Meet The Team

Dr. J.C. Thieke is an Owner and Veterinarian at Anoka Equine Veterinary Services and has been with the practice since 1999. He graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and completed hid internship in equine medicine and surgery at Littleton Equine in Colorado before joining Anoka Equine. Dr. Thieke has special interests in surgery and lameness and is certified in veterinary chiropractic through the International Society of Veterinary Chiropractic. He grew up riding and showing horses, and spend time spent with his local veterinarian during his high school, college, and veterinary school years which inspired him to pursue equine veterinary medicine. Dr. Thieke values the partnership between horse and rider and enjoys working closely with clients to navigate medical challenges and support long term success. He believes excellence means understanding each client’s expectations and working together as a team to achieve their goals for the horse. He enjoys anything outdoors, including hiking, skiing, camping, sports, and hunting, and believes all of these activities are better when spent with his family.

Dr. David Schwinghamer is an Owner and Veterinarian at Anoka Equine Veterinary Services and has been with the practice since 2008. He graduated from Ross University of veterinary medicine in 2003 and began his career at an ambulatory equine practice in Minnesota before spending two years at a referral surgical practice in south Texas. These experiences provided extensive advanced training and allowed him to become highly proficient in arthroscopy and advanced dentistry, along with a wide range of surgical procedures. Dr. Schwinghamer has a long standing passion for horses and a deep appreciation for both their athletic ability and the dedication of the owners who care for them. He believes the strength of Anoka Equine lies in surrounding the practice with compassionate, skilled team members who share a commitment to the horse’s well being. To him, excellence is built on cutting edge medical knowledge, compassion, and hard work, all working together to deliver exceptional care. Outside of work, Dr. Schwinghamer enjoys canoeing, CrossFit, pottery, and horseback riding.

Dr. Margo Cangemi is an Associate Veterinarian at the clinic and has been serving clients and patients in this role since joining in 2021. Her clinical interests include reproduction, especially working with stallions, as well as neonatal care, geriatric medicine, and sports medicine. She earned her degree in Animal Science from UC Davis, where she competed in dressage and eventing and managed the UC Davis Equestrian Center during her senior year. After returning to Minnesota for veterinary school, she was actively involved in the AAEP student chapter and participated in community outreach programs throughout the state. Dr. Cangemi graduated in 2020, and  completed an internship at Anoka Equine, and remained on as an associate veterinarian and she became certified in equine veterinary acupuncture in 2021. A lifelong horsewoman, she is passionate about advocating for horses, supporting their comfort and performance, and helping clients experience the joy of creating a foal they have dreamed of. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, exploring Minnesota parks, gardening, and most of all spending time with her daughter, Sawyer.

Dr. Katie Doran is an Associate Veterinarian at the clinic and has been there since 2021. Her clinical interests include reproduction, neonatal foal care, and geriatric medicine. She has always enjoyed science and horses, which led her to earn her undergraduate degree from Berry College in Georgia, where she gained extensive hands-on equine experience. Dr. Doran received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University and completed an internship at Anoka Equine from 2018 to 2019. She then practiced in Pennsylvania for approximately two and a half years, further broadening her clinical skills, before returning back to the clinic. Dr. Doran has pursued extensive continuing education in equine reproduction. She grew up riding and showing horses through 4-H, IEA, and IHSA, giving her experience across a wide range of disciplines. Outside of work, she enjoys riding, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and traveling.

Dr. Claire McCauley is an Associate Veterinarian at the clinic and has been practicing here since 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. McCauley has special interests in dentistry, sports medicine, internal medicine, and technical rescue, and enjoys the variety and problem-solving that equine medicine provides. Her passion for veterinary medicine was shaped early on through horse showing, training, and a pivotal experience helping her own mare return to comfort after a navicular diagnosis. She values the human horse bond and believes that listening to the owner, observing the environment, and letting the horse and diagnostics guide the plan are key to excellent care. Outside of work, she enjoys fall trail rides, yoga, baking, hiking, reading, and spending time with her retired Paint gelding, Mac.

Dr. Morgan Coley is an Intern Veterinarian with a passion for dentistry, internal and preventative medicine, and ultrasound imaging. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Maryland, with a minor in Philosophy, and her D.V.M. from Tufts University. During veterinary school, she was actively involved in her community, coordinating the Pet Loss Hotline and working as a technician for the Tufts Large Animal Hospital and the United States Equestrian Federation. Dr. Coley was honored at graduation with the Valerie Bates Humanitarian Award, the Cummings School Large Animal Ultrasound Award, and a certificate in veterinary business management. A lifelong horse lover, she enjoys partnering with owners to create individualized care plans for each patient. She believes excellence in veterinary care comes from addressing the needs of the horse while honoring the goals of those who care for them. Outside of work, Dr. Coley enjoys spending time with her 27-year-old Thoroughbred, Davi, as well as reading, cooking, baking, and being outdoors.

Gabi Kappes is an Intern Veterinarian with special interests in lameness, reproduction, and ophthalmology. She is from northern Wisconsin and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Superior before earning her D.V.M. from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. A lifelong horse lover, Gabi’s passion was sparked by her grandmother, and she grew up learning from her veterinarian, barn mentors, and fellow boarders. She is the proud owner of Rueger, a former game horse turned Prix St. Georges dressage partner, and has learned the importance of communication, critical thinking, and advocacy through hands-on horse care. Gabi values seeing the dedication of horse owners and believes excellence in practice comes from creating treatment plans that prioritize the horse’s best interest while being practical and achievable for the client. She enjoys the collaborative environment at the clinic, where teamwork allows the staff to provide the highest level of care. Outside of work, Gabi enjoys spending time outdoors with her boyfriend, Jake, and their two dogs, Kohl and Higgs, as well as baking, with zucchini brownies being a current favorite.

Shannon is a Certified Veterinary Technician and the Veterinary Technician Manager at the clinic, and has been with the practice since 2007. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Ridgewater College and is a licensed veterinary technician. Growing up around horses, Shannon discovered early in her education that equine medicine was her true calling. She has a strong interest in equine emergency care and large animal rescue and enjoys the wide variety of cases seen at the clinic. Shannon finds great fulfillment in seeing patients recover and walk out of the hospital after arriving in critical condition. She emphasizes the importance of careful observation using all senses, recognizing that small changes can signal major concerns in hospitalized horses. To her, excellence means consistently providing the highest level of care to every patient. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time camping and cheering on her kids at sporting events.

Dani is a Veterinary Technician at the clinic and has been with the team since 2014, with special interests in dentistry and foal care. She holds an associate degree in Veterinary Technology and has been riding horses since the age of seven. She was inspired early on by Dr. Rick Marion and a lifelong love of horses. Dani values building strong relationships with both horses and their owners, often forming bonds that feel more like friendships than client interactions. She is passionate about education and enjoys teaching new technicians and veterinary interns, recognizing that everyone learns differently. By adapting her approach, she helps others gain understanding, confidence, and a strong foundation within the team. Dani is driven by a desire to continually improve and continue learning throughout her career. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, three dogs, and training and riding her own horses, especially young horses that inspire her curiosity and joy.

Kristina is a Certified Veterinary Technician at the clinic and has been a valued member of the team since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from the University of Wisconsin River Falls and an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Ridgewater College, and is USDA certified to run EIA ELISA diagnostic testing. Kristina has a strong passion for all aspects of equine medicine, with special interests in emergency care and endoscopic procedures, where she enjoys seeing the inner workings of the body firsthand. Her career was inspired at a young age by compassionate veterinary teams who took the time to educate and support her during important moments with her own horses. Kristina values the unique story and personality each horse brings and enjoys adapting her care to different breeds, disciplines, and dispositions. She believes excellence means being a voice for patients who cannot speak, continually learning, and always putting the horse’s needs first. One of her most meaningful experiences has been providing care to critically ill foals and seeing them make a full recovery and reunite with their owners. Outside of work, Kristina enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and dogs, riding her horses, volunteering with her church youth group and local 4-H horse project, and building her photography business.

Kayla is a Certified Veterinary Technician at the clinic and has been a member of the team since 2024. She earned her bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from North Dakota State University. She previously worked for five years at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky before returning to Minnesota and joining Anoka Equine. Kayla has special interests in lameness cases and foal emergencies and brings valuable experience from a high volume referral hospital setting. She was drawn to equine medicine by a lifelong love of horses and enjoys getting to know each horse’s unique personality, from nervous patients to those with playful quirks. At Anoka Equine, she has continued to strengthen her technical skills by learning from veterinarians and fellow technicians, allowing her to provide the best possible care to every patient. Kayla believes excellence means treating every hospitalized horse as if it were her own. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, riding her off the track Thoroughbred, relaxing at her cabin, and unwinding with a good book.

Sam is a Certified Veterinary Technician at the clinic and has been part of the team since 2024. She completed the Veterinary Technician program at Rochester Community and Technical College and has a strong passion for emergency medicine and surgical cases. Sam thrives in fast-paced environments and was drawn to Anoka Equine for the constant challenge and variety that emergency care provides. She finds great fulfillment in watching horses recover from serious illness or injury and return home healthy, often forming meaningful bonds with patients during extended hospital stays. Sam places a strong emphasis on client education and enjoys helping owners feel informed and confident through clear communication, practical guidance, and hands-on support. She believes excellence means always prioritizing the horse’s best interests, anticipating the veterinarian’s needs, maintaining close attention to detail, and responding with urgency and skill in every emergency situation. Outside of work, Sam enjoys weightlifting, traveling and trying new foods, spending time with friends and family, and participating in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, and horseback riding.

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Kathy is the welcoming face at the clinic’s front desk and has proudly served clients since 2009. Before joining Anoka Equine, she spent seven years working in a small animal practice, building a strong foundation in client service and animal care. Her love for horses began through 4-H, Saddle Club, and WSCA, giving her lifelong equine experience that helps her connect easily with clients. Kathy loves all animals but especially enjoys the barn atmosphere and the familiar smell of horses. She takes pride in knowing both clients and their animals and works hard to ensure their needs are met by connecting them with the right people. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning Grand Champion at the Wright County Fair with her horse, Buddy. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Erin is the Inventory Specialist and Office Assistant at Anoka Equine Veterinary Services and has been part of the team for nearly a decade. She brings a strong background in customer service from her career as a licensed hairstylist and from years of volunteering with local dog rescues. Although she started with limited horse experience, Erin has grown greatly by shadowing appointments, surgeries, and farm calls. This hands-on learning allows her to confidently support clients and better understand medical products and equipment. Erin plays a key role in keeping the clinic stocked and running smoothly each day. She finds the most fulfillment in receiving thank-you notes and updates from clients. Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling, being outdoors hiking and fishing, golfing, and spending time with her family and her dog, Bogey, while cheering on the Vikings.

Jess is a valued member of the Front Desk team at the clinic and has been with the practice since 2025. She brings more than 15 years of experience in front desk operations from the chiropractic field, including marketing and insurance correspondence. Originally pursuing veterinary medicine with hopes of becoming an equine veterinarian, joining Anoka Equine felt like a full circle opportunity that reconnected her with that passion. Jess appreciates the educational approach of equine medicine and enjoys seeing doctors actively involve clients in understanding their horse’s condition and care plan. She is especially skilled at helping clients remain calm during emergencies by providing a reassuring, knowledgeable voice while gathering critical information for the veterinary team. Jess believes excellence means going above and beyond expectations, supporting team growth, and continually striving to improve. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, agate hunting, paddle boarding or rollerblading with her dogs, fishing with her husband, karaoke nights with friends, and sharing trail riding traditions with her nieces.

Linda has been a valued member of the Anoka Equine team for four years, working in the business office with a focus on accounts receivable and client payments. She brings a strong background in business office operations from her experience in the human healthcare field. Growing up with horses gave Linda a lifelong appreciation for them, and they continue to hold a special place in her heart. She enjoys seeing both horses and their owners thrive and grow together. She's known for her patience and strong listening skills, Linda works closely with clients to develop payment solutions that work well for both the owner and Anoka Equine. She takes pride in staying organized and keeping accounts accurate and up to date. Outside of work, Linda enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Jessica is an Office Assistant at Anoka Equine Veterinary Services and joined the team in 2025. She grew up around horses and competed in WSCA shows before stepping away from the horse world for several years, making her return to equine medicine especially meaningful. Jessica enjoys the variety of cases seen at Anoka Equine, from horses of all ages and breeds to the wide range of colors and disciplines represented. She plays an important role in keeping the team running smoothly through clear communication and detailed medical record documentation. Jessica believes excellence means strong communication, effective multitasking, and staying calm in high-stress situations. One of her most cherished horse memories is a mare her grandfather won in a raffle for ten dollars, who became her heart horse for fourteen years. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys caring for her reef tank with tropical fish and coral, collecting trading cards, and playing pool whenever she can.

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