Emergency

Dr. Carrie Calhoun graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and knew that she wanted to be an emergency clinician. She completed a rotating small animal internship in emergency, medicine, and surgery in Seattle, Washington before joining our team at MVS.

Dr. Calhoun lives in Fitchburg with her golden retriever/Great Pyrenees mix named Charlie. In her free time, she enjoys running, paddle boarding, hiking and traveling.

Dr. Jim Graham is a Wisconsin native; being born in Hudson and growing up in Whitewater. He moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota for high school and spent a year of that in Maceio, Brazil! Dr. Graham attended Carelton College for his undergraduate degree and then the University of Minnesota for veterinary school. He joined the MVS team in 2021.

In his spare time, you can find Dr. Graham spending time with his family and friends and enjoys being outdoors and playing guitar.

After obtaining his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2010, Dr. Matt Keller worked in small animal emergency private practice for 12 years. He has a special interest in trauma, surgery, and wound management.  He pursued additional surgical training through a small animal surgical internship in Phoenix from 2019-2020.  Dr. Keller joined the MVS team in 2021 and provides both emergency surgery and clinical care services.  

When he’s not at work, Dr. Keller spends much of his time enjoying the outdoors and can be found hiking with his cat, Stella, or working on his farm in Iowa.  

Dr. Katy Klein graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She completed a rotating small animal internship in emergency, medicine, and surgery in Milwaukee, WI before joining our team at MVS.

Dr. Klein lives with her husband and two dogs, Oliver and Bernie Lou. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and biking.

Dr. Akshaya Maller came to the United States from India in 2007 to pursue her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She then went on to veterinary school at Iowa State and soon after completed a small animal rotating internship at North Carolina State University. Before joining us at MVS, Dr. Maller worked at a non-profit general practice clinic in Madison.

In her spare time, Dr. Maller enjoys running, kayaking and paddle boarding. She lives in Madison with her kitty named Fox. We’re so glad to have her on the MVS team!

Dr. McCaughey graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and began his emergency internship with MVS soon after. He enjoys emergency and critical care because it gives him an opportunity to make a positive impact on many different animals and their families every day.

Dr. McCaughey lives on Lake Monona in Downtown Madison and enjoys playing live music, playing hockey, skiing and many other outdoor activities. While he doesn’t currently have any pets of his own, Dr. McCaughey is known to steal a friend’s pet for a photo from time to time.

Dr. McKelvey was a part of our 2022-2023 emergency internship class and joined the MVS staff following completion.

Dr. Tiffany Patton attended Washington State University for both her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a minor in music and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a rotating internship at WestVet Specialty and Emergency center in Boise, ID before working in Washington, Iowa and Wisconsin as an emergency veterinarian. She enjoys working in emergency medicine because she “feels privileged to be able to help pets when they need her most.” Dr. Patton is particularly interested in toxicology, clinical pathology, transfusion medicine, would care management and ultrasound.

In her free time, Dr. Patton enjoys mountain biking, cross country skiing, alpine skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and traveling.  She shares her home with her 10 year old border collie mix, Moxie.

Dr. Nathan Strauss graduated from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 and completed his clinical year at the University of Florida. Dr. Strauss enjoys the challenge of living minimally while maximizing life. He lives in Middleton and spends his free time playing ultimate frisbee, paddle boarding and traveling. He has an affinity for Huskies, but for now is pet free while he focuses his attention and affection on his patients.

Dr. Mitchell Thomas grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin and always had a passion for pets and wildlife. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. During veterinary school, he spent several summers volunteering with primates and manatees at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Belize. After completing a small animal rotating internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., he then spent a year as an emergency clinician in Milwaukee.

Dr. Thomas and his husband live in Verona with their cockapoo, River. In his free time, Dr. Thomas enjoys spending time outside with his dog, working out, camping, and birdwatching.

Dr. Yao joined the MVS team in December 2024.

Dr. Ann Le completed her veterinary education at Ross University and her clinical year at UW Madison. After graduating in 2021, she began her career in her hometown of Austin, Texas, at an emergency and specialty hospital. Following a year in emergency medicine, Dr. Le returned to Madison, WI, in 2022 and worked as a general practitioner. Before joining MVS in 2024, she undertook relief work across Wisconsin in both general practice and emergency settings. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new food options and indulging in romantasy books. At home, Dr. Le shares her life with Mina, a beloved miniature poodle who is her soulmate; Winnie the Poodle, a standard poodle; Marvin, the orange cat; and Stowa, the tortoiseshell.

Dr. Palak Shah is originally from Naperville, IL. She researched fox behavior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she also received an undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences 2020. After completing her veterinary education at Kansas State University, she joined the MVS team in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys singing as well as playing the guitar, piano, and flute. She also likes to spend her free time giving back to the South Asian community by participating in cultural events dedicated to teaching the general public about Indian culture and customs. She shares her home with Eddy, a domestic medium haired cat, Anya, a Samoyed, and Echo, a Toy Yorkie.

Dr. Val Walech is originally from Brooklyn, NY and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. She worked as a general practice veterinarian in Chicago before joining the emergency and critical care team at MVS in 2024. 

Dr. Walech was born in Ukraine and speaks Russian. She and her wife share their home with Bruno, a long-coat Chihuahua and Cosima, their cat. Dr. Walech enjoys kayaking, cooking, and being outdoors. 

Maritza graduated in 2009 with an Associates in Applied Science from Rockford Career College and became a CVT the same year. She continued her education, graduating in 2016 with a Bachelors in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College in Florida.  Maritza has always had a passion for teaching and spent time teaching at Rockford Career College which also working at a local emergency clinic. Most recently, she passed the VTS exam in 2021 and became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and is a member of the Academy of Veterinary Emergency a Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN) . 

Maritza joined the MVS team in August 2022. She lives in Loves Park, IL and shares her home with her family and their Collie mix named Nala and two cats named Meeka and Lenny. In her free time, you can find Maritza hiking and hanging outside with her daughters and husband.

Jami obtained her bachelors degree in biology with a minor in animal science from UW Platteville in 2011 before pursuing her veterinary technician certification from Madison College in 2013. Growing up, Jami was the kind of kid who was always bringing stray animals home and knew that she wanted a career that involved caring for them every day. Jamie worked in general practice for 8 years before joining the MVS ER team in 2020.

Jami shares her home in with her husband and two very active little boys. Their family is completed with four dogs–a Pitbull named Daisy, Shepherd named Reggie and two Wired Haired Terriers named Hank and Harley. Their house doesn’t have many quiet days…and that’s just the way they like it!

Allison joined the MVS team in April 2024.

Baylee obtained her degree in Veterinary Technology from Madison College in 2019 and is working on her Bachelors in the same field from Mizzou. Prior to joining the MVS team in February 2022 as our laboratory technician, she worked as an emergency nurse at a different emergency veterinary clinic.

Baylee lives in Waunakee and shares her home with a DSH named Abigail, a Cockapoo named Mollie Jo, a Chihuahua mix named Joey, a Norwegian Forest Cat named and Eli and a goldfish named Shamu.

Advanced Training

-Dermatology
-Oncology
–Fear Free Certified
-Pet Loss Grief Counselor
-RECOVER CPR Certified

Bethany is a graduate of the Madison College Veterinary Technology Program and she spent 18 years in general practice before joining the Madison Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care team in April 2018. She also founded and operated Darling Pet Rescue for 11 years and volunteered for Madison Cat Project for 13 years. Bethany is Fear Free Certified (Elite level) in animal handling and her special interests include dermatology, oncology and behavior. Most recently, Bethany completed her certification as a Pet Loss Grief Recovery Specialist with the American Institute of Health Care Professionals in December of 2020.

When she isn’t at work, you can find Bethany hiking, gardening, mushroom hunting or working on home improvement projects. She shares a home in Stoughton with her husband and their three dogs: Hank, Mr. Snuffleupagus and Lillian, as well as four tortoises, three guinea pigs, a toad and her newts. Oh, and don’t forget her obsession with pet snails!

Cassi has been a part of the MVS emergency team since August, 2020.

Christina joined the MVS team in September 2024.

Emily grew up in Beaver Dam, WI. After graduating from Watertown in 1996, she relocated to Northern California in 1998. Emily took night classes in Santa Rosa, and trained on the job in emergency and specialty clinics. She then returned to Wisconsin to be closer to loved ones after becoming a RVT in 2008. In 2012, Emily became a CVT while working at Oregon Vet Clinic. Emily joined the internal medicine team at MVS in January of 2017, and now works with emergency and inpatient care. She loves that every day in the ER is an opportunity to learn or teach something new.

Emily lives with her boyfriend on the near east side of Madison, where they’ve been going to neighborhood restaurants and festivals for the past 10 years. When not so busy at work, she loves to be lazy at home with her 2 cats, 2 bearded dragons, a 20-year-old box turtle, and several fish. Emily is passionate for variety in music and art, science, good eats, and great memories.

Gwen graduated from UW-Platteville with a bachelors in animal science in May of 2021 and is currently enrolled in the veterinary technician program at Madison College. Gwen has always been passionate about animals and has experience with reptiles, rodents, livestock and companion animals. She enjoys being able to better the lives of animals and help both them and their ‘parents’ feel better. Gwen joined the MVS team in February 2022.

In her free time, Gwen enjoys walking her dogs, hanging out with friends & family, painting and anything outside. She shares her home with an American Staffordshire Terrier named Hugo and an American Bulldog mix named Piper.

Hannah joined the MVS team in January of 2023. Hannah went to Rockford Career College for an A.S. in veterinary technology. Graduated in 2017 and became licensed the same year. Hannah worked at an another animal ER straight out of school for 6 years before joining MVS. Hannah is currently obtaining a B.A.S. in veterinary technology through St. Petersburg college and is also RECOVER certified. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with family, is an avid reader, enjoys horror movies, and continuing education. Hannah has 2 cats, Gozer and Porkchop, plus 3 dogs, Julia (terrier mix), Jacks (pittie mix), and Sage (cane corso). 

Kayla joined the MVS emergency team in July 2024.

Lauren joined the MVS team in June 2023.

Molly joined the MVS team in August 2024.

Nikole attended M State in Fergus Falls, Minnesota and graduated with an applied associates degree in equine sciences in 2016. Then, she attended Broadview University in Madison and graduated in 2018 with an applied associates degree in veterinary technology. Nikole joined the MVS emergency team in November 2018.

In her free time, Nikole loves to hang out with her dog, fish, camp and watch the New Orleans Saints. She shares her home in Madison with her American Pit Bull Terriers named Hades and Lucifer.

Sarai joined the MVS team in October 2024.

Sam graduated from Globe University in 2014 and became a certified veterinary technician shortly after. She had worked for 10 years prior in general practice before joining the MVS emergency team in spring 2014.

Sam lives in Janesville with her family that includes a shih-tzu named Walker, a terrier mix named Willow, a yellow lab named Winston, and a kitty named Sniper. She spends most of her time with her husband Jason and their adorable children Jackson, born in 2017 and Peyton born in 2020!

Shell has been a part of the MVS emergency team since July, 2016.

Sierra completed her degree in veterinary technology at the Bel-Rea Institute in Denver before beginning her career, starting in general practice. After a year and a half, she made the jump to emergency medicine. Veterinary medicine was always in her plans, and she chose to be a technician because of her love of the nursing side of care. She knew ER was her passion following an internship in an ICU/ER at a specialty emergency clinic. Sierra thrives in the fast-paced ER environment and loves making a difference in the lives of our patients and their owners–from seeing the sick that get better and get to go home to helping families who are saying goodbye.

Sierra lives in Dodgeville and shares her home with her English Bulldog Harley, Husky mix Koda, four cats named Zara, Jinx, Wanda and Patches and a few chickens.

Vanessa joined the MVS team in June 2023.

Abbey has been a part of the MVS emergency team since January, 2014.

Sara came to MVS in September 2021 after working a few years in emergency medicine elsewhere. Her prior position gave her the opportunity to take care of the people who come with the pets, and being at MVS has allowed this to continue in an even bigger capacity. Sara’s hobbies include reading mostly nonfiction books and tarot cards, watching her “stories” such as the Real Housewives, and hanging around the house with her four cats; two orange boys, Marvin and Quincy (a blood donor!), a poofy brown tabby girl named Eleanor, and a sassy little calico girl named Stevie (yes, after Stevie Nicks). A fun fact about Sara is that she used to teach yoga and meditation, and in some weird way both things help her to do her current job better.

Bailee joined the MVS team in September 2023.

Braylyn has been a part of the MVS emergency team since August, 2022.

Brianna has been a part of the MVS emergency team since October, 2019.

Clara started working at MVS in March 2023. Before joining MVS, she worked in general practice in Iowa, having been immersed in the field her entire life due to her mother’s career in the same field. Clara attended Iowa State University studying Spanish and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys hiking, downhill skiing, soccer, drawing, and writing. Clara lives at home with Rico, a Border Collie; Pretzel, a 3 legged Domestic Shorthair; and Pickles, a Domestic Shorthair.

Isaac has been a part of the MVS emergency team since August, 2022.

Alexis has been a part of the MVS emergency team since December, 2021.

Jelsim joined the MVS team in December 2023.

JoAnn joined MVS May of 2020. She received an undergraduate degree in Entomology from UW-Madison and currently is a fourth year veterinary student at UW-Madison. Prior to joining MVS, she worked in large animal medicine for two years and has experience working on a calving farm. . JoAnn enjoys reading romantasy and doing archery and skiing in free time. She has two pets, one cat named Bumi who is a Domestic Medium Hair and one dog named Josie who is a German Shorthaired Pointer. She also shares her home with a few tropical fish in a freshwater aquarium. 

Lizz joined the MVS team in November 2023.

Luna joined the MVS team in October 2024.

Maeve joined the MVS team since February 2024.

Maxine has been a part of the MVS emergency team since September, 2022.

Oscar joined the MVS team in September 2023.

Serena joined the MVS team in July 2024.

Seth has been a part of the MVS emergency team since September, 2021.

Sidney joined the MVS team in July 2024.