Meet our Board and Staff

Dr. Heidi Mittelsteadt has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2003 and currently serves as the Regional Medical Director for the Midwest at Lakefield Veterinary Group. A Burnsville native, she earned her undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and German from St. Olaf College and her DVM from the University of Minnesota. Her professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, and behavior.

Inspired by early mentorship experiences at Canterbury Downs, Dr. Mittelsteadt developed a lifelong passion for animal care. She is a member of the MVMA and AVMA. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, golf, theater, and time with her husband, Derek, their three sons, and their Labradoodle, Banjo.

Dr. Erin Burton is the Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. A board-certified clinical pathologist, Dr. Burton holds a DVM from Ross University, an MS in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Missouri, and a BS in Biology from Arizona State University.

Dr. Burton is passionate about enriching the veterinary student experience through innovative teaching methods. Her work integrates technology and case-based learning to foster critical thinking, engagement, and lifelong learning skills. Her professional interests include clinical pathology, cytology, hematology, hemoparasites (particularly Cytauxzoon felis), the small animal microbiome, and point-of-care diagnostics.

Her contributions to veterinary education and diagnostics have been recognized with the Charles Lewis Davis Foundation Resident Scholarship Award and induction into the Phi Zeta National Veterinary Honor Society.

Linda Spengler is a Business Consultant at the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota in Oakdale, where she brings extensive experience in veterinary practice management and operations. Her previous roles include Practice Administrator at Blue Sky Animal Hospital and consultant at Veterinary Management Solutions.

A dedicated supporter of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF), Linda has served in numerous volunteer, committee, and board roles. She is also the cofounder of Shoot for the Future, one of MVMF’s longest-running and most successful fundraising events.

Outside of her professional work, Linda is an active member of the North Star Rottweiler Club Board of Directors. She enjoys training and showcasing her rottweilers—Dynamite, Firecracker, and Laser—in public demonstrations of obedience, carting, and rally.

Dr. Jim Bennett graduated from the U of MN College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981 after previously completing his undergraduate work at Saint John’s University. Since that time Dr. Bennett has been a practice owner, of 2 clinics in southeastern MN, and has been actively practicing bovine medicine throughout his professional life. He recently sold his bovine practice in Plainview, although he is still practicing full time, and has retained his ownership stake in a small animal practice in Rochester. Throughout his career Dr. Bennett has continued to develop his professional acumen and, in the process with his business partner, built one of the most progressive dairy practices in the state offering a full range of clinical, consulting, and diagnostic services. The large animal clinic has hosted many, many students over the years as well. In addition to serving local livestock owners, he has been sought after for large herd consulting on a more regional basis as well as some international work. Dr. Bennett enjoys an excellent reputation not just among local colleagues, but he has also been drawn into instruction at conferences for national associations and at the U of MN CVM. He has lectured at the MVMA Convention as well. Additionally, some of his work has turned him into a published author in peer reviewed publications. Within MVMA, Dr. Bennett has been an active member of the Food Animal Issues Committee and is a regular voluntary at the Miracle of Birth Center. He will be eligible for life membership in 2023.

Dr. Chris Anderson graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Raised on a hobby farm in southwest Minnesota, he began his career in clinical practice before moving into leadership roles, including Regional Medical Director at Banfield and VP of Operations at WellHaven. Since joining MVP in 2019, he has held roles in business development, medical operations, and university outreach, with a strong focus on student engagement and recruitment. Chris is passionate about promoting veterinary medicine as the best profession on earth and helping students find their ideal path.

He lives in Eagan with his three children—Oliver, Emma, and Ava—and a rotating cast of rescued animals. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, golf, pickleball, and cheering on the Gophers with friends.

Bill Butler is a Best-Selling Author, Speaker, nationally recognized insurance agent and founder of Butler Vet Insurance, focusing on insurance for the veterinary and pet services industry. He spent twelve years in the military with the Minnesota Army National Guard and US Army, serving in various roles both in Minnesota and 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, before entering the insurance industry. He is active in his local business community, veterinary associations, and Rotary Club, and is passionate about giving back to others. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he and his wife, Shannon, reside in Burnsville, Minnesota with their cat Louie.

Dr. Matt Kruse graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. He started practicing small animal medicine and spent time at Cedar View Animal Hospital in Apple Valley Minnesota, Flying Cloud Animal Hospital in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Burnsville Parkway Animal Hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota. He was the owner/seller of Burnsville Parkway Animal Hospital, and this is the practice that he merged with MVP as a partnering clinic.

Dr. Jason Nordaune earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 and has been an active member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association since 2015. In 2018, he and his wife, Dr. Madison Nordaune, became the proud owners of Rice Pet Clinic—an established practice that has been serving its community since 1963. Dr. Nordaune brings a strong commitment to advancing animal health and supporting the veterinary profession through his service on the MVMF Board.

Dr. Amy O'Brien is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Primary Care at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. O'Brien graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2015 and started her veterinary career at a small local clinic in Chaska, MN before returning to her alma mater to teach Primary Care in 2017. As a veterinarian, she has a passion for building a relationship with owners to help reinforce the human animal bond. As a teacher, she enjoys the challenge of teaching students and encouraging them to utilize their knowledge to provide a spectrum of options that meet the goals of the owner. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She is an avid golfer and Minnesota Vikings fan.

Dr. Amber Olson graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Born and raised in Minnesota, she became passionate about animals in her youth as an active 4-H member, a Dwarf Hotot rabbit breeder and competitor of the American Rabbit Breeding Association, and a participant in Western Saddle Club Association shows. After completing her doctoral degree, Amber practiced south west of the Twin Cities both as a mixed animal and small animal practitioner. Today you can find her traveling throughout Minnesota as a relief veterinarian, providing services to clinics in all of the metro. Amber resides in Prior Lake with her family on a hobby farm that has goats, horses, rabbits, cats, and a Border Collie. She is known by many as the rabbit lady. When not in the barn, you can find her at Valley Fair riding roller coasters.

Karl Omdahl is a Senior District Manager with Elanco Animal Health, where he has been a trusted partner to veterinary professionals since 2006. With nearly two decades of experience in the animal health industry, Karl brings a deep understanding of veterinary pharmaceuticals, client engagement, and practice support. He is known for his collaborative approach and dedication to advancing animal wellness through innovative solutions and strong industry relationships.

In addition to his professional role, Karl is an active supporter of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF) and serves on the Tee It Up Golf Classic Committee, helping to raise funds for scholarships and grants that support the future of veterinary medicine in Minnesota.

Dr. Jennifer Scott-Dodd is the owner of Black Dog Animal Hospital, where she is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for pets and their families. Originally from Indiana, Dr. Scott-Dodd earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue University. In 2006, she relocated to Minnesota after meeting her husband, Dr. Matt Dodd, a large animal veterinarian.

With a strong foundation in small animal medicine, Dr. Scott-Dodd’s professional interests include preventative care, internal medicine, and client education. She is passionate about empowering pet owners through clear communication and collaborative care, helping to ensure the long-term health and well-being of her patients.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Scott-Dodd enjoys spending time with her family and staying involved in the local veterinary community.

Dr. Tom Wetzell is a Swine Consultant at For His Kingdom in Cleveland, Minnesota, where he provides expert guidance on swine health and production systems. With decades of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Wetzell previously served as a Senior Professional Service Veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting swine veterinarians and producers across the region. He also practiced at South Central Veterinary Associates, where he developed his clinical expertise in mixed animal medicine.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Wetzell has dedicated his career to advancing animal health and supporting veterinarians and producers with practical, science-based solutions.

Erin Truax holds a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science from the University of West Florida and has devoted her career to philanthropy and advancing research for diseases including cancer, heart disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. A former Mrs. Minnesota, Erin has been a passionate advocate at both the state and federal level, working to improve care standards and increase research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. She is also the author of a children’s book on the progression of Alzheimer’s, inspired by and named after her beloved grandfather, Pumpa.

Since joining the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF) in January 2021, Erin has developed a deep commitment to animal health and wellness. She lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with her husband, three children, and an energetic household that includes a dog, three guinea pigs, two snakes, and a cherished bearded dragon named Derek.