Meet Our Team

David M. Elsom

Veterinarian / Business Owner
​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. In April 2018 he opened Paws & Relax - a dog boarding and play-care facility. His care and patience with creatures is apparent in all he does.

Heather Mahlen

Associate 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. Thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and energy 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. 

Steph

Veterinary Technician
Steph graduated as a Veterinary Technician out of Seattle, WA in 2009.  She began her career focusing on emergency medicine and oncology.  In 2010 she moved back to the Black Hills and joined Spearfish Animal Hospital. 

Amanda

Veterinary Technician
Amanda graduated from National American University and joined Spearfish Animal Hospital in 2019.  Prior to, she took care of our clients at Paws & Relax.  In addition to her technician duties at the hospital, Amanda also manages  our pet cremation service,  Cremations at Lone Tree.

Shanae

Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist
Shanae is a Wyoming native who enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program in Torrington  and worked at a local veterinary hospital. She recently moved to the Black Hills and her sweet nature and bubbly personality joined our team at Spearfish Animal Hospital.

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.

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.

Susan

Kennel Manager
Susan cares for our kennel visitors and keeps the hospital stocked with supplies. She's also a great vet assistant on the fly! 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 unloved!

Brooke

Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist
Brooke is our veterinary assistant, fill in kennel staff, receptionist and more! She just loves to be around the animals and has been working in the field for a number of years.  Brooke is also a certified dog trainer and runs her business: Train. Treat. Repeat!

Charolyn

Grooming assistant
Charolyn assists our groomer, Sheryl. The duo has been working so closely together for a number of years that they can just about read each other's minds! They create the perfect atmosphere for your pets while they're getting pampered. 

Scurvy

Cheech & Chachi
Kennel Attendant
President and VP of Spearfish Animal Hospital
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.