OUR VETERINARIANS
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Bret Peterson, DVM
Owner and Veterinarian
Dr. Bret Peterson grew up near Chicago, which is when he developed his love for the Chicago Cubs. He earned his Bachelor's in Biology from Knox College and his doctorate of veterinary medicine from Iowa State University. Dr. Peterson worked as a small animal veterinarian and surgeon in Wisconsin before relocating to Springfield and becoming the owner of Laketown Animal Hospital in 2018. He has a special interest in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, along with internal medicine, and he takes great pride in building a staff who is passionate about what they do. During his free time he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife and daughter. They especially enjoy beach days where they can rediscover the simple pleasures through their daughter's eyes such as building sandcastles and playing in the waves. They recently adopted a kitten, named Meowy.
Aaron Felgenhauer, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Aaron Felgenhauer (Fell-ghen-how-er) joined the Laketown veterinary staff in 2018. Originally from central Illinois, Dr. Felgenhauer earned his BS and DVM degrees from the University of Illinois. He has a special interest in internal medicine and nutrition. When he isn't working, Dr. Felgenhauer enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter. He also loves traveling, playing sports, and watching sports. A few of his favorite teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and the Fighting Illini.
Susan Fisherkeller, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Susan Fisherkeller was born and raised in Springfield and is proud to have spent her life getting to know the ins and outs of the capital of Illinois. She graduated with her Bachelor's in Biology and her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois. Dr. Fisherkeller loves kayaking, traveling (especially to Europe), and has a special interest in pairing wines with different cuisines. She is extremely close with her friends and as she likes to say, the "young-ins" who work with her. Dr. Fisherkeller has opened her home to many rescue dogs in the past, with Sam being the most recent.
Alex Fuchs, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Alex Fuchs is a Springfield, IL native who has always been passionate about animals and biology. After a year at Saint Louis University studying biology and playing baseball, a shoulder injury led him back to Springfield to rehab with the Springfield College baseball team. Dr. Fuchs transferred to the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in biology and ecology.
His life took a pivotal turn when he met Addy, his soulmate dog, inspiring him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After being accepted to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, Alex graduated in 2015 and soon after met his wife, Cassie. Together, they moved to Colorado to practice small animal medicine before returning to Springfield to be closer to family when they were expecting their first child.
Alex and Cassie now share their home with their 5-year-old Malamute mix, Shiya, and their kitten, Poppy. Outside of work, they love traveling, with the Caribbean being their favorite destination, and they hope to explore Europe and Alaska in the future.
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Cassie Vespa, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Vespa, originally from Springfield, IL, has always felt a deep connection to animals. Growing up surrounded by a variety of pets, she found herself more at home with animals than people. Her strong bond with her cat, Tiger, who was her companion from age 10 to 30, inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and become an advocate for the voiceless.
Dr. Vespa’s educational journey began at Saint Louis University, where she majored in Nutrition and Dietetics with a focus on culinary arts. Initially planning to attend medical school for humans, she ultimately decided to follow her passion for animals and switched her path to veterinary medicine. She went on to attend the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also served as the manager of the Wildlife Medical Clinic.
After earning her veterinary degree, Dr. Vespa worked for two years at a small animal practice in Boulder, CO, further honing her skills and gaining experience in diverse aspects of veterinary care. Her professional interests include wildlife, zoo species, conservation, pain management, and dentistry.
In her free time, Dr. Vespa enjoys outdoor activities like walking and hiking, as well as cooking, baking, crafting, and relaxing. She loves spending time with her husband, playing video games, and attending comedy shows.
At home, Dr. Vespa shares her life with her 5-year-old dog, Shiya, and her 7-month-old kitten, Poppy. Her favorite travel destination is the Caribbean, though she dreams of exploring Europe in the future.
Dr. Vespa is passionate about helping animals and looks forward to continuing her journey in veterinary medicine, advocating for the well-being of all creatures, big and small.
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Lauren Steininger, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Biography for Dr. Lauren Steininger (Stine-inn-gur) coming soon!
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Phillip Gillen, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Biography for Dr. Gillen coming soon!
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