Meet Our Team

Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Heartland Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!

a dog running in the grass

Get to Know Our Team

We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.

Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. Candace Born
Dr. Candace Born, DVM
Veterinarian

Dr. Candace Born has been a veterinarian for over 25 years. She grew up on a large livestock farm in Western South Dakota and started her journey in veterinarian medicine working at a local veterinarian clinic as a young adult. She completed her Bachelors of Animal Science at South Dakota State University in 1995. In 1999, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. She strives to provide her clients with high-quality and compassionate care for their pets. At Home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, three sons, and four-legged family members. She and her husband are also proud to be carrying on the family farm where they implement conservation tillage practices.

Dr. Jill Butovich
Dr. Brad Prestemon, 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. Jill Butovich
Dr. Katie O'Brien, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Katie O’Brien 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. O’Brien 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. O’Brien 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.

Meet Our Veterinary Staff

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Amy, Lead Veterinary Technician
Amy started her journey in veterinary medicine at 16, working as a veterinary assistant. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree 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, their dogs (Buck and Moose), and their four cats (Antler, Lisa Marie, Priscilla, and Pepe).
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Angela, CVT

Originally from Fairmont, Angie began her journey at Heartland Animal Hospital as an intern in May of 2021. She has a BS in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin River Falls and an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Ridgewater College. Angie enjoys camping with her family and spending time with her dog Chester.

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Cindy, CVT
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.
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Sheri, Veterinary Technician

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.

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Sarah, Veterinary Technician

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.

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Vanessa, Veterinary Technician
When Vanessa was younger, she had a dog who had a traumatic pregnancy and was in grave condition. The staff where she took her saved her life and six of the ten puppies. From that day forward, she knew she wanted to be in the veterinary industry. Vanessa is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program through Penn Foster, with an expected graduation date in spring of 2024. She started her veterinary career in 2020 and joined the team at Heartland Animal Hospital in July of 2023. She absolutely loves her position and is passionate about helping everyone’s fur babies day in and day out.

Originally from a small-town in California, Vanessa moved to Minnesota in the seventh grade. She currently resides in Faribault with her husband Matthew, and son Oliver. They will be welcoming their second child in May of 2024. They reside on Mathews family farm where they raise beef cattle. They also have chickens, goats, horses, and sheep. At home they enjoy their three cats: Angus (Pixiebob, 1yr), Syris (Orange Tabby, 1yr), and Zara (Tuxedo, 3yr), along with their new Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix puppy, Rex.

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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.