Meet the Team
Dr. Thea Fransen
Owner
Dr. Thea is a 2001 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2003 she joined Dr. Nelson at Companion Animal Hospital, and after Dr. Nelson retired she became the owner of the clinic. Dr. Thea has 3 children, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and a tortoise. When she isn't working or watching hockey, she enjoys reading, running, and playing cards. She is pictured here with her sweet boy, Wally.
Dr. Tiana Lynne
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Lynne grew up in Ottertail, MN attending Perham schools and later NDSU for undergrad. Dr. Lynne attended St. George's University (Grenada, West Indies) for her first three years of vet school and completed her clinical rotations at the University of Minnesota; earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2017.
Dr. Lynne joined Companion Animal Hospital in July of 2017. She moved to Elizabeth, MN and enjoys being with family and riding horse. She has a dog (Kiara- pictured), five cats, two horses, and a chinchilla.
Dr. Skylar Brenden
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Brenden grew up in Rothsay, MN and attended North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she moved back to her hometown and joined Companion Animal Hospital in July 2023. She enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs (Charlie and Lloyd), reading, camping, and exploring local restaurants and breweries.
She is pictured with her cat Walter.
Dr. Morgan Lider
Associate Veterinarian
Bio Coming Soon
Jake
The Original Clinic Cat
Jake became part of the clinic team in the fall of 2019. You may find him greeting clients, napping in the window, or stealing treats.
Next time you find yourself in the clinic ask to see one of his tricks!
Rebecca Nurse
Clinic Cat #2
Rebecca became part of the clinic team in the fall of 2021. She is from the Humane Society of Otter Tail County and has a heart concern, but you'd never know it.
You may find Rebecca observing in the treatment area, napping in the Tech office, or harassing Jake.
Alex
Certified Veterinary Technician
Alex is originally from Thief River Falls, MN. She graduated from Ridgewater College in 2023 with a degree in Veterinary Technology and has worked at Companion Animal Hospital since September 2023 as a Vet. Tech.
Alex has one dog and together they enjoy taking walks. She also enjoys reading, writing, kayaking and fishing.
She is pictured with her dog, Skye.
Amber
Certified Veterinary Technician
Amber is originally from Wahpeton, ND and graduated from Underwood High School. She is a Vet. Tech. graduate from Ridgewater College. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2006. She says the best part of her job is working with animals and that everyday is different. She has 3 dogs, several cats,1 parakeet, and 2 guinea pigs. She enjoys cross country skiing, quilting/needlepoint, gardening, reading and spending time at the lake.
She is pictured with her dog, Gabe.
Bailee
Certified Veterinary Technician
Bailee is originally from St. Cloud. She is a Vet. Tech. graduate from Vermilion Community College in Ely, MN. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2024. She has a dog, 3 cats, and horse. Bailee enjoys spending time reading, painting, and being outdoors.
She is pictured here with 2 of her cats Junior & Whitey.
Brigitte
Veterinary Technician
Brigitte is originally from Wahpeton, ND and is a Vet. Tech. graduate from Ridgewater College. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2020. She has two dogs and a cat. She enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time at the lake.
She is pictured with her dog, Raine.
Jill
Licensed Veterinary Technologist
Jill was born in Kansas and grew up in Nebraska. She is graduate of the Veterinary Technology program at NDSU. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2006. She feels the best part of her job is learning new things and improving her skills for better patient care. Jill has one dog and one cat. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake, biking, travel and reading.
She is pictured with our clinic cat, Jake.
Sam
Licensed Veterinary Technologist
Sam is originally from Fergus Falls and lived in Colorado for 10 years before moving back to go to NDSU for Veterinary Technology. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2016. She says the best part of her job is getting to know owners and pets over the years they are with us. Sam has 2 Boxers, 3 cats, 2 chinchillas and a bearded dragon named Groot. She enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and quilting and sewing.
She is pictured with her dog, Riggins.
Carly
Certified Veterinary Technician
Carly is originally from the Kensington area. She is a Vet Tech graduate from North Dakota State University. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2022. She has 3 Labradors and 2 cats. Carly's favorite part of her job is client education.
She is pictured with her dog, Thumper.
Karolyn
Veterinary Technician
Karolyn joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2021. She is a recent graduate of the Veterinary Technology program at NDSU
She is pictured with a kitten from the Humane Society
Denyce
Client Services
Denyce joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2022. She is originally from Fergus Falls. She says the best part of her job is seeing the love between pets and their owners. In her spare time Denyce enjoys reading, journaling, watching movies, and food/cocktail tasting. She has two dogs and one cat. She is pictured with our clinic cat, Jake.
Chloe
Client Services
Chloe joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2024. She is a Fergus Falls native. She says the best part of her job is learning from the technicians and veterinarians while helping care for pets and their owners. In her spare time, Chloe enjoys reading, watching movies, and relaxing with friends, family, and pets. She has two dogs, one cat and a betta fish. She is pictured with her dog, Lola.
BobbySue
Client Services
Bio coming soon!
Claire
Animal Care & Veterinary
Assistant
Claire grew up in Elizabeth, MN and is currently a student at NDSU studying Animal Science and Equine Science with a pre-veterinary emphasis. She joined Companion Animal Hospital in 2023. Claire has a variety of animals including 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 horses, and several Boer goats. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, showing livestock and baking.
She is pictured with her dog Anna.
Ayla
Animal Care & Veterinary
Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Emma
Animal Care & Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!