•  Name: Dr. Shelby Hanson


  • Hometown: Williston, ND

  • Education: 

-B.S. Animal Science, North Dakota State University, 2017

-DVM, Colorado State University, 2022​


  • Family/Pets: Murphy (dog), Ergo (Cat) 

  • Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, softball, spending time at the lake

  • Memberships: ​​AVMA, NDVMA 

Support Staff


Veterinary Technicians

Bekki Atkins, LVT: North Dakota State University, 2003

Paula Bergstrom, CVT: Eastern Wyoming College, 2001

Whitney Ellefson


Veterinary Assistants

Briana Hurley                    Carol Carlton            Casey Dutton

Chelsea VanGrinsven       Holly Vauthier          Jessika Kracht

Kelsey Engberg                 Kinsley Opsta           L.J. Smith

Madison Mathews           Olivia Dallas

  • Name: Dr. Melanie Philippi


  • Hometown: Haines, OR


  • Education:

-B.S. Animal Science, Oregon State University, 2010

-DVM, Oregon State University, 2014


  • Family/Pets: Moldy and Crumbs (cats)


  • Hobbies/Interests: Scuba Diving, Free Diving, Hunting, Fishing


  • Memberships: AVMA, NDVMA
  • Name:Dr. Lee Garbel


  • Hometown:Crosby, ND


  • Education:

-B.S. Animal Science, North Dakota State University, 1987

-M.S. Animal Science, North Dakota State University, 1989

-DVM, Iowa State University, 1993


  • Family/Pets: Laurie Garbel (wife), Margaret (daughter), Cinders (Muensterlander)


  • Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, Woodworking, Wood Carving


  • Memberships:AVMA, NDVMA

Veterinarians

  • Name: Dr. Jody Smith


  • Hometown: Epping, ND


  • Education:

-Pre-veterinary, North Dakota State University

-DVM, Colorado State University, 1997


  • Family/Pets: Miss Smith (wife), Nate (son), Kourtney (daughter), L.J. (son), Beans (Yorkie)


  • Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, Fishing, Golf, Basketball, Curling


  • Memberships: AVMA, NDVMA
Copyright. WESTERN VETERINARY CLINIC. All rights reserved.
  • Name: Dr. Shayla Sorenson   


  • Hometown: Ross, ND


  • Education:

-B.S. Animal Science, North Dakota State University, 2008

-DVM, Kansas State University, 2012 


  • Family/Pets:  Jay Sorenson (husband), Brant (son), Hallie (daughter), Dixie (Yellow Lab) Boot (Australian Shepherd), 3 Horses


  • Hobbies/Interests: Camping, Hunting, Fishing, Roping, Riding Horse, Playing Piano, Skiing


  • Memberships: AVMA, NDVMA

Receptionists          Office Manager

Tiffany Walikonis         Lisa Blekestad

Tawnya Eide

Emma Mages


Clinic Mascots

Bobbette the Cat

Earl the Cat


  • Name: Dr.  Heidi Folden         


  • Hometown: New Town, ND


  • Education:

-B.S. Biology, Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, Colorado State University, 2003

-DVM, Iowa State University, 2007     


  • Family/Pets: Vincent (son), Lillian (daughter), Britta, Seffi, Henry, and Polly (Deutsch Drahthaar), Cleo, and CJ (cats)


  • Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Hunting, Fishing


  • Memberships: AVMA, NDVMA, AAHA