Dr. Kirk Smith
35 years of service
Veterinarian – Large Animal
Dr. Smith received a BA in Biology and Chemistry from Southwest State University in 1979, a MS in Animal Physiology from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul in 1981, then a DVM also from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul in 1985. At NURVC he performs large animal services and enjoys dairy production medicine. Dr. Smith and his wife, LouAnn, have three daughters. He has a dog named Chloe and he enjoys sports, woodworking, and growing roses.
Dr. Bill Baumgartner
31 years of service
Veterinarian – Companion Animal
Dr. Baumgartner graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. He and his wife, Julie, moved to New Ulm in July 1989. When he’s not working, Dr. Baumgartner can be found hunting or fishing. He has a yellow lab Tess, who enjoys going to work with him every day, as well as two cats named Pablo and Shop Kitty.
Dr. Greg Windschill
29 years of service
Veterinarian – Companion Animal
Dr. Windschill received his DVM from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul in 1986 and practiced in Sauk Centre for 5 years before joining the team at NURVC. He has special interests in orthopedics, hunting dog medicine, surgery, and training issues. Dr. Windschill has a black lab named Henry and a Yorkshire Terrier named Bubba (both of which you’ll see following him just about anywhere he goes!), a cat named Merle, and a painted turtle named Lizzy. Greg and his wife, Jane, have 4 children, Charis, Ryer, MacKinnon, and Nora. Hobbies for Greg include hunting, fishing, biking, and volleyball.
Dr. Nancy Peterson
22 years of service
Veterinarian – Large Animal
Dr. Peterson received her BA in biology in 1989 and her DVM in 1993 both from The University of Minnesota-St. Paul. Dr. Peterson started working at NURVC in April 1998. She works with cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and camelids. Dr. Peterson lives in rural New Ulm with a pug named Pepper and a varied assortment of cats!
Dr. Nathan Marti
12 years of service
Veterinarian – Large Animal
Dr. Nathan Marti received his DVM degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2001. He started working for NURVC in 2008 with an emphasis in dairy and beef medicine and surgery. His wife, Jessica, is also a veterinarian at River Hills Pet Care Hospital. They have children, Elenora and Alex, and two large dogs, Willis, and Sky. Dr. Marti enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking and snowshoeing, and loves to travel. He also enjoys the orchestra and theater in the Twin Cities.
Dr. Sara Nosbush
21 years of service
Veterinarian – Companion Animal
Dr. Sara Nosbush joined our Mankato office, River Hills Pet Care Hospital, in 1999, and spends time at our New Ulm office as well. She earned her undergraduate and veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Nosbush has a special interest in feline and small mammal medicine and surgery. She and her husband have two children. They share their home with two dogs, Daisy and Butch, and three cats, Peter, Hubcap, and Mac. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family
Dr. Katie Schroepfer
4 years of service
Veterinarian – Companion Animal
Dr. Schroepfer started with NURVC in 1998 as a kennel assistant, then progressed to a receptionist, until 2008 when she pursued her dream of becoming of a veterinarian. Dr. Schroepfer graduated in 2012 from the University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schroepfer has a special interest in dentistry, dermatology, and internal medicine. When not at work, Dr. Schroepfer enjoys fishing, horseback riding, camping and hiking. Dr. Schroepfer lives in rural New Ulm with her dog, four cats, and three horses.
Dr. Kenneth Deutz
3 years of service
Veterinarian – Large Animal
Dr. Kenny received his DVM degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2017. At NURVC he performs large animal services with special interest in dairy & beef production medicine. Dr. Kenny and his wife, Jennifer, have a son, William, and they enjoy sports, board games, dancing, reading, celebrations, and church events.
Dr. Stacy Melzer
2 years of service
Veterinarian – Companion Animal
Dr. Stacy Melzer is originally from the New Ulm area, growing up on her family’s farm near Searles. She began working in the veterinary field while in high school. Dr. Melzer received her BS degree in Biobusiness in 2001 from MSU – Mankato. She received her DVM degree from the University of Minnesota in 2010. She practiced in northern Minnesota for 6 years before returning “home” in 2018 to join us at our Mankato location, River Hills Pet Care Hospital, and filling in as needed at NURVC. Her special interests include canine and feline preventive medicine, infectious diseases, internal medicine and soft tissue surgery.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Melzer enjoys spending time with her husband, Bryan, her family and friends, camping, outdoor activities, and reading. Her and Bryan have 2 dogs, a Weimaraner, Scout, a French Bulldog, Maple, and 1 cat, Cricket.
Dr. Caroline Rauschendorfer
2 years of service
Veterinarian
Dr. Caroline Rauschendorfer graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She worked at a 100% dairy practice in Bakersfield, California for one year before moving to Pine City, MN and practicing in a food animal practice for two years on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. Dr. Caroline joined the NURVC large animal team in 2018 and has an interest in dairy production, especially milk quality, and working with small ruminants. Dr. Caroline has also practiced at a small animal emergency clinic in central Wisconsin for one year and will occasionally be filling in on the small animal side at NURVC. You will often see Dr. Caroline with
her German Shepherd, Sirius. They reside in Gaylord, MN with two cats, Crookshanks and Norbert, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Remus, and her fiance, Evan. In her free time, Dr. Caroline enjoys reading sci-fi novels, doing crossfit in New Ulm, and dancing with the Bavarian trachtler club S. G. Edelweiss in St. Paul.
her German Shepherd, Sirius. They reside in Gaylord, MN with two cats, Crookshanks and Norbert, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Remus, and her fiance, Evan. In her free time, Dr. Caroline enjoys reading sci-fi novels, doing crossfit in New Ulm, and dancing with the Bavarian trachtler club S. G. Edelweiss in St. Paul.
Support Staff
Cindy B
41 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician / Groomer
Cindy came to NURVC in 1979 as a veterinary assistant and part time groomer. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Waseca in 1983 and became a certified veterinary technician and groomer at NURVC. Cindy has three cats, Phoenix, Simba, & Kevin. She has four children. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family. Cindy can also be seen helping with scouting and community activities.
Cindy W
35 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician / Business Administrator
Cindy graduated from the University of Minnesota-Waseca with an AAS degree in veterinary technology in 1984 and began working at NURVC in 1985. She is our office manager and also works with large animal services. Cindy and her husband, Tony, have two sons, Eric and Andrew, and a black lab named Shea. Cindy enjoys traveling, gardening, biking, reading, watching movies and Minnesota sports.
Jodi
31 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician
Jodi graduated from The University of Minnesota-Waseca in 1989 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology and became a certified veterinary technician. She’s been working at NURVC since August 1989. She was a Southwest Area representative for MAVT for over 20 years. Jodi and her 2 children, Jacob and Sarah, have barn cats and a black lab cross named Shadow. Jodi enjoys spending time with her pets, being outdoors, camping, fishing, traveling, snowmobiling, and sledding with her family.
Lisa
32 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician
Lisa graduated from The University of Minnesota-Waseca in 1991 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology and became a certified veterinary technician in June of 1991. She focuses on large animal services at NURVC. Lisa and her husband Mike have twin boys, Ryan & Justin. They have numerous barn cats and steers. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys volleyball, gardening, and fishing.
Jamie
27 years of service
Veterinary Technician / Customer Service
Jamie graduated from the Medical Institute of Minnesota with an AAS in veterinary technology in 1987. She started working at NURVC in August 1993. Jamie and her husband, Gregg, have two children, Jessica and Nathan. They also have a black Lab, Edie, and two cats, Tig and Dori. Jamie enjoys reading, walking, counted cross stitch, flower gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Melissa
28 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician
Melissa has been working with NURVC since 1992. She started as a kennel assistant, then attended Ridgewater College in Willmar and received her AAS degree in veterinary technology in 1998 and became certified in June 1998. Melissa has 6 cats, Zeke, Cheddar, Putter, Mo, Vinegar, & Sprocket. She enjoys gardening, cooking, playing volleyball, shooting pool, and anything else to keep her busy.
Denise
30 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician / Customer Service
Denise graduated from the University of Minnesota-Waseca with an AAS degree in veterinary technology and became certified in 1989. She joined NURVC in 1990. Denise is a member of MAVT and a NAVTA. Denise and her husband Brian have one daughter, Kara, and two boys, Ben & Andrew. Denise and her family have a dog, Ace, two cats, Emily and Chester, many fish, and 13 laying hens! She enjoys sewing, camping, biking, walking, and volunteering for different organizations within the community.
Stacey
19 years of service
Customer Service
Stacey attended South Central Technical College and earned her diploma for Legal Secretary in 1998. She came to NURVC in March 2001. Stacey lives with her husband, Jeremy, son, Lucas, and daughter, Avery. They have three cats, Keagan, Oliver, and Otis, and a yellow lab, Izzy. She likes walking, reading, softball, and volleyball.
Casey
13 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician / Customer Service
Casey came to NURVC in 2004 while attending college. She is a 2007 graduate of Argosy University with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. Casey and her husband, Adam, have a son, Benjamin, and daughter, Delaney, and are active in American Dairy Goat Association shows and activities. As well as breeding dairy goats, Casey has horses and a German Shorthair Pointer named Duke. In her spare time, Casey enjoys quilting, spending time with her friends and family, and watching sports.
Sara W
13 years of service
Veterinary Technician
Sara graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in 2007 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. Sara has two cats, Kitty and Wally, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, Buzz, an Australian Cattle Dog, Cash, and a Rat Terrier, Millie. Sara, her husband Jared, and their two children, Jack and Morgan, live on a farm and raise beef cattle. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and being outside on the farm.
Shari
10 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician / Customer Service
Shari graduated from Ridgewater College in Willmar in 2000 with an AAS in Veterinary Technology. She joined the team at NURVC in December 2010. Shari and her husband, Craig, have 4 children, Brianna, Emily, Aaron, and Claire, a Japanese Chin named Casey, a boxer named Oliver, and two cats, Jingles and Clyde. Shari is quite busy with family, but she likes to stay active with her church, volleyball, running, waterskiing, downhill skiing, quilting, and scrapbooking.
Kim
21 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician
Kim graduated in 1999 from Ridgewater College with an AAS in Veterinary Technology and became a Certified Veterinary Technician. She previously worked at the Nicollet Veterinary Clinic before joining the staff at NURVC in December 2011. She and her fiancé Jason have 3 cats, Puddles, Waffles, and Jasper. Kim enjoys spending time with her cats, family, and friends as well as walking/running, and following the Minnesota Twins.
Michelle
6 years of service
Certified Veterinary Technician
Michelle graduated from Ridgewater College in 2003 with an AAS in Veterinary Technology. Michelle and her husband Jeff have a long hair Chihuahua named Lolita, a spoiled house cat named Miss Piggy, and many farm cats. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, reading, gardening, and spending time with her pets.
Harley
5 years of service
Veterinary Technician
Harley graduated from Rochester Community & Technical College with an AAS in Veterinary Technology in 2015, joined our staff. She and her daughter Callie live in Gibbon and have a chocolate lab named Koda and a Siamese mix cat named Evie. In her free time, Harley likes to watch Netflix, go fishing/ice fishing, be outside, and spend time with family and friends.
Sara S
3 years of service
Veterinary Technician
Sara joined NURVC in September 2017. She graduated from Ridgewater College in 2010 with an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. Sara and her husband Brady have two girls, Kiersten & Marissa, and live on a farm outside of Gibbon. They have an indoor cat, Trinity, and an outside dog, Kenna. Sara enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and being outdoors.
Joleen
3 years of service
Kennel Attendant & Grooming Assistant
Joleen attended South Central Technical College & earned her diploma for Secretarial in 1998. She lives on a farm with her husband Craig, son Tyler, & daughter Sierra. They have a Morkie named Hershey & farm cats. Joleen likes going to her kids’ sports events, camping, scrapbooking, & reading.
Ashley
2 years of service
Customer Service
Ashley attended South Central College and graduated with a graphic communications diploma in 2012. She lives in New Ulm with her husband Marcus, daughters Aria & Amara, and black lab named Griff. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her daughter, crafting, gardening, fishing, and being outdoors.
DeDe
First year of service
Veterinary Technician
DeDe graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS degree in Animal Science & has been a technician for over 25 years. DeDe and her family live north of New Ulm on a hobby farm with horses, dogs, cats, & chickens. When not working at NURVC, DeDe enjoys coaching & competing in Crossfit. She also enjoys dressage & many outdoor sports & activities.
Karine
First year of service
Veterinary Assistant
Karine joined NURVC in September, 2019. She received her certification as a Veterinary Assistant from Ashworth College in 2014. Originally from France, she now lives in Sleepy Eye with her two kids, Abigail and Mateo, her Rottweiler, Wasabi, and three cats, Dude, Harley, and Charlotte. She enjoys reading, board games, rock music, swimming, and archery.