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 dogs, Moose & Sally, three cats, Brasco, Gremlin & Rambo, two birds, George (African Gray Parrot), Quakers (Quaker Parrot), a red devil cichlid fish, Hector, and a human baby girl, Payton. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, being outdoors and spending time with friends & family.

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 joined our team in 2015 after graduating college. Away from the hospital, Lizzie likes spending her time outdoors doing activities from hiking, boating, planting and live music. She also loves spending time with her Miniature Dachshund, Penelope, Golden Retriever, Sonny, boyfriend and daughter.

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.