Meet the Team at Alexandria Veterinary Clinic – PetCare Center
Compassionate Care Starts with Compassionate People
VeterinariansHeading
Mark Christenson, DVM
Dr. Mark Christenson is originally from Mahnomen, MN. He attended North Dakota State University for his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees and attended the University of Minnesota for his DVM degree. Married to Mishelle Christenson, they have three children. His interests include traveling, golfing, fishing, skiing, and hunting.
Hannah Smith, DVM
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Dr. Hannah Smith is originally from Mankato, MN. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Findlay in Ohio and continued with veterinary school at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Her special veterinary interests include small animal dentistry. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and solving puzzles.
Mackenzie Westby, DVM
Mackenzie grew up on a farm in Dawson, Minnesota, where caring for animals was just part of everyday life. She graduated from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and loves the variety and surprises that come with each day in veterinary practice (because no two patients—or owners—are ever the same). At home, she’s married with two energetic daughters and one equally enthusiastic Golden Retriever, Maisy. When she’s not running after kids, Mackenzie enjoys spending time outdoors—and on those rare, magical quiet moments, you’ll find her with a good book, pretending the laundry doesn’t exist.
Alicia Wasti, DVM
Dr. Alicia Wasti is originally from Maple Grove, MN. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and DVM degrees from the University of Minnesota. Her veterinary interests include dentistry, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and urgent care. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, DIY projects, being outdoors, painting, pottery, and reading. She lives in Hoffman with her fiancé on their organic grain farm. She has no pets currently, but she hopes to change that very soon!
Practice ManagerHeading
Chris, Practice Manager
Chris has been a part of the clinic since 2001, and every day has been a new experience. What she truly enjoys the most about working at the clinic is how much everyone is like a family. She values the relationships that she has built with clients and their pets over the years.
Chris enjoys being on the lake during the summer and spending time with her family. When she is not on the water, she’s watching her boys snowmobile race during the winter. At home, she has two dogs and a cat.
Veterinary Technician Heading
Meagan, CVT
Meagan grew up on a hobby farm that started her love of animals. She graduated from Ridgewater College in 2010 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. She has worked here at Alex Vet Clinic since June of 2011. She lives with her husband in Alex, along with two dogs and three cats. Other interests include theatre, music, and many outdoor activities.
Cassie, CVT, CSR - CCRP
I have been with Alexandria Vet Clinic since 2012. After receiving my specialty certification in 2015 as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, I have passionately worked to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for patients through customized therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and other rehabilitation techniques. When I’m not helping animals at the clinic, I enjoy spending time on my hobby farm and quality time with my Husband and Son enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Amanda, CVT
Amanda is a graduate of NDSU with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science and a minor in Large Animal and Art. She has been with AVC since 2017 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She loves seeing the babies come in for their first appointments and watching those animals grow. She also enjoys when cases come in with lacerations that require surgery. She enjoys being able to help them and get them back and running again.
When Amanda is not working at AVC, she enjoys being with her family, being outside, hiking, and crafting together. She has 3 dogs and 1 cat that also make up a part of her family.
Samantha, CVT
Hi, I’m Samantha! I graduated from NDSU in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology and joined the AVC team in 2018. At the clinic, I enjoy Dentistry and Surgery/Anesthesia, and I find it especially rewarding to help critical care patients recover so they can return home healthy and happy. At home, I have one dog, one cat, and a small flock of chickens. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, looking for agates, thrift shopping, and spending time with family.
Jean, CVT
Jean has been a Veterinary Technician since 1995. She joined the team at AVC in March of 2018. She really enjoys working with clients on their animals’ needs. She likes to be able to rotate throughout the clinic, assisting in surgeries and interacting with patients and clients in appointments and treatments. She especially likes the variety of work that the field provides.
Jean loves spending time with her family and being outside. She also likes to read and work on woodworking projects. At home, she has one dog and three cats, as well.
Taylor S, CVT
Taylor started working at AVC in August of 2019. She enjoys working with our team and helping others solve problems with critical thinking. She also likes assisting in surgery, helping doctors and patients during that time. She received her degree from Rochester Community and Technical College, where she received her license as a Veterinary Technician.
In Taylor’s free time, she enjoys watching movies. She also likes to be outside when the weather is nice. She has three cats: Shadey, TT (Tiny Tigress), and Mitsubishi.
Hailey, CVT
Bio coming soon…
Robyn, CVT
Bio coming soon…
Heather, Groomer
Heather started with the team at AVC in February of 2021. She apprenticed at a small grooming/boarding/retail place, where her grooming skills grew. She has been grooming for 14 years. She likes seeing different dogs and cats that get to come in for their haircuts. She enjoys working with the dogs, getting them all pretty and handsome for their families.
When Heather is not grooming, she is showing show dogs! She really enjoys being around my family and working on their small hobby farm. She likes to ride horses, as well!
Clinic CoordinatorHeading
Taylor K
I have worked for the Alexandria Veterinary Clinic for almost 10 years & can truthfully say I continue to enjoy being here more and more with every passing year. I started off as a Client Service Rep., then was a Vet Assistant for about 7 years, and now I am the Clinic Coordinator. The constant change and fast pace environment is what I appreciate the most. I enjoy helping in as many ways as I possibly can, in any department! I knew I needed to work with animals since I was in diapers!
A few things about myself! I have 2 goofy Labradors; Douglas & Sherman, and the only one who loves them more than me, is my 3 year old daughter! I love to be outdoors, swim, watch movies in our PJ’s, being with my friends and family, and traveling!
Veterinary AssistantHeading
Becca, Veterinary Assistant
Becca is a North Dakota native and earned a degree in Animal Science from North Dakota State University. After graduating, she began her career at a veterinary clinic in rural Iowa, where she discovered her passion for veterinary medicine. Since moving to Minnesota, Becca’s enthusiasm for vet med has continued to grow, and she is dedicated to helping patients receive the best possible care.
Outside of work, Becca enjoys reading, knitting, hiking, and exploring breweries with her husband. At home, their dogs Argus and Eos, along with their cat Nala, ensure there is never a dull moment.
Client Service RepresentativeHeading
Lynnette, Client Service Representative
Lynettte grew up in the area on a dairy farm, where companion animals have always been a part of her life. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have a career at the Alexandria Vet Clinic and experience the bond between owners and pets.
Her passions are gardening, nature walks, and being a mom.
Kim, Client Service Representative
Kim became a Client Service Representative in April of 2007. She likes working around animals. She also loves seeing all the different dog breeds that come in. She enjoys interacting with clients and getting to know them better.
In her spare time, Kim likes to do things around her house, remodeling different areas, cleaning, and just being at home.
Chelsea, Client Service Representative
Chelsea has worked here at the clinic since 2020. She likes to meet the new animals that come through the door. Along with meeting the pets that come in, she enjoys meeting the clients! It is a fun environment and fast-paced.
When Chelsea is not working, she loves to hang out with her family. She has one dog, Doug, who is a lab, and two kitties, Fuzz Aldrin and Callie. She loves them all so much! Together, as a family, they enjoy watching movies, hiking together, and, of course, the Minnesota Vikings.
Raya, Client Service Representative
Bio coming soon…
Carly, Client Service Representative
Bio coming soon…
Hallie, Client Service Representative
Bio coming soon…
Four Paws Lodge CoordinatorHeading
Sandy, Four Paws Lodge Coordinator
Bio coming soon…
MaintenanceHeading
Jerry, Maintenance/Route Truck
Jerry has been a part of the AVC team since June 1992. He enjoys being around his teammates and working with everyone to keep the clinic in tip-top shape.
A few of Jerry’s favorite pastimes are fishing, hunting, watching sports, and being a grandpa!
Animal CaretakersHeading
Averyonna