University of Madison School of Veterinary Medicine Charter Class 1987

Dr. Mark Hein is a graduate of the “Charter Class” of University-Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and works closely with this group on referrals in chemotherapy, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. He was the first veterinarian to offer laser surgery to pet owners in the La Crosse area as an alternative to more painful conventional surgeries. Dr. Hein also founded the Onalaska-based PETCO walk-in clinics in 1995, where clients may see a veterinarian during evening hours without an appointment. He enjoys orthopedics, archery, and organic farming.

Sarah is our Practice Manager and has been with our hospital since 2009. She and her Husband have two Labrador Retrievers, Buddy & Moose, one Bengal cat named Brasco, a red devil cichlid fish, Hector, an African Gray Parrot named George and a Quaker Parrot named Quakers. In her free time, she enjoys catfishing, gardening and being outdoors.

April is our Lead Veterinary Technician and has been working in the field ever since she attended the Veterinary Technology program at Duluth Business University in 2012. She enjoys preforming dental prophylaxis and giving compassionate care to our recovering patients. April has 3 cats named Hazel, Cubby and Tux; along with 3 dogs named Bundy, Eddie and Margot. (You may see Margot around the hospital as she is April's emotional support animal). Last but not least she also has a Green Cheeked Conure named Florence. April insists that having this many pets is not crazy, and that there's always room for more. April's husband, Andy, does not always agree. 

Lizzie recently graduated from Globe University with an Associates in Veterinary Technology. She is waiting to take her certification exam this fall. She grew up in the Melrose area and graduated from Melrose-Mindoro High School. Lizzie has three dogs, Penelope a Miniature Dachshund, Buddy, and Ellie; both Golden Retrievers. During her free time, she enjoys music festivals, water sports and going to the gym.

Emily attended Western Technical College in 2013 to study large animal science after graduating high school. She has worked in Veterinary clinics ever since ranging from holistic to conventional medicine. A few of her favorite parts of the field are working as a lab technician, assisting in surgery and working every day to better her skills. Her passion is nursing her patients back to health with compassion as well as helping pet parents decide what route to take, whether more natural or medicinal. Emily lives in LaCrosse with her Border collie Whinnie and Holland Lop Bunny. Her hobbies include gardening, yoga and dog sports.

Chris has been grooming at our facility since 2001. Prior to grooming, she worked with us as a doctor assistant. She grew up in Holmen and comes all the way from Rushford to join us. Chris enjoys grooming her own pets when she is not attending to her three beautiful children.