bachelor of Science with the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota. She honors the memory of her “soul dog” Ike, each day that she works at MN Pets – and believes that everyone should be shown compassion and respect while dealing with the loss of a loved family member.
About Julia, Support Specialist & Inventory
Julia’s love for animals started when she was a young child feeding calves on her grandparent’s farm. From then on, she knew veterinary medicine was her calling. Julia has been working in the veterinary field for 11 years. Starting out as a kennel assistant working her way up to veterinary technician. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Julia lives in River Falls Wisconsin with her boyfriend Sam; she has a Golden Retriever named Bleu (as in bleu cheese) and a Persian named Stanley. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking, golfing, kayaking, spending time at the lake, and anything that is dog friendly.