Our Team
Companions Animal Hospital Doctors & Staff
Dr. Tanya Schulte
DVM, Medical Director
Dr. Schulte grew up near St. Cloud, Minnesota. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences
degree from the University of Wisonsin-River Falls in 2007, then went on to graduate from the University of
Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Her professional interests are in soft tissue surgery,
dentistry, and preventative medicine.
Dr. Schulte enjoys spending time with her husband, her menagerie of pets, horseback riding, working on sewing projects, engaging in reenactment camping events, collecting model horses, shooting archery, ice skating, and throwing tomahawk competitively.
Dr. Jennifer Black
DVM
Dr. Black joined Companions in 2023 after completing a veterinary externship with the team and quickly realizing it was the kind of clinic she wanted to call home — one that blends high-quality medicine with a personal touch. She earned her DVM from the University of Minnesota, where she built a strong foundation in preventative care and client communication.
Her passion for veterinary medicine began on a dairy farm, where she first assisted a visiting veterinarian. Today, she enjoys working with families to support their pets’ long-term health and has a special interest in nutrition and weight management.
Originally from southern Minnesota, Dr. Black now lives with her husband Eric, their son Archie, and a spirited Jack Russell named Chickadee.
Dr. Anne Lenzmeier
Veterinarian
Dr. Anne grew up in the twin cities and attended veterinary school at the University of Minnesota. She did her undergraduate education at College of Saint Benedict. Her professional interests are in dentistry and geriatric medicine. She enjoys spending time outside with her husband and two dogs- Watson a yellow lab, and Birdie a cocker spaniel/pitty mix. She loves playing volleyball, gardening, reading, and going to the lake.
Sherry Thien
Hospital Administrator
Sherry joined Companions in 2017 after first working with the team through volunteer work with a local rescue. With a background in communications and a lifelong love of animals, she brings heart, clarity and purpose to her work behind the scenes.
She’s passionate about creating a practice that delivers not just great medicine but a great experience — for pets, their people and the team that makes it all happen. Always looking for ways to improve systems and support the staff, she enjoys staying ahead of trends that shape the veterinary field.
Outside the hospital, Sherry loves home projects, movies, podcasts and day trips with her husband Scott. Their dogs, Maggie and Alice, and cats, Denali and Oliver, keep life lively.
Mendi
Certified Veterinary Technician
Mendi has been part of the Companions family since its early days, starting as a receptionist in 1998 before becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. She knew early on this was the right career for her, and over the years her calming presence and big smile have become a comfort to both clients and teammates.
She enjoys being a steady support for pet parents — whether helping with care decisions or answering questions — and finds joy in mentoring newer team members as they build confidence.
Originally from a small farming town in Wyoming, Mendi now lives in St. Cloud with her husband, their cat Breezy (who adores him but not many others), and Shamus, her goofy 70-pound lab.
Kelsey
Certified Veterinary Technician
With more than a decade in the veterinary field, Kelsey brings a steady hand, a big heart and a love of learning to every shift. She joined Companions in 2024, drawn to the clinic’s welcoming vibe and team-first spirit.
Her favorite part of the job? Dental care — she loves transforming tartar-covered teeth into healthy smiles. She’s also deeply compassionate when guiding families through end-of-life care, helping them navigate difficult moments with grace.
Kelsey grew up in Rogers and now lives in Cokato with her husband Rick and their cats Mikko, Muffin, Macaroni, Marzipan, Mochi and Mousse. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gaming, crocheting and tending to her many houseplants.
Lydia
Certified Veterinary Technician
Lydia joined Companions in 2023, drawn by her passion for exotic pets. Her interest in veterinary medicine started young — her first guinea pigs, Babs and Lola, showed her how rewarding it is to care for pets.
In the clinic, she especially enjoys lab work (spotting ear mites is a favorite!), educating pet parents and, oddly enough, expressing anal glands.
Originally from Rice, Lydia grew up surrounded by animals and inspired by her mom, also a vet tech. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing, video games, playing the flute and trying new foods. At home, she shares life with her dog Cosmo, cat Buford and a leopard gecko named Mischief.
Teresa
Certified Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon
Sophie
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon
Steph
Veterinary Assistant
Steph joined Companions in 2023 after exploring other fields and traveling while she figured out where she truly belonged. When she stepped into vet med, she knew it was exactly where she was meant to be. Helping animals has always been her passion, but what surprised her most was how much she also loves connecting with their people.
She’s especially drawn to working with anxious or fearful pets, helping them feel safe and understood. She also enjoys sick pet visits, learning new lab skills and watching patients progress. Her favorite moments are when a once-nervous pet begins to trust — and when clients feel empowered to care for their pets with confidence.
Steph grew up in the St. Cloud area and now shares life with her partner Tyler, three dogs, a cat and a horse. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, yoga and reading.
Jenn
Veterinary Assistant
Jenn joined Companions in 2021 after four years at a local boarding facility. What she loves most is the sense of community — seeing pets she once cared for in boarding return for their veterinary visits and being part of their lives in a new way.
Her favorite moments are watching those familiar faces grow up and supporting them through every stage of life. She’s also a reassuring presence for families, whether she’s answering questions in the exam room or keeping patients comfortable after surgery.
Originally from Georgia, Jenn moved to St. Cloud in 2015 to be near family. She now shares her home with her boyfriend Kameron and two pets: Burkley, who believes chapstick is a food group, and Betty, a cat who treats water like her personal playground.
Drea
Lead Client Care Representative
Bio coming soon
Annie
Client Care Representative / Inventory
Annie has been a familiar face at Companions since 2014. After taking time off to be home with her son, she found her way into veterinary medicine, inspired by a lifelong love of animals and a well-timed commercial for a vet tech program that nudged her to pursue her dream.
She especially loves connecting with clients and their pets, watching families grow over the years and being there during tough visits when support matters most. Annie will never forget Driver, a beloved patient who reminded her why this work is so meaningful.
A St. Cloud native, Annie grew up in a big, close-knit family — she’s a twin and one of several siblings. She now shares life with her husband Lonnie and their son. Outside the clinic, she enjoys gardening, cooking, fishing and cheering on hockey.
Faith
Client Care Representative
Faith has been welcoming clients and their pets to Companions since 2009, bringing experience from both human and animal healthcare. She loves building connections with pet owners and especially enjoys checking in after visits to see how patients are doing.
Originally from St. Cloud and the youngest of five, Faith has always had a soft spot for animals — especially beagles, thanks to her first pet, Katie, who was her companion for 17 years. From baying hounds to dramatic huskies, she loves getting to know the quirks that make each pet unique.
Outside the clinic, Faith enjoys helping in the local theater scene and curling up with a good book. She proudly holds the title of “Aunt” to Elsa, her sister’s strong-willed tabico.
Kelly
Groomer
Kelly joined Companions in 2024, bringing nearly a decade of grooming experience and a calm, thoughtful approach to every pet she sees. She started her career as a bather, drawn to hands-on work and a love of dogs, and quickly discovered her creative spark in grooming. Her favorite part of the job is helping pets feel more comfortable — and more confident — with every visit.
She especially enjoys working with breeds like Pomeranians, where the trim feels almost sculptural. Known for her patience, Kelly also works successfully with cats and dogs who’ve struggled in other grooming settings, taking the time to make it a team effort.
Outside the clinic, Kelly enjoys creating art, jewelry and clothes, or performing in local theater. She shares her home with her dog Fergie, cat Edge and rabbit Titania.
Clarke
Resident Supervisor & Snack Enthusiast
Clarke is more than just our clinic cat — he’s the heart of the operation. With a perfectly timed meow for every part of the day, he keeps the team on schedule better than any wall clock. Whether he’s patrolling the hallways, inspecting exam rooms or gracefully lounging in his many favorite places, Clarke takes his responsibilities seriously … especially when it comes to quality control of treats.
He’s known for greeting guests with a slow blink of approval (or judgment — it’s hard to tell), and he’s never shy about making his opinions known during team meetings. Clarke’s favorite activities include meal reminders, hallway struts and occasional dramatic flops for attention.
He’s part mascot, part morale manager and 100% a beloved member of the Companions crew. Feel free to say hi the next time you visit us!