Our Staff
Dave Garlie, President
Areas of Interest
The Garlie family has a long history of caring for large and small animals in Northfield. Dr. David's father, A.O. Garlie, took over the Northfield veterinarian office in the late 1930's, and Dr. David began practice in 1966. Recently in April 2010, Dr. David decided to expand his ownership and bought the Minnesota Veterinary Hospital! He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Hospital and looks forward to expand his services to our excellent clientele.
Dr. Amy Whaley
Degrees
Dr. Whaley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2000 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004; both from the University of Minnesota.
Areas of Interest
Dr. Whaley enjoys working closely with clients to help them tailor health plans to suit their pet's individual needs, and believes strongly in both weight maintenance and pain management for our four-legged friends. She is certified in stem-cell regenerative therapy, and is currently training for certification in the field of canine rehabilitation.
Dr. Katherine Freed, Medical Director
Degrees
Dr. Katherine Freed (Dr. Kate) received her undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2000.
Areas of Interest
Dr. Kate has also expanded her education by attending the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Leadership Academy in Colorado. The AAHA Leadership Academy was a fantastic way for her to expand her skills and knowledge to lead our team into the future. Dr. Kate is committed to providing our clients with excellence in communication with the ability to explain complex medical diagnoses in a clear and concise manner. When Kate is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and their 2 daughters, along with their 3 Labrador Retrievers and cat, Fluff. She enjoys skiing, running, yoga, reading, cooking, and outdoor activities. Dr. Kate is a complement to our vastly diverse team and looks forward to meeting you and your furry companion.
Pets
3 Labrador Retrievers and cat, Fluff.
Dr. Suzy Ahrens
Degrees
Dr. Susanna Ahrens (Suzy) received her undergraduate degree training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the University of Minnesota in 1994.
Areas of Interest
Dr. Ahrens has practiced medicine at MVH for over 18 years, and has cultivated longstanding relationships with many of our clients and animal patients. Her special interests include dermatology, internal medicine, behavioral medicine and acupuncture. In her spare time, she is a local Hospice volunteer, and enjoys working on obedience training with her 2 high-energy Labrador Retrievers! Suzy lives with her husband, Steve, in St. Paul. They share their home with 3 cats Franny, George and Gracie and their 2 dogs Jodi and Abby.
Pets
They share their home with 3 cats Franny, George and Gracie and their 2 dogs Jodi and Abby.
Jeff Jensen, Hospital Administrator
Degrees
Undergraduate degree in Communications with a business concentration from Augsburg College in 1998, and a certificate in Veterinary Practice Administration from the Veterinary Management Institute from Purdue University in 2000.
Areas of Interest
Jeff grew up in Shoreview and began learning about veterinary management early in his childhood from his father, Dr. Douglas Jensen, who is the founder of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital. He has always been very interested in business and was extremely excited when he was hired in 1998 as the office manager. The dedication that he has showed to the hospital made him grow into the hospital administrator role where he is continuing his father's legacy through management of the entire hospital. His background includes an undergraduate degree in Communications with a business concentration from Augsburg College in 1998, and a certificate in Veterinary Practice Administration from the Veterinary Management Institute from Purdue University in 2000. Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Keri, and his 3 kids, Ellie, Alexis, and Luci; 2 rescued Labrador Retrievers, Tahoe and Hutch, and his 15 year old college roommate cat, Jimmy. When he is not busy with his family, he enjoys riding his Quarter horse, Jens. Jeff is very proud and honored to have been a part of his father's practice for over 12 years. He is committed to providing the clientele with excellence in customer service and a trusting business relationship. He enjoys seeing and hearing about the experiences from the loyal clientele who continue to show their support and appreciation for how knowledgeable and caring the team of MVH is, which makes his job all the more worth while.
Pets
2 rescued Labrador Retrievers, Tahoe and Hutch, and his 15 year old college roommate cat, Jimmy. When he is not busy with his family, he enjoys riding his Quarter horse, Jens.
Lindsey Short, CVT
Degrees
She graduated from Argosy University in 2004 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology.
Areas of Interest
She especially enjoys educating clients about their pets and learning new things. Outside of MVH, Lindsey enjoys the outdoors, playing sports, fishing, camping, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Sue Davidsen, CVT
Degrees
Sue joined the MVH team in May of 2012. She graduated from Minnesota School of Business, Globe College in June of 2010 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. Sue is eager to know each client and their pet and strives to provide a comfortable and informative visit for all clients and pets at MVH
Areas of Interest
Outside of MVH Sue enjoys tutoring students in the vet tech program, reading, swimming, and spending time with her family.
Pets
Sue lives with her husband Greg and they share their home with their four boys, two dogs Tucker and Boomer. And two cats Gregory and Tom. All of their boys are from local shelters
Tera Thompson, CVT
Degrees
Tera is a 2005 graduate of Argosy University with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology.
Areas of Interest
Tera joined the MVH team in March 2009. She enjoys getting to know each pet individually and making sure they feel comfortable during their visits here. During her free time she likes to watch/attend Twins games, have cookouts with friends, and walking the trails around the area.
Pets
Charming cat, Viva.
Sandra Nelson, Reception
Areas of Interest
Sandra has been a part of the MVH team since September of 1992 and she has worked in the field since 1984. Sandra loves every dog and cat that walks through our doors and is amazed that each one has its own personality. Outside of MVH, Sandra enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and their three boys; Lukas, Lorenzo, and Leo.
Pets
Sandra shares her home with three dogs; Patsy, Sweetie, and Licker.
Kelly Piersak, Animal Care Supervisor
Degrees
She is a 2009 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a Bachelors degree in Field Biology.
Areas of Interest
Kelly joined the MVH team in August 2011. She loves spending quality time with the boarding animals.
Pets
Outside MVH, Kelly enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with her favorite dogs, Boone, Briggs, Mishka, and her new puppy, Kaja.
