Meet Our Team
Dr. Craig Piepkorn
Owner
Dr. Craig Piepkorn got his love for animals as a child, where he grew up on a farm outside of Stanley, North Dakota. He attended undergraduate college at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. From there, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree May of 1986 from Iowa State University. He spent a year working at a small animal \ avian practice in Pompano Beach, Florida. In February 1992, he and his wife, Dr. Jackie Wachtler Piepkorn, purchased Westonka Animal Hospital from Dr. Joe Glenn. The original hospital was in the building at 4861 Shoreline Drive in Mound. In March of 2013, they moved the hospital to it’s current location in the Mound Marketplace. In February 2018, Drs. Craig and Jackie purchased Lake Minnetonka Animal Hospital, remodeled and rebranded it to be more of an outpatient clinic. It is now called Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center.
Dr. Craig has a love for science and specifically zoology. He loves animals of all kinds and enjoys learning about them. If he is asked what his favorite breed of dog is, he would tell you ‘a cat’. He is known in the community as being a cat whisperer. But we all know that deep in his heart, is his love for pugs. He loves working with all breeds, but especially the short nosed breeds, which includes pugs.
At home, he has owned pugs, golden retrievers, and huskies. The truth is, the huskies were more of Dr. Jackie’s idea. Dr. Craig is enslaved by two cats currently, ‘Pippin’ and a big Maine Coon cat pictured above, named ‘Rocky’. Rocky is one big, adorable, loving cat! Rocky is a gentle giant with a big heart, just like Dr. Craig.
Dr. Craig enjoys traveling (especially to Las Vegas), walking, woodworking, learning more science, and attending movies. It is through Dr. Craig’s vision and encouragement that we are now a Feline Friendly Practice, a Fear Free Practice, and an AAHA certified hospital.
Dr. Jackie Piepkorn
Veterinarian
Dr Jackie Piepkorn has been practicing veterinary medicine since her graduation from Iowa State University in 1990. Drs Jackie and Craig have lived in Mound for more than 25 years. She has been a veterinarian for many sled dog races in the lower 48, Alaska and Canada for more than 20 years. Dr. Jackie also taught the Elective Small Animal Surgery rotation at the University of Minnesota for 13 years. She enjoyed working with the senior students and seeing them become good surgeons. Over the years, she has also been a mentor for many veterinary students from the U of M. The information in veterinary medicine is constantly changing. Providing education for our team and clients is very important to her. Dr. Jackie has volunteered in the community and was instrumental in starting Dog Days Westonka which is a fun day for people and their pets held in August. It is obvious how much Dr. Jackie loves her occupation! She said there is nothing better than a purring kitten or a kiss from a little puppy
Dr. Shane Smith
Associate Veterinarian
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Clinical Rotations: University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center
Shane Smith graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. His veterinary medical interests include; Geriatric care, general health and wellness, surgery and behavior. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, fishing, and playing hockey. He has a golden retriever named Sir Peanut Butter and a King Charles Caviler Spaniel named George Washington. Dr. Smith also enjoys working with sled dogs; He is a member of the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby Board of Directors and has volunteered at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon multiple times with plans to volunteer at other sled dog races in the future.
Dr. Andy Collins
Associate Veterinarian
Andy Collins graduated from University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. His veterinary medical interests include; Surgery, general health and wellness and abscesses. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, watching movies and relaxing. He has a golden retriever named Dug and a Teddy Bear (shih tzu/ bichon mix) named Rosy. He enjoys working with both people and animals and feels that becoming a veterinarian is an excellent fit for his skills and interests.
Being a veterinarian is not just a job, but a natural continuation of his life by turning his life’s interest into a profession.
Dr. Kody Carr
Associate Veterinarian
Kody Carr graduated from the University of Illinois in 2015. His veterinary medicine interests include: surgery, preventative medicine and rehabilitation medicine. In his free time, Dr. Carr enjoys music, hiking, running and mountain biking. He has a black lab/great dane mix named Noodles. His favorite aspect of his job is engaging with pet owners to provide education and tools to help keep pets happy and healthy.
Upon graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Carr worked in private practice in Reno, NV for three years during which time he received the award of “best veterinarian” by the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Lauren
Practice Manager
Hi! My name is Lauren and I started working at Westonka Animal Hospital in June 2022. I grew up in Mound, moved to Duluth for college and found my way back home the summer of 2022. Prior to coming here, I worked at a humane society in Duluth which showed me just how much I love working with animals. I recently adopted Nova, a 1 year old Mini Aussie mix who is the biggest love and brings so much joy to my life. I also have a family dog, Belle, who is a yorkie mix which makes for a very entertaining household between the two. When I am not at work I enjoy being outdoors. In the summer I love to hike and swim and in the winter I enjoy snowboarding. I am so excited for the opportunity to continue to learn and expand my skill set here!
Debbie
Office Manager, Customer Service Representative
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, attended college in New York and lived in Australia for 3 1/2 years. I moved to Minnesota in 1987 and started working at Westonka Animal Hospital in 2001 as a receptionist, a Tech and finally Office Manager. It is a dream job for me as animals hold a special place in my heart. There is great joy in celebrating client’s new puppies and kittens, caring for them during their lifetime and helping them cross the Rainbow Bridge when it is time. The circle of life.
My husband TQ and I have a Miniature Dachshund named Dexter, also known as Dexter the Love Dog or Dexter the Wonder Dog. Needless to say he is well loved.
Tiffany
Office Manager
Hello! My name is Tiffany and I started working at Westonka Animal Hospital and Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center in August 2017. It has always been dream of mine to work with animals and I am very blessed to be a part of this family.
I have many pets of my own that I have rescued over the years and I enjoy watching them grow and play. I also have a son who is my world and we enjoy watching movies, playing with his favorite toys and learning new things every day! My other hobbies include taking photos, painting and cooking.
I have a very close family who are all huge animal lovers, so I have been around them my entire life. I enjoy continuously learning new things here and the amazing people I get to work with every day!
Kelly
Marketing & Inventory Manager
Hello, I’m Kelly and I started working at Westonka Animal Hospital in October of 2021. I am the Marketing and Inventory Manager. I graduated from the Art Institutes International Minnesota with a degree in graphic design. I live in Mound with my husband, two children and my fur babies. We have a Lab mix named Angel, 2 guinea pigs and 50 tropical fish. Some of my hobbies include photography, boating and jet skiing. I am a huge animal lover and love to see everyone’s pets come through our door every day.
Jenna
Lead Technician
Hi, my name is Jenna. I’ve been with Westonka Animal Hospital since early September 2016. I started my career working with animals in January 2004, and I still love it as much as the first day! I couldn’t imagine choosing any other path. In my spare time I like to paint, and watch hockey. I am, of course, a Wild fan! I grew up in Iowa, and just recently returned to the midwest after living in Arizona for 18 years. So far I’m loving the colorful seasons! As far as my at home zoo, I have 2 furry chihuahuas (Sawyer and Juliet), and a large long haired orange kitty named Zeppelin. I’m looking forward to meeting all the wonderful clients of Westonka and Lake Minnetonka and their furry family members.
Brittani
Certified Veterinary Technician
Hi I’m Britt! I have been with Westonka Animal Hospital since 2017. I graduated from the Ridgewater College Veterinary Technology Program in 2014. I grew up on a horse farm in Northern MN. My love for animals started when I was 3 years old, with my first pony, Buttercup. I enjoy anything outdoors! Riding horse when I can, dog training; especially for water sports and obedience, and spending time with my 3-year-old son Gus are some of my favorite things to do! I also love working at Westonka Animal Hospital!
Kari
Certified Veterinary Technician
Kari has been a vet tech since 2000 and with Westonka Animal Hospital and Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center for 5 years. Kari is certified in Fear Free visits and is one of Westonka’s feline advocates. Her 2 cats, Frankie and Pandora have graciously allowed Kari to live with them and take care of their every want and need.
Beth
Certified Veterinary Technician
Compassionate, kind, and sometimes a little goofy, Beth started as a Certified Veterinary Technician at Westonka in October, 2020. Her passions include hiking, birding, and photography. While relaxing at home she enjoys reading and hanging out with her husband and their fur baby, a cat named Clove.
Kelsey
Certified Veterinary Technician
Hi there! I’m Kelsey! I joined the Westonka team in June of 2022. I graduated in 2015 from Minnesota School of Business with an associates degree in veterinary technology. From there I worked to become certified, which I accomplished in 2018. I’ve worked in private practice and corporate medicine. I’ve also worked with not only cats and dogs, but pocket pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and sugar gliders), birds, and reptiles too! As much as I loved working with the exotic animals, working with cats and dogs is where my niche is! I can’t wait to meet and work with your furry family members!
I currently live in the Cokato area with my husband and our 6 cats (Mikko, Muffin, Macaroni, Marzipan Marie, Mochi, and Mousse). In my free time, I love to read, spend time with family, and play video games with my husband (as nerdy as that sounds haha). One interesting fact about me is that I earned my 2nd degree black belt in martial arts! I was a martial artist for 15 years before I started my veterinary medicine journey!
Hannah
Veterinary Technician
Hi!! My name is Hannah, and I joined the Westonka team as a Technician in January of 2022. I grew up in Champlin, MN, and got my first job working with animals when I was 17. I worked at various boarding facilities and as an assistant dog groomer until graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in Animal Science in December of 2021. I grew up with dogs and various small pets, but expanded into my own pet ownership when I met my feline best friend, Moe, in a shelter in 2019. I love music and reading, downhill skiing, playing sports with my friends, and pretty much anything up north. I also LOVE my job and how much I learn everyday, and I’m so excited to meet you and your fuzzy companions!
Cassidy
Veterinary Technician
Hi, I am Cassidy and I have been with Westonka Animal Hospital since January 2020. I started as an assistant and I am now a technician. I am a huge cat lover – I have 13 cats, most of them I have rescued. I look forward to seeing all of your pets!
Kelsey
Veterinary Assistant
Kelsey has been a part of the Westonka Animal Hospital team since 2014. She graduated in 2008 from The Art Institutes International Minnesota with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design. Having worked free lance and retail after college for a while, she found her true passion in veterinary medicine. Everything from handling wiggly pets, to monitoring surgeries, to being the former administrative assistant and inventory manager had been extremely rewarding. She took a step back in 2020 when her daughter was born to be a full time stay at home Mom, but missed veterinary life and is still working part time as veterinary assistant with the Westonka team. She enjoys drawing, painting, gardening, fishing and spending time with her husband and daughter. She has one black and white tuxedo cat name Louise who was actually found as a kitten on the Dakota Trail here in Mound! She is excited to keep seeing all of the old and new faces of both clients and patients that walk through the doors!
Molly
Veterinary Assistant
Hi! My name is Molly and I’m a Veterinary Technician Assistant at Westonka Animal Hospital. Which means I help out the doctors and technicians with daily tasks for everything you bring your pet in for, whether it be regular routine care, a certain problem you are concerned about, or a surgery your pet needs to heal them of any condition they have going on. Before I worked at Westonka, I brought my dogs there for everything they needed. The care and compassion that the whole staff showed me there made me want to work with them and be a part of their team. The staff has the same deep compassion for helping animals like I do and their gentle and detailed care is like no other clinic that I know of. I just needed to join their team and be a part of that! I have three dogs that are the loves of my life. I have a Pitbull named Charlie, a Fox Red Lab named Hudson, and a Lab mix named Tucker. It is my passion to help dogs and cats feel better and it’s very rewarding to know that I helped with the care of making your pet feel better and get them back on the right track!
Kelley
Veterinary Assistant
Hey! I’m Kelley O. I started my veterinary journey at Westonka Animal Hospital in March of 2022 after working in the printing industry for eighteen years. I’m from Minnetonka and enjoy music, camping, mountains and being on the water. My passion for animals and healthcare drives me to continue my education and look after our clients and their loved ones. My dog Otis and cat Pearl remind me every day why animals are the best! I can’t wait to meet you!
Raychel
Veterinary Assistant
Hi! I’m Raychel and I joined Westonka Animal Hospital as a Veterinarian Assistant in July of 2022! I’ve lived in Mound, MN my whole life. I can remember loving animals since I was about 3 years old! I’ve always grown up with cats and I think they really kick started my affection for animals! I am currently in school for Forensic Psychology and I know that has nothing to do with animals but until I am done with school I want to work with them as much as I can! I currently have 2 tuxedo cats (Sam & Dean) and my most recent addition, my dog Thor who’s a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix and he hasn’t quite grasped just how large he is. In my free time, I love spending time with my pets, my loved ones, fishing and watching/playing hockey and lacrosse!
Alex
Veterinary Assistant
Hello! My name is Alex and I began working at Westonka Animal Hospital in fall of 2022, I have always loved working with animals and have had horses and dogs my entire life. Naturally I love to be outdoors so typically if I am not working you can find me hiking and pursuing my love of photography with my boyfriend Jake. My other hobbies include reading and writing whenever I have time to spare! I also work very closely with the Lake Minnetonka Dog Derby throughout the year as part of the education committee as well as with Dr. Jackie as part of her vet team on race weekend.
Hailey
Veterinary Assistant
Hailey’s bio is coming soon!
Kate
Veterinary Assistant
Hi, I’m Kate! I grew up in Chaska, Minnesota and moved to Mound in 2021. I graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Animal Science (Pre-Vet). I have loved working with dogs and cats from a young age and also started working with llamas in middle school. Animals have always been my passion and I love my job because I get to work with them and learn new things everyday. I joined the Westonka Animal Hospital family in May of 2022. I currently have one dog named Winnie and she’s a German Shepherd mix. I enjoy spending my free time running, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being on the lake. I can’t wait to meet you!
Paige
Veterinary Assistant
Hi! My name is Paige and I have been a part of the Westonka team since May 2023. I have grown up surrounded by animals and am currently enrolled in school to become a veterinarian technician. I am excited at the opportunity to continue growing in a field I am so passionate about. I currently have two dogs who I absolutely adore: Peanut, a 10 year old yorkie; and Skye, a 12 year old husky. My time here so far has been amazing. I never thought I’d look forward to coming to work! I can’t wait to meet more wonderful clients and their furry friends.
Lexi
Customer Service Representative
My name is Lexi, I started working at Westonka Animal Hospital in May 2023. I’m originally from the wild woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. All my life has been spent surrounded by animals and taking care of them. I love greeting every pet and client who walks through our doors, and I love every second of working this job. The excited wag of a tail, a sweet little purr from a cat, is pure happiness to me.
Originally, I went to college for animation, but I couldn’t escape my passion for animals. I’ve spent time working with dog rescues, at animal shelters, and with wildlife rehabilitation as well.
When I am not working, I am an avid horseback rider and barrel racer, and enjoy bird watching, drawing, and spending time outdoors. I live with my fiancé and we have a very spoiled dachshund mix named Dora. I also have two very kind quarter horses, Chrissy and Steele, back in Michigan.
Liz
Customer Service Representative
Hi, my name is Liz. I have been at Westonka Animal hospital since 2008. I graduated Vet Tech school but found my specialty as a CSR. I really enjoy talking to our clients about their pets. I especially enjoy helping clients with their new puppies and kittens. I live with my boyfriend and 3 pets. We have 2 German Shepherds, Bear and Addie, and one very cute kitty named Theodore. I also ride dressage and I enjoy training my dogs and riding my horse. If I have any free time I love going to art shows and shopping.
Miranda
Customer Service Representative
Hello I’m Miranda! Ever since I was a kid I’ve known that I wanted to work with animals. I’ve been in the Veterinary Field for almost 5 years and joined the Westonka family at the end of 2020. I have loved every minute of working here. Making a connection with our patients and their owners is one of the most important things to me, along with one of the things I love the most.
Outside of work I love to hang out with family and boyfriend of 8 years, watch horror movies and play board games. I also enjoy spending time with our 9 month old daughter Kendall along with our 4 fur babies Kovu, Eevee , Kiara and Slim.
Kaitlyn
Customer Service Representative
Hello, my name is Kaitlyn! I graduated from Monticello High School in June 2021 and moved to Mound in July 2021. During high school, I was a PSEO student and was full-time at St Cloud State University for both my junior and senior years. School is a big part of my life and I am planning on going back to school this fall to get my technician certificate. I love learning new things and I am constantly looking for things to keep my brain busy. I started working with Westonka in November 2021 and instantly fell in love with this field. I have always been fascinated by medicine, so why not combine my love for medicine with my love of animals! I have been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember. Currently, I have my family dog Maggie (pictured), my crested gecko Finn, and my newest addition is my cat Bud.
When I am not at the clinic you can find me doing various art projects, hiking, playing soccer, working on my car, or playing with my crazy kitten for hours and hours. Animals mean the world to me, and I am so excited to see where this job takes me!
Kai
Customer Service Representative
Hi! I’m Kai. I’ve lived in Mound for 18 years. I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and I graduated from high school in Sturgis, home of the famous motorcycle rally. I joined the Westonka Animal Hospital team in May 2022. My background is in hospitality and e-commerce. I was a client before I was an employee. My pets have always received the most loving care here, and I am excited to be a part of giving that back to other people’s pets.
I volunteer and foster with Greyhound Pets of America – Minnesota, and I am the Southern Minnesota representative for Whippet Rescue and Placement. I get so much joy and fulfillment out of helping greyhounds and whippets find loving forever homes and families. I am a sucker for a cute doggo. If adopting a retired racer interests you, ask me all about it!
I live with my husband Sam and daughter Aly. We have three dogs, one retired racing greyhound named Dana Lou (who is named in loving memory of my dear friend) and two whippets – Inga and Lily. Inga spends hours in our bay window and many people I meet know our house as the one with the cute dog in the window. In the summer months, I enjoy tending to my rose garden and going up north to Cass Lake. I fill the long winter hours making quilts and homemade soaps for friends and family. I also love to read and watch old movies.
I’m excited to meet you and your pets.
