Class Notes 2023

SVM ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES DVM Alumni Updates Classes of 1987 - 2020

In This Issue

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A Message from the Office for Advancement

1987-1988

Dear alumni:

1990-1992

I am excited to be sending you the tenth edition of the SVM Alumni Class Notes. Thank you to all who took the time to send in your news – it is wonderful to hear about everything our UW School of Veterinary Medicine alumni have been doing and to recognize your successes and milestones.

Carolyn Deegan Edie Brandt Michele Miller Kristine Hoyt Kathy Reilly Cynthia (Cindy) Krach Ruthanne Chun Siri Kavanaugh Dawn Kaiser

1992-1997

Myron Kebus Ellen Richardson Becky Hauser Chris (Porter) Olson Ginny Kunch

1998-2000

Kerry Kraemer Sarah Bro Kristin BeVirt-Patneaude Kristie Ponce

2002-2006

Erin (Pierson) Ribka Mary Sarah Bergh Shannon Lacy Adam Staff Maggie Highland

2008-2010

Erica Esser Ben Stading Jennifer Bennett Rich Sim Liv Kismartoni Margaret McDougall

This is just one way we try to keep you connected to your fellow alumni and to the school. Other ways to stay connected include: » » » » » » » »

Attend our alumni events. We host alumni receptions (VMX, WVC, AVMA, AAEP), the alumni reunion (June 24 this year), and a tailgate (TBD).

Join the SVM Alumni Association - please visit go.wisc.edu/svmaa to learn more.

Connect with the school on LinkedIn. (linkedin.com/school/ uwvetmed) Utilize your class listserv (email YEARdvm@g-groups.wisc.edu (e.g., 1999dvm@g-groups.wisc.edu)).

Read our bi-monthly alumni e-newsletter. Not receiving that? Let me know and I will add you to the list.

Provide a submission for our alumni storytelling page at www.vetmed. wisc.edu/alumni-storytelling-project/.

Reach out! We love to hear from you and appreciate it when you call or email to share your ideas and to ask questions.

And coming later this year – be a mentor for our current students.

More information coming soon!

Again, thank you for staying in touch. Best wishes for a great spring and I hope to see you or hear from you soon!

2011-2016

M. Leanne Lilly Tara Johanek Kendra Bauer Christine (Kopp) Kassekert Laura Wagner Mee-La (Lee) Fowler Christine (Harb) Krenicki Georgia Bosscher Shriwise Diane (O’Brien) Huxtable Rheba Mabie

Kristi V. Thorson Associate Dean for Advancement and Administration kristi.thorson@wisc.edu

Alumni Award Nominations Please submit by April 1, 2023

2017-2020

Margaret (Courter) Breisch Claire LeFevre Sam Emmerich Miranda Braithwaite Anthony Barnstable Alisia Weyna Taylor Opgenorth Amanda (Ritzman) Winfield

www.vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-awards

On the cover

Top Left: Tara Johanek’s (DVM 2011) new daughter Haven Middle Right: Miranda Braithwaite (DVM 2018) with her very first SagePet, Norbie Bottom Left: Sam Emmerich at (DVM 2018) a Saudi cultural heritage exchange at the US Embassy

SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

[1987] Carolyn Deegan

In Memoriam (Photo Page 5)

After 35 years of dairy practice and clinic ownership, I retired in July 2022. We sold our mixed animal practice, Marshfield Veterinary Service, to two of our associates.

I have since been able to pursue some long-anticipated hobbies, including training my best girl, Piper! There may even be some cattle in my future — who knows?!

[1988] Edie Brandt

(Photo lower right, Page 3)

I’m happily retired from veterinary medicine after working 30 plus years at the same dairy practice in NE Wisconsin.

Jennifer Berg DVM’97

The UW School of Veterinary Medicine regrets to announce the loss of an alumna. Jennifer Berg DVM’97 passed away in November 2022.

Berg was a veterinarian in Manhattan, New York, eventually founding her own practice, Tribeca Veterinary Wellness. Veterinary medicine was not just a job for Berg. It was her passion and she excelled at it with a mission to care for her patients and teach owners how to appreciate and care for their beloved pets.

It was a great ride for my work life, but now I really enjoy spending time outdoors on my bicycle, especially after making it through having my knees replaced!

I took Master Gardener training several years ago and volunteer at a local church vegetable pantry garden and have two large vegetable gardens of my own. I enjoy donating produce to local food pantries and to families in my neighborhood.

At my church I volunteer as a video tech for Sunday services and other special events and participate in discipleship groups. My husband Scott Ruetten and I also enjoy camping, birding and traveling.

We have one daughter who graduated from the University of Minnesota (that’s made for a few Badgers eat Gopher digs, except for when we’ve lost the ax!). Our daughter works with young children at a homeless shelter in the Twin Cities.

Michele Miller

(Photo Page 5)

Although it feels like a lifetime ago, my education at UW-Madison has allowed me to fulfill my dreams of becoming a wildlife veterinarian/researcher in Africa. I’m celebrating 10 years of living in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

I have an amazing research group based at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University in Cape Town. My team regularly visits Kruger for field work on elephants, rhinoceros, wild dogs, lions, etc. I am forever grateful to my classmates, faculty, and mentors for providing me with the tools to reach high!

Above: Edie Brandt, Scott Ruetten and Katrina at Lake Louise Alberta, Canada summer 2022

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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Cynthia (Cindy) Krach (Photo Page 5)

[1990] Kristine Hoyt

(Photo below)

I sold my feline veterinary practice NOT to a corporation but to a fine young veterinarian who wanted to leave the corporate world. I am staying on two days a week to assist in the transition. I figure if nothing else, I can clip nails and everyone will still think I am at the top of my game!

I plan on using my free time to do more yoga, to help my aging parents and to travel. I plan to head first to South Africa and Botswana for veterinary work and then to hike in Patagonia and Alaska. In the fall you will find me in Asia and I plan to end the year with a trip to the 7th continent!

Just to add to my fun, I have a refugee family from Afghanistan coming to live with me as well. I have many times invited my classmates to come visit but only Harvey has taken me up on the offer. Now my space will be more limited, as will the timing. Get your reservations in early!

A watercolor piece of mine, “Sleeping Thumper”, was featured on the cover of the June 2022 issue of JAVMA. It was inspired by a favorite patient of mine. The artwork has also been selected for an upcoming JAVMA publication celebrating the 50th Anniversary Jubilee.

[1991] Ruthanne Chun

Things are busy here at the vet school! The remodels to the hospital are exciting and disruptive, but overall going well. We now have a CT scanner and an MRI scanner inside the building, with big units installed!

The construction on the new building seems to be at ‘drywall’ stage, which means that electrical and plumbing are in place. I think we are actually on track for some of the small animal services (emergency and critical care, cardiology, neurology, SAIM, ortho and general surgery, physical rehab) to move into their new spaces at the end of 2024. Anesthesia, imaging and pharmacy will have spaces in both buildings. Although I’m not associate dean anymore (smiling emoji here), I get to facilitate the communications and planning around the moves and how to navigate working in the hospital during the construction.

Aside from that, I’m glad to be back to more teaching and seeing patients. Our son Elliot is now a sophomore at Wash U in St. Louis and our daughter Althea is 16 and a sophomore in high school. Jim and I are living life and grateful to have our health and each other during these continued crazy times!

[1992] Siri Kavanaugh

Above: Kristine Hoyt having fun in Africa

Kathy Reilly

(Photo Page 5)

I have been using a new intra-articular joint device called Spryng with Osteocushion Technology. I learned about it from another classmate, Ann Sherwood-Zieser. It forms a cushion in the joint, stops inflammation and helps relieve pain. It lasts a year or so.

I used it on my sister’s dog (good to have willing family members). At 2 years old, he has bad elbow dysplasia.

Otto (pictured on page 5) was feeling better in two weeks and was able to run around without pain. Older animals that I have injected take 4-6 weeks to see the full effect.

It is a great option to help with chronic pain if there is not a surgical option.

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(Photo Page 5)

Hello everyone! From 1992 to 2023, I worked as an associate vet in small animal practice, mostly in Alaska and lately in Southern Oregon. As of May 30, 2023, I’m retiring! There will certainly be mixed emotions, but I am looking forward to the future! I hope to see some of my classmates as I will more time to spend in WI. What a great run this has been!

SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

Dawn Kaiser

Well, it was time to take down my shingle! Lots of reasons played into that, but the biggest one is that we were ready for retirement. The unfortunate part is that we have not yet sold our house, and we had already bought a second retirement home (long story), so I’m doing relief work to pay two mortgages! Ugh! Looking forward to a summer filled with hiking, photography, travel, and most anything not related to medicine!

Hope everyone is well! Still in North Dakota so if you come this way, be sure to look us up! Blessings and be well!

Above: Carolyn Deegan and Piper

Above: Kathy Reilly helps Otto with his elbow dysplasia using Spryng

Above: Siri Kavanaugh, Class of ‘92

Below: Michele Miller performing a field bronchoscopy on an immobilized elephant as part of a disease investigation in Kruger National Park

Above: JAVMA cover featuring artwork by Cindy Krach

Above: Anthony Barnstable and his daughter Lillian

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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Myron Kebus

I joined the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University as an assistant professor of Health Programs for the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation on November 14, 2022. I am the new Aquaculture Outreach Veterinarian for Michigan and the region, including Wisconsin.

Ellen Richardson

I’m happily embarking on a relief vet career after selling my practice to classmate John Dally’s group three years ago. It’s very rewarding to see what he’s done with the practice, turning it into an employee owned co-op, which will keep its local, privately-owned legacy going indefinitely into the future. I want to give a shout out to John and those like him who have the commitment, vision, and willingness to put in hard work in order to make that happen. It’s what our profession needs right now.

Ken and I and our two boys (13 and 18) still live in Cross Plains, just west of Madison. I’m grateful that with my lighter workload I have extra time to spend with my kids in their teenage years. That’s needed too! We live in challenging times.

Lastly I want to say how great it was to see classmates last year at our 30th Class Reunion, especially Natalie. I hope we can all do it again soon.

[1994] Chris (Porter) Olson (Photo below)

I am still practicing companion animal general practice medicine at Country View Veterinary Service in Oregon, WI. I have been practicing at this clinic for 22 years, hard to believe it has been that long. There have been many changes in veterinary medicine and I have been blessed to be surrounded by great people to adapt and embrace these changes. I have been increasing my Acupuncture practice which has me excited to continue learning and helping animals in a different way.

I am now considered an empty nester but enjoy visiting my children in their respective schools, watching them play hockey, enjoying meals and time together. The pandemic brought my kids home more often for which I am quite thankful.

Recently I travelled to Europe twice. The first time last summer to Scandinavian countries and just 1 month ago to Switzerland. They’re all amazing and beautiful countries and I’m so happy that I finally had the opportunity to travel to Europe.

Last year I joined the local chapter One Health committee and have enjoyed learning more regarding One Health as well as looking forward to ways I can help more with human, animal and environmental impact.

[1993] Becky Hauser

The last few years have been interesting. I left clinical practice in late 2018 for several reasons, mostly due to burnout. I did some relief locally in Wisconsin for a while, then joined the USDA FSIS. I officially started with the government in April of 2019 but there was a several month training program so didn’t start in my actual position until late July 2019.

I entered the agency as a relief Public Health Veterinarian - filling in at various slaughter plants in the Des Moines district. I got a permanent assignment back “home” to Green Bay in December 2019. I was with the Green Bay circuit (a fantastic team of veterinarians - many of whom are UW graduates) until September of 2022 when I took a leap of faith and moved from Wisconsin to South Carolina to join an incredible team as an Urgent Care veterinarian. I’m 3 full months into this position and so glad to be here! I have to admit, so far my favorite thing is the weather - I do NOT miss winter.

I’m pretty sure I will pay for that come summer time, but for now I’ll take it!

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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

Above: Chris (Porter) Olson in Norway

[1997] Ginny Kunch

After many years of riding the fence, I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream to live and work abroad when I moved to Wales in 2020. From Wales to Scotland, I “gave it a go” and really enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, professionally, I am now an overly spoiled American vet, so having to do all of everything entirely myself most workdays (coupled with fifteen-minute appointment blocks, and the sacrifice of wages in exchange for life experience), it all added up to me returning to the US in the summer of 2022.

(To be fair, trying to make that plan work in the middle of a global pandemic and at the start of Brexit probably didn’t help matters much.)

I’d be happy to share my experience with anyone who’s considering a similar plan. I’d do it again, in a heartbeat, but it’s good to have one’s eyes wide open going in! In case our email address isn’t shared, you can find me at ginnykunch@gmail.com.

[1998] Kerry Kraemer

In August 2022 I started my new position as a full-time Professor in the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Joliet Junior College in Illinois. I also work as their Attending Veterinarian. I am enjoying my new position and my students, and working to place more great technicians into the profession.

[1999] Sarah Bro

Many of you will remember Paul Hinds, Jr., my first husband - he was given recognition at our 1999 awards ceremony as a spouse affiliate of SCAVMA (now SAVMA).

He and I parted ways officially in 2014, staying in touch over time. Sadly, he lost his life in a highway car accident in February 2019. Many of you sent condolences at that time, which were appreciated. The other, more recent loss I carry is that of Baxter Black, DVM (1945-2022), who gave such a memorable keynote address at our commencement, jokingly saying we would be remembered as the “last class from the last century!”

This year I will step down from my leadership position with the ACLAM Foundation, eager to devote more time to life in Walla Walla WA, where I can explore more fully the area’s wine and food culture with my husband Chad, keep our two cats Apollo and Zoe entertained, and help my 90-year-old mother Lu, who lives with us full time.

For those of you on Facebook, it’s been wonderful to connect with your lives that way!

If you’re planning a trip to southeastern WA, please do send me a message.

(Photo right)

In October 2019 I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army Veterinary Corps, having served just over 20 years. For me, the Army had been a great match as an employer.

Over my active duty tenure I completed a residency with board certification in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM). Part of my residency training included fulfilling requirements to graduate with a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Career assignments took me to Maryland, South Korea, Thailand, Washington state, and back to Maryland, ultimately serving as Attending Veterinarian for some amazing programs focusing on infectious disease vaccines and therapies as well as trauma training for Army surgeons.

In the later years of my career, I was delighted to engage in veterinary regulatory oversight for Army-funded research programs, which included conducting site visits both in the US and overseas. A special highlight was serving as the Army’s Executive Director of the Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Program, helping amazing officers find the dream I had sought and found long ago. Following Army retirement I continued my association with ACLAM as the Development Officer for the ACLAM Foundation, raising money to support research grants in the field of laboratory animal medicine.

Right: Sarah Bro, Class of 1999

[2000] Kristin BeVirt-Patneaude (Photo Page 8)

We welcomed our second beautiful daughter, Rosie Evelyn, on April 10th. She is growing fast and keeping us on our toes along with her sister, Mattie, who is now four years old. I also received my graduate diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine October 2021 from the College of Integrative Veterinary Medicine. I am enjoying all the treatment options this new skill brings to my patients.

Kristie Ponce

Remember that tiny little peanut I gave birth to third year?

Well, he’s a stuntman now: look for Jaden Ponce on IMDb or jaden_ponce on Instagram. His brother is a professional welder, and both are adulting much better than their mom ever has!

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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Above: Ben Stading (left) assists with the Guy Harvey Foundation stingray health surveys at Stingray City on Grand Cayman Below: Margaret McDougall with her family - Summer 2022

Above: Kristin Bevirt-Patneaude with her husband and two daughters

Above: Jennifer Bennett is the first Chief Veterinary Officer for the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County

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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

Below: Amanda (Ritzman) Winfield and her husband Brandon in April 2022

4 Above: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Midwest Veterinary Specialists with Dr. Mary Sarah Bergh

Above: Kendra Bauer, her husband and her son Miles Below: Shannon Lacy’s family exploring the Kenyan coast for Thanksgiving 2022

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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[2002] Erin (Pierson) Ribka (Photos below)

I did it! After a long road and pandemic delays, I passed my boards and became a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist! I received my pin and diploma at the Veterinary Dental Forum in Reno, NV the day after my 20th wedding anniversary (which we celebrated by kayaking on Lake Tahoe).

I’m still living and working in New Orleans, LA, the owner of Gulf South Veterinary Dental Specialties, with a satellite location in Pensacola, FL. Our kids are growing up - a ninth grader and twins in eleventh grade; we’re beginning the college tours phase. First visit was to UW and the SVM for 20th reunion where it was great to see so many familiar faces!

Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care, created with friend and business partner Dr. Kayla Timmons (UW DVM 2017), is a 6,000 square foot hospital designed to meet the urgent care needs of small animals and to bridge the gap between general practitioners and larger emergency centers. Although separate businesses, the two hospitals share a comprehensive in-house diagnostic laboratory, a high definition digital radiology suite, 64 slice CT scanner, and ultrasound machine.

Shannon Lacy

(Photo Page 9)

Just want to say hello to my fellow 2003 grads! I can’t believe we are approaching 20 years already! For the Lacy Family (including wife Shannon and four incredible kids), that means 20 years in the Army, which has taken us all over the world! After assignments in Texas, Germany (with short trips to West Africa and all over Europe), the D.C. area (to include a residency in pathology), New York (for a PhD in toxicology), and Kentucky, we are now well into our second year in Nairobi, Kenya, where I am serving as Director of the U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, with responsibility for scientific research and public health programs in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

It has been an amazing ride! Regrettably, we have not made it back to visit WI since graduating in 2003, but we are extremely excited about returning for the reunion this summer! It’s a long haul from Kenya, but we are hoping to see many friendly faces on June 24, 2023!

Above: Erin (Pierson) Ribka with Dr Bill Gengler, her first dentistry mentor

Above: Erin (Pierson) Ribka with Dr. Brook Niemiec, her residency supervisor and business partner

[2003] Mary Sarah Bergh (Photo Page 9)

In 2022, I took a giant leap into practice ownership and management by opening two new vet practices – needless to say it has been a crazy year! I purchased a 15,000 square foot building in Greenfield, Wisconsin, gutted and remodeled it, and turned it into a state-of-the-art facility. I am proud to say it is now home to Midwest Veterinary Specialists and Frontier Veterinary Urgent Care!

Midwest Veterinary Specialists is a specialty veterinary surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation center. It allows me to fulfill my passion for helping dogs and cats with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions with comprehensive diagnostic capabilities and therapeutics.

I am able to utilize my dual board certifications in surgery and sports medicine and rehabilitation with diverse surgical and non-surgical treatment options such as arthroscopy, joint replacement, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation therapy, and integrative medicine.

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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

Adam Staff

Hello All. I have spent my entire career at Chetek Veterinary Clinic, hard to believe it’s been 20 years. We are doing so well, we’re about to open a second location - a 7,000 sq ft clinic in a nearby town (If you’re looking for a change of scenery, let me know. I have extra exam rooms!)

I live on a farm on the Red Cedar River with my wife and our 2 boys. We raise sheep and chickens. We are very active in 4H and local community events. Camping and fishing are our favorite summer getaways. I’ve turned into a collector of classic vehicles (3 and counting) and enjoy tinkering with them almost as much as I enjoy driving them.

[2006] Maggie Highland

On June 1, 2022 I moved back home to Wisconsin, accepting a position at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as Section Chief of Pathology Sciences and Professional Veterinary Pathology Services. This role allows me to continue serving as a diagnostic pathologist, in addition to the management aspects.

Below: Tara Johanek and her husband welcomed their 4th child, a baby girl, in December 2022

Above: Laura Wagner, her husband Andrew and their sons Rhett and Charlie in fall 2022

Above: Christine (Kopp) Kassekert and family in front of the clinic they purchased in November 2022 (Photo credit to Sigrid Dabelstein Photography)

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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[2008] Erica Esser

[2010] (Below)

I am excited to share that I am set to open my new clinic in Streeterville Chicago in April, 2023. Construction is underway and the building is beautiful! We will start as a 2 DVM hospital but plan to grow to 5 or 6. Any UW friends looking for a new opportunity?!

Liv Kismartoni

(Below)

I am headed to Alaska from warm and sunny Florida to work with the Iditarod dogs again!

Above: Erica Esser’s new clinic in Streeterville Chicago opening April 2023

Ben Stading (Photo Page 8)

I’ve started my 3rd year with St. Matthew’s University on Grand Cayman, and my 2nd year as assistant dean of students. I’m enjoying teaching virology (and helping out with other courses), helping students achieve their dream of becoming veterinarians, and getting involved with as many wildlife projects on the island as I can.

Jennifer Bennett (Photo Page 8)

I have recently accepted a position as the first Chief Veterinary Officer for the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County. I’m the immediate Past President of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and was elected to serve a second term on the WSVMA Board of Directors from 2022-2025.

The Washington Federation of Animal Care & Control Agencies recently recognized the Washington Area Veterinarians in Shelter Support Services (WAVeSSS) as an official professional development group. I founded WAVeSSS in 2019 to provide support for regional shelter veterinarians. I am currently a candidate for board certification by ABVP in Shelter Medicine.

Above: Liv Kismartoni, Class of 2010

Margaret McDougall (Photo Page 8)

I was fortunate this summer to become a partner at a one doctor veterinary clinic, Kindness Animal Hospital, in Chippewa Falls, WI. My other partners also own a larger clinic and I get the best of both worlds with most of my weekday hours at this lovely small clinic, but some weekend hours working at the larger clinic seeing emergencies.

Kindness has a wonderful crew and it feels so nice to be at a clinic where we know so many of our clients. At this point, both my husband and I are really enjoying our careers and our three kids keep us busy when not at work.

[2009] Rich Sim

(Right)

My family and I are now cavorting with kiwis and kakapos. As of December 2022, I became the head veterinarian of the Hamilton Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s going to take me a while to refer to March thru May as the autumn season.

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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

Above: A warm Christmas hike to Taranaki Falls with Rich Sim in Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

6 Above: Rheba Mabie at a UW volleyball game with her sons

Above: Mee-La (Lee) Fowler’s son, Landie Right: Margaret Breisch’s mobile veterinary practice

Above: Amelia with her new best friend and guardian, Bucky

Above: Newlyweds Claire LeFevre and Mlungisi Mtezankuni

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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[2011]

Christine (Harb) Krenicki

M. Leanne Lilly

We had our first baby this year! Amelia Jane Krenicki, came into the world with a bang on March 27th, 2022.

She had an unexpected rough beginning but thanks to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia she is home happy and healthy!

(Photo Page 13)

We’ve recently expanded the Behavioral Medicine Service at Ohio State University by successfully bringing on a second faculty member. I was delighted to be invited to teach at UW (sadly remote) for the Ethics Course and as I still haven’t made it to a football game here I am fully claiming loyalty to both schools. I continue to enjoy outreach and teaching CE around my busy clinical and lecture schedule.

Tara Johanek

Georgia Bosscher Shriwise

I recently moved back to Madison from Chicago and started a new job at Madison Veterinary Specialists as one of their board-certified surgeons. We’re also expecting our second baby at the beginning of April.

(Photos: Cover, Top Left and Page 11)

My husband and I welcomed our 4th child, a baby girl, on December 29th, 2022. Haven has been such a precious addition to our family! I am still working in Green Bay, WI at Bay East Animal Hospital.

[2013] Kendra Bauer

(Photo Page 9)

My husband and I welcomed our son, Miles Jace Bauer, to the family in April 2022. Miles loves laughing, crawling, eating solid foods, and playing with our dog.

Diane (O’Brien) Huxtable (Below)

I am now living in San Antonio, Texas and working as a hospitalist at an emergency hospital. My husband is still in the Marine Corps so we move often and this is our 5th state since graduation, but I am enjoying the variety of practices I have been able to join as we travel!

We have two wonderful children: a 3 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. They keep us laughing and are proving to be great camping and hiking buddies in our spare time.

[2014] Christine (Kopp) Kassekert (Photo Page 11)

In November 2022, I purchased Bobtown Pet Clinic in Roberts, Wisconsin. It is a one-doctor, AAHA accredited practice in a small town built on community. I have been welcomed with open arms and cannot wait to become more immersed in this community.

[2015] Laura Wagner

(Photo Page 11)

Charles Andrew Wagner was born September 2021.

We are enjoying our little family of 4 out in the Lodi, WI countryside with our horses.

Mee-La (Lee) Fowler (Photo Page 13)

My husband, Ben, and I were blessed with a son, Landie.

He was born in July and is wonderful. Our guinea pig, Sherman, turned 7.

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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2023

Above: Diane Huxtable with her husband, son and daughter

[2016] Rheba Mabie

(Photo Page 13)

I was a guest of the AVMA’s My Veterinary Life Podcast on an episode entitled “Passions beyond Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rheba Mabie Zimmerman”.

The hosts and I discussed the process of finding a job during the pandemic as well as my passions outside of veterinary medicine including being a mom to my two boys, being a professional clown and an incredible golfer.

The audio can be found here: https://podcasts.apple. com/gb/podcast/passions-beyond-veterinary-medicine-dr-rheba-mabie/id1455412037?i=1000506861542

[2017] Margaret (Courter) Breisch (Photo Page 13)

I have officially launched my own mobile veterinary practice for in-home small animal care + on-farm equine services. 3MVP’s goal is to make small animal vet visits less stressful for fearful and anxious kiddos, large breed/ mobility issues, aggression issues, carsick travelers, litter exams etc. Also offering in-home FAST scan ultrasounds and mobile x-ray imaging. I’m also continuing with farm equine care from wellness, dentistry, breeding and more. 3MVP-the less stress way to vet! mobilevet@3mvetpractice.com or 608-480-9825.

Claire LeFevre (Photo Page 13)

Mlungisi Mtezankuni and I were married on September 19, 2022 in a beautiful ceremony that celebrated us. We are excited to begin our future together! We currently live in Carthage, Illinois with our one cat from my junior surgery days. I continue to practice swine medicine and have recently started a master’s degree program at the University of Illinois.

[2018] Sam Emmerich (Cover photo, bottom left)

Since graduating in 2018, I’ve spent time at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and now Washington, D.C. as a U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Officer. I’ve made the most of the opportunities to move around the country and overseas, while pursuing my career interests in public health. In Summer 2023, I will be joining the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a 2-year fellowship at the CDC in Atlanta.

Miranda Braithwaite (Cover photo, middle right)

In 2022 I celebrated the first anniversary of my house call practice, SagePet Home Veterinary Care. It has been my dream to focus on senior pets and those with chronic disease, and I am so excited to see that there are people and pets that benefit from this specialized service.

I provide comprehensive and nuanced care to this special needs population in the greater Madison area.

The veterinary community here has been so supportive, and I am so grateful! I am looking forward to growth and hopefully going full time in 2023!

[2019] Anthony Barnstable (Photo Page 5)

In 2022, my wife Morgan Smith and I got married and we welcomed our daughter Lillian Barnstable in October. A second baby is due in July this year. Since graduating, I’ve practiced in Boston, then Southern Oregon, and am now living and practicing in Hampshire, Illinois at Red Barn Animal Hospital. (Dr. Barnstable at the Red Barn haha)

Alisia Weyna

I completed my residency in anatomic pathology, passed boards, and am now working as a staff pathologist and completing my PhD at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS).

Taylor Opgenorth

I moved back to the tundra in 2021 to start an ophthalmology residency at UW. Halfway through and enjoying being back in Madison!

[2020] Amanda (Ritzman) Winfield (Photo Page 9)

I married Brandon Winfield in April 2022 and am currently practicing in the Milwaukee area as an Emergency Veterinarian at the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Centers.

SVM diploma frames available The artist donates a portion of the proceeds to the SVM.

go.wisc.edu/vetdiploma

vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes

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SVM Alumni Class Notes is published by the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.

We welcome your suggestions and contributions, though we reserve the right to edit submissions.

The printing and distribution of this magazine were funded by donations to the school. To make a gift, contact Pat Bowdish at pat.bowdish@supportuw.org or 608-332-4750 or Heidi Kramer at heidi.kramer@ supportuw.org or 608-327-9136.

Mark D. Markel, Dean

Please address correspondence to:

Kristi V. Thorson, Associate Dean, Advancement and Administration

Kristi V. Thorson kristi.thorson@wisc.edu 2015 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1102 Phone: 608-265-9692

Pat Bowdish, Associate Vice President & Managing Director, UW Foundation Heidi Kramer, Senior Director of Development, UW Foundation Design & Editing: Kelly Bird

2015 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1102

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SVM ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES All alumni and their families are welcome as we celebrate graduates from the classes of 1988 • 1993 • 1998 • 2003 • 2008 • 2013 • 2018

Alumni Reunion JUNE 24, 2023 MADISON, WISCONSIN

Get involved in this total UW experience.

REGISTER TODAY dayofthebadger.org #dayofthebadger www.vetmed.wisc.edu/alumni-reunion