Healthcare - Vet In Iron Mountain | Iron Mountain Animal Hospital

Stephanie Mieras

Stephanie is responsible for the financial and marketing areas of the hospital, computer software purchase and implementation, website design and maintenance, hospital protocols, safety program implementation, inventory management, and employee management.

Stephanie is a graduate of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI with a B.S. degree in Biology. She came to Iron Mountain in 2007 and began working at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant. Over time she ended up doing more management type jobs while at the clinic, eventually becoming the Practice Manager in 2014. She also received certification that same year to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). Stephanie completed the Veterinary Practice Management Program from Purdue in February 2015. In June 2016, she was recognized as a finalist for the veterinary manager of the year award by the Veterinary Hospital Management Association and DVM 360. In 2019, Stephanie was selected as key thought leader to serve on the Feline Parasiticide Board for Merck Animal Health.

When not working, Steph enjoys skating in the local Roller Derby league, running and doing endurance events, and spending time with her family.

Steph is married with two children. Their family also includes a rat terrier named Nipper and a cat named Banks.

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager

Shelly Ringel

Shelly grew up in Mayville, WI on a produce farm. Shelly went to Northern Michigan University and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. She married Jonathan in 2006 and moved to Indiana where she worked at a local veterinarian practice. Jonathan and Shelly moved to Iron Mountain in May 2009. Shelly began working for the Iron Mountain Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant in July 2009. They welcomed a son, Josiah, in Feb 2011, and a daughter, Eva in July 2013. Her family resides in Iron Mountain and is very involved in their community. They currently have three cat family members and some fish.

Veterinary Technician

Laura Johnson

Laura started working at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital in February 2016. She graduated from University of Wisconsin: Stevens Point in May 2012 with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife. Prior to joining the IMAH team she worked for two years as a zookeeper at Wildwood Wildlife Park in Minocqua, WI.

'I really enjoy the atmosphere here. I've always wanted to work with animals and it's great to find a place filled with people as compassionate and dedicated to animals as those who work at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital.'

Laura lives in Iron Mountain with her fiancé, Kent, and their dog Mako. When not working she enjoys gardening, hiking, birding, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Veterinary Assistant

Heidi Steber

“I began my journey with the Iron Mountain Animal Hospital in April of 1993. Dr. Jim Nicolas took me under his wing and guided me in my passion and caring for animals. I have dedicated 25 years of my life to this field and I hope to devote as many years I can to this job I love.”

Heidi is our Technical Team Supervisor. In that role, she helps with the training of new employees, continued training of our current staff, and ensuring a wonderful client experience.

Technical Team Supervisor

Softball and glove in front of the base.

Shelly

Shelly joined the IMAH team in July 2009. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from Northern Michigan University, graduating in 2004. Prior to coming to IMAH she worked at a veterinary clinic in Indiana.

“I enjoy the client interaction in the exam room. It's fascinating when we have an unusual case that comes in and the patient is able to be helped. I also enjoy assisting with surgeries as it is a nice change of pace for the work week.”

Shelly lives in Iron Mountain with her husband, Jonathan and son, Josiah. They are awaiting the arrival of their second baby. When not at work, Shelly volunteers for the City of Iron Mountain Main Street program, plays on a co-ed softball team, enjoys reading, exploring the community, swimming and spending time with her family.

Veterinary Assistant

Snowmobiles travel on a winter forest road far from civilization.

Crystal Minerick

Crystal started working at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital in January 2005. In 2008 she moved to Texas and Colorado and continued her work as a veterinary assistant while there. In 2010 she returned to Iron Mountain and joined IMAH again. Crystal attended Bay College and graduated with an Associate in Applied Science with a certificate in veterinary assisting.

“I enjoy the lovable animals. Every day is always different working at IMAH, and the work is always challenging me.”

Crystal and her husband Brad live in the Iron Mountain area with her Boston Terrier, Lilah and her cat, Simba. When not attending her husband's UTV races, they enjoy the Way Dam on their houseboat, going snowmobiling, and going on side by side rides with friends.

Veterinary Assistant

Gardening tools on fertile soil texture background seen from above

Chris Wenzel

Chris began working at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital in January of 2001. She is a 1997 graduate from UW-Green Bay with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and in 2008 received her certification in Wisconsin as a veterinary technician. Prior to her employment at IMAH Chris worked at a clinic in the Appleton, WI area and also as a zookeeper in Green Bay.

Chris grew up on a farm in the Iron Mountain area and has always enjoyed working with animals. “I really enjoy assisting in surgeries, especially orthopedic surgery, and going on farm calls when needed.”

Outside of work, Chris lives in the Iron Mountain area with her husband and two children. She enjoys gardening, reading, camping and spending time with her family. She has a Brittany Spaniel, Cleo.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Michelle

Michelle has been a veterinary technician at IMAH since 2002. She has always been an animal lover. She attended Bay De Noc Community College and received a veterinary assistant certificate. She also attended Argosy University in Minnesota where she received an Associates in Applied Science degree. After completing an externship in Gwinn, MI, she became a Certified Veterinary Technician. In 2008 after taking the Michigan state exam, she became a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

“I love what I do. Some days are more challenging but it is never boring!”

Michelle lives in Foster City, MI with her husband and two children. She has two dogs, (both of which were rescues while working at IMAH), and one cat.

LVT

Zoe

Hi, my name is Zoe. I grew up in Pennsylvania and moved out to Colorado in 2014 to study at Colorado State University. I am currently working on my bachelors of science and I want to continue on to veterinary school. I hope one day to be a veterinary pathologist because my geek is microbiology. My favorite movie series is the Pirates of the Caribbean and I love to watch any nature documentary. I also love to go skiing and Breckenridge is probably my favorite mountain. I have two cats: Bash and Chihiro, a crested gecko named Godzilla, two rats: Charlotte and Zephyr, and fresh water fish; I usually refer to it as the ‘petting zoo’.

Veterinary Assistant

Francesca

My name is Francesca, and I am very excited to be a part of the team here at Wellington veterinary hospital as a vet tech. I grew up in San Francisco California, but I was actually born in Denver. I recently packed up and moved to Fort Collins with all three of my beloved pets. My dog Ducati, my cat Honey, and my Lineolated parakeet Zuzu (Somehow they all get along)! I was very lucky to start working at a veterinary hospital straight out of high school and discovered my dream job. Outside of work I have a passion for horses and riding. I also enjoy the outdoors as long as my dog is with me!

Veterinary Technician

Allison

Hi there! My name is Allie, and while I've lived in Colorado for most of my life I was born and am proud to be from Buffalo, New York. Currently I am studying psychology at Colorado state university and expect to graduate in 2019. I grew up on a farm just outside of Boulder and it goes without saying that animals are my life, and I am proud to be a part of the WVH team!

Animal Care Attendant

Skye

Skye received her Veterinary Assistant Certificate through Animal Behavior College in January 2019, joining the team at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital that same month. “This job is very rewarding and I love the team I get to work with!” Skye lives in Iron Mountain with her two dogs, Molly and Sadie. During her free time, she enjoys kayaking, hiking with her dogs, and painting.

Veterinary Assistant

Ainsley

Ainsley began working at Iron Mountain Animal Hospital in February of 2019. Ainsley has always had a passion for animals. She feels very lucky to be apart of a team that cares and loves for animals as much as she does. She enjoys interacting with all of the clients and patients that come through our door.

“I’m proud to be a part of something as great as the organization we have. We’re all here to serve the same purpose and work in an environment dedicated to providing the best care possible for the animals and clients we see. ”

Ainsley lives in Iron Mountain and enjoys being in the Upper Peninsula. She loves the wildlife and nature associated with our area. Ainsley likes the close-knit community we have surrounding us and appreciates being in a small town. Outside of work, Ainsley enjoys spending time at camp with her family and three dogs. She has two Bernese Mountain Dogs named Ben and Max & a Shorkie named Sophie.

Veterinary Assistant