Meet Our Team

Dr. Minerva Anderson, DVM

Dr. Anderson is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, having had the privilege of serving the clients and patients at Animal Aid Clinic South since her early days in the field. She began working at the clinic before earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University, and her journey here has shaped her career in countless ways. She enjoys communicating with pet owners to create a collaborative environment for their pets’ health.

In her spare time, Dr. Anderson is actively involved in Canine Search and Rescue, training her own dogs to assist in search operations. She and her husband, Dave, have 2 sons and share their home with multiple dogs, cats, chickens, and horses.

Dr. Stacey Dean, DVM

Dr. Dean has been a part of the veterinary team at Animal Aid Clinic South since June of 2003, shortly after her graduation from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Dean entered the veterinary profession due to both her passion for animals and for their owners. Her favorite parts of the job are being constantly challenged and being able to learn something new every day.

Dr. Dean and her husband, Kelly, have a daughter, Jasmine, who was born in 2012. They have a golden retriever named Solo and 3 cats named Night Star, Sparrow, and Nox. They have chickens of varying breeds, which supply the family with fresh eggs and constant entertainment. Dr. Dean’s hobbies include traveling, walking her dog, and painting. She also volunteers for ICAN which is an Indiana organization that trains service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Audriana Ballard, DVM

Dr. Ballard is a graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and joined the practice in June 2019. Originally from Connecticut, she met her husband, Bryen, during her first year of veterinary school. The two were married in her home state shortly after graduation.

Dr. Ballard and her family share their home with an English Setter named Bolt and a Domestic Shorthair cat named Pica de Gato. They welcomed their daughter in May 2025.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Ballard enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and traveling. Professionally, she has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and diagnostic ultrasound. She is deeply passionate about the human–animal bond and values the variety and unique challenges each day in veterinary medicine brings.

Dr. Erika Anderson, DVM

Dr. Erika Anderson joined the Animal Aid Clinic South team in Spring of 2021, having completed her veterinary training at Purdue University in 2019. In her spare time, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with her animals: Bug, a Greyhound; Baker, a Greyhound mix; Polly Pocket, a black cat; and Rory, a Thoroughbred.

She also has a passion for baking and reading, and keeps active with horseback riding. At work, her special interests include ophthalmology, geriatric care, pain management, and soft tissue surgery. She is a Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist (CCAT) and she is also a Senior Dog Certified Veterinary Professional (SDC-V).

Dr. Richard Nelson, DVM

Dr. Nelson began his career at the Fishler Animal Hospital in Elkhart in 1976 after graduating from Michigan State Veterinary School. He opened Animal Aid Clinic South in 1980 and has been practicing veterinary medicine here ever since. He and his wife, Barb, have two sons. Jesse and his wife reside in Lansing, MI with their two sons. Ian and his wife live in Fort Wayne, IN with three young daughters. The Nelsons also have an adopted daughter, Dojo, who lives in South Africa with her husband and two sons. Dr. Nelson has a dog, “Z”, who is a wild, eleven-year-old Chocolate Lab, and an Australian Cattle Dog puppy who lives up to their reputation of being part Dingo! Dr. Nelson’s hobbies include football officiating, traveling, and nature. In fact, he has officiated in almost every venue possible – high school, Big Ten, Canadian Football League, and Arena Football. The Nelson’s also like to get some time with their grandchildren whenever possible! Dr. Nelson enjoys the variety of the profession and his biggest passion lies in doing surgery. Dr. Nelson is also a Diplomate Emeritus with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Amy Marquez, RVT

Amy has worked at Animal Aid Clinic South since her graduation from Purdue University’s veterinary technician school in 1996. In 2026, she has been a part of the AACS family for 30 years!!! Amy has a son, Ethan, who will graduate from Western Michigan University in 2026. She is also the stepmom of Kaylie, Alexandra, Julian, and Emily. Amy and her husband, Abel, live in what they describe as “wrinkle heaven” with their 3 shar peis: Chata, Gordita, and Winston. In addition to the shar peis, they have 2 cats. Hemi turned 17 in July of 2025. The star of the house is Richard. Richard, or Ritchie as he prefers to be called when he is not in trouble, likes to roam the house naked. No worries! Ritchie is a sphynx and has no hair! Amy’s hobbies include summer hangouts by the pool, gardening, reading, and hibernating in the winter.

Samantha Johnson, RVT

Sammi Jo joined our family in November 2014. She earned her degree in Science of Veterinary Technology from the Veterinary Technician Institute of International Business College in February 2014. Passionate about animals, she’s worked in the veterinary field since age 16, including as a kennel attendant, assistant, and daycare provider. Sammi Jo has two Australian Shepherds and lost her beloved Merlynn in 2016 at age 10. She’s the mother of a spirited daughter named Guinevere. Her hobbies include art, running, camping, and swimming, with a special love for the outdoors. Sammi Jo aims to advance her skills as a technician and is interested in dentistry due to its rewarding impact on pets’ teeth and health. She also enjoys caring for hospitalized patients. Her favorite part of her career is working with a supportive team and seeing the joy on patients’ faces.

Kayla Farner, RVT

Kayla joined the Animal Aid Clinic South family after her graduation from Purdue University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology. Northern Indiana has always been home – Kayla was raised on a local farm, and she has cared for lots of livestock from beef cattle to chickens. Currently, she lives in Nappanee with her husband and two young daughters. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, camping, and gardening. In the clinic, Kayla especially likes surgery, dentistry, and clinical pathology.

Madison Kelly, RVT

Madison started at Animal Aid Clinic South in 2017 as a kennel attendant before she left to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Nursing from Purdue University. She joined the team again in 2023 as a registered veterinary technician.

Madison and her soon to be husband, Nathan, live with their 2 cats, Scarlet and Daisy. In her free time, she is a true grandma at heart. She loves to read, crochet, cross-stitch, and much more.

Her interests include dentistry, phlebotomy, and clinical pathology.

Braelyn Kocielko, RVT

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Kim Newman, Kennel Manager

Kim Newman has been our kennel manager and resident “Dog Whisperer” for the past 20 years. Kim is a graduate of Purdue University with a B.A. in Agriculture and a minor in Animal Science and English. Kim and her husband, Charles, have 2 small dogs named Poaloe and Wuwedo and 2 cats named Guenevere and Pursephone. Kim enjoys interacting with animals that are “vacationing” in our kennel, especially all of her “regulars.” Kim has a magical way of making any nervous dog feel calm and secure when they are here for surgery, boarding or even an appointment. Kim’s hobbies involve watching movies, camping, playing games and spending time with friends.

Britt Newman, Office Manager

Britt Newman started as a receptionist over 30 years ago and has been our front office manager for the last 15 years. Many of you know her by her bright smiling face and big blonde hair! She and her husband, Kelly, have a daughter, Ashley. Ashley blessed Britt and Kelly with 2 beautiful grandchildren. Britt now considers herself to be a “Glamma”! They have two cats named Grey Gray and Girl that adopted them according to Britt. Britt’s hobbies are reading and working in her yard. Her favorite part of her job is the interaction with our wonderful clients!

Tara Byers, Receptionist

Tara has been on the Animal Aid Clinic South receptionist team since 1996. Her favorite part of the job is working one on one with clients to help their pets get the care that they need. Over the years, she has made a lot of wonderful friendships with our clients and is always happy when they walk through the door. Tara has a 22-year-old daughter, Emma, who will be graduating from Indiana State University in 2026. They share their home with 2 dachshunds, Myrtle and Biggie. In her spare time, Tara enjoys working in her yard, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Vanessa Askren

Vanessa has been a part of the Animal Aid Clinic South team since the summer of 2011, when she started working in the kennel. Since then, she has worn just about every hat that you can imagine. Over the years, she has worked her way through many different roles. Depending on the day, you may find her up front assisting clients, in the back assisting the team, or even troubleshooting something tech-related as the clinic’s “Mrs. I.T.” Outside of work, she stays busy with a full house. She and her husband, Ariel, are high school sweethearts and have 2 children, 3 cats (Turbo, Vinny, and Chicken) and 3 dogs (Princess Beamer Marie, Dash, and Duncan). When she’s not at the clinic, she loves spending time with her family, baking and taking frequent trips to Disney World.

Sarah Weldy, Receptionist

Sarah is a client turned receptionist with 25 years of customer service experience. She enjoys working with both our pet patients and their human family members. She and her husband, Kyle, have a clingy chihuahua named Pepita, a goofball terrier cross named Tali, and a naughty tuxedo cat named Norma Jean. Sarah’s hobbies include listening to podcasts, reading, bike riding and lifting weights.