Meet Our
Veterinary Team

Tami Ysker

Veterinary Assistant

Tami first joined the CVC team as a member of the Kennel Staff in 2021. She then finished her veterinary assistant certification at Strafford University. She has always had a love for dogs and is a dog mom of 3. When she is not by the CVC she can bee found with her 2 girls and husband by Lakefield.

Michele Karschnik

Kennel Lead

Bio coming soon!

Cassie Hammerschmidt

Veterinary Technician

Hi, I’m Cassie, and I was born and raised on a small hobby farm outside 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.

Jennifer Anderson

Practice Manager

Bio Coming Soon!

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 seven 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, dog Tink, and many barn kitties.

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 during my internship at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic in the 2018 summer. I attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmitsburg, 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 two dogs.

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 worked at another Clinic before being hired at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic. I help with cats and dogs, and I enjoy assisting with surgery and critical care patients.

In August 2017, I married and moved to an acreage near Lamberton. I have an English Mastiff, Harley, a Newfoundland, Memphis, three cats, Layla, Beans, and Lincoln, and a Guinea pig, Guinea.

Alan Saffert

Office Manager

I was raised on a dairy and swine farm near Sanborn. I attended Southwest State University and worked on a dairy farm after college. 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, handling accounts receivable, or fixing something around the clinic. My wife Jody and I have three sons and six grandchildren (so far).

Garfield

Hi there. I’m Garfield, and I come from Dr. Stone’s farm. As a young cat, I had a bit of a problem and broke my hip. I came here for help and healing and got so much love that I never left. I love my people here, and if you see me, please remember that I love pets from everyone.

Brok Miller

DVM

Brok is originally from the Hanska area and now lives closer to St. James. He attended Iowa State University and joined our team in June 2022. Brok works with both small and large animals.

Travis Freiwald

DVM, SA

Dr. Travis grew up in Watertown, South Dakota. He did his undergraduate work at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, before going to veterinary school at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. He worked for two years in Willmar, MN, before joining the Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic. He left for a while to work with Minnesota Veterinary Associates in the St. Cloud area and was the veterinarian for Menning Enterprises in Edgerton, MN. He has recently returned to the Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic. He primarily works with companion animals.

His interests include internal medicine, preventative medicine, neurology, and reproductive work.

His wife, Gina, is an elementary teacher here in Windom, and they have two children, Elijah and Abigail. They have two pets, Lucky the dog and Smores the cat. His interests outside of work include watching his kid’s activities, birding, and going to movies.

R. Kent Leckie

DVM, LA

Hi, I’m R. Kent Leckie. I work with large animals and am focused on cattle work.

I graduated from Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002.

I am married with five kids, one of whom is still at home. We also have two dogs and two cats. My hobbies include reading, hunting, fishing, martial arts, and spending time with the family.

Scott Kuecker

DVM, Owner

I was born and raised in Windom, MN. I’m the son of Dr. Ron Kuecker, who was a partner at Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic. From 1981 to 1990, I worked summers at the Windom Pool as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.

I graduated from WAHS in 1984 and went to South Dakota State for Biology. I graduated from there in 1988 and went on to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1992.

I have been a Veterinarian in Marshall for 27 years and now own the Marshall Animal Hospital.

January 2019 was exciting as I purchased Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, where I grew up watching my father practice. I live in Marshall with my wife and children and look forward to serving you all in the future.