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Meet Our Team

Dr. Shane Garner

Medical Director

Dr. Shane Garner is a passionate veterinarian who thrives in his dedicated career. With a profound love for both people and animals, he finds immense joy in the unique connection between humans and their furry companions. Dr. Garner is committed to ensuring a positive experience for both pets and their owners during veterinary visits. His efforts are focused on alleviating any stress that pets may feel, creating a comfortable environment for all.

Known for his positive and light-hearted approach, Dr. Garner brings a touch of humor to the veterinary team with his collection of dad jokes. Outside of the clinic, he cherishes moments with his family and engages in activities such as hiking, camping, and playing the guitar. Dr. Shane Garner is not just a veterinarian but a dedicated advocate for the well-being and happiness of both pets and their human families.

Dr. Cassandra Heath

Veterinarian

Dr. Heath (like the candy bar!) grew up on a farm one hour west of Lincoln. She knew that she wanted to be a part of this profession after riding along with the local veterinarian during career day in high school. She watched him treat an injured alpaca, and realized that this lifelong journey was what she wanted to embark on. Dr. Heath will celebrate 10 years as a veterinarian in May of 2024. She says that her husband and two daughters have been an intricate part of this journey along the way. Communicating treatment and preventative wellness plans are very important in patient care and she takes pride in guiding owners in the best way to care for their pets. When taking off the stethoscope at the end of the day, she enjoys camping and spending time with friends and family!

Christian R.

Lead Veterinary Assistant

Originally from the Nebraska Panhandle, Christian is one of our talented vet assistants. She may be a familiar face in the clinic, as she has been with our team since July of 2018, and has made this clinic her “home away from home.” Christian’s love for animals is evident in her calm, patient nature with even the most fearful and grumpy patients: she has earned her title of our “animal whisperer.” Christian has always been an advocate for animals, choosing to spend her spare time helping with local rescues via fostering and advice. When she isn’t spending time with patients in the clinic, she is home snuggling her three dogs, Cooper, Ellie, and Ollie, and her five cats: Murray, Monkey, Calvin, Hobbes and Walter.

Bonnie J.

Veterinary Assistant

Bonnie grew up in Beatrice, NE on a little farm outside of town. A love for animals was instilled in her since she can remember. In her younger years, she lived on a family dairy farm and eventually grew up to work there for a few years. Growing up, she was always known as "the girl with a zoo at home" because she and her family had any farm animal you could think of, including almost 100 Boer goats! Bonnie's love for dogs really came into play when she got her Border Collie, "Havana" in May of 2021 (you may have seen her around the clinic if you've been in recently!). Bonnie has had the dream of working in veterinary medicine since she was able to talk, and is currently enrolled in an online veterinary technician program! When she is not at the clinic, she is spending time with her nieces and nephews, or working on the farm.

Kylie H.

Veterinary Assistant

Kylie is another one of our marvelous veterinary assistants. Kylie is originally from Branson, Missouri, and has been with Cotner Pet Care since November 2018. She received her B.A. in Psychology from University of Nebraska- Lincoln in 2019. After graduation, Kylie worked as a full-time vet assistant while also working as the laboratory manager for the UNL Avian Cognition and Canine Cognition Laboratories. In 2021, Kylie decided to pursue her M.A./PhD. graduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska- Omaha with her research focused on understanding stress in canines and the dog-owner bond. When not in school or at the clinic, Kylie enjoys hiking, traveling, and visiting National Parks with her husband, Sam, and their Cocker Spaniel/Australian Shepherd mix, Howie.

Lindsey B.

Veterinary Assistant

Lindsey is also one of our wonderful veterinary assistants. Since she is an undergraduate at University of Nebraska- Lincoln working towards her ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian, most of her free time is spent studying or enjoying the amazing student life Lincoln has to offer. In her little downtime, she prioritizes time spent with her friends and family.

Madalyn B.

Veterinary Assistant

Madalyn is the dog mom of three very spoiled boys, all rescues coming from neglectful owners. She was born and raised here in Lincoln, NE. She spent a lot of her time growing up in Fairbury, NE, working with her grandfather at his veterinary clinic. Helping and learning anyway she could while growing her love for animals. Madalyn is still following her dream and passion of working with animals. Most of her free time is spent with her family and boyfriend outdoors, either hunting, fishing, or camping. She also enjoys training with her dogs, experiencing dog expos, or enjoying the trails with her three fur babies.

Madyson W.

Hospital Manager

Madyson recently became a Lincoln, NE, resident after living her entire life in Des Moines, Iowa! There, she studied Veterinary Technology and Animal Science at a local college and has been a veterinary assistant for the last few years. She married a UNL grad student in May 2023 and made the big move! Her dog, Bella, is a cancer survivor as of July 2023, though Bella continues treatment in Iowa. Madyson and her husband have a spunky tuxedo cat named Zuko, a little black kitty named Be'lakor that they rescued from their apartment dumpster, and are expecting their first non-fur child, Wilma, in April of 2024! Madyson’s hobbies include painting, keeping her house plants alive, educating clients on veterinary medicine, and seeing Broadway musicals!

Jodi B.

Receptionist

Jodi is one of our client care specialists, she grew up in Columbus NE, married her high school sweetheart 33 years ago. She has 3 children, Rachael, Sarah and Joelle and 2 dogs, Shadow a Cuban Havanese and Ginger a German Shepherd. Jodi enjoys crocheting, reading and travelling, especially seeing the mountains which reminds her how magnificent the creator of the universe is. She has a servant heart for helping people and animals, it is her passion.

Autumn R.

Groomer

My name is Autumn! I have been grooming since 1995 and have a special interest and bond with feline patients. I was born in Colorado, but have lived in Lincoln since I was five years old. I love grooming and enjoy pampering pets and helping them feel their best with a brand-new look. I truly love all animals. My favorite hobbies include TNR and feral cat socialization, photography, hiking, and crystal collecting. One of my more unusual hobbies is arachnids and interacting with praying mantis!