Our Team
Get to Know Our Doctors
Our Team
Meet Our Doctors
Ricci Kelso, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarian
I grew up on a farm near LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Once when I was 12, one of our cows got sick. The vet was too busy to help, so my mother and I did some of the doctoring ourselves. That was when I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with my Bachelor of Science in 1984. I completed my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the U of M Veterinary School in 1989. One fun fact very few people know about me is that I was born in Germany and know how to speak German. I enjoy my job at the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital because of the caring, creative, and dedicated team I work with, as well as the hundreds of clients who love their pets. When I’m not at work, I love gardening, reading, biking, and spending time with my family and our Standard Poodle, Louie.
Liz Aldridge, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarian
I graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. I worked in Des Moines, Iowa before moving back to the Twin Cities in 2016 where I have been ever since. I joined the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital team in 2021. I grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and graduated with honors from Iowa State University with my undergraduate degree. I enjoy working with clients to provide high-quality veterinary care to their pets and believe regular wellness care is important for pets to live long and healthy lives. In my free time, I enjoy camping, hiking, and spending time at family cabins in northern Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. My family includes my husband, Aaron, daughter, Ava, Bernese Mountain Dog/Belgian Tervuren mix, Rais, and our cat, Kika.
In Remembrance of Dr. Marcia Barck
Marcia Claire Barck passed away after a tragic car accident on the morning of March 2, 2021. Marcia graduated with honors from St. Olaf College in 2010 and was a 2014 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoyed working with animals of all shapes and sizes. She loved small-town life and was so excited to be back in the area after practicing for 6 years in central Minnesota. Marcia loved life and filled the world around her with joy. She had a passion for animals and a love for traveling. She visited many countries and lived in Japan and Thailand for a time. Cooking, camping, and the outdoors were other things she enjoyed immensely. Marcia was kind, caring, and compassionate, and she enriched everyone’s lives around her.
~ You will always be in our hearts ~
Meet Our Staff
Kathy Hinderscheid
Practice Manager
Growing up on a farm in South Dakota, I developed a passion for animals, and this only grew when I got my very first puppy. My first opportunity to work with animals was in 1998 when I managed a boarding kennel; from there, I joined the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital in 2006. Over the years, I have enjoyed building relationships with clients and their pets and I continue to learn something new every day. My greatest pleasure is being a part of an amazing team. When not at work, you will find me baking, reading, out on walks with my long-haired Chihuahua, Ollie, or spending time with family and friends.
Jody Jahn
Office Manager
I have been a receptionist at the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital since 2011. Growing up, my first dog was Brandy, a cockapoo. He was my parent’s favorite “child.” I love my job because of the patients and their owners. Every day brings something new and different. In the past year, I’ve learned a lot about how holistic medicine complements Western medicine. One thing few people know about me is that I served in the Army Reserves for 10 years. If I wasn’t a receptionist, I would like to be a history teacher. When I’m not at work, I like to travel, go horseback riding or camping, and spend time with my family and friends.
Michelle Marty
Certified Veterinary Technician
As a kid, my first pet was our family dog named Stripe. Stripe was a husky with a passion to run, so in the winter I would strap a harness and leash onto him, hop in the sled, and have him pull me around like a sled dog. I found so much happiness interacting with Stripe and other animals, that I knew that had to be a part of my job someday. I graduated from Globe College in Shakopee in 2008 and have been here at the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital ever since. As a C.V.T., I find it rewarding to help educate people so they can provide the best care for their pets. One of my favorite things about my job is my co-workers. I really like the people that I work with; we make a great team! When I’m not working, I enjoy running, biking, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and camping. I also love spending time with my friends and family, including my cocker spaniel, Jelly.
Michelle Maczkowicz
Certified Veterinary Technician
My love for animals started at a young age when my parents built a house out in the country. There, I spent most of my time outside with our cats and dogs, and it eventually grew to chickens and cows. I graduated from the Veterinary Technician program at Ridgewater College in 2017. My favorite part about being a technician is assisting in surgery and dentistry and getting to know all of our clients and patients. When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading, crafting, playing volleyball, and, of course, spending time with my family!
Sarah Nikolai
Veterinary Technician
I have had a love for animals ever since I was little. I would bring home animals like skunks, snapping turtles, squirrels, and bunnies. My mom sometimes let me keep them and nurse them back to health. I graduated from Globe College in 2015 and have been in the field ever since. I enjoy working with owners and all their fun, furry friends. When not working, I enjoy traveling, cooking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Toenies
Receptionist
I am a recent addition to the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital team. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to get to know pets and their families. Growing up, I’ve always felt a kinship with animals, as my family was never without a pet. I grew up in Minnesota and now live in rural Sibley County with my husband and our Golden Doodle. When not working, I love to cook and watch MN Wild Hockey. I’m hoping to learn gardening this year, and I also love learning about the history of this area.
Squirt
Greeter
Hi, my name is Squirt. I have been with the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital team since April 2005. I love people and all the attention I get from them, so I am usually the first to greet you as you walk in the door. I was found as a kitten with a broken leg by our very own Dr. Ricci. My leg could not be saved so I only have 3, but that has not slowed me down. I am very talented at opening drawers to get up on the cupboards or sneak in behind them to take a nap. I also love curling up in a basket with my buddy, Squeery!
Squeery
Assistant Manager
My real name is Mr. Joseph H. Squeers, but you can call me Squeery Joe. I was named after a one-eyed character in a Charles Dickens novel. As you may have noticed, I am blind in one eye, but that doesn’t stop me from retrieving paper balls and opening doors. I haven’t completely warmed up to all the dog traffic coming and going, although each day gets a little better.
Flash
Head of Security
I have been with the Belle Plaine Animal Hospital since April 2003. I am known as the Princess of the clinic, and you can usually find me helping with the receptionists’ duties at the front desk. But be warned: I have been known to search any bags or purses left on the front counter. You will see me “flash” to the back of the clinic when approached by men or children because I’m so used to working with ladies.