Dr. Mine brings over 20 years of compassionate, high-level veterinary experience to the team, caring for dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents. She has special interest in brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, and is renowned for her signature "Breathe Better" surgeries including soft palate, stenotic nares, entropion, and facial fold procedures, helping pets breathe easier and live healthier, happier lives. 

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Beyond surgery, Dr. Mine provides comprehensive veterinary medical care, integrating her training in physical therapy and acupuncture, when needed to support recovery, pain management and overall wellness. With her advanced surgical training, she also performs a wide range of oncologic and soft-tissue surgeries, bringing together skill, innovation, empathy, and a meticulous approach that clients trust deeply.

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Outside of clinic, Dr. Mine enjoys life with her husband and their two cats Toby and Honey. She is passionate about bachata and salsa dancing, travelling, and exploring new cultures

Dr. Alicia knew she wanted to be a veterinarian by the age of five, and her journey began in earnest at 16 when she landed her first clinic job. She worked her way through every position in veterinary care before earning her DVM from the University of Missouri in 2014. After starting her career in Chicago, she returned home to St. Louis in 2018. Dr. Alicia emphasizes a fear-free, education-forward approach to medicine, always balancing medical excellence with client partnership and patient comfort.

Her clinical passions include surgery, neurology, nutrition, and the emotional well-being of pets. Outside the exam room, Dr. Alicia enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and occasional rock climbing with her husband, kids, and their dog, Nitro. Her favorite indulgences include frozen yogurt and jalapeño chips—and while she’s terrified of heights, she never lets that stop her from living a full and adventurous life.

Dr. Courtney is a veterinarian who has dedicated her life to animal care from a young age. She began working in a veterinary clinic at just 15 years old as an assistant, and her passion for the field only grew stronger. Surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and even ferrets while growing up, she knew early on that she was destined to become a veterinarian. She graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and returned home to St. Louis to serve the community where she was raised. During veterinary school, Dr. Courtney worked as an overnight ER assistant, where she discovered a love for emergency medicine. Her clinical interests include surgery, ultrasonography, and emergency and critical care.

Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Courtney is deeply committed to the human-animal bond and takes pride in working alongside clients to provide the best possible care for their pets.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling as much as possible, hiking, skiing, reading, and exploring new restaurants. At home, she loves spending time with her three dogs—often curled up together for a cozy day on the couch.

Dr. Bauer earned her veterinary degree from Louisiana State University in 2014 and began her career in Las Vegas before settling in St. Louis in 2015. Her focus areas include small animal preventative care, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. Clients appreciate Dr. Bauer’s calm, communicative style and her ability to create personalized, proactive treatment plans that keep pets healthy and thriving.

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Outside of the hospital, Dr. Bauer enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, Aurora and Jovi. Originally from Louisiana, she remains a proud LSU Tiger and loyal New Orleans Saints fan. When she’s not cheering during football season, you’ll find her exploring local parks, trying new southern recipes, or planning the next family adventure.

My love for animals started young as I had a passion for rescuing animals and even helped establish a feline rescue in my hometown. In my undergraduate years, I cared for a variety of animals: fish, reptiles, and exotic birds as I studied marine biology. As a recent graduate at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, I look

forward to caring for small animals and some exotics: rodents, reptiles, avians.

My clinical interests center around wellness and urgent care, endoscopy, surgery, and dentistry. As well, after 4 years in the raptor rehabilitation project at MU, I have a special growing interest in avians and exotics. My overall philosophy in veterinary medicine is to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while building strong relationships with both pets and their owners. I believe good medicine is not only about treating illness, but also about advocating for the patient, preventing problems when possible, and supporting families through every stage of care.

I think clients appreciate the attentiveness, compassion, and level of care I bring to every interaction. I strive to make both pets and their owners feel comfortable, heard,

and genuinely cared for. I work to create a low-stress, positive experience by meeting patients where they are most comfortable and building trust and connection rather than

making the visit feel intimidating. I also believe clients value strong communication and follow-through. I want owners to feel respected, supported, and confident that I’m fully invested in both their pet’s wellbeing and their overall experience.

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with my significant other working out, going on walks/hikes, playing pickleball, building Legos, and finding new parks to explore and community events to attend.

I have 3 cats: Punkin, Torti, and Houdini, that either keep me cozy on the couch or on my toes at playtime.

Dr. Fahnestock began her veterinary career as a registered veterinary technician before earning her DVM from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2013. She has since built a career in general practice, driven by her love of the human-animal bond and her dedication to holistic, relationship-centered care. Her clinical interests include preventive medicine, surgery, behavioral health, and exotic pet care.

Known for her thoughtful, science-based approach, Dr. Fahnestock works to ensure that both pets and their people feel heard and supported. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys hiking, gardening, camping, and time at home with her husband, her son Harper, two cats, and two dogs. She’s also a proud plant parent and has a serious love for chocolate.

Yuliia graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine in Ukraine in 2015 and is now pursuing U.S. credentialing while contributing as a veterinary assistant. She brings international expertise, a strong academic foundation, and an eagerness to learn and grow within the American veterinary system.

Yuliia’s professional interests include dermatology and neurology, and she regularly attends veterinary seminars and continuing education courses. Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling, painting, and spending time with animals of all kinds.

A proud graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine (Class of 1984), Dr. Gwen brings decades of experience and wisdom to the team. She has a special interest in general wellness and preventive care and values lasting relationships with pets and their families.

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Outside the clinic, Dr. Gwen enjoys spending time with her husband, Frank, and their beloved pets—two dogs, Alvin and June, and two cats, Reba and Carlos. She’s happiest when she’s outdoors gardening, exercising, or planning her next travel adventure.

Ana earned her DVM degree from Mexico and is in the process of completing her US equivalence. She has over 10 years of experience in the field, and specializes in the emergency and critical care of veterinary patients. Over the course of her career, she has also developed skills in diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and endoscopy. She is deeply passionate about my profession and dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care, particularly in fast-paced clinical settings. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys reading, fitness, and exploring new places.

I have two years of veterinary medicine experience, complemented by a 10+ year background in Human Resources and Client Communications. I have thoroughly enjoyed transitioning into veterinary medicine because it allows me to help both pets and humans. I am most passionate about providing a safe space for clients and pets to feel comfortable walking into knowing that they will receive the best care possible.

Outside of work, I enjoy baking fresh bread, sewing, and organizing.

I have two cats, Dakota (16) and Azula (11), who I love more than anything in the world. I also have an aquatic turtle, Puck (8), that stays with his grandma to keep her active.

Bailey joined the Southwick team in 2025 as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Veterinary Technician Institute at Hickey College in 2016. Her favorite part of the job is helping animals and their owners. She has three pets, John Henry her horse, Conway her dog, and Barn Kitty, her cat. She loves riding horses, reading, hiking and team roping. 

Skye joined the Southwick team in 2024. She has a passion for working with the animals and has worked in the veterinary field since 2015. She has an amazing son, Dawson, 2 cats(Oreo & Aries) and 1 dog (Bella.)

Kylie has been a Registered Veterinary Technician for almost a decade. She worked previously as an overnight ER nurse for 5 years and quickly moved into a managing position at another facility. She lives out on farmland in IL with her son, husband, and two dogs. Kylie's interest are surgery, critical care, and having a good cup of coffee.

Taylor has been a cornerstone of the Southwick care team for more than four years. With a deep passion for animals of all sizes, she brings unmatched energy and dedication to her role. Whether she’s assisting with routine checkups or comforting pets post-surgery, Taylor is always eager to help.

Her personal zoo includes three dogs, two cats, three horses, and a few cows, which keeps her very busy outside of work. Taylor is also a devoted fan of Harry Potter and loves a good movie marathon on a rainy day. Nature, family, and a bit of magic are what make her world go round.

Forde started her career as a technician in 2008 and has worked in shelter medicine, general practice, and emergency medicine. She joined our team in 2025. Forde is dedicated to finding ways to enhance the comfort and care for her patients and their owners, and enjoys spoiling all her puppy and kitten patients!  When not in the clinic, you can find Forde crafting, thrifting, tinkering, and collecting yarn to send to Blankets of Hope! 

Gabby joined the Southwick team in 2025. She has always had a deep love for the animals and delighted to help other taking care of their beloved pets

Amanda joined the Southwick team in 2025, bringing over 5 years of experience in the veterinary field. She has a special passion for client education and preventive care, helping pet owners feel confident and informed about their pets' health. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from UMSL, along with a certification in Wildlife Conservation Biology. Inspired by the joy and curiosity of Steve Irwin and the storytelling of Sir David Attenborough, she has dedicated her career to deepening the connection between people and animals.

At home, Amanda shares her life with her two cats, Carl and Goose, though Goose insists on answering only to "Goo Goo". Rescued as a kitten with his littermates outside her previous clinic, "Goo Goo" holds a special place in her heart!

Ally joined the Southwick team in 2025 as a Veterinary Assistant/ Receptionist. She graduated from South County Tech as a Certified Veterinary Assistant in 2016. She enjoys connecting to and comforting her patients. She shares her home with her Husband, 2 kids, a cat, and a bird. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and playing volleyball.

I went to Jefferson College for the Veterinary Assistant Program and graduated in 2011 as a CVA. Then, I attended technician school through Penn Foster Online and graduated in 2022 as an RVT.

I am most passionate about monitoring surgery and performing dental cleanings. I enjoy anytime I can make a fur baby feel and look better than when they first arrived. I also love working with small pocket pets like rats and guinea pigs.

In my free time, I love to go hiking with my dog, read good thriller murder books, garden, and play video games. I have three cats: Captain Hook (17yr old DSH Orange Tabby), Baker (1yr old tripod Orange Tabby) and Wendy (5yr old DSH Black and White); one dog, NaVi (10yr old Red Heeler Corgi Mix); and 4 rats: Slayter, Kylo Ren, Jimmy and Steve.

Olivia joined the Southwick team in 2025. She is currently finishing her undergraduate degree at Saint Louis University and plans to pursue veterinary school, with a special interest in small animal medicine and surgery. She enjoys helping with patient care, assisting in surgery, and supporting clients through every stage of their pets’ health. Outside of the clinic, Olivia loves volunteering with animal rescue organizations and spending time with her dog, Peanut.