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Our Team

Meet the Team at Mountain View Animal Hospital

Get to know the exceptional team at Mountain View Animal Hospital . We’re dedicated to providing your pets with state-of-the-art, compassionate veterinary care.

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Dr. Serena “HEIG”, (DVM)

After growing up on her family’s ranch near Prairie City, SD, Dr. Serena received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from South Dakota State University, in Brookings, SD. Pursuing her passion, she attended Iowa State University- College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames, IA. In 2003, Dr. Serena graduated with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and began her career in the suburbs of Chicago, IL as an equine practitioner. Afterward, from 2003-2004, she worked for a mixed animal hospital in Pipestone, MN/Flandreau, SD 2004-2005 before settling down in the Black Hills. Dr. Serena enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine while having a special interest in soft tissue surgery, the management of endocrine disorders, and physical rehabilitation/arthritis management for her senior patients.

Dr. Serena and her husband (Dr. Nick) have welcomed five wonderful children into the world: Elli, Hayden, Robert, Jack, and Trygg. They share their home with furry family members as well: 3 cats (Shadow, Piper, and Iris the Terrible), a dog (Kibble); and several horses. When Dr. Serena isn’t caring for her patients, she loves to spend quality time with her family and her hobbies include: working with horses, being outdoors, skiing, golfing, photography, drawing, and reading.

Dr. Nick “HEIG”, (DVM)

In 2002, Dr. Nick graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, IA with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He has been a Veterinarian since graduation and prides himself on his excellent communication with pet owners. In his leisure time, Dr. Nick enjoys sports like basketball, golf, and tennis, reading, and riding motorcycles.

Dr. Meredith Rigmaiden, (DVM)

Dr. Meredith Rigmaiden grew up in Rapid City and graduated from Stevens High School. She then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University – College of Veterinary Medicine. She is excited to be back in the black hills and to serve the wonderful community. Dr. Rigmaiden is especially passionate about the management of chronic diseases, but she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys walking with her miniature schnauzer, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling.

Dr. Elizabeth Schmit, (DVM)

Originally from Rapid City, Dr. Elizabeth Schmit earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University, focusing on small animal medicine. She holds a Fear Free Veterinary Certification and her professional interests include ophthalmology, mobility and rehabilitation, and preventative care education. With three years of experience in small animal medicine in Eastern SD, Dr. Schmit has a wealth of knowledge in caring for dogs and cats, although she also finds the occasional pocket pet or reptile to be intriguing. Her pride in veterinary medicine is providing quality care extends beyond the clinic, as she is committed to educating pet owners about preventive care. Outside of work, Dr. Schmit enjoys spending time with her husband Nick, who is also a veterinarian, and their two young daughters. Their family enjoys participating in outdoor activities, engaging in home improvement projects, and staying active through running. In her free time, Dr. Schmit also enjoys reading, crochet, and baking. Their family includes a rescued cat named Zazu, who has become a beloved member of their household.

Tianna, (Client Care Coordinator)

Tianna graduated from Lead-Deadwood High School in 2011 and has worked in customer service since 2009 and in veterinary medicine since 2021. She understands that coming to the clinic can be stressful for patients and clients alike and aims to be empathetic. Her goal is to be a smiling, friendly face that seeks to make each visit as smooth and comfortable as possible from beginning to end. Her hobbies include reading, cross-stitching, cooking, baking, spending time with furry friends, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

Carol, (Client Care Coordinator)

Carol attended Humboldt State University in Eureka, CA before starting her family. Since then she has accrued many years of experience in the medical field and customer service and has worked in veterinary medicine since 2022. She finds satisfaction in the balance of good days including cuddling puppies and kittens, giving treats, scratching tushies, and the harder days of comforting owners and their pets when devastating news is received and decisions must be made. All of these aspects of her job, coupled with her truly warm-hearted personality, give her great pride in her work in different ways. From late spring to early fall, she and her husband, along with her 2 dogs (Loki and Thor) and cat (Odin-Fish), spend almost every weekend camping. During the colder months, Carol enjoys quilting and reading.

Debbie, (Inventory Manager)

Debbie studied at the National American University, in Rapid City, SD, graduated with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2005, and has been working in veterinary medicine since. Debbie has great empathy, compassion, and understanding for our clients and patients. Her organizational skills are key in her main role as Inventory Manager for the clinic. When Debbie isn’t working she enjoys gardening, admiring nature’s beauty, and spending time with friends and family and her 4 cats (Critter, Lucy, Logan, and Tinker).

Haylea, (Registered Veterinary Technician)

Haylea studied at National American University in Rapid City, SD, and graduated with an Associate in Veterinary Technology, in 2016. She has worked in veterinary medicine since then. Haylea takes pride in celebrating and nurturing the human-animal bond from beginning to end. By committing to carrying on her education by learning and expanding her knowledge of veterinary medicine, she proudly assists in providing only the very best care for her clients and patients. Areas of special interest include dentistry, oncology, hospice care, clinical pathology (with an emphasis on cytology), and preventative medicine. Haylea’s hobbies include: attending live music/concerts, watching sports, spending time with her 2 dogs (Wesson and Walker), camping, paddle boarding, hunting, fishing, and photography.

Karin, (Registered Veterinary Technician)

Karin studied at National American University in Rapid City, SD, and graduated in 2012 with an Associate in Veterinary Technology. She has worked in veterinary medicine since. Karin relishes helping pets and their people create lasting relationships while educating clients about healthy nutrition and weight management. When Karin is off the clock, she enjoys spending time with her family and 2 dogs (Coco and Spike) at the lake or in the hills: hiking, camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Brooke, (Veterinary Technician)

Brooke is a Register Veterinary Technician here at Mountain View Animal Hospital. She attended Northeast Community College and has been in the practice since 2023. Brooke takes pride in giving care to her patients. She always hopes to give every patient a positive experience so that they look forward to seeing us in the future. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cat, Enzo, and her dog, Max. She enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.

Amanda, (Registered Veterinary Technician)

Amanda has worked in pet care since 2015 and then studied at National American University in Rapid City, SD. She graduated in 2017 with her Associate in Veterinary Technology. An area of special interest, for Amanda, is physical rehabilitation. Believing in the importance of client education, she thrives on helping owners learn all they can about their pet to help facilitate greater success in the human-animal relationship. She believes that the more owners know about their pets, the better they can help them live happy and healthy life. Amanda is determined to make sure that clients and pets feel welcome and safe, treating each patient as if they were a member of her own family. In her free time, Amanda fills her time reading, watching hockey, and spending time with her family.

Randi, (Veterinary Technician)

Randi is a Veterinary Technician here at Mountain View Animal Hospital. She attended NAU and has been in the practice since 2013. Randi always wanted to be in veterinary medicine since she was 8 years old. She likes to foster the human animal bond and stay up to date on the new and advancing technologies, techniques and medicines. In her free time, she enjoys summer outdoor activities such as paddle boarding and camping, walking her dog, Avox and swimming. In the winter, she enjoys reading, studying and napping.

Jes, (Veterinary Technician)

Bio coming soon!

Reece, (Veterinary Assistant)

Reece graduated from high school in Lead, SD in 2016. For the next 6 years, she worked in different facets of pet care and has been in veterinary medicine since 2022. Taking pride in her dedication to keeping her patients comfortable, Reece shows herself time and again how capable she is of caring for them and treats each as if they were her own. This is her biggest passion. Reece’s hobbies include spending time with her 2 cats (Cove and Ollie), hiking, fishing, camping, and just about anything else that can be done outdoors. Taking her 2 dogs (Kaleesy and Kahlua) on adventures brings her such joy.