About Us

Dr. Javery Benson graduated in 1997 from the University of MN College of Veterinary Medicine. Since that time he has practiced small animal medicine in the Twin Cities metro area. He has a Goldendoodle named Rufus and a calico cat named Finley.

When not at work Dr. Benson enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage children. He also enjoys woodworking.

Karen graduated from the Minnesota School of Business – Globe University in 2007. She joined Mendakota Animal Hospital in 2005 as a kennel attendant and worked her way up the ladder as a Certified Veterinary Technician. Karen has 1 cat and 1 dog at home that are both very relaxed fur babies. In her free time she likes to play softball, kickball, fish, camp and relax with her family and friends.

Krista graduated from the Medical Institute of Minnesota in 2000, and obtained her national and state certification in 2001. She joined Mendakota Animal Hospital in 2003. Her favorite part of her work is combining her passion for animal medicine and being able to communicate with pet owners about their healthcare. Krista has a strong interest in small animal anesthesia, and senior/geriatric pet care. Krista currently has 1 dog, and 3 cats. Outside of her work, she loves interacting with horses, reading, art, bike riding, and live music.

Alyssa graduated from Argosy University as a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2016. She joined Mendakota Animal Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant in 2014, completed her internship and remained on staff after obtaining her AAS in Veterinary Technology. She has a passion for cats, dogs and aquatic mammals. Alyssa has two cats at home whose very different personalities keep her on her toes. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys being creative by making cards, playing video games and spending time at her cabin.

Michelle graduated from Argosy University and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2013 with a BS in Animal Science with a Veterinary technician emphasis. She joined Mendakota Animal hospital in 2013 as a Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Attendant and after obtaining her certification became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2014. Michelle has two dogs and recently added a goldfish that her son won from a county fair. Outside of the clinic, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons. She also enjoys reading, drawing, arts and crafts, and collecting penguin art.

Nicole joined the Mendakota Team in 2021 as a Veterinary Assistant. She enjoys working with animals and is eager to learn about medicine and nutrition. Nicole has two dogs, 2 cats, and a leopard gecko. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, writing, and playing board games.

Michelle joined the Mendakota Team in 2021 as a Veterinary Assistant. She is very passionate about animals and knew she always wanted to work with them. Michelle has 2 dogs, a hedgehog and a crested gecko. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing video games, reading and spending time at her cabin.

Lilly joined the Mendakota team in 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant. She is a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota in the class of 2025 and has an interest in small animal medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her standard poodle, Olive, volunteering with student organizations, reading, and listening to live music.

Leslie joined the Mendakota team in 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant. Leslie is passionate about animals and their care. Leslie has 2 dogs and a gulper catfish. In her free time, she enjoys Muay Thai, hiking, foraging and playing video games.