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
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
Dr. Mackenzie Westby grew up in Dawson, Minnesota. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science degrees from South Dakota State University. She attended Iowa State University for her DVM degree. Mackenzie is married to Nathan Petersen. They have 2 girls, Cora and Vivienne, along with a golden retriever, Maisy. She enjoys working with both companion and production animals.
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
Cassie has been a technician at the clinic since the fall of 2012. She currently works in our Client Services and Rehabilitation Department. She received her Liberal Arts degree in 2010 and Veterinary Technology degree in 2012. She also became certified in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee in 2015. What she absolutely enjoys the most about this clinic is the compassion and education her team provides to our clients and patients. She also has a passion for our rehabilitation program and seeing animals that are given a poor prognosis due to mobility make a full recovery and a second chance at life.
When she is not working, Cassie enjoys time on her hobby farm with her husband. She has 4 dogs (crazy, she knows), 3 cats, 3 pygmy goats, and a miniature donkey. She really enjoys camping, ice fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
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
Samantha grew up on a hobby farm in Sauk Centre, MN, where her love of animals got started. In 2011, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from NDSU. She joined the team at AVC in 2018. When working at the clinic, she enjoys assisting in dentistry and surgery/anesthesia. She also likes working with critical care patients and being able to assist them in getting back to their families healthy and strong.
Samantha’s pets include a sheltie named Laddie and a Quaker parrot named Jack. In her free time, she loves being outdoors, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Jean, CVT
Jean has been a Veterinary Technician since 1995. She joined the team at AVC in March of 2018. Sher 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…
Heather, Groomer
Heather started with the team at AVC in February of 2021. She apprenticed at a small grooming/boarding/retail place, where my 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
Taylor started here as a Client Service Representative and is now a Veterinary Assistant for the clinic. She enjoys how every day at the clinic is a new experience. The constant change and fast-paced environment are what she appreciates about the work. Every day is a new learning experience. And who doesn’t like animals, right?
A few things about Taylor! She has two dogs: Rico, a chihuahua mix, and Douglas, a lab. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, being at the lake with my dogs, ice fishing, and being with friends and family.
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 my 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 my 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