Our Staff
Dr. Susan Brenteson
DVM
Dr. Susan Brenteson is a 2005 graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and she is a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
Dr. Brenteson took over ownership of the Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital in 2019. She is excited to continue growing the practice and offer the best in patient and client care to the Forest Lake and surrounding community.
When not at work, Dr. Brenteson can be found volunteering for a local animal rescue helping shelter animals back to health.
In her free time her leisure activities include running, and mountain biking with her husband, Steve, and spending time with her own dog and cats.
Dr. Tom Randall
DVM
Dr. Randall graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. He has been practicing at Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital since 1997. As owner of the Hospital for over 20 years Dr. Randall has been essential in the growth of the practice and development of strong ties to the Forest Lake community. He sold the practice in 2019 and is enjoying his primary focus back on patient and client care. As a general practitioner Dr. Randall enjoys all areas of medicine and surgery. Six years at a practice that included an emergency service fostered a special interest in emergency medicine and surgery. His favorite part of practice remains new puppy and kitten exams.
He is married and has two children. His hobbies include woodworking, hiking, enjoying the cabin, running and an occasional triathlon or marathon. The Randalls have 2 cats (Frisco and Maggie) and one dog (Juno).
Dr. Jennifer Jelinski
DVM
Dr. Jen Jelinski was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. Following completion of her undergraduate studies at UW-Madison, she was commissioned into the United States Army, where she served for 8 years as a Transportation Officer, both on Active Duty and in the Minnesota National Guard. After her time in service, Dr. Jelinski attended veterinary school at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and began practice working as a mixed animal veterinarian. Working with both large and small animals allowed her to explore many aspects of the veterinary field, and she has since found a special interest in small animal preventive medicine and soft tissue surgery. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Jelinski enjoys exploring Minnesota's natural resources with her husband, two sons and one dog. Her hobbies include painting, reading, hiking, camping, aerial arts and acrobatics, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Kiva Rudd
DVM
Dr. Rudd is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and is passionate about feline medicine, geriatric care, and dentistry. She moved to the Twin Cities from California and lives in Lake Elmo with her husband, father-in-law, and daughter, along with three dogs and two cats. In the small windows of time that she isn't caring for animals she enjoys spending time outside, either cross-country skiing, hiking, paddle-boarding or gardening, depending on the season!
Dr. Lillian Duemke
DVM
Dr. Lilly Duemke grew up in Pierz, Minnesota. She is a 2025 graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She is grateful for the opportunity to provide veterinary care to her patients and work with amazing people that share her love for animals.
Lilly lives in Blaine with her husband and critters. She currently has 3 cats - Mauard, Daffodil, and Ruth, and a dog named Sully. When not at work, Lilly may be found running, on the yoga mat, playing with plants, fishing, reading, hanging out with family, or planning out her future beef operation.
Cassie
Practice Manager
Cassie transitioned from client to staff in January of 2018. She has always loved animals and began her career with us as a Customer Service Representative where she enjoyed getting to be the smiling face that greeted our patients and their owners when walking in, however Cassie wanted more for the clinic and herself and started her transition into the role of Practice Manager in 2023.
Cassie has a degree in intercultural studies with a track of children and youth in crisis, as well as a minor in music. In early 2024, Cassie finished her veterinary practice management course and fully accepted her new title as Practice Manager within the clinic. While her plans were once to do long term missions overseas having been to Africa on two separate occasions, her health led her to veterinary medicine, where her love of animals as well as her natural ability to lead is fully enriched in her position at our clinic.
When she isn't working, Cassie enjoys adventures with her husband Jacob. Together they can be found fishing, camping, hunting, gardening or enjoying nature in any other way. They also enjoy spoiling their own fur/feather babies; 2 tabby cats, a long term foster cat and their 4 chickens.
Jeanne
Office Manager
Bio coming soon!
Rita
Client Service Representative
Rita made the transition from client to employee in 2011. She is the first to admit she could have been the inspiration for the crazy cat lady figurine!
She and her husband Kevin live in Forest Lake where they share their home with some very spoiled cats. They have two adult children.
Rita's favorite things in life include family, animals, and spending time with her two grandsons.
Rita feels like she has hit the jackpot with having a fun and interesting job, a houseful of cats that all get along and getting the very best grandsons in the whole world!
Natasha
Lead Customer Service Representative
Natasha joined Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital in June 2024. She lives in North Branch with her husband, daughter, son, and their 3 dogs - two liver spotted Dalmatians, Roush and Zoey, and a Manchester Terrier/Blue Heeler, Scout. Natasha has always had a soft spot for animals. In her free time, she can be found spending time with family and friends or enjoying the great outdoors.
Nalea
Customer Service Representative
Nalea, originally from Stillwater, MN, joined the team here in 2026 with an interest in gaining knowledge and learning more about animals and the care that goes into keeping them healthy and happy.
She has been working with dogs for over 8 years, primarily in obedience and addressing aggressive behavior, while also stepping into the show ring for obedience and showmanship classes with her own Golden Retriever, Elliot.
Nalea has always had at least one cat, and currently has two, Berlioz (pictured) and Scooter.
Her passion for animals primarily lies in animal welfare and advocating for the health and safety of the animals we all love.
Nalea also has two horses, a Thoroughbred named Sham, that she has had for seven years, and an Andalusian named Soleil, that she has had for four years.
She currently lives in the Twin Cities with her partner, Adam and an abundance of houseplants.
In her time away from work Nalea enjoys spending time with her horses, going on long walks or hikes, and going paddleboarding.
Christie
Customer Service Representative
I moved to Forest Lake in 2024 with my boyfriend and our tuxedo cat, Boots, and have loved building a life here together. My love for animals started early, as I grew up surrounded by them while my mom worked as a vet tech for 16 years. I have a strong passion for psychology and helping others, which led me to earn my bachelor's degree in the field. I plan to continue my education in the near future to further expand my knowledge and ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others. In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book, taking on DIY projects, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Christine
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Christine (cc) has been a certified veterinary technician since 1995 and became a licensed veterinary technician with the new title protection passed in the state of Minnesota July 2026.
Her career began in zoo medicine gaining lifelong skills drawing blood on big and little creatures and finding a passion for labwork that continues to teach new staff everything she has learned.
In addition to her clinic work, she is the doctor liaison. Communicating and collaborating between our veterinarians and our clients to ensure the best possible care for our patients and their families.
She has a heart for all cats tiny and big with a goal to have every fur baby feel confident and comfortable while in our care.
Kristi
Level III Veterinary Assistant
Kristi graduated from Globe University in 2017 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She joined the practice in 2019. She loves her job and takes pride in assisting patients to live happy healthy lives. There is not a day at work she isn't smiling. Kristi has two sons, Anthony and Devon. They have one dog, Digger, and one cat, Bobby. Together, Kristi and her sons enjoy football, fishing, hiking, seeing wildlife, and being outdoors.
Gabby
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Gabby has been working in the veterinary field since 2016 and joined the team at FLVH in 2020. She earned her vet tech degree from San Juan College Veterinary Technology program. In addition she graduated with a bachelors degree from Saint Cloud State University. She then continued her education by passing her Vet Tech National Exam and has been working as a Certified Veterinary Technician ever since. At work she has a special interest in exotic and pocket pets, radiology, and surgery. When she is not at work, she enjoys lake life, friends, family and spending time with her dogs, cats, rabbit, and fish.
Mazie
Licensed Veterinary Technician
I graduated from Ridgewater College Veterinary Technology program with my associated degree and I enjoy caring for animals. At home, I have a Sphynx named Chanel and a French Bulldog named Brutus
Mackenzie
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Mackenzie started working at Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital in June, 2022. She was hired on as a Veterinary Assistant with intention for growth as she progressed through veterinary technician school. In May 2024, she graduated with honors and was promoted to a full time Veterinary Technician at FLVH. She enjoys the fast paced medical environment of FLVH and the ability to adapt to every role of being a veterinary technician. Her favorite parts of coming to work everyday are the urgent and unusual cases where she can utilize her technical skills. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her spunky Maltese named Angel, and two spoiled cats. She also likes to be outdoors camping, gardening, or on a lake.
Ivy
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ivy has been a dedicated member of the team at Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital for the past two years and recently earned her certification as a Veterinary Technician. She is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient. Outside of the clinic, Ivy enjoys spending time outdoors, making memories with family and friends, and relaxing with her beloved bunny, Raphael.
Liz
Veterinary Assistant Level II
Liz joined the FLVH family as an assistant in 2020 after being a longtime client. Recently she underwent an intense anesthesia class to further her own professional abilities and better help her work team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, quilting, and baking; much to the delight of her coworkers! Liz resides in Forest Lake with her husband and a small zoo of animals which include three Boxers, a Bloodhound, an English Setter, three cats, and a grumpy Russian tortoise.
Grace
Veterinary Assistant
Grace is currently obtaining her degree in animal science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and aspires to be an Emergency Medicine veterinarian. Grace has always had a passion for animal medicine and enjoys client-patient education. Her passion for animal medicine started when she was very young with her first dog, Molly.
In her free time, she enjoys being with her three dogs: Claire, a four-year-old Australian Shepherd, Marlee, a nine-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, and Greta, a five-month-old Boston Terrier. Grace loves working with Claire, participating in sheep herding and competitive agility with her. Grace also enjoys golfing with her dad and traveling up north with her family.
Alisha
Veterinary Assistant
After living in Utah for five years, Alisha recently moved back home to Minnesota and joined the Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital team in July 2026. She brings three years of experience in veterinary medicine and is currently enrolled at Penn Foster with the goal of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
One of Alisha's favorite aspects of veterinary medicine is being a voice for patients who cannot speak for themselves. She is passionate about helping pets receive the care they need while providing comfort and reassurance to their families during difficult times. She also enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and their pets, making each visit as positive and stress-free as possible.
Outside of the clinic, Alisha enjoys spending time outdoors, whether she's taking long walks, training for a run, kayaking, jet-skiing or relaxing on the lake. She also loves reading, getting tattoos and spending quality time with her family and friends. She shares her life in Hugo, Minnesota, with her fiancé, Leland, and their sweet 11-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog/Rottweiler mix, Zaria.
Sommer
Veterinary Assistant
Sommer is currently enrolled in college at Penn Foster, working toward her goal of becoming a Veterinary Assistant - and later going back for her degree in veterinary technician — taking it one step closer to a lifelong career in animal care. She has loved animals her entire life, and that passion has guided her toward a future devoted to helping them.
When she is not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and family, exploring new UTV/ATV trails, fishing, warm summer days on the lake, and hunting. She also enjoys cozy fall evenings by a bonfire, and looks forward to the quiet beauty of wintertime, especially spending time outdoors in the snow.
Life at home is lively thanks to her two beloved dogs. Willow, a playful German Shepherd mix, who is always ready for adventure, while Oakley, her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, is a loyal, affectionate girl, and is COMPLETELY obsessed with muddy water. Animals have always been at the heart of her life-and now, they're at the center of her future.
Chloe
Custodian
Bio coming soon!
Sir Wilfred Scruffington the III
Mental Health Safety Officer
Wilfred, formally known as Sir Wilfred Scruffington the III started his position as Mental Health Safety Officer at Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital in August 2024. With no formal training for the position he is learning quickly on the job.
His main duty here is to support his coworkers' mental and emotional health. Wilfred provides a listening ear, a wide smile, a wagging tail and endless excitement to see all his friends everyday. Regardless of how the day is going, his happy face and wagging tail are a day brightener.
Other work responsibilities include locating any and all fallen food items, shredding paper, keeping the squeaky toys under control, fetching or using his fancy footwork to keep the tennis balls in line, and helping take the deposits to the bank.
In his free time, Wilfred loves to go for long walks on the beach (long walks anywhere really), visit his favorite coffee and ice cream shops, and spending time with his family.
Wilfred lives with Dr Brenteson and her husband Steve.