• Name: Dr. Melanie Philippi


  • Hometown: Haines, OR


  • Education:

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

-DVM, Oregon State University, 2014


  • Family/Pets: Crouton, Sabre, & Roadie (cats)


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


  • Memberships: AVMA, NDVMA

Veterinarians

  • 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

Receptionists          Office Manager

Tawnya Eide                   Lisa Blekestad

Emma Mages

Vincent Gabel (PT)


Clinic Mascots

Bobbette the Cat

Kibby Cat


Copyright. WESTERN VETERINARY CLINIC. All rights reserved.


Support Staff


Veterinary Technicians

Bekki Atkins, LVT: North Dakota State University, 2003

Paula Bergstrom, CVT: Eastern Wyoming College, 2001

Whitney Ellefson

Jessika Kracht


Veterinary Assistants

Kelsey Tracey        Chelsea VanGrinsven    Kinsley Opsta

Holly Vauthier       Briana Hurley                 Carol Hinkfuss

Casey Dutton        Haley Sundby                  Jorja Ibberson (PT)

Olivia Dallas        

  • Name: Dr. Shayla Sorenson   


  • Hometown: Ross, ND


  • Education:

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

-DVM, Kansas State University, 2012 


  • Family/Pets:  Jaye 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
  •  Name: Dr. Shelby Bloxham


  • Hometown: Williston, ND

  • Education: 

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

-DVM, Colorado State University, 2022​


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

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

  • Memberships: ​​AVMA, NDVMA 
  • 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
  • Name: Dr.  Heidi Folden-Willard         


  • Hometown: New Town, ND


  • Education:

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

-DVM, Iowa State University, 2007     


  • Family/Pets: Scott Willard (husband), Vincent (son), Lillian (daughter), Britta, Seffi, Henry, and Polly (Deutsch Drahthaar), Cleo, C.J., Frankie, & Hei Hei (cats)


  • Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Hunting, Fishing


  • Memberships: AVMA, NDVMA, AAHA