Staff
"I am very proud of our staff. Each of them comes to work every day with the goal of providing your pet with the best care veterinary medicine has to offer and you with exceptional service. Each of them is constantly working to improve their knowledge and skills and looking for ways to serve you better. If there is anything they can do to help you, please ask them."
— Robert Spencer, DVM
Practice Manager
Trisha Bluske, Practice Manager
Growing up in a small town in Minnesota Trisha has always had a love for animals.
Trisha received her Associates Degree in Marketing from WTC. While going to school, she volunteered at the Coulee Region Humane Society.
Trisha joined the Hillside Animal Hospital team in November, 2020. “It’s a fulfilling career where we make a difference in the lives of our clients and their pets.”
Outside of the clinic she enjoys hiking, cooking/baking, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. One of Trisha’s greatest joys in life is being an aunt. She shares her home with her husband Jeff, cat Finley, and German Shepherd Lexi Lou.
Certified Veterinary Nurses
Mandy Grams, Certified Veterinary Nurse
Mandy grew up in La Crosse, WI.
Mandy received her Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology from Rochester Community and Technical College in 2008. Mandy is credentialed in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Mandy joined Hillside Animal Hospital in April of 2008. “I enjoy working at Hillside because I truly love the attention paid to patient care here. We have very dedicated staff that enjoy making sure the animals are comfortable, and I feel that our care for patients in the hospital as well as during and after surgery is exceptional.”
Outside of work Mandy enjoys being outdoors; hiking, fishing, and gardening. She shares her home with her partner, Casey, and cat Oliver.
Amanda Ross, Certified Veterinary Nurse
Amanda grew up in Tomah, WI. Her past service at a sled dog shelter while living in Alaska is the main force of inspiration for her to seek an animal-related career.
Amanda received her Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology from Globe University in 2014.
Amanda joined Hillside Animal Hospital in April of 2013. “Sometimes it’s stressful and scary coming to an environment away from home. I enjoy trying to make each stay as comfortable as possible,” she explains. This is quite an easy feat for her, since she treats each arrival as if he or she were her own pet.
Outside of work Amanda enjoys attending concerts, traveling, hiking, swimming/kayaking, biking, and relaxing inside reading or crafting. She shares her home with her partner, Klayton and their cats; Dahlia, Alice, Toothless, and dog Lenore.
Diana Ornes, Certified Veterinary Nurse
Diana grew up in Marshfield, WI. After meeting her husband and owning a dairy farm together, she decided to go back to school for a degree in Veterinary Nursing.
Diana received her Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology from Globe University in 2013.
Diana previously worked in kennels at Hillside while attending Globe, and she re-joined Hillside Animal Hospital in June of 2021. “Hillside’s standard of care is exceptional, and my experiences as a CVT at another practice has shaped me to be attentive and compassionate to both clients and the animals we care for at Hillside.”
Outside of work Diana and her family enjoy competing at sheep shows, house plants, flower gardening, and antiquing. Diana shares her home with her husband, Matt, their kids and pets.
Veterinary Technicians
Maria Cox, Veterinary Technician
Maria grew up in La Crosse, WI. Growing up with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and starting her own dog sitting business at a young age, she has always had a passion for helping animals.
Maria received her Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology from Globe University in 2017.
Maria joined Hillside Animal Hospital in February 2018. “All of the staff are so nice and accepting, they are willing to help wherever needed. We put the health and well-being of our patients first and value each other as coworkers. We all know how to work together in an efficient and positive way.”
Outside of work Maria enjoys playing tennis, watching horror movies, and hiking. Maria shares her home with her partner, Aaron, and their cats, Doobie and Dandelion.
Exam Room Assistants
Jackie Smith, Exam Room Assistant
Jackie grew up in La Crosse, WI. She always looked forward to the county fair where she could spend time in the animal barns. The atmosphere and animal presence made her calm, and drove her to a career in veterinary medicine.
Jackie joined Hillside Animal Hospital in February 2001. "My fellow staff members are so fun to be with that they are like family to me."
Outside of work Jackie enjoys watching river boats; like the American Queen, and painting portraits. She shares her home with her husband Rich, their pet rabbits, cats, and their collie Freya.
Judy Miller, Exam Room Assistant & Receptionist
Judy grew up in La Crosse, WI and Coon Valley, WI. Her admiration for animals started when she was very young. Growing up her family had two cats, a bird, a dog, and a fish.
Judy graduated in 2017 from UW- LaCrosse with a major in Psychology and a minor in Communications.
Judy joined the Hillside Animal Hospital in November of 2017. “I like interacting with clients and their pets, the doctors and staff are really great to work with, and the surrounding area that the clinic is set in is gorgeous.”
Outside of work Judy enjoys playing trumpet, fishing, crocheting, and playing video games with friends and family. She shares her home with her husband Dylan, their dogs, Lewis & Trooper, and a bearded dragon named Toothless.
Gwen Petrillo, Exam Room Assistant
Gwen grew up in Fountain, MN on a hobby farm with various animals, which inspired her to work in the veterinary field.
Gwen graduated from UW- La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science - Biology in 2017.
Gwen joined Hillside Animal Hospital in March of 2021. “I like working here at Hillside Animal Hospital because the staff is so friendly and helpful with clients, patients, and fellow staff members.”
Outside of work Gwen enjoys reading, writing, hiking, video games, gardening, and baking. She shares her home with her pet rats.
Shelby Cary, Exam Room Assistant & Receptionist
Shelby grew up in La Crosse, WI. Growing up her mother and grandmother were her biggest supporters. She had a variety of animals including goats, rabbits, poultry, and other pets.
Shelby joined the Hillside Animal Hospital in February 2023. “I grew up with my pets going to Hillside for veterinary care and the staff always did a great job explaining things and educating me more about this field that I’ve always wanted to be a part of.”
Outside of work Shelby enjoys caring for her pets, aquariums, and plants. She shares her home with her pets Banjo, Gecko, Margo, Rhino, Domino, Pyro, and Tomato.
Avalon Jacobson, Exam Room Assistant
Avalon grew up in Peterson, MN. Growing up on a farm and showing cattle and goats helped cultivate her love of animals.
Avalon graduated in 2024 from UW-River Falls with a BS Major in Animal Science - Companion Animal Management and a minor in graphic design.
Avalon joined Hillside Animal Hospital in May 2024. "I really enjoy the welcoming environment and staff-patient relationships of Hillside."
Outside of work Avalon enjoys sports, painting, crocheting, and needle art. She shares her home with several cats.
Kennel Attendants
Rhonda Pichner, Kennel Attendant
Rhonda grew up in Tomah, WI. She has always enjoyed spending her time caring for dogs.
Rhonda joined Hillside Animal Hospital in February 2018. “I enjoy spending time with all of the animals and playing with them.” Rhonda always has a positive attitude and is incredibly devoted. She also rehabilitates rescue dogs through a local rescue.
Outside of work Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family, mountain biking, going for walks, and shopping. She shares her home with her husband David, and pets.
Receptionists
Laurie Copper, Receptionist
Laurie grew up in La Crosse, WI. Growing up her family brought their pets to Hillside, and when the opportunity arose, she was excited to join the team at Hillside.
Laurie joined Hillside Animal Hospital in April of 2008. "We have a wonderful and caring staff and I enjoy meeting all of the families and their pets."
Outside of work Laurie enjoys spending time with her children, walking, biking, snowshoeing, tennis, and cooking. Laurie shares her home with her husband Mike, and Labrador Benny.
Holly Sauer, Receptionist & Exam Room Assistant
Holly grew up in rural SE Minnesota. She had a variety of animals growing up including horses, goats, dogs, and cats, which gave her an appreciation and love for animals. She feels incredibly fortunate to work with a group of people who share the same values.
Holly joined Hillside Animal Hospital in May of 2019. “Everyone is so compassionate and truly values the human-animal bond. The staff is dedicated to their profession and they make sure that patients receive the best care possible.”
Outside of work Holly shows her dogs at AKC Conformation dog shows and she is an active member of the Minnesota Boxer Club and Coulee Kennel Club. She shares her home with her boxers: Tripp and Rory.
Stephanie Thornton, Receptionist
Stephanie grew up in Henderson, Kentucky. She enjoys being around animals of all kinds.
Stephanie graduated in 1997 from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Hospitality Administration from The Business School.
Stephanie joined Hillside Animal Hospital in July 2020. “I really enjoy being around awesome people and adorable pets, being at Hillside hardly feels like work.”
Outside of work Stephanie enjoys running, spending time with family, watching and playing sports, and is an avid baseball fan! She shares her home with her husband Matt, son Jacob, and their dog Pancake.
Brittni Eden, Receptionist
Brittni grew up in Sparta, WI. Growing up her family farm had many opportunities to raise animals, her fondest memory being her Curly Coat Bichon puppy named, Resah.
Brittni joined Hillside Animal Hospital in February 2022. “The first time I walked into Hillside Animal Hospital it felt very welcoming. It’s a privilege to work here and have an important part in the care of all the pets that come here.”
Outside of work Brittni enjoys gardening, canning, hunting, sewing, and cooking. She shares her home with her cats and dogs.
Hannah Jorstad, Receptionist & Exam Room Assistant
Hannah grew up in Westby, WI. She has always loved animals, but the loss of her dog turned her compassion towards helping patients and owners with end of life care, and becoming a CVT in the future.
Hannah joined Hillside Animal Hospital in May of 2022. “I like working for Hillside Animal Hospital because I feel that the staff all genuinely want to help animals and are all extremely kind and welcoming.”
Outside of work Hannah enjoys hiking, reading, and drawing. She shares her home with her partner Harrison and their cats.
Julia Mayer, Receptionist & Exam Room Assistant
Julia grew up in Holmen, WI. When she is around animals it makes her feel happy and she is drawn to working in the veterinary field, she aspires to be a Veterinarian.
Julia joined Hillside Animal Hospital in September 2022. “Hillside is full of people who all love animals, and it is clear that everyone wants to do anything they can to help pets and their owners.” Julia is a student at UW La Crosse pursuing a major in Biology, Pre-Veterinary Emphasis.
Outside of work Julia enjoys reading, painting, hiking, and rollerblading. She also volunteers at Coulee Region Humane Society. She has two dogs Maisy and Lilly.
Carissa Goddeau, Receptionist
Carissa grew up in La Crosse, WI. Pets have been an impactful part of her life and she enjoys keeping others' pets happy and healthy here at Hillside.
Carissa joined Hillside Animal Hospital in October of 2023. "I was a client and I felt like the team was so nice and happy, and Hillside would be a wonderful place to work." Carissa has a BBA in Management and Political Science with a minor in Chinese Professional Communication.
Outside of work Carissa volunteers at CRHS and USFWS Upper Mississippi River Refuge Visitor Center, and enjoys recreational curling. Carissa shares her home with her partner Jacob, and Chihuahua Nugget.