Meet the Team at Countryside Animal Hospital
At Countryside Animal Hospital, our team is more than just veterinary professionals—we’re animal lovers, caretakers, and trusted partners in your pet’s health. From the front desk to the exam room, every team member is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care for you and your furry family members.
Veterinarians
Dr. Heidi Gareau
Veterinarian
With over 20 years of experience as a veterinarian—and a childhood spent on a dairy farm—Dr. Gareau brings both professional expertise and a deep personal connection to animal care. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine but especially values educating clients and building lasting relationships. Her goal is to empower pet owners to make informed decisions for their pets’ health.
Education: Michigan State University
Pets: 2 dogs (Stella the Brittany, and Mr. Bruce Pugsworth the Pug), 2 cats (Twitch and Ms. Pennylane), and a Russian tortoise named Boris
Outside the Clinic: Downhill skiing, camping, traveling, playing cards, hiking, and spending time with her family and two sons.
Dr. Kirsten Zellmer
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Zellmer takes a thoughtful, common-sense approach to veterinary care. She prioritizes getting to the root of problems instead of just treating symptoms, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and intuition to every appointment.
Education: UW-School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI
Pets: Tilly the English Cocker Spaniel and Ember the Domestic Medium Hair mix
Outside the Clinic: Gardening, hiking, paddle boarding, camping, home renovation, and weeding
Veterinary Team
Bailey
Vet Assistant / Receptionist
Bailey has been working in the veterinary field for 4 years and is passionate about creating a positive experience for both pets and their owners. Her calm and friendly demeanor helps keep animals comfortable and clients at ease.
Education: Fox Valley Tech
Pets: 3 cats (Saffron, Autumn “Beans”, Vivian) and a guinea pig named Gnomie
Outside the Clinic: Spending time with friends, family, and her beloved pets
Mia
Vet Assistant / Manager
With 17 years in the field, Mia is passionate about improving pets’ quality of life through excellent care and continued learning. Her dedication shines through in every patient interaction.
Education: Fox Valley Tech
Pets: 2 dogs (Banner and Linkin), 5 cats, 5 horses, and a flock of chickens
Outside the Clinic: Horseback riding, camping, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with friends
Kelsey
Vet Tech / Vet Assistant
Kelsey began her career in emergency vet care and brings her curiosity and energy to every shift. She loves the variety in her work and the chance to brighten a pet’s day.
Education: Mosinee
Pets: 1 feline leukemia-positive kitten named Cookie
Outside the Clinic: Playing video games and going for walks
Linz (Lindsay)
With 22 years of experience, Linz has a special knack for working with nervous or less-than-happy patients. Her calm presence and gentle approach help even the shyest pets feel more secure.
Education: Waupaca High School
Pets: Gypsy the Springer/Brittany Spaniel mix, and Oryo—the clinic cat who’s claimed her as family
Outside the Clinic: Competing in karaoke contests and watching movies
Petra
Technician / Manager
Since joining Countryside in 2002, Petra has brought 25 years of hands-on experience and a deep sense of advocacy for every pet’s best outcome. She believes in combining practical treatment with heartfelt care.
Education: “Elly-Heuss- Knapp school” in Germany
Pets: 4 Golden Doodles and 2 garage cats
Outside the Clinic: Spontaneous adventures, live music, cocktails with friends, and reading
Vic
With 28 years in veterinary care and a background in both animal handling and client service, Vic approaches every pet with kindness and respect. She sees it as a way of giving back the unconditional love animals give us.
Education: UW-Madison and UW-Stevens Point
Pets: 3 cats (Travis, Mack, Dieselette) and 1 dog (Cinny)
Outside the Clinic: Enjoying a cold beer by the campfire
Katelyn
Vet Assistant
Katelyn’s compassionate nature and attention to detail help her provide a safe, comfortable environment for each patient she sees. She’s been in the field for 2 years and brings enthusiasm and care to every visit.
Education: Waupaca High School
Pets: 5 cats (Cricket, Sylvia, Rue, Nyx and Geralt), 3 dogs (Ace, Fergus, and Flynn), a bearded dragon, and chickens
Outside the Clinic: Spending time with family, movie and game nights, and working on creative home projects
Philip
Manager / IT
A lifelong part of the clinic, Philip grew up in the halls of Countryside and now brings six years of management experience to the team. He understands the impact of veterinary care firsthand and takes pride in the difference the clinic makes every day.
Education: University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Pets: 2 dogs (Macy the Boxer and Simon the Golden Retriever), and 1 cat (Jasper)
Outside the Clinic: Adventuring with his wife, spending time outdoors, watching movies, and playing video games