Meet Our Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Heartland Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to Know Our Team
Meet Our Veterinarians
Dr. Brad Prestemon, Managing DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Brad Prestemon has been in the veterinary profession for over 25 years. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at Luther College and received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1995. Dr. Brad enjoys the diverse field of companion veterinary medicine and particularly enjoys working with skin and ear issues and dentistry. He strives to provide quality and compassionate care through client education. In his spare time, Dr. Brad enjoys coaching high school basketball. At home, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.
Dr. Katie Ondera, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Katie Ondera brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for animal care to our practice. A proud Michigan native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University in 2014 before pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 2019.
Since joining the veterinary profession in 2019, Dr. Ondera has been dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care to pets. Her goal is to ensure the well-being of every furry companion she encounters, striving to make a positive difference in their lives.
Outside of work, Dr. Ondera enjoys exploring the great outdoors of Minnesota with her dogs and partner. Her love for adventure and her commitment to animal welfare make her a valued member of our team.
Dr. Emelissa VandenBosch, DVM
Veterinarian
Originally from Bangor, Maine, Dr. Emelissa VandenBosch earned her B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from the University of Maine in 2020 before graduating from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024.
Dr. VandenBosch believes that “one size does not fit all” when it comes to veterinary medicine. She takes an individualized approach to each patient, treating every animal with the same love, care, and respect she would give her own pets. She has a special interest in integrative medicine and exotic pets and enjoys caring for small exotic species in addition to dogs and cats.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. VandenBosch enjoys spending time with her horse, reading, baking sourdough, and pursuing various creative endeavors.
Meet Our Veterinary Staff
Amy, Practice Manager, LVT
Amy started her journey in veterinary medicine at 16, working as a veterinary assistant. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2005. Originally from Owatonna, Amy resides with her husband on a small hobby farm in Faribault. They raise chickens, rabbits, and purebred fainting goats. In her free time, she likes to garden and volunteer with 4-H. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her dog (Buck), and their three cats (Antler, Lisa Marie, and Priscilla).
Sarah, LVT & Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist and Hospice Care
Originally from Faribault, Sarah currently resides in Owatonna with her husband. After pursuing a Legal Administrative Assistant degree, five years ago Sarah followed her love and compassion for animals. She started her journey in veterinary medicine 5 years ago. She joined Heartland Animal Hospital in April of 2021. Sarah graduated from Penn Fosters Veterinary Technician program in November 2023.
Sheri, LVT
Sheri grew up on a hobby farm in Nerstrand, raising calves, chickens, dogs, and cats. After spending many years as a pharmacy technician, her love for animals guided her to change her care path eight years ago and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, along with many other four-legged family members.
Stephanie, LVT
Stephanie has been in the veterinary profession for three years and is excited to join our technician team, bringing her extensive knowledge and skills. Originally from Kenyon, MN, she graduated from the veterinary technician program in June 2025. Stephanie prides herself on advocating for her patients, ensuring they receive the proper care while effectively communicating with both owners and doctors. Growing up on a hobby farm, Stephanie raised chickens, pheasants, ducks, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and horses and did custom hay work for other farmers. She has always had a passion for the veterinary field since a young age. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, her boyfriend, her three dogs (Milo, Otis, and Bailey), and her two cats (Little Bobcat and Jasper).
Cindy, Veterinary Assistant
Cindy graduated from The Medical Insitute of Minnesota in 1990. She brings much knowledge and experience to our team. Originally from Austin, she owns a local hobby farm where she raises miniature donkeys. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and three dogs.
Cori, Veterinary Assistant
Cori is originally from Kenyon, MN. She has always surrounded herself with animals and first began her adventure in the veterinary field in 2014 as a shadow at a local clinic. She graduated from Winona State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and is pursuing a master’s degree in veterinary Shelter Medicine. Cori has experience in not only small and large animals, but also wildlife and zoological experience. Cori’s passion for animals is not only found at home with her own pets, but also around the world through volunteer travel experiences. Cori enjoys spending her free time with friends and family watching horror movies, reading, and creative writing.
Kaitlyn, Veterinary Assistant
Pam, Customer Service Representative
In her free time, Pam enjoys quilting and traveling, embracing creativity and adventure outside of work.
Amanda, Customer Service Representative
Amanda has been working in the veterinary field for over 21 years and brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role as a Client Service Representative. She studied at Globe College in Oakdale and has dedicated her career to making sure pets receive the care they need, especially since they cannot speak for themselves. Amanda takes pride in helping pets feel better so they can get back to the things they enjoy most.
Outside of work, Amanda loves going to concerts, riding motorcycles, spending time outdoors, and visiting parks. She also enjoys taking her dog, Loki, on walks.