Angela
Veterinary Technician
Sometimes the most unusual situations can lead us to where we belong in life. For Angela, it was a case of snake constipation that brought her to Companions Animal Hospital, where she ultimately decided to apply for a job and became part of the team.
When Angela was younger, she saw her parent’s dog have a seizure-like episode. Not knowing what was happening or how to help both frightened and frustrated her. As a result of this experience, Angela realized it was time to change directions. After one year of college to pursue a degree in teaching, she decided to go back to what she was truly passionate about: working with animals.
Upon graduation from Ridgewater Technical College, Angela moved back to the St. Cloud area and completed her internship at the Tri County Humane Society. She joined the CAH team in May of 2021 as one of our skilled Veterinary Technicians. Clinically, Angela has a particular affinity for working with our exotic patients. She also enjoys performing lab work.
Outside of the clinic, Angela and her fiancé have their own little zoo. Their reptilian family members include a lazy ball python named Dion, a shy garter snake named Checkmate, and a friendly leopard gecko named Dot, who loves to run up Angela’s arm. Their fur children consist of two cats, Oliver and Lucifer. Oliver loves attention when it’s on his terms and Lucifer is always eating things he shouldn’t – something he more than makes up for with his nightly cuddles.
When Angela was younger, she saw her parent’s dog have a seizure-like episode. Not knowing what was happening or how to help both frightened and frustrated her. As a result of this experience, Angela realized it was time to change directions. After one year of college to pursue a degree in teaching, she decided to go back to what she was truly passionate about: working with animals.
Upon graduation from Ridgewater Technical College, Angela moved back to the St. Cloud area and completed her internship at the Tri County Humane Society. She joined the CAH team in May of 2021 as one of our skilled Veterinary Technicians. Clinically, Angela has a particular affinity for working with our exotic patients. She also enjoys performing lab work.
Outside of the clinic, Angela and her fiancé have their own little zoo. Their reptilian family members include a lazy ball python named Dion, a shy garter snake named Checkmate, and a friendly leopard gecko named Dot, who loves to run up Angela’s arm. Their fur children consist of two cats, Oliver and Lucifer. Oliver loves attention when it’s on his terms and Lucifer is always eating things he shouldn’t – something he more than makes up for with his nightly cuddles.
Lexi
Veterinary Assistant
Lexi has had a love affair with animals since she was old enough to talk. When she was in high school, her hometown vet clinic called and asked if she would help catch a kitten they’d found wandering outside. Despite the fact that it was the middle of a blizzard, Lexi didn’t hesitate and her determination paid off. That sweet angel, whom she ultimately adopted, represents just how much Lexi is committed to helping animals in need.
Prior to joining the Companions Animal Hospital team, Lexi spent quite a bit of time in human health care. Following her heart and passion, however, she decided to make the switch to animal medicine and hasn’t looked back since. Professionally, Lexi appreciates the many challenging aspects of her job.
Outside of the clinic, Lexi’s family consists of two brothers, two sisters, a cat and a fist-bumping dog named Austin.
Prior to joining the Companions Animal Hospital team, Lexi spent quite a bit of time in human health care. Following her heart and passion, however, she decided to make the switch to animal medicine and hasn’t looked back since. Professionally, Lexi appreciates the many challenging aspects of her job.
Outside of the clinic, Lexi’s family consists of two brothers, two sisters, a cat and a fist-bumping dog named Austin.
Kathryn
Veterinary Assistant, Receptionist
Kay knew ever since she was a middle-schooler that she wanted to one day work with pets. Her involvement in the 4-H program only deepened her interest. For Kay, helping animals as a member of the veterinary profession was the only choice that made sense! She’s been doing just that as a part of the Companions Animal Hospital family for more than 30 years.
Kay grew up on a small farm in a rural town south of Duluth. She began studying pre-veterinary medicine in college before transferring to another school and studying animal science and animal health technology. After college, she signed on with a large-animal veterinary practice in Wisconsin. Next, Kay moved to St. Cloud and worked at a clinic there before becoming a Technician with Clearwater Road Pet Hospital. She remained on-staff when Dr. Cowardin bought the clinic and it became Companions Animal Hospital—she’s been here ever since!
Medically, Kay enjoys helping out in the laboratory whenever the opportunity arises. Most of all, she likes chatting one-on-one with pet owners and reconnecting with the area’s adorable animal companions.
Outside of work, Kay enjoys staying active in her church and spending quality time with her family. She and her husband, Randy, have two adult daughters named April and Megan, along with several wonderful grandchildren. At home, they have two cats: loveable Stan and the mischievous Grey Wolf, who enjoys playing fetch like a dog.
Kay grew up on a small farm in a rural town south of Duluth. She began studying pre-veterinary medicine in college before transferring to another school and studying animal science and animal health technology. After college, she signed on with a large-animal veterinary practice in Wisconsin. Next, Kay moved to St. Cloud and worked at a clinic there before becoming a Technician with Clearwater Road Pet Hospital. She remained on-staff when Dr. Cowardin bought the clinic and it became Companions Animal Hospital—she’s been here ever since!
Medically, Kay enjoys helping out in the laboratory whenever the opportunity arises. Most of all, she likes chatting one-on-one with pet owners and reconnecting with the area’s adorable animal companions.
Outside of work, Kay enjoys staying active in her church and spending quality time with her family. She and her husband, Randy, have two adult daughters named April and Megan, along with several wonderful grandchildren. At home, they have two cats: loveable Stan and the mischievous Grey Wolf, who enjoys playing fetch like a dog.
Kay
Veterinary Technician/Client Care Representative
Sherry
Office Manager
Sherry has been a friend to animals for as long as she can remember, from rescuing injured turtles during her childhood years to helping rehabilitate rescue dogs later in life. She knows just how important our pets truly are, and wants to do everything in her power to help nurture those bonds! Sherry feels fortunate and proud to do just that as a member of the Companions Animal Hospital family.
Sherry graduated from the University of Iowa and has a background in media, marketing, and communications; she even launched her own successful communications business in 2009. Still, Sherry couldn’t shake her desire to work directly with animals—she decided to join forces with a local animal rescue, and she hasn’t looked back since.
After working closely with Companions Animal Hospital through her position at Grey Face Rescue, a senior-dog rescue based in Central Minnesota, Sherry joined the hospital team in March of 2017 as a Client Care Representative. Her favorite part of the job is getting to dote on all of the pets who visit the hospital on a daily basis, and she loves to swap fun pet stories with clients.
In her spare time, Sherry enjoys working on home-improvement projects, taking day trips, and cooking with her husband, Scott. They share their lives with four loveable pets: Franki the Husky, a beagle named Billy, and two cats, Denali and Oliver.
Sherry graduated from the University of Iowa and has a background in media, marketing, and communications; she even launched her own successful communications business in 2009. Still, Sherry couldn’t shake her desire to work directly with animals—she decided to join forces with a local animal rescue, and she hasn’t looked back since.
After working closely with Companions Animal Hospital through her position at Grey Face Rescue, a senior-dog rescue based in Central Minnesota, Sherry joined the hospital team in March of 2017 as a Client Care Representative. Her favorite part of the job is getting to dote on all of the pets who visit the hospital on a daily basis, and she loves to swap fun pet stories with clients.
In her spare time, Sherry enjoys working on home-improvement projects, taking day trips, and cooking with her husband, Scott. They share their lives with four loveable pets: Franki the Husky, a beagle named Billy, and two cats, Denali and Oliver.
Mendi
Certified Veterinary Technician
After spending her early years in Wyoming with her parents and two brothers, Mendi and her family relocated to Minnesota. Between time spent visiting the horses on her grandfather’s property and watching her father nurse an eagle back to health on the family’s porch, Mendi knew one thing very early on: she would love to help animals every day as a veterinary professional. Now, she’s been doing just that for nearly twenty years!
After high school, Mendi secured a job as a Kennel Assistant at what was then Clearwater Road Pet Hospital. Dr. Nancy Cowardin bought the clinic two years later, and Mendi has been here ever since! In fact she has been with us for 20 years! She’s found that her true passion lies in teaching and training—for Mendi, being able to pass her knowledge on to a fellow staff member or one of the area’s pet owners is the ultimate reward.
In her spare time, Mendi enjoys dabbling in yardwork and curling up with a good romance novel. She and her husband have one son—he’s currently juggling a full load of college courses and a demanding work schedule—and also share their home with Fig, an elderly cat, as well as a frisky dog named Tank.
After high school, Mendi secured a job as a Kennel Assistant at what was then Clearwater Road Pet Hospital. Dr. Nancy Cowardin bought the clinic two years later, and Mendi has been here ever since! In fact she has been with us for 20 years! She’s found that her true passion lies in teaching and training—for Mendi, being able to pass her knowledge on to a fellow staff member or one of the area’s pet owners is the ultimate reward.
In her spare time, Mendi enjoys dabbling in yardwork and curling up with a good romance novel. She and her husband have one son—he’s currently juggling a full load of college courses and a demanding work schedule—and also share their home with Fig, an elderly cat, as well as a frisky dog named Tank.
Amanda
Certified Veterinary Technician
Amanda can’t remember a time when she wasn’t passionate about animals. By the time she got pets of her own, her mind was made up: Amanda wanted to be a part of providing the greatest care not only for her own companions, but others’ as well! She feels proud to do that every day as a Veterinary Technician.
A Minnesota native, Amanda attended Argosy University to study veterinary technology and began her internship right here at Companions Animal Hospital in the spring of 2017. She was hired on as a Veterinary Technician immediately afterward and has been helping the area’s pets and animal owners ever since!
In her free time, Amanda loves to relax outdoors, spend time with her family and friends, and dote on her own pets at home. She and her fiancé, Luke, have two dogs—Demetri, a Pomeranian mix who loves to play ball, and a cuddle-loving Chihuahua mix named Kiarra—as well as a lovebird named Rosie who thinks she runs the house and a shy Green-cheeked Conure, Kiwi.
A Minnesota native, Amanda attended Argosy University to study veterinary technology and began her internship right here at Companions Animal Hospital in the spring of 2017. She was hired on as a Veterinary Technician immediately afterward and has been helping the area’s pets and animal owners ever since!
In her free time, Amanda loves to relax outdoors, spend time with her family and friends, and dote on her own pets at home. She and her fiancé, Luke, have two dogs—Demetri, a Pomeranian mix who loves to play ball, and a cuddle-loving Chihuahua mix named Kiarra—as well as a lovebird named Rosie who thinks she runs the house and a shy Green-cheeked Conure, Kiwi.
Annie
Client Care Representative
Annie’s own pets have always been there for her in times of need—she knows firsthand the true importance of the relationships we share with our pets! Being able to give something back to others’ animal friends is a dream come true for Annie. She’s the Overnight Animal Caretaker at Companions Animal Hospital.
Annie grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota; where she always gravitated toward animals, nature, and the great outdoors. Although she’d harbored a passion for pets since she was a little girl, she found herself in other career fields as an adult. It wasn’t long, though, before she decided to make a change. Annie began volunteering with her local Humane Society at the age of 37, and that sparked something that hasn’t let up since. That same year, she enrolled in courses at the Minnesota School of Business to study veterinary technology—Annie joined the Companions Animal Hospital team in April of 2014 to supplement her studies, and she’s been here ever since!
Around the clinic, Annie enjoys doting on visiting pets to help make them feel as comfortable as possible. Her absolute favorite part of the job is working in the laboratory, and she never tires of satisfying her scientific curiosities by studying slides under the microscope.
At home, Annie and her family keep several pets. They have Josie, who is a Brittany Spaniel/German short-hair mixed and the best aging canine companion Annie has ever known; Socrates, a rescued pooch Papillion who loves to sleep on Annie’s head; a feisty Siamese mixed cat named Lighting, a domestic short-haired cat named Amelia, and an orange Tabby named Penelope. When she isn’t enjoying the company of her family and pets or tending to the area’s animal companions here at the clinic, Annie loves fishing, hunting, camping, playing hockey, and relaxing in the great outdoors.
Annie grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota; where she always gravitated toward animals, nature, and the great outdoors. Although she’d harbored a passion for pets since she was a little girl, she found herself in other career fields as an adult. It wasn’t long, though, before she decided to make a change. Annie began volunteering with her local Humane Society at the age of 37, and that sparked something that hasn’t let up since. That same year, she enrolled in courses at the Minnesota School of Business to study veterinary technology—Annie joined the Companions Animal Hospital team in April of 2014 to supplement her studies, and she’s been here ever since!
Around the clinic, Annie enjoys doting on visiting pets to help make them feel as comfortable as possible. Her absolute favorite part of the job is working in the laboratory, and she never tires of satisfying her scientific curiosities by studying slides under the microscope.
At home, Annie and her family keep several pets. They have Josie, who is a Brittany Spaniel/German short-hair mixed and the best aging canine companion Annie has ever known; Socrates, a rescued pooch Papillion who loves to sleep on Annie’s head; a feisty Siamese mixed cat named Lighting, a domestic short-haired cat named Amelia, and an orange Tabby named Penelope. When she isn’t enjoying the company of her family and pets or tending to the area’s animal companions here at the clinic, Annie loves fishing, hunting, camping, playing hockey, and relaxing in the great outdoors.
Jesse
Veterinary Assistant, Massage Therapist
Jesse grew up right here in St. Cloud, where pets were a natural part of life from day one. She grew up watching Steve Irwin on television and immediately recognized that his raw passion for animals was something that she felt herself! For Jesse, working with animals professionally was the only choice that made sense.
Jesse began volunteering at the local Humane Society as soon as she was old enough—it didn’t take long for her to know that the veterinary field was perfect for her. She joined the team at Companions Animal Hospital in 2005, and has been serving the pets and animal parents of the area ever since. Jesse has a particular passion for surgical work, and she also likes to utilize her skills in massage therapy to reduce pain and make pets more comfortable.
Outside of work, Jesse loves traveling, hiking, camping, listening to music, catching up on her favorite television shows, and spending time with her own pets at home. She has four quirky cats: Toolakia, who takes care of the house when Jesse isn’t home; Maresha, the youngest of the bunch; Cosmo, who likes to think of himself as the household’s court jester; and Athena, who prefers to watch the commotion from afar.
Jesse began volunteering at the local Humane Society as soon as she was old enough—it didn’t take long for her to know that the veterinary field was perfect for her. She joined the team at Companions Animal Hospital in 2005, and has been serving the pets and animal parents of the area ever since. Jesse has a particular passion for surgical work, and she also likes to utilize her skills in massage therapy to reduce pain and make pets more comfortable.
Outside of work, Jesse loves traveling, hiking, camping, listening to music, catching up on her favorite television shows, and spending time with her own pets at home. She has four quirky cats: Toolakia, who takes care of the house when Jesse isn’t home; Maresha, the youngest of the bunch; Cosmo, who likes to think of himself as the household’s court jester; and Athena, who prefers to watch the commotion from afar.
Faith
Client Care Representative
Faith has always loved interacting directly with customers, and she’s a lifelong animal lover. Working as a veterinary professional, she’s able to experience the best of both worlds! Faith cares for the pets of St. Cloud daily as one of Companion Animal Hospital’s Veterinary Nurse Assistants.
Faith is a St. Cloud native. After spending a year living in Tennessee, she returned to this area and signed up for a position in reception at a local large-and-small animal practice, where she learned the ropes of the profession. When she came across the opportunity for an overnight caretaker position at Companions Animal Hospital, Faith jumped at the chance! She first started with the hospital in 2009, and moved into a Client Care Position within the year. Now, Faith serves the area’s pets as a Veterinary Nurse Assistant.
Away from work, Faith enjoys reading, scrapbooking, trying her hand at photography, and spending time with her elderly Beagle, Katie.
Faith is a St. Cloud native. After spending a year living in Tennessee, she returned to this area and signed up for a position in reception at a local large-and-small animal practice, where she learned the ropes of the profession. When she came across the opportunity for an overnight caretaker position at Companions Animal Hospital, Faith jumped at the chance! She first started with the hospital in 2009, and moved into a Client Care Position within the year. Now, Faith serves the area’s pets as a Veterinary Nurse Assistant.
Away from work, Faith enjoys reading, scrapbooking, trying her hand at photography, and spending time with her elderly Beagle, Katie.
Lacy
Animal Caretaker/Groomer
For as long as she can remember, Lacy has enjoyed indulging her artistic side. She’s also harbored a passion for pets ever since her childhood years growing up here in St. Cloud. For Lacy, grooming pets professionally allows her to use her intuition to make a lasting difference while working hands-on with the animals that she loves!
Lacy was only 14 years old when she began volunteering at the local Humane Society. Her fate was sealed ever since—she knew that she wouldn’t be satisfied in any other career path! Lacy began her grooming journey at a local pet store and salon before the opportunity arose to groom pets in a veterinary clinic. That’s when Lacy joined the team here at Companions Animal Hospital.
Most of Lacy’s time away from the clinic is spent caring for her young son at home. He’s two years old, and is shaping up to be the most incredibly sweet, curious, and friendly child around!
Lacy was only 14 years old when she began volunteering at the local Humane Society. Her fate was sealed ever since—she knew that she wouldn’t be satisfied in any other career path! Lacy began her grooming journey at a local pet store and salon before the opportunity arose to groom pets in a veterinary clinic. That’s when Lacy joined the team here at Companions Animal Hospital.
Most of Lacy’s time away from the clinic is spent caring for her young son at home. He’s two years old, and is shaping up to be the most incredibly sweet, curious, and friendly child around!
