Meet the Team of Stewartville Animal Clinic!
As pet owners, we know how important it is to trust the people caring for our four-legged family members. Please take a moment to see who you may be working with at your next visit.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Katie Elder (she/they) graduated from Lagrange College in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Biology, and then attended the University of Missouri where she received a dual degree in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health in 2018. At work, she's interested in population and preventative medicine, and internal medicine. Outside of work, they're interested in their cats, gardening, crafting, and music.
Dr. Kiersten Brown is originally from Wisconsin, and therefore has an inherent love for cheese. She received her BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse in 2015. She went on to receive her DVM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021. She had studied to pursue human dentistry during her undergraduate studies, but realized veterinary dentistry was significantly more exciting and it’s been one of her favorite elements of veterinary medicine ever since. During her time in veterinary school she took special interest in integrative medicine to take a multimodal approach to chronic disease processes and pursue various techniques to help with pain control. She earned a Certificate in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture from CuraCore Academy in 2021. She is also passionate about hospice and palliative care, prioritizing comfort and wellbeing as our older furry family members approach end of life care.
When she’s not working Dr. Brown enjoys spending time with her pets Gorgonzola, Pepper Jackie, and Stilton (cheese names are mandatory), as well as hiking, biking, cooking, and baking. She also enjoys honey bee medicine, and looks forward to offering hive inspections as part of her veterinary services some day.
When she’s not working Dr. Brown enjoys spending time with her pets Gorgonzola, Pepper Jackie, and Stilton (cheese names are mandatory), as well as hiking, biking, cooking, and baking. She also enjoys honey bee medicine, and looks forward to offering hive inspections as part of her veterinary services some day.
Our Staff
Melissa has been working in veterinary medicine since 2009. She graduated from Minnesota School of Business with an A.A.S degree in Veterinary Technology in 2010 and worked as a CVT for several years in companion animal clinics in the Twin Cities Metro area. In 2014, Melissa finished her bachelors degree in Business Administration at Metropolitan State University and started steering her career down a path towards management and leadership within the veterinary industry. Melissa enjoys learning about animal behavior, and while working at a large behavior-centric clinic in the Twin Cities, she became Low Stress Handling Certified - Silver Level in 2015 through Dr. Sophia Yin's intensive training program; she also became Fear Free Certified the same year. Through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), Melissa earned the distinction of Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in early 2021. Melissa truly has a passion for people and pets and uses her skills in business management and team leadership to support an amazing group of veterinary professionals in providing only the very best medicine to the furry family members of our local community. Melissa and her husband were both born and raised in Rochester and after 12 years in the Twin Cities they came back with their 3 kids to be closer to family; she is living vicariously through others loving on the animals that come into the clinic until her kids get a little older.
Cassandra graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College and became a CVT in 2015. Cassandra has been with Stewartville Animal Clinic since 2019. Outside of work, Cassandra enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her Border Collie, Rosie, traveling, baking, and nature hiking.
Kelsie graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2019 and graduated from Rochester Technical and Community College in 2021. Kelsie has been with Stewartville Animal Clinic since 2021. In her free time, Kelsie enjoys spending time with her Shih-Tzu, Colby, hiking, fishing, kayaking, cooking, and dog training.
Angela graduated from Broadview University in Utah in 2009 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined our team in Fall 2022 and splits her time between Meadow View and Stewartville Animal Clinics along with BluePearl Pet Emergency on weekends. In her spare time, Angela enjoys knitting, sewing, listening to 80’s music, hiking, and spending time with her husband, two children, and Aussie/Border Collies, Miles and Birdie.
Chaleigh has been working at Stewartville Animal Clinic since February 2022 as a veterinary assistant. She’s currently going to Rochester Community and Technical College to become a Veterinary Technician. When she’s not at work she enjoys spending time with family and of course the dogs Neveah (lab pointer mix) and seera (Pomeranian chihuahua mix), doing photography, and taking naps.
Maddie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with her bachelor's in environmental science May of 2021. She is finishing up her undergrad requirements after recently finding her passion for veterinary medicine. Maddie joined the team in early 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant; she has a goal of continuing her education towards her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. During her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities (kayaking, hiking, fishing), mentoring/coaching her club gymnasts, painting, and spending time with her family, friends, and two cats (Hazel and Mayve).