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Meet Our Team

David M. Elsom

Jackie Martin

Melanie Garbel
Veterinarian / Owner
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
​Dr. Elsom graduated from Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine.  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. In April 2018 he opened Paws & Relax - a dog boarding and play-care facility. His care and patience with animals is apparent in all he does.
Dr. Martin graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and practiced in Iowa for several years before relocating to Spearfish. 

Dr. Jackie enjoys general medicine, surgery, acupuncture and working with hobby farm animals. 

In her spare time you will find her exploring the hills with her boxers Elmer and Elna.
Originally from St. Louis, Dr. Melanie Garbel moved to the Black Hills 8 years ago after graduating from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She met her husband in vet school; he is a large animal veterinarian in the area. Together they have a daughter who also loves animals! 

Dr. Garbel takes an interest in dermatology and preventative care, but her niche is in orthopedics; specifically fracture repairs and TPLOs. 

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, spending time with family and exploring the Black Hills.

Steph

Veterinary Technician / Back Office Manager
Steph started her career in veterinary emergency medicine and oncology while going to school in Seattle, WA. After graduating as a Veterinary Technician she moved back to the Black Hills in 2010 and joined Spearfish Animal Hospital. 

Shanae

Veterinary Receptionist, Front Office Manager/HR
Shanae is a Wyoming native who enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program in Torrington and worked at a local veterinary hospital. She made a move to the Black Hills and joined our team at Spearfish Animal Hospital in 2020. 

Amanda

Veterinary Technician
Amanda graduated from National American University and joined Spearfish Animal Hospital in 2019.   In addition to her technician duties at the hospital, Amanda also manages  our pet cremation service,  Cremations at Lone Tree.

LEXI

Veterinary Assistant

Brooke   

Veterinary Assistant
   
   

Rachael

Veterinary Technician
Rachael is our relief technician; you may see her when one of our technicians is on vacation or we need extra help. She graduated in 2002 in Michigan and started working at Spearfish Animal Hospital in 2005.  

Susan

Kennel Manager
Susan cares for our kennel visitors and keeps the hospital clean and stocked with supplies. Susan pays VERY close attention to all  of our visitors around the hospital, whether boarding, hospitalized, or just visiting for an appointment. No pet goes unnoticed or unloved!

Sheryl

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

Lucy

Groomer's Assistant
Lucy is a retired teacher from Custer who relocated to the Spearfish area. She loves the outdoors, people and especially, animals.

Scurvy

Kennel Attendant
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. 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.  And don't forget the comedic relief he provides!

Cheech & Chachi

President and VP of
​Spearfish Animal Hospital
 Our two resident cats: one a sweet diabetic old man and one a sassy young lad; they keep us smiling throughout our day.  

Destyn

Kennel Attendant