Our La Crosse, WI Veterinarians
Dr. Casey Konrad, DVM
Dr. Konrad grew up on a dairy farm in Clintonville, WI. This constant interaction with animals fueled his desire to pursue a career where he could enhance their well-being.
Dr. Konrad received his Biology Undergraduate from UW-Madison in 2004. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and graduated summa cum laude. Before enrolling in veterinary school, he pursued pharmaceutical research at Covance Laboratories; working for two years as a Veterinary Technician, and another two years as a supervisor.
He graduated summa cum laude with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 from UW-Madison. He worked at the school’s veterinary teaching hospital alongside world-renowned professors. After graduation, he worked as a mixed animal Veterinarian in north-central Wisconsin.
For the next several years, Dr. Konrad gained valuable experience working as a mixed animal veterinarian.
Dr. Konrad joined Hillside Animal Hospital in January 2016, he became owner of Hillside Animal Hospital in 2020. He values the philosophy of providing superior client service, exceptional patient care, and developing trusting relationships with our clientele. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and the Coulee Region Veterinary Medical Association.
His professional interests include soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. “Every day presents new and interesting challenges that allow me to utilize both mental and physical skills to solve them.”
Outside of the clinic he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, volleyball, softball, gardening, and skiing. He shares his home with his partner, Mandy, and their cat.
Dr. Keith Schornack, DVM
Dr. Schornack grew up on a farm in Perham, MN where his family raised pigs, cattle, and pheasants. Caring for the animals on the farm drove his passion to learn more about their biology and compelled him towards veterinary medicine.
Dr. Schornack received his Bachelor’s Degree in Organismal Biology from South Dakota State University in 2014. While at SDSU he worked in the State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. After graduation he moved to Fargo, ND and worked for Biolife while working on his vet school application. In 2015, he was accepted to Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. While in school he worked in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Small Animal Intensive Care Unit. He graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State in 2019.
Dr. Schornack joined Hillside Animal Hospital in 2019. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and the Coulee Region Veterinary Medical Association.
His professional interests include soft tissue surgery. “Surgery is like a puzzle; there is a problem that needs to be fixed but the answer is not always straight-forward.” Dr. Schornack also enjoys that every day brings new challenges. “No two animals are alike, and although they may have similar problems, the same treatment is not always warranted.”
Outside of the clinic he enjoys hiking, fishing, traveling, volleyball, basketball and exploring the city. He shares his home with his fiance’, McKenzi, and three dogs; Liz, Addie & Jim.
Dr. Lindsey Harper, DVM
Dr. Harper grew up in La Crescent, MN. She developed a love for animals at a young age and had a variety of pets growing up. Her family has been farming since 1886, further sparking her interest in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Harper received her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science, Pre-Vet Emphasis from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and worked in a research comparative pathology lab. She then transferred to University of Minnesota and graduated in 2018 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
After graduation she worked at a mixed animal practice in Menomonie, WI for three years. Dr. Harper joined Hillside Animal Hospital in 2021. She is a member of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Coulee Region Veterinary Medical Association.
Her professional interests include endocrinology, preventative health, pathology, and microscopy. “I enjoy the challenge and diversity of veterinary medicine. My favorite aspect of veterinary medicine is being part of the human-animal bond.”
Outside of the clinic she enjoys hiking, fishing, boating, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with her family and friends. She shares her home with her partner, Tim, and two cats; Bubbles & Rowdy.
Dr. Joshua Hewitt, DVM
Dr. Hewitt grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA. His interest in Veterinary Medicine started after volunteering in an animal shelter and clinic setting.
Dr. Hewitt received his undergraduate in Animal Science with a minor in Microbiology from Iowa State University. He was one of the founding members of the Iowa State University Chapter of Veterinarians Without Borders. He graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor’s Degree, and graduated in 2021 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hewitt joined Hillside Animal Hospital in June 2021. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and the Coulee Region Veterinary Medical Association.
His professional interests include ophthalmology and feline medicine. “The thing I enjoy the most about being a veterinarian is seeing patients recover and return to their families.”
Outside of the clinic he enjoys camping, reading, hiking, fishing, and jigsaw puzzles. He shares his home with his wife, two dogs, and two cats.
Dr. Monica Wagner, DVM
Dr. Wagner grew up in Lansing, IA. Her experience milking cows in high school pushed her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Wagner received her Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry from UW-Stevens Point and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University.
Dr. Wagner worked at Hillside Animal Hospital from 2016-2018, she then worked as a mixed animal veterinarian, before rejoining the Hillside team in April 2023. She is a member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Her professional interests include dentistry and internal medicine. “The unparalleled, excellent quality of care and positive environment is what drew me back to Hillside Animal Hospital. I am so proud to be a part of the Hillside team and I look forward to serving pets and owners alike in the Coulee Region.”
Outside of the clinic she enjoys horseback riding, reading, camping, and cooking. Dr. Wagner shares her home with her horses Jane and Skyler, dog Waylon, and cats Willie and Liam.
Dr. Robert R. Spencer, DVM
Dr. Robert Spencer founded Hillside Animal Hospital in 1974 with the desire to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care to our patients and offer the best possible service to our clients. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While still a mentor to the team at Hillside Animal Hospital, Dr. Spencer is now happily retired.
Through his career, Dr. Spencer has been an active member of the La Crosse community and veterinarian community both locally and statewide.
He is married to Robyn, the love of his life since 1975. They have two sons, Adam and Peter
Remembering Our Beloved, Dr. Janet Veit
We hope people who love Janet will find comfort in reading her bio to remember and celebrate her life!
Dr. Janet Veit, DVM
Dr. Janet Veit joined Hillside Animal Hospital in 1996 after graduating from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from rural North Dakota, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Veit shared her home with her husband Brian, as well as their four-legged children: Deacon and Angus are Pointers, Dora is a Vizsla, and also Nigel and Cassia the Abyssinian cats. Their pets occupied much of their free time, as they are involved in dog showing in AKC conformation and hunt tests. Cassia, their newest pet, may also introduce them to the world of cat showing.
Dr. Veit was also involved with many dog clubs, locally with the Coulee Kennel Club, regionally with several Vizsla and Pointer clubs, and nationally with the American Pointer Club and the Vizsla Club of America.
Professionally she was a member of the Coulee Region Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association. She taught Pet First Aid classes for various organizations such as the American Red Cross and 4-H clubs, and was also trained in Dog Bite Prevention education.
In her last couple of years, one of Dr. Veit's growing passions involved trout fishing. She was an excellent fisher and took great interest in being outdoors on so many wonderful adventures with her husband, Brian. Remember Dr. Veit's incredible contributions to Hillside Animal Hospital and the world around her with us, as her memory and legacy will never be forgotten.