Dr. Sara Bakken

University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1997
Dr. Bakken spent her childhood growing up on a Minnesota farm, spiking an early interest and love for animals. Most recently, she has completed her training in veterinary chiropractic care for both large and small animals. Dr. Bakken enjoys horseback riding, snowmobiling, dancing, and all spectator sports. Her family includes her husband Randy, 3 sons, 4 horses, 2 dogs and 4 barn cats.
Special Interests: chiropractic, equine medicine

Dr. Carmen Odegaard

University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1998
Dr. Odegaard was born and raised in Minnesota and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years. Early in her career she spent working as a dairy practitioner, teaming with producers to ensure proper health, welfare, and productivity of their herds, as well as caring for their small animal counterparts. Dr. Odegaard joined the DVH team in 2004, and has recently expanded her training in small animal dentistry. When she's not working, she enjoys baking, crocheting, yard work, gardening and volunteering as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's troop. She lives in rural Minnesota with her husband, 2 children, their dog Ruby, and many cats, ducks, chickens and rabbit.
Special Interests: dentistry, dental radiography, bovine medicine

Dr. Alyssa Breuer

Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2016
​Dr. Breuer grew up locally in Mooreton, North Dakota. She takes joy in assisting with the health care of the many species at Chahinkapa Zoo and working with the Richland-Wilkin County Humane Society. Her recent focus and interest has been in small animal ultrasonography. She enjoys spending her down time at the lake, ice fishing, bowling, painting, and reading. Dr. Breuer shares her home with her better half, their son and great pyrenees Cubby.
Special Interests: ultrasonography, exotic animal medicine

Dr. Megan Pedersen

St. George's University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2020
Dr. Pedersen spent her first 3 years of veterinary school in Grenada, West Indies and her clinical year at the University of Minnesota. She grew up in Hanksinson, ND and earned her B.S. in Animal science in 2015 from NDSU. When Dr. Pedersen is not at the clinic she enjoys spending time with her husband and their corgi, Rudy. They can often be found traveling to new places, ice fishing, building or working on many DIY projects for their home and friends. 
Special interest: production animal medicine.  

Maureen Braun, LVT

Medical Institute of Minnesota, 1980
Maureen has been a technician at Dakota Vet since 1981. Most recently she acts as head inventory manager of our clinic, keeping our shelves stocked with the necessary medications, vaccines, surgical materials and food products needed to keep our clinic running. Maureen enjoys reading, riding motorcycle, helping out at the farm and spending time with her family - her husband, 4 children, and 6 grandchildren. She has 1 cat - Sandy, a German shorthair - Kate, and 5 horses.

Sandy Erlandson, LVT

North Dakota State University, 1996
Sandy became a licensed veterinary technician after needing a career change in life, and we are so glad she did. Her knowledge, experience and passion for small and large animals alike shows with each patient she works with. Sandy enjoys horseback riding, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and playing softball. She shares her Minnesota country home with her husband and 3 sons, their 2 golden retrievers - Dottie and Rusty, their son's golden - Rosie, 3 horses - Gem, Ruby and Buddy,  and 6 cats.

Lora Drewlow, LVT

North Dakota State University, 2002
Lora's career into veterinary medicine stemmed from an early interest and love of animals in her youth. She provides exceptional patience and compassion for every animal that walks through our door. Lora enjoys spending time out at the lake with her husband and 2 sons, water skiing, reading, and gardening. She has a fun-loving Labrador retriever - Oakley, and a cat - Cuddles.

Sherry Wahler, LVT / Office Manager

Ridgewater College, 2006
Sherry is well-known at our practice for her work with local animal rescue organizations. Her commitment to arranging for proper vetting and transport to local rescues has helped save the lives and find forever homes for countless stray animals. She grew up on a farm near Hankinson, ND and knew from a young age she wanted a career that involved animals. Sherry enjoys riding motorcycle,  horseback riding, working on DIY projects and spending time with friends and family. She has 1 horse - Asia, as well as 3 Italian greyhounds - Pipi, Nya and Dee.

Michele Hartleben, LVT

Ridgewater College, 1996
Michele grew up on a farm knowing at an early age that she would be seeking a career working with animals. After graduating and becoming a licensed veterinary technician, she started her career in Barnesville, MN where she worked for 5 years, then moved to Wyoming in 2002 where her sister lives to work at an emergency hospital. In 2009, she moved back to the area and joined the DVH team in 2011 where she is recognized for her invaluable laboratory skills, quick feet with emergency medicine, as well as the excellent care provided to her patients. She enjoys horseback riding and time spent with family and friends. Michele has 3 dogs, a cat and a horse.

Kelsey Leinen, LVT

North Dakota State University, 2018
Kelsey is one of our clinic's newer veterinary technicians, and has come into the workforce excited, knowledgeable, and ready to work. Her positive attitude and smiling face has made it a joy to add her to our team. Originally from Mooreton, North Dakota, she is happy to be back locally where she lives with her husband and their dog, Han. Kelsey enjoys spending time at the lake with friends and family, painting, online shopping, completing Sudoku and watching sports and Netflix.

Taylor Jirak, LVT

Ridgewater College, 2018
Taylor is another one of our clinic's newer veterinary technicians. Taylor grew up in rural Minnesota on her family's farm where she developed a love and fondness for both small and large animals. She has a special interest in equine medicine and has demonstrated valuable knowledge and experience in the field. Taylor enjoys horseback riding, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. She has 5 horses - Topper, Fancy, CJ, Louie and Drifer, 3 cats - Franklin, Catniss and Finnick, and 1 dog - Ace.

Julene Griffin

Receptionist
Julene has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and spent many years as a teacher and daycare provider prior to coming to work with the DVH team. She's often one of the first individuals you will meet and be greeted by as you walk through our doors. Julene enjoys cooking, reading, crafts and appreciating nature. She shares her home with her husband, 2 kids and their black lab - Gauge.

Jenahdta Himebach

Receptionist, Bookkeeper
Bio coming soon.