North Country Veterinary Clinic
1125 East Highway 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744



Make an appointment - (218) 326-9668


Diane Howe, Hospital Manager

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota.  After teaching for several years, I assisted my husband, John, in the veterinary practice.  Over the years we have raised Newfoundlands, shown and bred Appaloosa horses and have had an assortment of "special family members"-- a yellow lab, a golden retriever, several cats and finally an English Bulldog.  I enjoy snowmobiling, ATVing, quilting, reading and spending time with our 5 grandchildren.  I also play keyboard at our church.









Kelly Grife, Certified Veterinary Technician














Amanda Boggs-Roach, Certified Veterinary Technician




















Michelle Gravelle, Certified Veterinary Technician


























Deb VanBergen, Certified Veterinary Technician

I grew up in International Falls.  I graduated from Argosy University in 2005 and worked in Brooklyn Park after graduation.  In 2006, I moved to Grand Rapids to get closer to home.  I have three dogs and one cat.  Two are Shetland Sheepdogs, Chazz and Keta, and the other is a Rottweiler/Lab mix, Toby.  My cat is McKitty.  I enjoy activities outdoors, reading and baking.I








Emma Johnson, Certified Veterinary Technician


















Shelly Ruuhela, Office Manager

I am married with four grown children and one grandson.  I have lived in this area all my life.  I enjoy spending my time with my family and being outdoors whenever possible.  During the summer on Sunday evenings, we get together with our neighbors and cook wonderful meals over an open fire.  Last summer it was 17 weekends straight!  During the winter, we get everyone out on the lake for fishing and more great cookouts.  I have worked all my life in the medical field.  I started out as a dental assistant.  I then went to ward secretary/nursing assistant  at the hospital and have completed a first responder's course.  I worked in many different departments in the hospital and found myself loving the medical field and working with the public.  That was not the case with the different shifts, not to mention weekends and holidays.  In the spring of 2000, I changed direction and started a career at NCVC and love it!   Here I get to work with all our wonderful clients, their pets and still get to learn about the dental and medical fields.

 




Katie Hallen, Veterinary Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

I grew up north of Grand Rapids and have had an unconditional love for animals for as long as I can remember, especially dogs!  I attended and graduated from Duluth Business University in 2003.  I love working at North Country Veterinary Clinic!  I find my job fun and rewarding.  Away from the clinic, I live with my husband, Tom, two beautiful daughters, Olivia and Lydia, and my dog, Britnee.  During my free time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my kids, boating, outdoor sports, camping and just hanging out with my friends.













Lindsay Simonson, Receptionist/Assistant

I grew up in Chisholm and have had numerous pets and a growing love for animals over the years.  Before moving to Grand Rapids and working at North Country Veterinary Clinic, I had worked in the veterinary field for ten years.  Away from my exciting job at NCVC, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Eric, beautiful baby boy, Wyatt, and our two dogs, Czar and Pico.  During my free time, I enjoy family, friends and anything that takes you outdoors.

















Jennifer Vredenburg, Receptionist

I grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from St. Cloud Technical College in 2001 with a degree in Advertising.  My strong passion for animals has led me to NCVC.  My husband, Jess, and I have a beautiful daughter, Alexa.  We live on a small hobby farm with horses, a dog and a cat.  In my spare time, I enjoy camping, hunting, fishing and of course, riding horse.
















Erin Bergstrand, Veterinary Assistant

I graduated from Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota in 2004.  I have a psychology major with an emphasis on Animal Enrichment and a minor in Biology.  I have fish, a Netherland dwarf rabbit named Roxi, a cat named Annabelle and a Yorkshire terrier, Jasper.  I enjoy playing with my pets, gardening and walking on nature trails.