Four Countrycare team members standing together at the front desk

About us

Meet our team

Get to know our doctors and staff. We all love animals!

Our doctors

Involved in every choice

We want you to be involved in your pet’s health care and choices. We spend the extra time to thoroughly discuss your pet’s health and medical conditions so that you can make educated choices about their health care needs.

Dr. Karen Strickfaden and a Countrycare technician kneel on the exam room floor with a smiling border collie

D.V.M., B.S., C.A.C., C.V.A.

Dr. Karen Strickfaden

Dr. Strickfaden’s interest in holistic medicine has stemmed from her personal experiences and her own medical issues growing up. She enjoys the challenge of helping an animal that no one else could. She is originally from Troy, Michigan. She shares her home with Chaz, her Boxer mix and Pooh and Tigger, her cats.

Dr. Strickfaden believes pets have taught her the meaning of unconditional love: a quiet loyalty, shared routines, and a comfort that never needs words. The bond runs both ways, and her role as a veterinarian is to honor, heal, and protect that connection when it matters most.

  • B.S. in Biology, University of Michigan, cum laude
  • D.V.M., Michigan State University, Phi Zeta honors
  • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
  • Certified in Animal Chiropractic
  • Practice emphasis: holistic medicine

Post graduate courses and training

  • Biophysical wellness support
  • Western & Chinese Herbology
  • Flower Essence Therapy
  • Applied Kinesiology
  • Craniosacral therapy
  • Osteopathic Animal Normalization Therapy
  • IASIS Neurofeedback Therapy
Explore holistic care
Dr. Karen Strickfaden

D.V.M., B.S.

Dr. Aili Heintz

Dr. Heintz is originally from the area and grew up just outside of Howard. She is married and has 2 sons. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, family adventures, and fishing and swimming. She shares her home with a dog named Bonnie.

Dr. Heintz believes there is nothing better at the end of the day than being greeted at the door by her dog’s wagging tail and happy kisses! Even on the toughest days, pets remind us that we are loved. They teach us what matters most is being present with one another.

  • B.S. in Science in Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, magna cum laude candidate
  • D.V.M., University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, high honors
  • Practice emphasis: exotic medicine, small animal medicine and surgery
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Dr. Aili Heintz

Our staff

Get to know our staff

We all love animals! Select anyone’s photo to learn more about them.

Join our team
  • Jenny

    Jenny

    Practice Manager

    Jenny believes the human-animal bond is built on trust, companionship, and unconditional love. She feels the Countrycare team honors that connection by treating every pet with compassion and respect while supporting the people who love them.

  • Becky

    Becky

    Liaison

    Becky believes pets are much more than companions. They’re teachers, cuddle buddies, and experts at turning ordinary days into something special. The love and connection pets give us is a gift she could not imagine living without.

  • Joanne

    Joanne

    Communication Coordinator

    Joanne is fascinated by how people and animals connect and learn from each other without sharing a common language. Her dogs have taught her that sometimes the best lessons come from simply paying attention and living in the present moment.

  • Sami

    Sami

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    Pets play an important role in Sami’s life, bringing comfort and lifting her spirits in the simplest ways. Sometimes, all it takes is a little meow or a gentle rub against her leg to make a difficult day better. She appreciates the small, everyday ways animals make life brighter.

  • Brooke

    Brooke

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    Brooke values being part of a veterinary team that looks at the whole pet and offers an integrative approach to care. She believes pets provide a kind of companionship that humans cannot fully replicate. They don’t judge us; they just give us unconditional love.

  • Kaitlyn P.

    Kaitlyn P.

    Certified Veterinary Technologist

    Kaitlyn cannot imagine life without animals in it. They provide us with immeasurable and unconditional love and support. One of her favorite quotes is from Jane Goodall: “Having respect for animals makes us better humans.”

  • Carrie

    Carrie

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    Carrie is a fan of Doodles of all kinds and will find a way to snuggle them while they are at Countrycare. Her last dog, Nash, showed her how deeply an animal can be woven into a family’s story. He was a gentle companion who shared unconditional love, comfort, and joy.

  • Shannon

    Shannon

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    When Shannon comes home after long days, her stress immediately melts away when she is greeted at the door with happy tails and meows. She loves the comfort of snuggling on the couch and the companionship that pets bring to everyday life.

  • Sarah

    Sarah

    Veterinary Technician

    Sarah has learned that caring for a pet with a disability brings extra effort but adds so much richness to her life. Her heart dog, Bella, taught her to slow down and see the little things in life, and that unconditional love knows no boundaries.

  • Cassie

    Cassie

    Client Care Specialist

    Cassie loves how pets offer comfort and companionship through life’s ups and downs. She enjoys earning the trust of fearful or defensive animals and helping them feel safe. For her, there’s something rewarding about watching an animal’s confidence grow as trust develops.

  • Amie

    Amie

    Client Care Specialist

    Growing up, Amie loved only two things: Barbie dolls and cats. She may have outgrown Barbie dolls, but her love for cats will outlast all the ages! She cuddles every cat and kitten that comes through our doors.

  • Rachel F.

    Rachel F.

    Client Care Specialist

    Her childhood cat, Tag, taught her how much an animal can help her through a difficult time. Even without words, he greeted her after long days, sat with her through tears, and brought her laughter when she needed it most. He will forever be her heart cat.

  • Kelsey

    Kelsey

    Client Care Specialist

    For Kelsey, unconditional love and support are at the heart of the human-animal bond. She appreciates how pets offer comfort and companionship when we need it most. And, in return, we have the privilege of caring for them through every stage of life.

  • Christa

    Christa

    Veterinary Assistant

    Christa loves being greeted with tail wags and happy expressions. She enjoys being able to read one another’s thoughts. To create an even stronger bond, Christa uses button training to teach her dog to communicate specific words and phrases.

  • Erika

    Erika

    Veterinary Assistant

    Having horses, cats, and dogs has really taught Erika what unconditional love means. Her dog is her shadow, her cat loves to sleep on her chest, and her horses give goofy snuggles. Even on the worst of days, her animals make her smile.

  • Shaela

    Shaela

    Veterinary Assistant

    Shaela thinks pets teach us many lessons in life. They show love to us through actions, not words. A gentle nudge for a pat, excitement over a treat, or an invitation to play can speak volumes. She appreciates the many ways animals communicate and connect with us every day.

  • Gabby

    Gabby

    Veterinary Assistant

    Gabby loves having a best friend who doesn’t speak her language but somehow always knows exactly what she needs. Pets have taught her that connection doesn’t always require words, just a little attention, trust, and understanding.

  • Kate

    Kate

    Veterinary Assistant

    Animals have always been a special part of Kate’s life, and she is living her dream by caring for them daily. She loves their loyalty, and they bring her so much joy. Her own dog, Molly, constantly reminds her how much animals improve our lives.

  • Jadyn

    Jadyn

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    Animals have always naturally gravitated towards Jadyn, but raising her own Mini Poodle, Rusty, cemented her passion for pets. Countrycare’s blend of traditional and holistic medicine perfectly mirrors the care she believes every pet deserves.

  • Christine

    Christine

    Veterinary Assistant

    Christine loves George Eliot’s quote, “Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” She also feels they always seem to know how to give unlimited love and support.

  • Rachel V.

    Rachel V.

    Social Media Specialist

    Rachel grew up on a farm, learning to communicate with the animals through body language. Having such a connection to a living thing that cannot use words is nothing short of amazing. It is an extraordinary honor to be able to guide and shape the lives of pets.

  • Aubrey D.

    Aubrey D.

    Veterinary Assistant

    To Aubrey, pets are an important source of comfort and joy. They keep her grounded, and every day brighter when she is with them. The connection she makes with all pets is what drives her passion in veterinary medicine.

  • Aubrey W.

    Aubrey W.

    Veterinary Assistant

    Aubrey believes that our pets are meant to be like our children: loved, cared for, and snuggled every day. She enjoys getting to know each pet she works with and all of their quirks, because the quirks make them unique. Pets bring immense joy to her life.

  • Ava

    Ava

    Junior Veterinary Assistant

    Animals have been a constant source of companionship and learning throughout Ava’s life. They’ve shared in some of her proudest moments and helped her through challenging times. Ava believes people and animals can connect at the soul level.

  • Holly

    Holly

    Certified Veterinary Technician

    Holly’s last dog taught her that pets create safe spaces. He was there when she needed him the most. He would sit by her as she experienced all the emotions and feelings, from fear and anxiety to joy and happiness.

  • Kaitlyn W.

    Kaitlyn W.

    Veterinary Assistant

    Kaitlyn’s dog, George, taught her patience, understanding, and the value of life’s little moments. He taught her that mistakes are opportunities for learning and growing. She loves the connection she makes with each pet she meets.

  • Kelly

    Veterinary Assistant

    Kelly’s dog, Nova, is more than a pet; she’s been her faithful companion through every chapter of her life. Whether life brings changes or familiar routines, Kelly finds comfort in having Nova by her side. Their bond is a reminder of just how much an animal can mean to a person.

  • Sophia

    Sophia

    Junior Veterinary Assistant

    Sophia finds it meaningful to care for pets and help them feel safe and comfortable in their most difficult times. She considers it a privilege to give them the compassion and care they deserve. She also appreciates how much animals can teach us about ourselves and the world around us.

In their words

The hearts we’ve touched

“I trust you and truly believe you are looking out for our pets’ best interests. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are off the charts. Everyone at Countrycare shows genuine compassion and concern for the pets and the owners. During the last 9 years we have brought seven of our pets to Countrycare, and the care they have received has always been top notch. Your motto is ‘modern veterinary medicine with old-fashioned caring!’ and you truly practice it day to day.”

Dawn & Luis V. · Green Bay, WI

“We bring our English Bulldogs to Countrycare Animal Complex for many reasons. The most important reason is trust. We know the doctors and staff will do anything and everything they can to give our dogs the best care possible. They are there to provide us with the professional yet understanding support that every family with pets should have. We wouldn’t trust anybody else!”

Chris & Erin C. · Kewaunee, WI

“Since CAC has become my primary veterinary clinic I have introduced many friends, clients and my sisters to the clinic, both of which have told me how grateful they are to have “found” a clinic with such progressive and highly qualified doctors. The quality of the support staff that helps keep things moving smoothly is also important. The first impression you get of any clinic comes from the reception staff; at CAC you are always met with a smile and a big HELLO! The welcoming atmosphere, the mere presence of the building, the modern technology, the progressive thinking, the compassion shown to the humans and animals are all things I love about CAC but it truly is the people inside the building that keep me coming back! THANK YOU CAC for making an impression on my life and on the lives of my boys!”

Silvia G. · Appleton, WI

“Everyone is absolutely wonderful! There’s a reason we drive from Wausau to Countrycare! Thanks!”

Tiffany & Russel P.

“Everytime I go there with my dog or message them a question and even boarding I feel very comfortable and know that Litty is well taken care off. My questions are always answered and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming when we come in.”

Amber & Shannon D.

“Jeff and I are extremely grateful to everyone we came into contact with with regards to our ginger Charlie. The care and the continuous follow ups set my mind at ease knowing that our boy was constantly on your minds wanting updates on how he was progressing. Thankfully he was progressing in the right direction. We cannot thank you all enough!”

Linda & Jeff Y.

“Love how caring the staff was for not only my dog but me too! I was very worried about my boy and they helped us both. He was sooo loved the entire time there. It was evident everyone truly cares about what they do! Not an easy job at all. Thank you for all yall do!!!”

Abby F.

“Dr. Heintz took the time to listen to my concerns and was very patient with my nervous dog. She even introduced herself when we stopped in for a ‘happy visit’ to get my dog used to the facility and associate it with positive things. She was very understanding and knowledgeable in how to approach my dog who is extremely fearful of strangers and also provided great treatment for my dog! It meant so much to me to have her take the time needed with my dog so she can get the care she needs!”

Marie W.