Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Steckelberg Veterinary Clinic Staff:
Kalli, Vet Assistant
Kalli is originally from Glenville, MN. She pursued her education at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, NE where she studied veterinary technology. During that time she gained invaluable experience working at a bull stud for several years and learned more about the equine side of things as well.
Animals have always been Kalli's passion. Growing up, she was surrounded by horses and actively participated in shows as a child. Her love of animals has continued to shape both her personal and professional lives. She is excited to contribute her skills and reconnect with the team! Here's to a great future ahead! In her words "Wish me luck keeping Kurt in line" and boy, does she need it ;)
Thanks for being a great addition yet again to our clinic, Kalli!
Katie, Vet Assistant
If you’ve been bringing your pet’s to us for a while, you might already know Katie. She has been with Steckelberg Vet Clinic since June of 2019, working as a veterinary technician. After moving from Nebraska to Iowa with her husband, Jake, and their two boys, Katie got connected with the clinic through one of her husband’s co-workers. Though Katie worked as a dental technician for 15 years, the move back to Iowa gave her the opportunity to try something new. This experience has allowed her to “learn more than ever expected.”
Kristi, Vet Assistant
Kristi grew up just a few hours away in Dyersville, Iowa (“from the 52040”) on a dairy farm. One thing people always find cool is that their farm uses robotic milkers. She was raised with two older siblings, a brother and a sister. Her sister is one of her biggest inspirations, pushing her to be a hard worker, think outside the box, and is always open and honest. She has one dog, Brooks, a giant red fox labrador retriever. Kristi is also a member of the National Guard and spends one weekend a month serving our country.
What she enjoys most about SVC, is that there is never a dull moment. She appreciates the thrill of difficult situations and most enjoys working with cattle. Our newest vet, Dr. Peterson, has been one of her more recent mentors and inspirations, helping her to learn more about medicine, especially with small animals, and bringing a lot of knowledge, experience, and patience. But really, she enjoys all of her amazing co-workers and our phenomenal clients.
When asked what makes SVC unique to the community, she didn’t hesitate to blurt out, “Kurt!” He is a great boss that puts time and money back into the community. He treats staff fairly, is open to innovative ideas, and is invested in continuing to grow the business. After a long day in the country, she will return with great energy, joking that “Team 2K” – Kurt & Kristi – is the best (and much superior to “Team MJ” – Mikaela and Joel)!
Mikaela, Vet Assistant
Many may know Hank…..few may know Mikaela. ;) Mikaela’s rescue pup, Hank, is a timid, red headed, mini-pitty, and is the Steckelberg’s newest front door greeter. While Hank is working upfront with Dee and Jessica, “Mik” typically can be found working in our pharmacy, exam rooms, surgery, or out in the country on farm calls.
Mikaela is a native to our area. Most of her childhood she resided in New Providence and moved to Conrad later in middle school. Mikaela had several dogs growing up, but one extraordinary dog named Dixie. Dixie was a little more special than the others because of her quirky personality. Mikaela’s dogs started her passion for animal behavior and training at a very young age. Furthermore, Mik continued caring for animals and started walking and managing boarding pets for Steckelberg’s during high school. Advancing her knowledge, Mikaela studied Animal Science at Iowa State University where she found her true passion for animal behavior and shelter work. After Iowa State, she took a job as the Executive Director of the Animal Rescue League in Marshalltown. Mikaela and her boyfriend Austin enjoy fostering animals and spending time with their two dogs Hank and Reggie and cats Loki and Bixby.
Kurt has been very fortunate to find great employees like Mik. She began working for SVC again in October of 2021. She has been excited to take on a new role as a veterinary technician for our clinic. Mikaela hit the ground running since she has been a part of our growing business. She has been making major advancements to help the clinic run smoothly. She enjoys the uniqueness of everyday life. Some days are routine, but she “enjoys the days where everything is a little out of whack and it keeps you on your toes.” Her role is a bit of a catch all as a job description. Yes, she helps hands-on with the animals, but also communicates with owners, cleans everything from instruments to anal glands, runs blood machines, assists with appointments, orders medications, runs social media, and does a lot of behind the scenes work that you might not notice.
Mikaela appreciates the cohesive environment and endless learning opportunities. In a vet clinic, nothing is one person's job and there is an opportunity to learn how to do something a new way; keeping an open mind is key with multiple practicing veterinarians.
