Our Staff

• Terry A Barker , D.V.M.

  
  

  Dr. Terry Barker grew up on a beef and pork production farm in central Iowa. He attended Iowa State University and received 2 degrees, one in Microbiology in 1976 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. He joined the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon (formerly Roningen-Nyren Animal Hospital) as an associate in 1981 and became a practice owner in 1986. His interests are in all aspects of preventive medicine and surgery. Away from the hospital, he enjoys sailing with his wife and son, training his English Setter, hunting upland birds and cross country skiing. He also enjoys a wide variety of music, especially live performances.

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• Chele M LaFond , D.V.M.

  
  

  Dr. Michele (Chele) LaFond grew up in Manitowoc in a house full of animals, ranging from Great Danes and Dobermans to cats, fish, and birds. Because of her upbringing and her love for animals, she decided to become a veterinarian at a very young age. She completed her undergraduate work at UW-River Falls. She then went to UW-Madison and received her Masters in Veterinary Science. After her masters program, she entered Veterinary School in Madison and completed the program in 1989. After graduating she moved back to Manitowoc and practiced for seven years before coming to Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon. In 2000, Dr. LaFond became a practice owner. Besides being a veterinarian, she enjoys cooking, biking, gardening, and playing with her dogs, Zoey & Brandy, and her 2 cats, Beau & Linus.  She recently added another member to her growing list of furry family members, a beautiful yellow lab named Donzi.

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• Michael R Gass , D.V.M.

  
  

  Dr. Michael (Mike) Gass grew up in the small community of Wisconsin Rapids. He performed his undergraduate studies at UW-River Falls, obtaining a biology major and chemistry minor. He then obtained his veterinary degree from UW-Madison in 1997. In practice he enjoys small animal internal medicine and surgery. His interests outside of work include many outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing and golfing. Mike shares his home with his wife, 2 daughters, 2 cats, Bogey and Sky, multiple fish a guinea pig, hamster, 2 Lion Head Rabbits, Nutter Butter and Oreo and a Sheltie named Mulligan. He recently added another member to the family, a cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Bunker.

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• Debbie

  
  
  Debbie has worked for the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon as a receptionist beginning August of 1989. She moved to the Client Service Director position a couple years later which is the manager of the receptionist team. Her job entailed scheduling the receptionists, pet food inventory and working along side the receptionists. In August 2008 her title changed to Office Manager. Many of her duties include but are not limited to general bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, office supply inventory, maintain hospital's website, troubleshooting computer problems and receptionist duties. Debbie enjoys working with people and the contact she has with client's pets.  She enjoys walking, going to movies and reading. Debbie shares her home with 3 cats, Gemini a calico domestic long hair, Cruiser a black & white domestic medium hair and Nosey a black, grey and white tiger stripe domestic medium hair. Debbie says "The cats keep us all entertained and they just love to watch the birds & squirrels that visit the bird feeders."

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• Kris , C.V.T.

  
  
  Kris is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). A 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota and has been employed at the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon as a veterinary technician since 1992. In August 2008 she was promoted to Client Service Coordinator. The receptionists and veterinary assistants report to her. She has one cat, Dillon. She lives in Krakow with her husband and their two boys. Kris has a special interest in puppy socialization and has taught puppy classes at the clinic for the past 13 years. In her free time she enjoys crafts, reading and renovating her house. 

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• Julie , C.V.T.

  
  Julie is a certified veterinary technician (CVT) who has been with our clinic since 1996. She is our Patient Care Manager. The other CVT's report to her. She also keeps track of hospital inventory and prescription diets, training of new staff, scheduling all staff, puppy preschool and countless equipment concerns. Her special interest lies in dog training and behavior modification. She shares her home with 3 cats and an understanding husband. 

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• Keith , C.V.T.

  
  Keith is a certified veterinary technician (CVT). He graduated from the veterinary technician program at MATC in 1990. After graduating, he worked for 4 years as a veterinary technician in Manitowoc and then came to this hospital. He has worked here since 1994. As a technician, he has many responsibilities and is challenged everyday. Keith says about his job, "I have the great opportunity to take care of and treat many pets. It is very rewarding to see our sick pets come back to the hospital healthy. Everyday is different here and I enjoy that." And about working here, "Our caring staff is second to none, we all work well together and have a great team."  He and his wife share their household with 5 cats, Tilly, Peeka, Mack, Daisy and Boo.  Recently a new member joined the family, an energetic Border Collie Mix named Vinny.  In his free time, Keith loves to hunt and fish with his sidekick Vinny who helps Keith by licking the fish he catches.

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• Jeanna , C.V.T

  
  Jeanna is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). She graduated from MATC's veterinary technology program in 1991. In May of 1991, Jeanna was employed at Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon as a certified  veterinary technician. She left the clinic years later to pursue other interests, but in March of 2007 she came back to work with us and share her love of animals once again. She loves being able to work with both the animals and clients. Jeanna is married to Keith (CVT) whom she enjoys being able to work with everyday. They share their household with 5 cats, Tilly, Peeka, Mack, Daisy and Boo and an energetic young canine named Vinny. In her free time Jeanna loves reading romance novels and working in the garden.

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• Cari

  
  
  CariAnne was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She moved to Green Bay in the spring of 1998 and has been a receptionist with the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon since June of 1998. She enjoys the daily interaction with the many pets and their people. Cari shares her home with a variety of animals, such as a fish named Javier, and recently took in a beautiful little  5yr old Pappilon mix named Pixie.  Pixie was removed from an animal rescue situation and  has diabetes which Cari is learning to help her manage. When Cari is away from work she enjoys traveling, four-wheeling, walking and spending time with her family.

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• Brian

  
  Brian has been a receptionist at Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon since 2002. He enjoys all aspects of his job, but particularly enjoys interacting with all our clients and seeing all their different critters. He shares his home with a domestic shorthair cat, Brewer. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and taking naps.

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• Lila

  
  
  Another one of our receptionists, Lila, has been with us since November of 2003, but has also been a client here for over 20 years. She shares her home with her husband Dave and their 3 cats. Mickey, Mya and Liz. Her love of animals and working with people has made this the perfect job. In her free time she enjoys knitting, crocheting, taking trips to Door County, spending time with her family, and allowing her cats to nap on her lap. Lila's pride and joy is her grandson.

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• Erin

  
  Erin grew up right here in Ashwaubenon and now lives in Shiocton.  She joined the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon in April 2011 as a receptionist/assistant.  She loves meeting all the animals and getting to know their owners.  She shares her home with a very spoiled yellow lab named Gunner.  She hopes to adopt more puppies in the future.  In her free time she enjoys taking Gunner for walks, boating in the summer and spending time with her nephews.

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• Celeste

  
  
  Celeste joined our team in October 2003. As a veterinary assistant, she assists both the veterinarians and the technicians everyday either in surgery or for office appointments. She enjoys many aspects of her job but she especially enjoys working with all the animals and values the friendships she has with her co-workers. Celeste shares her life with an Italian Greyhound named Walka. Celeste is originally from Illinois but spent several years in Arizona and has been back in Wisconsin since 2003. She has really taken to riding her snowmobile in the winter, but as it warms up, she is looking forward to spending time on the lakes and other outdoor activities.

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• Lisa

  
  Lisa has been a veterinary assistant at the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon since June of 2007. She enjoys working hands on with the many pets that come in for care. At home, Lisa lives with 2 dogs, Yatzee and very sassy Luiggi. On the weekends you can find Lisa heading north to go camping with friends. She also loves riding her motorcycle, weather permitting of course.

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• Jenny , C.V.T.

  
  Jenny is a C.V.T. (Certified Veterinary Technician) that graduated from Madison Area Technical College in 2005. Jenny joined the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenons team as a receptionist in the fall of 2008, but as of January 2010 she has also joined the assistant team.  She is enjoying getting to know all of our clients and pets, especially the cats!  She is owned by one cat named Fatty.  In her free time she likes camping, live music and watching movies.

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