Meet our amazing careteam!
Deanna Dietz
Practice Manager/Junior Partner
Deanna's Bio
Deanna grew up in Oklahoma but moved to Gillette in 1974. She graduated from high school here and has stayed ever since. Before she was hired at the clinic, Deanna was using her business administrator’s degree in several part-time jobs. One day, Dr. Kohr called and she started working part time. In 1996, her position became full time.
At home, Deanna has a mini schnauzer named Millie, who is the best mouse-catcher Deanna has ever seen. Outside of work, Deanna enjoys camping in the mountains and traveling whenever she can—her trips to Austria and Ireland are a few highlights!
Liz Aten
Liz's Bio
Liz first joined the Animal Medical Center of Wyoming family in 2005, when she was placed here for her high school’s career placement program. She’s been here ever since, and now helps the area’s pets and animal owners as a Veterinary Technician! Liz particularly enjoys exploratory surgery, X-ray work, IV placement, and dental cleanings.
Much of Liz’s free time is spent being the best mother she can be to her wonderful children. When she has a spare moment to herself, she enjoys exercising, crafting, and spending time with her cat, Kona, and the family German shepherd, Bud.
Tara Lynn
Tara's Bio
Tara is a Gillette native and attended college in Huron, South Dakota. She joined the hospital family in early 2006 and has been here ever since. Her passion within veterinary medicine is nutrition—Tara likes to say that she could talk about canine and feline nutrition all day without getting tired of it! She’s particularly proud of founding the clinic’s “Biggest Loser: Pet Edition” weight-loss program.
At home, Tara and her husband share their lives with two beautiful children, Lucas and Tatum, as well as nine canine companions. They have a Husky named Keenu, a Basset hound who goes by Hank, and seven sled dogs. Tara regularly participates in sled races with her dogs, and has even won several races!
Amber Kylander
Amber's Bio
Amber attended Laramie County Community College to earn her Associate’s degree in equine training and management, then obtained her Bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Wyoming in 2007. After a brief period working at a local coal mine, she joined the Animal Medical Center team and has been here ever since.
In addition to her daily duties as a Veterinary Technician, Amber is responsible for educating the community by attending career fairs at local high schools, assisting with seminars, and overseeing job-shadowing and mentorship programs. She’s also in charge of planning on-site and community events for the clinic. For Amber, nothing beats getting to make long-term impacts in the lives of the area’s current and future pet owners!
Amber resides in Rozet, Wyoming with her wonderful husband and their two beautiful children, Kash and Kinlee. The family has three Labrador retrievers: Goose, the “old man” of the bunch; Sage, who makes it her personal mission to protect the children; and Cabela, who lives up to her breed’s namesake with her love of retrieving. Amber and her family also share their lives with two spoiled barn cats, Camo and Grey Cat, as well as three horses named Mo, Adel, and Beemer.
Leisa Martin
Leisa's Bio
Leisa is originally from Pontiac, Michigan, and first began working as a groomer and Veterinary Assistant in a Bloomfield Point pet hospital at the age of 19. Next, she joined the team at another local clinic and gained a wealth of hands-on experience by working one-on-one with the chief veterinarian there. In 2007, Leisa and her family moved to Wyoming; she’s been with the Animal Medical Center family for nearly nine years, and is currently taking veterinary technology courses through San Juan College to become certified in the near future.
Leisa has a passion for feline medicine and is particularly fascinated by the behavior of cats. She makes it her mission to educate clients on the nuances of our feline friends’ personalities, ultimately hoping to reduce the homeless cat population in the area.
Outside of her interests in animal care, Leisa enjoys practicing photography; expanding her collections of sterling silver, rocks and minerals, and vintage Pyrex items; gardening; painting and drawing; and creating succulent terrariums for friends and family. Along with her husband, Dan, and their two children, she lives with five cats—Ella, Edwin, Izzy, Pepe, and Gibson the Great—as well as a Boxer named Drake, a Catahoula mix who goes by Clementine, and a hermit crab named Mr. Crabbs.
Tracy Serafin
Tracy's Bio
In addition to her experience in veterinary medicine, Tracy has worked in the nursing and mental health fields—she graduated Summa Cum Laude from medical assisting school while she was in her 40s! She also holds a degree in business. Tracy first began working with Dr. Lynde almost 10 years ago, then moved to Colorado before returning to this area and rejoining the hospital family once again. Now, she serves as a Veterinary Technician and has most recently developed a special passion for surgical work.
Tracy and her husband, Brian, have three beautiful daughters—Ashley, Samantha, and Gabriella—as well as two wonderful grandsons named Blake and Liam. The couple shares their home with three pets: Jules and Silas, both Yorkies, and a mixed-breed pooch named Zoey.
When time permits away from work, Tracy enjoys traveling and exploring new places. She and her husband make it a point to take a cruise every year!
Esther Spiker
Esther's Bio
Esther is originally from New Mexico, and first began here at the hospital in 2002; she’s been happily serving the area’s pets and animal owners ever since. Esther is the hospital’s Pet Food and Boarding Specialist and loves using her position to help those in need. If she can make even one person’s day a bit better, she knows she’s done her job!
Esther is married and has three children, as well as two wonderful grandchildren. She and her husband live with four dogs—Blaze, Bear, Tinker, and Babe—as well as four cats who go by Puff, Chester, Little Sis, and Turbo.
Stasi Shippy
Publicity & Recruitment Coordinator
Stasi's Bio
After growing up in Montana, Stasi married a Gillette native and moved to Washington. During the mid-1990′s, Stasi and her husband decided to return to her husband’s roots, and the couple moved to his family’s ranch just north of Gillette. Looking for a veterinary medicine job, Stasi applied at Animal Medical Center of Wyoming and enjoyed working as a veterinary technician for four years. After moving to the non-profit sector work for several years, Stasi was thrilled when her former employer asked her to return to the practice.
As the practice’s Patient Care Coordinator, Stasi works as a problem solver. Stasi wants each client/patient pair to enjoy the best possible care experience, and she ensures that each hospital department has sufficient staff to accomplish that goal. Stasi also focuses on keeping the hospital’s employees satisfied and productive, which helps the practice to maintain its high standard of care.
When Stasi’s away from the hospital, she enjoys life with her husband, who works as a structural engineer at a local engineering business. The couple has three children, two adult sons, and a teenage daughter. In Stasi’s limited spare time, she loves to explore different worlds by diving into a good book. Stasi’s home also hosts four beloved furry family members. Mae Mae & Tucker, the family’s spunky little Corgis, Lizzie, a former stray cat Stasi’s family rescued from the county fairgrounds, and Chexx, her orange Domestic Long Hair is a wild little guy.
Christi Layten
Certified Veterinary Technician
Christi's Bio
Christi was born and raised in Newcastle, Wyoming. She graduated from Eastern Wyoming College in 2000 and began working here at the clinic during her studies.
As a Tech, Christi is especially fond of all types of surgeries, from routine spays to exploratory procedures. She also enjoys catheter placement, IV fluid administration, and taking care of the clinic’s medical inventory.
At home, Christi lives with her husband of 15 years, her daughter, and son. The family shares their home with three Boston terriers named Hobo, Polly, and Bubbles, a Labrador Retriever named Kindle, and eight cats. They also own two horses, five fainting goats, 2 guinea pigs and a few chickens!
Kim Blauert
Pharmacy & Inventory Coordinator
Kim's Bio
Kim first started here at the clinic through a mentorship program in high school. After graduating in 2002, she helped in the kennels until leaving for college. While earning her degree from Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, she completed two internships right here at the Animal Medical Center. After working for a Sheridan, Wyoming practice for a few months after graduating college, she returned to Gillette and the Animal Medical Center in early 2005.
Working with large animals is of particular interest to Kim. She’s especially fond of equine surgery and helping to birth foals during the springtime breeding season. She’s even a member of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians! Kim also belongs to the Wyoming Veterinary Technician Association.
At home, Kim lives with her rescued three-legged dog, Jazz. Kim also owns Kahlua, her horse whom she competes in shows with. In 2012 & 2015, Kim and Kahlua qualified for the American Quarter Horse Association’s West Novice Championship Show, and are currently working towards another qualification!
Kasi Skinner
Kasi's Bio
Her favorite aspect of the veterinary industry is being involved in an animal’s life from beginning to end. Being able to better the lives of pets and owners.
Kasi’s coworkers describe her as knowledgeable, kind, a good teacher and a little intimidating.
Kasi enjoys spending time with her husband Kyle, daughter River, dogs Rusty & Ash, and cats, Church & Lillith.
Outside of work, Kasi enjoys cake baking and decorating as well as Roller Derby.
Suzanne Scott
Certified Veterinary Technician
Suzanne's Bio
Suzanne studied Veterinary Technology at Eastern Wyoming College and got her Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. She is certified as a Veterinary Technician in the State of Wyoming and a member of the Wyoming Vet Tech Association. She chose to work in Vet Med because she loves animals, medicine, and science. Her favorite aspect of working in Vet Med is getting to work one-on-one with patients and treating them like her own. One of her favorite things is knowing that her care is making a positive difference in her patients’ lives. She also loves learning new things and especially loves anesthesia. Her coworkers describe her as hardworking, committed, selfless, knowledgeable, caring, and sassy.
Suzanne and her husband Justin have 8 fur babies: 5 cats and 3 dogs. The one pictured with her is “Angel”, and has been a big part of her life for 15 years. She also has 2 older brothers and a younger sister who all live in Texas near her parents.
Outside of work, Suzanne and her husband enjoy going to the mountains to trail ride in our side-by-side. She also enjoys exploring new places and fishing!
Shyann Russell
Veterinary Technician
Shyann's Bio
Shyann received her associate’s of Science from Gillette College and is currently working on her bachelor’s in Animal Science-Equine Reproduction at the University of Wyoming (1 more year!). She chose to work in veterinary medicine because she has animals of her own that she loves. She loves working with horses mainly because she is so involved with them outside of work. Her favorite aspect of working in veterinary medicine is learning all the different ways veterinarians have for treating the animals that walk through the door.Shyann has three brothers, one sister, lots of barrel horses, and two dogs that go with her everywhere (a border collie and a mini Aussie). Outside of work, she likes to go barrel racing when she gets the chance.
Sari Wolf
Sari's Bio
Sari is currently working towards her veterinary technician degree at Penn Foster and did her general studies at North Western Community College. She chose to work in veterinary medicine because she loves animals and science wanted to help animals; her favorite aspect is learning about animal health. Her coworkers describe her as friendly and helpful.Sari has four daughters (ages 12yrs – 24yrs), has been married for 14 years, and has four cats and two dogs. Outside of work, she likes to play soccer and go camping and fishing.
Kassie "Kas" Swartz
Veterinary Technician
Kas' Bio
Kas was born and raised in Gillette, WY and has always surrounded herself with animals. She knew that a career involving animals was the main ingredient for her happiness.
Kas received an Associate degree in Agriculture from Casper College in 2011 and a Bachelor’s in Pre-Vet Sciences from the University of Wyoming in 2013.
She then moved to North Carolina where she worked in the swine industry. She became certified in sow breeding and farrowing.
After moving back to Wyoming, she worked on a cattle ranch for 5 years.
Kas started working full-time at Animal Medical Center in 2019. Her favorite aspects of veterinary medicine are phlebotomy/catheter placement, bovine and swine parturition/dystocia (or really anything related to cattle or swine reproduction), and canine dentistry. Her coworkers would describe her as funny, hard-working, and always having a smile on her face!
Kas married the love of her life, Weston, in 2016. They now have 3 wonderful children- Ryley, Harvey, and Stone. They also have four dogs (Luna, Annie, Nash, and Captain Hook), three cats (Gato, Drax, and Colby Jack), and lots of cows and horses. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, working on the ranch, riding horses, and playing card games.
Cassandra Klein
Cassandra's Bio
Ever since she was little, she was always bringing home stray animals and this eventually turned into wanting to help animals. Which led her to work in veterinary medicine.
Her favorite aspect about working in veterinary medicine is cuddling the animals and seeing them get better. She loves seeing the variety of animals coming through and the easy-going atmosphere at AMC.
Cassandra’s family is loving and protective. Her fur babies also all have their own quirks from a cat who has OCD, and a rat that thinks she’s a person, to dogs who love everyone who walks through the gate. She adores cats and has recently found the joy of raising rats as well.
Outside of work, Cassandra loves gaming and currently is obsessed with diamond painting. She never minds picking up new and interesting hobbies.
Kacie McClure
Veterinary Technician
Kacie's Bio
Kacie has worked at Animal Medical Center of Wyoming since 2012. She loves working in veterinary medicine because it allows her to learn and develop her skills in the field. She finds working with both animals and clients enjoyable and is particularly intrigued by the medical aspect of her job.
Kacie has been married since 2016 and has 3 sons. She also has cows, horses, pigs, dogs, two frogs, and a guinea pig! When she’s not working, she enjoys horseback riding, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jesse Stougaard
Jesse's Bio
Jesse grew up in Minnesota, lived in South Dakota for 10 years and now lives here in Gillette with her boyfriend who also works in an animal related field. She has a French Bulldog and German Shepherd, a cat, and horse. Her pets bring so much personality to her house and any adventure. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her horses, focusing on her boy, Snoopy, and finding a job both enjoy has been so much fun in her eyes. She also enjoys trips to the mountains.
Samantha Bossman
Receptionist
Samantha's Bio
She gravitated to veterinary medicine because she has always loved helping animals and learning about different methods of healing. And now, she gets to interact with animals on a daily basis at Animal Medical Center of Wyoming.
Growing up, she was also surrounded by animals and livestock in addition to a variety of cats, dogs, horses, and milk cows. In fact, her family always encouraged her to be with animals and on the ranch.
Outside of work, she loves riding horses, reading, drawing, and cross-stitching!
TeAnna Moss
Receptionist
TeAnna's Bio
TeAnna has worked at Animal Medical Center of Wyoming since 2021.
She became interested in veterinary medicine at a young age. She became passionate about the anatomy of different animals, which led her to a career in Veterinary Medicine.
TeAnna has a dog named Sage. In her free time, she enjoys magnet fishing, drawing, reading, and playing video games.
Gayle Grimsbo
Receptionist
Gayle's Bio
Gayle went to school in Sturgis, SD. For the last 10 years, she has been volunteering at Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Currently, she works at Animal Medical Center of Wyoming because she loves witnessing the happiness owners feel with their pets, and she believes that this is where she is meant to be at this stage of her life.
Gayle owns a cat named Roe and has 2 daughters, along with 8 grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, and spending time with her family.
Olyvia Tennant
Receptionist
Olyvia's Bio
Olyvia attended Westwood High School and has a deep love for animals. Working at AMC is a dream come true for her. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the joy on pet owners’ faces when she has helped them.
Olyvia is outgoing, friendly, talkative, loving, and caring. Her family runs a miniature cattle company, and she adores their 3 cats, 5 dogs, and 6 horses. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, horseback riding, four-wheeling, and tubing at Keyhole. She also has a soft spot for coffee and sweet treats. Olyvia is the youngest of four siblings.
Carol Aldinger
Carol's Bio
After moving to Gillette, Carol noticed an advertisement in the paper for a position at a local veterinary clinic. She applied, and her career in animal care began. She has been a part of the Animal Medical Center of Wyoming family since the very beginning—in fact, she was the clinic’s very first employee! After nearly 24 years here at the hospital, Carol loves her work just as much as the day she started.
Carol and her husband, Dane, have two grown sons who live in Gillette. On her 80-acre property between Moorcroft and Sundance, Carol keeps 33 cats, prompting many of the clinic’s clients to refer to her as “the cat lady.” Carol also owns two dogs, Browen and Braylee, and regularly feeds the local deer and turkey populations.
Madi Oedekoven
Receptionist
Madi's Bio
Graduated high school in May of 2023 and received high school diploma. I chose to work in veterinary medicine because I have a strong passion for animals and I love being around them. Ever since I was a kid, I was around all kinds of animals. Growing up in a family full of ranchers, I spent most of my time around livestock. From growing up in that environment at such a young age, I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up.
My favorite part about working in veterinary medicine is witnessing the love and happiness between pets and their owners. My coworkers would describe me as a sometimes quiet but very friendly, caring, and loving.
I am the youngest out of my 4 siblings: 3 sisters and 1 brother. I have 1 dog of my own, his name is Cooper and he’s a catahoula. I’ve got horses and my own flock of sheep and yes, they all have names!
My hobbies outside of work include spending time with my family, riding horses, and raising show lambs for 4-h kids! I also enjoy doing crafts whenever I get some down time.
I was an active 4-h member for 9 years showing sheep. I was also in FFA my whole high school career. About 8 years ago my passion for raising sheep started when my cousin gave me 4 ewes. My family never goti interested in the sheep business like I did, so I took over our little flock and decided I wanted to do something on my own. Ever since then, I’ve been raising and growing my own flock, North of Gillette in Recluse Wyoming. I’ve now started raising show lambs for 4-h kids and future generations!