Staff

Our Doctors

Robert Gehrman, DVM Dr. Bob graduated from the University of MN, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1968. He practiced in Hayward, California, south of Oakland. Six years later, he returned to Minnesota to join his father, Dr. Fred and Dr. Charles, and staff. Dr. Bob and his wife Marilyn have a blended family of five. Dr. Bob has 2 children, a daughter Kim and a son Jason. Marilyn has 3 sons: Michael, Douglas, and Robert. Dr. Bob's daughter Kim and her husband Michael have 2 daughters: Alexandra and Madeleine. Marilyn's son Michael and his wife Jenifer have 2 sons Garrett and Noah. Bob and Marilyn both love to travel, enjoy antiques and visit their families. Bob's other interests are skiing, fishing and the outdoors. They have 2 rescued animals from Greater West Metro Humane Society, a dog Bandit, and a cat, Bobcat.

Charles Gehrman, DVM Dr. Chuck, like brother Dr. Bob, early in life had exposure to veterinary medicine, grew up next door to their dad's animal hospital. Dr. Charles graduated from the University of MN, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1965. He was drafted and served a tour of duty in Vietnam where he met his wife, Ann. After returning home, he spent two years in a large animal practice in Buffalo, MN before returning to the Gehrman Animal Hospital in 1970. In 1998 Dr. Chuck completed an advanced sabbatical program in veterinary neurology from the University of GA, and has received special training in gastro-enterology / endoscopy and has additional interests in knee and cruciate ligament repairs. Dr. Chuck and Ann have 2 children, Chad and Greg. Chad and his wife Zhenia have a son Daniel and live in Russia.

Kenneth Kirchgessner, DVM Dr. Ken graduated from the veterinary school at the University of Minnesota in 1974. He grew up a few miles from the Gehrman Animal Hospital. Dr Ken now lives in Plymouth with his wife Debbie. His two sons, Dan and John, are graduates of the University of Minnesota. Woodie, an aging golden Retriever is also a special family member. Dr. Ken especially enjoys boating, fishing, bird hunting, golf, and his family river-cabin.

Brodie Owens, DVM Dr. Brodie completed her clinical rotation at the Gehrman Animal Hospital and impressed our staff with her veterinary skills and caring ways. Dr Brodie graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in the Spring of 2002. She lives in Plymouth with her husband, Marty, and their two chocolate labs, “Bailey and Mac.” Dr. Brodie grew up in Pittsburgh and lived in San Francisco while working for a consulting firm. She and her husband moved to the Twin Cities when she was accepted at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Brodie and Marty spend time with their “kids” (oops, pets) and enjoy outdoor activities including biking, hiking, and cross country skiing.

Marcus Johansen, DVM Dr. Marcus recently graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been working at Gehrman Animal Hospital as a veterinary intern / technician for the past 1.5 years and has recently joined the staff as our new veterinary associate. He feels very blessed to continue to be a part of the Gehrman family. Dr. Marcus also has an interest in farm / production animals and hopes to occasionally use his “large” and small animal skills to provide temporary assistance in developing / 3rd world countries. He and his wife, Susan, live in Coon Rapids and are proud "parents" of their dog, Abigail, and their chinchilla, Fernando. Some of Marcus' hobbies include waterskiing, hiking, running, and traveling.

Our Exam Assistants

Top row: Dan, Denise Bottom row: Jamie. Mona Dan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors degree in Microbiology and is currently pursing admittance into the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dan has a cat Mea, that he's brought to Gehrman's since he was a child. Dan joined the Gehrman staff in January of 2004. Dan is engaged and planning on getting married in May of 2005. Denise comes to us with a powerful love for animals. She shares her smiles and tears with everyone who comes through the door with a healthy or sick animal. She has helped save many animals by placing them in loving homes and shares her own home with her husband Dan, and four dogs Elsa, Allie, Gracie, and Douglas. When she's not cuddling with dogs, she can be found gardening or landscaping in her back yard. Jamie began working with us in 1999, as Dr. Charles Gehrman's mentor student. Afterwards, she was offered a job and gladly accepted. She now works an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, while pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. In her spare time she pays with her two dogs and volunteers at the Minnesota Zoo and enjoys figure skating. Ramona began working part time for GAH in 2001 as an exam room assistant and confers with clients with pets behavioral problems. Mona also works as a professional trainer for Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota and in her “spare time” teaches formal dog obedience classes here at GAH. Mona's love of dogs is evident through her 12 years of training dogs and involvement in many dog-affiliated clubs and sports. When she's not busy working with dogs, Mona devoted her time to her husband, Dustin, 2 boys Alex and Ethan, her daughter Halle, and her 2 dogs, cat and family bird.

Our Technicians L to R : Kathy, Jim, Wendy, Mandy Kathy grew up on a farm near Swanville, Minnesota and nowlives in Maple Plain with her husband Todd, and sons Ben and Jake. She came to the Gehrman Animal Hospital via an internship through the University of Minnesota at Waseca and has been a Certified Veterinary Technician here since 1991. She is also supervisor of our receptionists and coordinator of our Dental Health Month. Jim is our senior Certified Veterinary technician. He has been with Gehrman Animal Hospital since 1972. He attended Bemidji State University and served a tour of duty in the U.S. Army at the Army Veterinary Service Dog Hospital in Okinawa. Jim's duties include ordering drugs and supplies, as well as scheduling the technicians and veterinary assistants. Jim and his wife Claire live in Plymouth. Their children graduated from the U of M and are working in their respective fields. Jenny graduated from Argosy University in 2004 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She started at the Gehrman Animal Hospital in April 2005 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She has two cats, Tigger and Annabell. Wendy graduated from NDSU in 2004 with a major in Veterinary Technology. She completed her internship with the Gehrman Animal Hospital in 2003 and is now employed as a full-time technician. Wendy likes long walks in the park, fishing, four wheeling and camping. She is especially fond of corgis. Mandy graduated in June of 2003 from Argosy University with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She started her 10 week internship at Gehrman Animal Hospital in July of 2003 and has been employed at GAH as a Certified Veterinary Technician ever since. Mandy shares her Minnetonka apartment with her shih tzu, Isabelle, and a domestic short hair cat/troublemaker, Oliver.
Special Projects Coordinators Liz and Gary meet at Wartburg College while earning their BA degrees. Liz got her MA at Hamline University and worked as a Special Education Teacher and Special Services Coordinator for Hopkins School district and has since retired. Gary received his MA from St. Mary's College and is retired from Wayzata School District, where he worked as a teacher, counselor and dean. They have worked at GAH since the spring of 2002 as our Special Projects coordinators. They over saw the move to the new clinic, provide monthly staff luncheons and other various tasks, as needed.
Our Groomer Vicki has spent most of her life living right here in the Twin Cities. After spending many years raising kids, dogs, and a husband, as well as being a successful office manager at a highly regarded search firm, she embarked on her new career. Vicki has opened Vicki's Groom Room, LLC at Gehrman Animal Hospital, her new location for dog grooming in the Twin Cities. Vicki is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management with a Bachelor's degree in Business and is now certified as a “canine clipper” from the highly regarded Cutting Edge Pet Grooming School in the Twin Cities. An opportunity to provide custom, reasonably priced dog-grooming services is a dream become reality for Vicki. She lives with her husband Marsh and son Brandon, a junior at Armstrong High School. Son Matt is a spring 2005 graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Three rescued dogs - Benny and Icy, the Greyhounds, and Ciatti, the Lhasa Apso - also help keep Vicki busy! Vicki's hobbies include ceramics, knitting, reading and travel.

Our Receptionists Front Left to Right: Wendy, Carol, Mary Wendy graduated from NDSU in 2004 with a major in Veterinary Technology. She completed her internship with the Gehrman Animal Hospital in 2003 and is now employed as a full-time technician. Wendy likes long walks in the park, fishing, four wheeling and camping. She is especially fond of corgis. Carol joined Gehrman Animal Hospital as a front desk receptionist after seeing an ad in the paper one day for "someone who loves animals." Needing a change after 35 years in administrative work, she decided to give GAH a try; which has turned into three years now. Carol enjoys greeting the pets and their owners, and seeing how well people care for their animals. As part of her job, Carol cares for the owners as well as the pets, making a special effort to comfort owners in difficult times. Through her work, she has come to admire the staff at the West Metro Humane Society because of their commitment to provide the opportunity for a better life with new owners for so many pets. Carol and her husband Bert live in Eden Prairie along with their 2-year-old Yorkie, Ernie. Carol's son Matt lives with his wife and daughter in Allen, Texas; her daughter Mandy and son- in - law who live in Norman OK, are expecting a son in June; and another daughter, Rachel, is closer by, living in Minneapolis. Mary has work at GAH since 1992. She lives in Shoreword with her husband Dave and her Golden Retriever, Misha. She has three adult children, two sons and a daughter. Mary enjoys traveling, entertaining, golf, and her lakeshore home. Back Left to Right: Nina, Denise, Chris, Nancy Nina lives just a few miles from the clinic with her husband, 3 teenaged children, 2 dogs, 2 parakeets and a fish. (Other pets over the years have included canaries, gerbils, l hamster, guinea pigs, and white rats!) When she's not working or tending to her family and pets, Nina enjoys a book club, and a gourmet dinner group. Weather permitting; she also enjoys long distance bicycle riding. Denise has worked with "her extended family" at Gehrman Animal Hospital since 1995. She enjoys the fun of seeing such a variety of dogs and cats and the amazing differences in personalities. Denise lives in Plymouth with her husband Frank and their golden retriever, Scarlett. On her days off, Denise spends a great deal of time taking care of 6-year-old grandson Tyler, and the two granddogs, Lola (bulldog) and Bosco (Boston terrier). Chris has had a long association with conservation and habitat restoration. She has worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service. In 2000, she and her husband Norm were commissioned Colonels by the State of Kentucky for their restoration work at Mammoth Cave National Park. She is a professional watercolor artist. Chris joined our staff as a receptionist in December of 2004. Nancy lives in Minnetonka with her husband Kenny and son Bjorn. She also has a daughter, Britt. Her cat Hazy completes the family. Nancy has enjoyed working at GAH since August 2001.