ABOUT US
MEET THE TEAM
Akin Hills Pet Hospital is a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible. You can expect to be greeted by a courteous receptionist, clean exam rooms, friendly doctors, and caring technicians. We appreciate the role we get to play in your pets’ health care.
If you have any questions or comments about how we can care for your pet, please contact us today at (651) 460-8985.
Veterinarians
Dr. Leslie Buggi, DVM, Owner
Dr. Leslie purchased Akin Hills Pet Hospital in February 2017 from Dr. Lori Ecklund. She began working in this practice in 2014, and practiced veterinary medicine in Omaha, Nebraska for seven years prior to moving to Minnesota. She attended Kansas State University for both her undergraduate degree and veterinary school. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is building bonds with her clients and seeing their relationship with their pets.
In her free time, Dr. Leslie enjoys spending time with her family and hiking. Her favorite vacation spot is Banff National Park. Her family includes Gus, a Bernese mountain dog. Gus is a big, loveable goof ball who loves to steal food. Dr. Leslie loves to hike with him through Lebanon Hills Park during the winter.
Dr. Marcia Bisel, DVM
In her spare time, she spends time with her husband raising their four children, long walks and lots of cuddles with her French bulldog Hughie, and helping with their family business, Downtown Bicycles in Northfield.
Dr. Alex Lindemann, DVM
Dr. Alex Lindemann became part of Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2023. After graduating with a degree in biochemistry from Michigan State University in 2018, Dr. Lindemann pursued a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Kansas State University, completing their studies in 2023. Driven by a deep passion for fostering the human-animal bond, he finds immense fulfillment in helping every pet live the best life possible. Veterinary medicine provides the perfect avenue for establishing meaningful connections with both humans and animals, allowing Dr. Alex Lindemann to make a positive impact on their well-being.
Outside of work, Dr. Lindemann enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and exploring, accompanied by their two beloved dogs and his wife. He also has a penchant for discovering special and unique restaurants, indulging in new culinary experiences.
Dr. Lindemann shares his home with two cherished canine companions. Paxton, a mixed breed rescue, and Indigo, a Labrador-Great Pyrenees mix. Both dogs are affectionately spoiled and require daily care for their anxiety, which the Lindemann family readily provides.
Dr. Jeff Lundgren, DVM
Dr. Jeff Lundgren joined Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2023. He graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Driven by his profound love for animals, he chose a career in veterinary medicine to make a positive impact on their lives. With a strong passion for improving the quality of life for the pets under his care, Dr. Lundgren finds great fulfillment in his role as a veterinarian. He takes pride in providing exceptional medical care and is dedicated to the well-being and happiness of each patient.
Dr. Lundgren particularly enjoys working at Akin Hills Pet Hospital because of the collaborative and compassionate team he has the privilege of working with. Their shared passion for caring for pets creates a positive and supportive work environment that enhances the level of care they provide.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Lundgren cherishes spending quality time with his family. He finds joy in watching his kids play sports and engaging in various games with them. Additionally, he indulges in clay shooting with friends and appreciates relaxing moments spent at the pool with loved ones.
At home, Dr. Lundgren shares his life with a lovable golden retriever named Millie. Millie enthusiastically accompanies him on walks and happily engages with the neighborhood kids., bringing joy and companionship to their lives.
Dr. Abby DeLay, DVM
At the heart of her veterinary journey is a deep connection to pets and their families. Dr. DeLay finds immense satisfaction in building lasting relationships with clients, supporting them through every stage of their pets’ lives. Dr. DeLay is thrilled to join the Akin Hills veterinary team, drawn by its welcoming environment and positive values. With her background and passion, she is a valuable asset to the practice and looks forward to contributing to its mission.
Outside the clinic, Dr. DeLay embraces an active lifestyle. She enjoys hiking with her energetic German Shorthaired Pointer, Mabel, who shares her love for exploring nature and bird watching. Dr. DeLay’s curiosity extends beyond the outdoors; she finds solace in reading books and embarking on new travel adventures.
Practice Manager
Shawn
Away from work, he loves spending time with his family and friends. On the weekends, you can find him attending his children’s sporting events, camping and just enjoying his free time with loved ones.
Shawn adopted two Siamese cats from the same litter that spend most of their time catching Z’s.
Office Manager
Mary
Mary Kavanagh is the office manager. She began working at Akin Hills Pet Hospital part-time in 1994 and became a full-time employee in 1997. Seeing all the pets is fun for Mary, but she also enjoys visiting with the owners.
In her free time, Mary does cross-stitch and crochet. She enjoys spending time with her adult children and all her pets. Her menagerie includes golden retriever, Missy, who is eight, and three cats – Patches (a ten-year-old domestic short-haired calico), Butter (a seven-year-old tabby and white domestic short-haired cat), and Arabella (a domestic long-haired, seven-year-old calico).
Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
Nikki, Certified Veterinary Technician
Nikki is a certified veterinary technician who graduated from Argosy University with an AAS. Since 2014, she has enjoyed working with pets at Akin Hills Pet Hospital.
In her spare time, Nikki enjoys reading, playing video games, hiking, exercising, cooking, and playing with her dog, Mikko (aka Princess), a ten-year-old Gordon Setter.
Jen, Certified Veterinary Technician
Jen is a certified veterinary technician. She received an AAS in veterinary technology. She has been part of the team at Akin Hills Pet Hospital since 2013. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is that there is always something new to learn.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys reading, playing kickball, and spending time with her pets, which includes three dogs and four cats.
Emily H, Lead Certified Veterinary Technician
Emily H. is a certified veterinary technician who graduated from Argosy University in 2018. She has been with Akin Hills Pet Hospital since 2017. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is dentals, but she loves taking care of hospitalized patients and being able to see them return to themselves.
In her spare time, Emily H. enjoys going to the gym and playing with her animals. She has three cats, Weezer, Frankie, and Stanley, and one dog, Lucy.
Kat, Veterinary Technician
Kat joined Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2021 as a veterinary technician. She attended University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse and Minnesota School of Business. She loves working with senior pets and their families. She also enjoys working in surgery.
Kat likes spending time with her family camping and hiking. She also likes watching and playing sports, especially basketball and soccer. Kat’s fur children include Coba, a senior cat who is dedicated to her family, and Wonder, an active, curious cat who is great with kids.
Ali, Certified Veterinary Technician
On one hand, Alison greatly enjoys any opportunity to spend outdoors. On the other hand, she loves some downtime at her cabin reading books. She also finds joy and excitement in traveling the world and a sense of fulfillment in volunteering with various animal and wildlife rescues. More importantly, she’s grateful for the time spent with her husband and loved ones. Her family is incomplete without her male cats. A chatty 6-year-old named Herbie adores belly rubs and a playful 15-month-old kitty called Junior loves to fetch!
April, Certified Veterinary Technician
When she’s not busy working, April sets aside leisure time. She enjoys baking, cooking, reading, hiking, and watching shows on Hulu. Above all, April spends time with friends, family, and her pets. Her house is not a home without her two guinea pigs named Cora and Poppy who love eating veggies and squealing when they’re hungry. She also has a cat called Christina who loves to snuggle and considers intently watching the guinea pigs a pastime.
Kayla, Veterinary Technician
When she’s not busy helping animals at the clinic, Kayla spends quality time with her loved ones and makes sure she stays active. She has opened her heart and her home to a 6-year-old black lab mix named Mannix who still acts like a giant puppy. Mannix loves spending every possible moment with family and playing fetch outdoors.
Michelle, Veterinary Assistant
Michelle is a veterinary assistant who began working at Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2015. She attended Winona Tech in the legal secretary program and Rochester Tech in the emergency medical technician program. At Akin Hills, Michelle enjoys the daily variety of appointments, working with clients and their pets, and seeing the pets grow.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys traveling to tropical locations. She has had German shepherd dogs since 1998 and currently has two: Maui and Kailua. Maui is a four-year-old male named after the Moana character, Maui. Kailua is a three-year-old female who is named after Michelle’s favorite area on the big island, the Kailua-Kona area. Michelle likes spending time with Maui and Kailu working on teaching them new tricks.
Administrative
Jess, Lead Customer Service Representative
Jess is a lead customer service representative who began working at Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2021. She studied photography at the Art Institute of Minnesota. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is meeting clients and their fur babies and learning about new breeds.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys reading, knitting, and hiking with her family. She has several pets, including Priya, a six-year-old German shorthaired pointer/greyhound mix; King, a four-year-old American Staffordshire terrier; Dottie, a one-year-old American pitbull terrier; Curly, a fifteen-year-old tomcat; and Solomon, her baby ball python.
Keri, Customer Service Representative
Keri is a customer service representative who began working at Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2015. For her, working at Akin Hills is a job establishing a relationship with fantastic clients and learning about their fur family. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is being able to help them, get the care they need, and being able to answer their questions.
Outside of work, Keri enjoys reading, watching movies, crocheting, knitting, making bracelets, going to the gun range, and playing with her dogs. She shares her home with her two dogs: Nikko and Opie. Nikko is a Boston Terrier who has been diagnosed with seizures. He is very energetic and loves to play with his brother. Opie is a Boxer whose nickname is Opie Dopey which suits him well. He is Keri’s crazy boy who loves to play, always wants to cuddle, and gives hugsy loves to annoy his brother. He is absolutely her velcro dog. Both of them always make Keri laugh.
Melissa, Customer Service Representative
Melissa is a customer service representative who joined the Akin Hills Pet Hospital family in 2021. She went to Pikes Peak Community College. First and foremost, Melissa appreciates the fact that there is something new to witness every day. Seeing sick pets fully recover and watching puppies and kittens grow up is what she finds most gratifying.
In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys playing video games and traveling. Melissa shares her home with two cats named Isis and Schwarz who both love cuddling and playing fetch.
Lindsay, Customer Service Representative
Lindsay came on board at Akin Hills Pet Hospital in 2022. Her favorite part of working in veterinary medicine is being able to help pet owners and getting the chance to see the difference they make in people’s lives.
Away from work, Lindsay can be found hiking and hunting. She absolutely loves all things outdoors and considers herself a huge fisher “woman”. She shares her home with her boyfriend, their three dogs named Dodger, Penny, and Ember, a Golden Retriever puppy, two guinea pigs named Ginger and Willow, Kiki the cat, and Smokey the rabbit. They also have four crappies, two birds, and a bass. They also raise ducklings in the spring.