Dr. Elsom graduated from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. He owned a veterinary practice in Mobridge, SD for 12 years before buying Spearfish Animal Hospital in May of 1999. In August of 2008 he opened Cremations at Lone Tree - an animal cremation facility.  In addition to SAH and the crematorium, Dr. Elsom is also the primary veterinarian at Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.  His care and patience with all creatures is apparent in all that he does.

Julie is the senior administrator at SAH.  She began working alongside Dr. Elsom shortly after he opened the hospital in 1999.  Julie loves her work, and her two children are proud of what she does.  The family has two rescued cats: Max and Chester. She believes in the good works that have become a part of her daily routine at Spearfish Animal Hospital.

Sherry - Receptionist

Sherry has been with SAH for over four years. She has two daughters, Jerica and Jacie. Her daughter Jerica works at the hospital as well. She also has 3 beautiful granddaughters with one more grandchild on the way.  Sherry has 3 dogs and 3 cats at home, and loves to spend her free time quilting.

Jerica fulfilled her life-long dream of helping animals when she graduated in May, 2005 at National American University in Rapid City. She began her career at Spearfish Animal Hospital shortly after certification. Jerica is responsible for ordering the medical supplies for the hospital and also manages Cremations at Lone Tree.  Jerica spends her free time with her family of two daughters (and one more on the way), two dogs, four cats and a husband.

 

Stephanie - Veterinary Technician

 

Stephanie graduated from Pima Medical Institute in Seattle, WA in 2009 and has vet tech experience in oncology and emergency medicine. Stephanie moved back home and joined SAH in May 2010.  In addition to hospital work, Stephanie is being trained to take primary responsibility for vaccinating all of the animals at Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.  Any spare time is used up by her blue heeler, Moxie and her Harley.

Rachael graduated from Macomb Community College in Michigan and worked in small animal medicine until she moved to Newell, SD in 2005. Rachel and her husband have one son and two daughters, a dog, a cat, two fish, and an assortment of farm animals. She loves her work and feels that it has helped her adjust from city life to farmer's wife.

Janesa - Groomer