Friendly and Helpful CLVH Staff

Dr. Nick was raised in Watertown, SD and received an undergraduate degree in Animal Science at SDSU. He then went on to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2002 . Dr. Nick has also received his Master of Business Administration from University of South Dakota. Dr. Nick’s primary areas of interests are preventative medicine and dermatology. He also does equine dentistry for a number of clients throughout the Black Hills.

Dr. Serena grew up on her family’s ranch near Prairie City, SD. She went on to receive her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from South Dakota State University. From there, she attended Iowa State University – College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames, Iowa. After graduating in 2003, Dr. Serena began her career in the suburbs of Chicago as an equine practitioner. She then worked for a mixed animal clinic in Pipestone, MN/Flandreau, SD before settling down closer to home in the Black Hills.

Dr. Nick and Serena purchased and were blessed to become part of the Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital team in August of 2007. Dr. Serena enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine with a special interest in soft tissue surgery, ultrasonography and physical rehabilitation. Dr. Nick spends most days in the office doing a lot of the managing, and still does a lot of work in equine dentistry.

They both have welcomed three children in to the world: Elli, Hayden and Robert. Their furry family members consist of two cats (GB and BG) and one dog (Bogart). When she is not at work, Dr. Serena loves to spend precious time with her family and some of her hobbies include working with horses, being outdoors, skiing, golfing, photography, drawing, and reading. Dr. Nick loves reading, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Mortimer attended University of Minnesota where he received his bachelor degree. After graduating from University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 1964 he served as a US Army Veterinarian. He then had a house-call practice in New York City. Next, he served at a large veterinary hospital in New Jersey. He later moved to Northern California and with his partner, built the Broadway Animal Hospital. In 1974, he established the Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital in Rapid City where he still enjoys working today. Dr. Mortimer enjoys fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and reading. Pets: Watson (cairn terrier)

Mickie was born in the great state of South Dakota. At 4 years old her family moved to California for the next 8 years. Feeling that South Dakota was a better place to raise children, the family returned to South Dakota when Mickie was 12 years old. Since childhood, books and animals have always been her two great loves. After college graduation Mickie went to work for a major bookstore chain & for the next 12 years she was surrounded by thousands of wonderful books on a daily basis. Mickie also enjoys kayaking and has discovered that archery is fun. But she only does target practice!

How lucky could a person be! After 12 years in the retail business Mickie felt the need for a change. But it didn’t make sense to give up one great love unless it was to work in some capacity with her other great love – animals. Mickie returned to school and graduated from the Veterinary Technology program at National American University in 1998. She has been employed at Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital since 1996. Through her years at Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital her career has evolved and she has found a niche in the field of wildlife rehabilitation. Mickie manages the wildlife rehabilitation program for the hospital. She enjoys books, movies, music, gardening, baking and the thrill of releasing a creature back to the wild.

Pets: She and her husband, Larry, share their home with one dog, 17 cats, a duck, a goose, 6 doves, 5 aquariums, and various orphaned or injured wild birds and small mammals.

Tami was born and raised mostly in Aberdeen, SD, and her first career was as a hair dresser after graduating from Stewarts School of Hairstyling. She moved to Rapid City in 1996.

She was fortunate enough to start working at CLVH while attending National American University to become a full time vet tech upon graduation in 2000. She enjoys working with owners in all aspects of pet health, especially puppy development and training. She is also interested in the technological aspect of veterinary medicine ie: computers, software and various equipment. She has also developed quite an interest in dentistry. As a senior staff member, she brings years of experience to the CLVH team.

Her interests outside the veterinary field include “techy toys” - computers, PDA’s, and digital photography and editing. When she finds the time she really likes jewelry making, reading, scrapbooking/crafts, bike riding and archery. She mostly enjoys spending time with her daughter, Sydney, doing anything that she enjoys.

Debbie was born in Germany and came to the United States when she was 1 year old. While her father was stationed with the military in Germany, he met and married Debbie’s mother. After retirement, Debbie’s father moved the family to Rapid City where she grew up and graduated from Stevens High School. Debbie worked for years in the retail business, but decided to do something more fulfilling after a total hip replacement in 2000. Because of her love of animals, she decided to go to school at National American University to become a veterinary technician where she graduated with an AAS in 2004.

Debbie’s duties at the hospital include front desk client care, ordering supplies and food, as well as supervising inventory management.

When she’s not caring for her elderly mother, Debbie plays in the local pool league, volunteers at the YMCA, enjoys working in her garden, and spending time with her boyfriend Link

Pets: Mario, Tinker, and Lucy (cats)

Greta is a North Dakota girl, but moved to Rapid City six years ago to get her degree in Veterinary Technology. In 2007 she earned her degree, and after completing her externship at Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital was offered a job here. Greta’s current project is increasing our involvement with the Association of Veterinary Family Practice. She also enjoys seeing pocket pets and ferrets when they come in to our hospital. When she isn’t here, Greta enjoys reading, cooking, camping, doing crafts, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. You should also look for her in the Rapid City Rush crowd!

Pets: Jack (dog), Cincci and Tyson (cats)

Ashley was born and raised here in Rapid City. In fact, all her family pets have been brought to Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital, so she has been around here for a long time!

A love of animals and being a science nerd led Ashley to the Veterinary Technology program at National American University, where she graduated in 2010. While she has a big heart for cats and dogs, Ashley has a big interest in aquatic animals & reptiles. Making sure that Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital maintains the high standards set by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) keeps Ashley busy when she is not with patients.

When there is some free time, Ashley enjoys SCUBA diving, hiking, camping, snowboarding, video games, spending lazy days at the lake, spending time with her boyfriend, and cheering on the Denver Broncos! (As you can imagine, there is a friendly rivalry between Ashley and Greta!)

Pets: Mallard & Maria (Retriever Mixes), Charlotte (Himalayan Mix)

Gia was born and raised in Southern Illinois, where she met her husband Tom. After moving all over the Midwest, they decided to settle down here in Rapid City and raise their three kids, Randie, Joel, and Courtney.

Being a retired registered nurse, Gia has been fascinated with the similarities and differences between human and veterinary medicine. In her spare time, Gia enjoys scrapbooking, and spending time with her children and grandchild (Gianna), and playing with her dogs outside. You might also catch her cheering for the Rapid City Rush and the St. Louis Cardinals!

Pets: Abby (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)

Joanna Carro - Kennel Attendant

Joanna is a sophomore in high school and just turned 16! Joanna is very serious about her job, because she realizes that it is her responsibility to keep the hospital clean and ready for any situation that may arise. She also does not mind seeing all the animals that come visit us! Outside of work, Joanna keeps very busy playing the piano and year-round soccer. The University of Colorado or the University of Pennsylvania is where Joanna would like to go after high school to pursue her dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

Lindsay is a Rapid City girl and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else with her husband. Currently she is going to school to get her degree in veterinary technology while gaining experience and knowledge as our kennel attendant. When she isn’t busy with school or work, Lindsay spends her free time working on cars, watching the Cincinnati Bengals, writing and scrapbooking. If you are really lucky, you might even catch her doing one of her favorite things – karaoke!

Pets: 4 cats (Aylah, Moo, Tiger, & TJ)

Dawn Vassalotti,
Registered Veterinary Technician

Dawn
and Juno