Meet The Team
Dr. Melissa Schaal
Dr. Melissa Schaal
Dr. Melissa Schaal graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine with honors in 1992. She began her career as a mixed animal practitioner, which means she’s had the pleasure to work on a variety of animals big and small, including ostriches, rabbits, and llamas, among others.
At Lake Pepin Pet Clinic, Dr. Schaal focuses mainly on companion animals such as dogs and cats but she maintains a strong interest in exotic animals.
Dr. Schaal is happily married with two boys. Rocky, the family dog, is a energetic part of the family and thinks he should be able to go everywhere. When not caring for animals, Dr. Schaal and her family keep active in the community, as well as with school activities and their church.
Dr. Chris Schlesser
Dr. Chris Schlesser
Dr. Chris Schlesser was raised in Dubuque, IA and graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She previously practiced in Cedar Rapids, IA.
She loves caring for companion animals and seeing them through all phases of life.
Dr. Schlesser is married with two children. She has a fuzzy mutt named Burbot and a spotted cat named Halibut. She loves to garden, paint, hike, and fish.
Jenn Befort
Jenn Befort
Jenn Befort, Certified Veterinary Technician, graduated from Argosy University in 2002. She has been a dedicated employee at Lake Pepin Clinic & Hospital since October 2002.
Jenn grew up with pets surrounding her. She enjoys caring for and spoiling animals. Marley, her Dachshund mix, loves to hike with Jenn and even goes kayaking! Pippa, another Dachshund mix, is more interested in snuggling. Jenn’s love of animals is evident in the care she takes in her patients; always treating each one with the care she gives her own pets.
Connie King
Connie King
Connie King joined the clinic in 2021, bringing 10+ years of experience in the veterinary field. Connie and her husband live locally and enjoy camping, hiking and horseback riding. Connie has owned creatures of all kinds, but currently enjoys the company of her two cats, Marshall & Cricket, and her horse, Lynx. She enjoys getting to know the pet parents and helping the team provide the best care for their fur-babies.
Lauren Williams
Lauren Williams
Lauren Williams joined the team at Lake Pepin in early 2022. You will find her at the front desk willing to help you and your pets in any way she can. She graduated in 2010 from MN School of Business with an associate degree in Veterinary Technology. After spending years at a clinic in the cities she has landed in Oronoco with her son, her Labrador Bronco, her rabbit Rowan and her two bearded dragons: Freddie and Budregard. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and being outdoors. Lauren has a soft spot for exotic animals, pocket pets, and wildlife, and is excited to enjoy the creatures of Lake Pepin.
Dawn
Lauren Williams
Bio coming soon!
"Dr. Melissa and her staff are the best!"
- Lisa P.