Hi, I'm Garfield and I live here.
Hi there, I'm Garfield and originate from Dr. Stone's farm. I had a bit of a problem and broke my hip as a young cat. I came here for help and healing and got so much love, I never left. I love my people here, and if you see me, please remember that I love pets from everyone.
Hi, I'm Alan Saffert, Office Manager
I was raised on a dairy and swine farm near Sanborn. I attended Southwest State University. After college, I started working on a dairy farm. In March 1978, I started at the Cottonwood Vet Clinic. At the clinic, you’ll usually find me up front helping clients, getting orders ready, doing accounts receivable, or fixing something around the clinic. My wife Jody and I have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren (so far).
Hi, I'm Christine Schumacher, Vet Tech
I grew up on a farm near Morgan, where we had dogs, cats, chickens, cows and horses. After graduating high school I attended Ridgewater College for Veterinary Technology.
I did work at another Clinic before being hired at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic. I help with mainly cats and dogs. I mostly enjoy assisting with surgery and the critical care patients.
In August 2017 I was married and moved to an acreage near Lamberton. I have an English Mastiff, Harley, a Newfoundland, Memphis and 3 cats, Layla, Beans and Lincoln, and a Guinea pig, Guinea.
Hi, I'm Amber Eischen, Certified Vet Tech
Growing up on a farm near Comfrey, I've always enjoyed being outside with our animals. While we never had livestock of our own, I found the joy of working with large animals on my internship at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic in the 2018 summer. I attended Iowa Lakes Community College, Emmetsbug, Iowa and graduated with a Veterinary Technician, AAS degree. I was hired before graduation to help with both large and small animals, and I started in May 2019. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, digging in the dirt, and of course being with my 2 dogs.
Cassie Hammerschmidt, Veterinary Technician
Hi, I'm Cassie I was born and raised on a small hobby farm outside of Springfield.
We raised a wide variety of animals from Pheasants to goats. I graduated in 2018 and continued my education at Ridgewater College in Veterinary Technology. I graduated from college in 2021 and came to do my internship here at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic and I just stayed. You will see me mostly in small animal but I do enjoy getting out to the farm when I can.
Nikki Ward, Groomer, Veterinary Assistant.
Hi, I'm Nikki Ward. I grew up in a lot of different places between Iowa, South Dakota and finally Jackson, MN where I graduated high school. Before starting at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic I worked with Dr. Fell at the Jackson Veterinary Clinic for 7 years. When he closed I was fortunate enough to be hired as a groomer and Veterinary Assistant here in 2016.
At the clinic you'll find me mostly held up in my grooming room clipping the dogs and cats, or working on many different projects that come across my desk.
My husband and I bought a home in Lakefield last year and share it with our two beagles, Taylor and Macy.
Outside of work, when we aren't working on projects around the house, I enjoy snuggle time with my two wiley beagles or hanging out at my Dad's farm with my horse, Echo, my dog Tink, and my many barn kitties.
Jennifer Anderson, Veterinary Assistant and Front Office Manager
I grew up here in Windom. During the summers I enjoyed going to the pool and listening to all the "pool songs!" I graduated from Windom Area High in '94. I went right to work with various jobs and attended Augustana for 2 years but I hadn't found that right job.
It wasn't until I came to the Vet Clinic with a friend that I found my purpose. As their dog was being examined I sat in the waiting room and talked with the staff. They told me they were leaving and that the Clinic was looking for the right person to fill the job.
I said, "I can do that!" and ended up hired and becoming a part of the family here. I am truly enjoying my decision and have even completed Veterinary Assistant schooling.
I have a wonderful Husband, 3 great kids , 2 dogs and 4 cats that I love as well.
Kennel Staff
Our Kennel Staff keeps our clinic and kennels clean. Kennel staff is led by Michelle with other hard-working team members. They keep our furry visitors fed and happy while they are here.