Meet the Team
Danielle Gutzkow
Practice Manager
Danielle Gutzkow is the Practice Manager at Pierz Veterinary Clinic, where she has been part of the team since January 2021. She originally joined the clinic as Lead Receptionist and, through her dedication and growth within the practice, stepped into her current leadership role as Practice Manager in 2025.
Raised in Royalton, Minnesota, Danielle attended classes at SCTCC and Rasmussen College. She now lives back in Royalton with her son, their dog, and three cats.
Danielle knew she was in the right profession because no two days in veterinary medicine are ever the same. She enjoys the variety of each day, working with different animal species, and helping pet owners find answers and support for their animals’ needs.
Outside of work, Danielle spends much of her time supporting her son at his various activities from the bleachers. She enjoys summers filled with swimming, camping, and outdoor time, while winters are spent drawing, watching TV shows, and enjoying time with family.
Brittny Eisel
Technician Assistant
Brittny Eisel is a Certified Veterinary Technician at Pierz Veterinary Clinic, where she has been a valued member of the team since May 2019. Raised on a beef farm south of Brainerd, Minnesota, Brittny developed a deep appreciation for animals and agriculture from an early age. She continues to help operate her family’s farm while caring for her own goats, horses, dogs, and cats.
Brittny attended Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, where she earned her degree in Veterinary Technology in May 2022. She went on to obtain her Certified Veterinary Technician credential in November 2022, further strengthening her ability to provide exceptional care to her patients.
Growing up surrounded by animals of all kinds, Brittny naturally developed a passion for their health and well-being. That passion only grew stronger over the years and ultimately led her to a career in veterinary medicine. While she enjoys helping all animals, working with large animals holds a particularly special place in her heart.
Outside of the clinic, Brittny stays busy helping on the family farm, where there is always work to be done. She loves spending time with her animals, especially working with and riding her horses. When she’s not caring for animals, she enjoys making memories with friends and family and embracing the rural lifestyle she has always loved.
Mikayla Goebel
Technician Assistant
Mikayla Goebel joined Pierz Vet Clinic as a Certified Veterinary Technician in September 2021. Originally from Becker, Minnesota, Mikayla pursued her education in veterinary technology at a technical school in Ely, Minnesota before eventually relocating to Royalton, Minnesota in 2025.
Mikayla is passionate about caring for animals and enjoys being part of a team that helps improve the health and well-being of pets every day. Her dedication to animal care extends beyond the clinic, as she has also worked a second job at an animal shelter in Brainerd, Minnesota since 2022, continuing to support animals in need through rescue and shelter work.
Outside of work, Mikayla enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. She loves camping, hiking, and swimming, and appreciates any opportunity to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors in her free time.
Paige Yanish
Technician Assistant
Pierz Veterinary Clinic is proud to have Paige Yanish as part of the team as a Technician Assistant, a role she began in December 2025. A graduate of Little Falls High School, Paige moved to Little Falls at the age of 10 and has called the community home ever since.
Paige has always known that working with animals was her true calling. Her passion for veterinary medicine grew even stronger when she began accompanying her mom to work at a veterinary clinic at just 14 years old. That early experience confirmed what she already felt deep down — caring for animals was exactly where she belonged. She finds great fulfillment in helping animals every day and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to every pet she meets.
Outside of the clinic, Paige enjoys spending time with her three cats and dog, whether relaxing at home or exploring the outdoors together on walks and hikes. She also loves discovering new places and embracing opportunities for adventure whenever she can.
Josi Smude
Technician Assistant
Josi Smude joined Pierz Vet Clinic as a Technician Assistant in June 2023. She has lived north of Lastrup, Minnesota her entire life and graduated from Pierz High School in 2025. Josi is currently attending Ridgewater College, where she is studying Ag Business and Farm Operations and Management.
Growing up around animals helped Josi discover her passion for animal care at a young age. She has always loved working with animals and knew she was in the right profession because of the joy and fulfillment she finds in caring for them every day.
Outside of work, Josi lives on a dairy, beef, and crop farm, where agriculture and animal care are a big part of her daily life. She enjoys spending time with her two dogs, as well as making memories with family and friends whenever she can.
Lauren Hennessey
Technician Assistant
Lauren Hennessey joined Pierz Veterinary Clinic as a Technician Assistant in May 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the College of Saint Benedict and soon after graduation moved to Brainerd to work at Safari North Wildlife Park. It was there that she met Dr. James and discovered the opportunity to become part of the team at Pierz Vet.
Lauren knew she was in the right profession during her undergraduate studies when she shadowed a veterinarian and witnessed the profound impact compassionate care could have on a pet’s life. Seeing an animal given a second chance inspired her desire to help provide that same care and advocacy for pets and their families.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys reading, going to the gym, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and “forcing” hugs from her beloved cat, Mushu.
Maia Studer
Lead Receptionist
Pierz Veterinary Clinic is proud to have Maia Studer serving as the Lead Receptionist since April 2021. Maia has worked in the veterinary field since 2020 and brings a welcoming, compassionate presence to both clients and their pets each day. Her passion for animal care and dedication to creating a positive experience for every visitor make her an important part of the clinic team.
Maia currently lives in Little Falls with her husband, daughter, and their four beloved pets — two dogs, Hazel and Daisy, and two cats, Magic and Freya. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Maria Walcheski
Receptionist
Maria Walcheski joined Pierz Vet Clinic as a Receptionist in May 2026. A graduate of Foley High School and the Medical Assisting Program at Rasmussen College, Maria brings a strong background in patient care and front desk reception. She lives in the Ramey area just north of Foley and enjoys being part of a close-knit rural community.
Maria knew she was in the right profession when she discovered she could combine her passion for human health and wellness with animal care. She values the opportunity to bring empathy and compassion into her work while supporting pets and their owners through quality care and services.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends, crafting, reading, and gardening — even if she admits she does not have the best green thumb. She is also active on her family farm, where they mainly grow crops, and she helps with field work whenever she can. In her free time, she also enjoys catching a good movie whenever the opportunity comes along.
Sharon Olesen
Environmental Service Tech
Sharon Olesen is the Environmental Service Tech at Pierz Veterinary Clinic, where she has been part of the team since January 2018. She plays an important role in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment within the veterinary practice, helping support both staff and patients through her attention to detail and strong work ethic.
Sharon completed two years of vocational training in commercial art, which helped develop her creativity and organizational skills. Before joining the clinic, she gained experience in house cleaning and related work, where she discovered her natural strength in maintaining order and cleanliness. She found that these skills translated well into her current role in a veterinary setting.
Sharon knew she was in the right profession when she realized how much her experience in cleaning and organizing could directly contribute to a healthier environment for animals and staff alike.
Outside of work, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, including her grandchildren, two dogs, and her cat.
