Meet Our Team

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David M. Elsom

Veterinarian

​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 1999. In August 2008 he opened Cremations at Lone Tree - an animal cremation facility. His care and patience with creatures is apparent in all he does.

Heather MahleN

Veterinarian

Dr. Mahlen graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and joined Spearfish Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian in 2017. Prior to that she played a significant role as our relief veterinarian for several years. Thorough, thoughtful, and caring are a few of many wonderful traits Dr. Mahlen brings to the team.

Julie

office manager

Julie is the senior administrator at Spearfish Animal Hospital. She began working alongside Dr. Elsom shortly after he opened the clinic in 1999. 

Sheryl

Receptionist

Coming in with significant experience in customer service, Sheryl joined the team in 2017 and keeps the front desk running smoothly.

Jerica

Veterinary Technician

Jerica graduated from National American University as a Veterinary Technician in 2005. She began her career with SAH shortly after her certification. In addition to her technician duties, she is responsible for management of Cremations at Lone Tree.

Steph

veterinary technician

Stephanie graduated as a Veterinary Technician out of Seattle, WA in 2009. She started her career focusing on oncology and emergency medicine. She joined Spearfish Animal Hospital in 2010 and currently helps oversee our sister boarding facility, Paws & Relax.

Brooke

Veterinary Assistant

With a previous background in kennel work, Brooke started working with in our kennel and has shown a real passion for animal health as well as a desire to learn, so she now assists our doctors and technicians.

Sheryl

Groomer

Sheryl started as a groomer's assistant and has blossomed into a very talented groomer herself. Her calm demeanor and patience helps keep our clients comfortable while they're in for their spa days.

Charolyn

Grooming assistant
​& Kennel Manager

Charolyn manages our boarding facility and staff as well as assisting with grooming. Her flexibility within the hospital benefits in many areas.

Susan

Kennel Attendant

Susan cares for our kennel visitors by day and keeps the hospital stocked with supplies. She's also a great vet assistant on the fly! Susan pays very close attention to our visitors around the hospital.

Scurvy

Kennel Attendent

Preferably known only by his nickname "Scurvy," he has been with SAH since 2013 and keeps a close watch on our kennel visitors during evenings and on weekends. He's always willing to lend a helping hand where he needs to and always checks in with our technicians whenever he has a concern after hours.

Cheech & Bailey

President and
​Vice President of S.A.H.

Cheech is our front desk greeter. From sitting like a meerkat, to digging through purses and assisting with the check writing process by way of chewing on your pen, he always keeps us laughing.

​Our 3-legged sweetheart Bailey likes to stay behind the scenes and observe from a distance. Once appointments are finished, she'll come out to play!