Nicole McFarland

Location: Iowa
Email: nicole.mcfarland@midwestvet.net
Phone: 515-554-4356

I live and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, I have always had a passion for animals and veterinary care. I nurtured and cultivated my knowledge and experience right here, in the heartland.

My love of animals, specifically horses, started at the age of 4, when I started riding and competing in the Hunter Jumper Equestrian sport throughout the Midwest and South. I competed, trained and sold many horses into my adult years. By the time I was in high school, I was working as a Kennel Assistant in a small animal clinic eventually moving to a position at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in my junior year of high school. At Prairie Meadows, I started out in the test barn, where I did the drug testing after the horses raced. Before long, I was asked to work for an equine veterinary practice as a Vet Tech on the backside of the racetrack, where I continued my growth after high school graduation and well into my college years.

I attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. During my time at ISU, I was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority, and spent time working for the USDA in the Aphis Division. I was part of the research team at the USDA that initially isolated the West Nile Virus, a contribution that I was delighted to be a part of.

After graduating from Iowa State University, I traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas and spent time working for a veterinary racetrack practice at Oaklawn Racetrack, keeping my goal in mind of seeking my career as a Sales Rep in Animal Health. Fall of 2002 an opportunity arose in Minnesota, so I jumped at the opportunity for a position as an inside sales representative with Burns Veterinary Supply. During the interview, I was hired in an outside sales position for Iowa, achieving my ultimate goal. After three years of covering the State of Iowa, I joined the Midwest Veterinary Supply team in 2005, taking on Des Moines and the surrounding area as my territory, focusing on small animal, large animal and equine products and services. During my time with Midwest Veterinary Supply, I have been Rookie of the Year and two time winner of The President's Club award. I also currently serve on the Board for the Animal Care Foundation in Des Moines.

I still have a deep love for horses, but now fill my time with my family – husband Tim, daughters Mackenzie and Allie, dogs Mona and Otis, and our two hermit crabs named Princess and Woof Dog. Being able to supply cutting edge products and services to veterinary clinics to care for horses and other animals has fulfilled a life-long dream.

Dave Elmegreen

Location: South Texas
Email: david.elmegreen@midwestvet.net
Phone: 210-274-3553

I'm Dave Elmegreen. Recently I joined the Midwest family as an Equine Territory Manager and bring with me over 30 years of equine experience. I live in San Antonio and have 3 years of prior experience as a distributor representative.

Born and raised in the mid-west, I worked for 16 years on the largest thoroughbred/quarter horse breeding facility in Iowa as the broodmare/stallion manager. A typical breeding season consisted of breeding 150-175 mares, managing 8 stallions, and foaling nearly 50 foals each spring. During those years I also attended in depth courses at some great universities; such as - Texas A M, Colorado State, and the University of Illinois. However, after that it was time to speed things up.

In 1999, I began training both thoroughbred and quarter horse racehorses at many different racetracks around the country. One highlight, winning the G3 Jim Bader Futurity twice!

I look forward to working with you so please feel free to contact me directly at any time.

Now, with 15 years of racetrack experience under my belt it's time to work with horses in a new capacity. With the wide array of experience that I have gained as an equine industry professional I'll be a partner you can rely on. Covering everything from the breeding shed - to the winners circle I'm very excited to help you, in your practice in any way I can. Feel free to give me a call any time!

Elissa Baertschi

Location: Tennessee / Kentucky
Email: elissa.baertschi@midwestvet.net
Phone: 859-940-9804

My name is Elissa Baertschi. I am very excited to recently join the Midwest team as the new Equine Specialist for the Kentucky and Tennessee Region. I have over 9 years experience working in the animal health industry, including working as a surgical technician at a small and exotic animal hospital and working as a territory representative both in distribution and manufacturer sales. Most recently I worked for an equine nutraceutical company in the Central Kentucky area.

I graduated from Murray State University with a degree in AgBusiness with an emphasis in Equine Science and Marketing. Horses have been my passion in life from an early age and I use my knowledge I have gained in both my personal and professional experience when providing comprehensive solutions and service to my customers. When I am not at work I can usually be found at the farm either riding or taking care of my longtime equine partner, Striker, or spending time with my other two fur-children, Romeo my collie and Destiny my lop-eared rabbit. I also enjoy doing armature photography and interior design. A recent purchase of a foreclosed home, keeps me pretty busy with this!

I believe that my job as an account representative is not only to introduce new products, but be a problem solver, a business consultant and trusted member of your team. I pride myself on customer service and to always be there when the need arises. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have and I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Chris Azevedo

Location: California / Arizona
Email: chris.azevedo@midwestvet.net
Phone: 951-401-0490

My name is Chris Azevedo. I've recently joined the Midwest Veterinary Supply family as an Equine Specialist in the Southern California/ Phoenix area, and I'm so excited to be here. I've been a Sales Executive/Account Manager by day for the past 15+ years but, my passion has always been horses. I bring a lifetime of experience in the Equine industry. My parents were both avid horseman and guided me through learning proper horsemanship from the time I could sit on a horse. I was entered in my first Western lead-line class with my mom holding me on my pony at 2 years old. From there, I went on to Jr. Western Pleasure classes and at the age of 7, I was entered in my first Jr. Rodeo in the barrel racing. I continued Jr. Rodeo throughout high school, got my pro card, and now I've been a member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association for over 20 years! I've qualified for the California Circuit Finals as well as the Ram National Circuit Finals. Today, while I continue to actively compete, I focus primarily on local barrel races and rodeos on the weekends.

One thing I know for sure is that the equine partners I've been lucky enough to have in my life are the main reason for my love of this industry. With that, over the years I became very interested in the area of Equine Sports Medicine and Lameness. I continue to be intrigued and eager to learn about the latest veterinary products and procedures available to keep these athletes going to the best of their ability.

I am honored to be a part of the Midwest Vet Supply expansion to the West Coast which has given me the opportunity to combine my professional career with my passion for the Equine Industry. As a family owned, national distributor who's been in business for close to 60 years, we're here when you need us! I look forward to meeting you and would love to be a resource for your practice!

Kim Lunger

Location: Pennsylvania / Maryland
Email: kim.lunger@midwestvet.net
Phone: 717-363-0397

COMING SOON!

Alix Coursen

Location: New York / New Jersey
Email: alix.coursen@midwestvet.net
Phone: 315-399-2323

My name is Alix and I couldn’t be more excited to join to the Midwest family! I will be covering New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut as an Equine Specialist. While I’ve spent most of my professional career in the environmental industry, horses have always been my first passion. I rode my first pony at the age of five and, was hooked.

I began competing locally and was eventually traveling all over the northeast competing at horse shows. I was an active USPC member and also a founding member of my high school’s Interscholastic Equestrian Team, placing top in the country at the national competition.

Subsequently, I competed on the Hobart & William Smith College Team while pursuing a degree in Geology. Prior to graduation, my family purchased a run down 30 stall horse farm that we began rehabbing while I worked as a vet assistant at the local harness track. The facility is now a small hunter/jumper boarding and training facility that I still call home along with my 3 year old Oldenburg, Bumbles and 5 rescue dogs.

I look forward to working with you and introducing you to Midwest Veterinary Supply!

Emily Bashton

Location: Virginia / North Carolina
Email: emily.bashton@midwestvet.net
Phone: 804-904-7374

My name is Emily Bashton and my passion for horses was ignited by my mother, a lifelong horse enthusiast. This horse-passion was further cultivated by participation in 4-H and Pony Club. As a youth, I showed hunter jumpers and competed in combined training events. In my teens, I backed and trained several Welsh Ponies each summer for a local breeder in addition to breaking several colts and fillies for a thoroughbred racehorse farm. In these years, I began to lay the basic foundations of equine knowledge. I continued to compete at the regional and national level, achieving my H-A rating from Deep Run Hunt Pony Club.

I attended Virginia Tech where I received a B.S. in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine and Agricultural Economics. While in college I was a member of the Horse Judging and Riding collegiate teams. In 2000 and 2001, I was the recipient of the Equine Industry Leader Scholarship. While school was in session, I worked at the Virginia Tech Mare Center and Bent Tree Farm. My time at Bent Tree Farm was a new experience for me working with Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies and Friesians. Learning to drive four-in-hand and performing the proper etiquette for showing in the Marathon at the Devon Horse Show were highlights of my time there. My college summers consisted of working for Dressage trainers in Virginia and Hunter/Jumper trainers in Ocala, Florida.

After college, I began working as an Ambulatory Assistant at Woodside Equine Clinic. During this time, I attended Northern Virginia Community College and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). I advanced to become the Senior LVT and Anesthetist and co-led a team of eight LVTs and Assistants for the referral hospital. I was also an ambassador for the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT) serving as a Regional Contact. In addition, I was a Board member and Education Committee Chair for two years for the North East Association of Equine Practitioners (NEAEP). Working hand-in-hand with the executive directors to produce quality continuing education programs for technicians was my primary role for both the AAEVT and NEAEP. Professional development has always been a passion of mine and the experiences and networking gained from these two associations has been exceptional.

After eight years at Woodside Equine Clinic, my career continued in the Feed Division at Southern States Cooperative as a Feed Ingredient Merchandiser. Over the next five years, I partnered with nutritionists to serve independent dealers and direct farm accounts by providing market insight supported by historical data trends and superior customer service.

As an Equine Associate, I am excited to apply my industry knowledge to make a difference in your practice. My goal is to provide business solutions, industry updates and trends combined with quality customer service to support your continued success. I look forward to working with you!

Laurel Klotz

Location: Oklahoma
Email: laurel.klotz@midwestvet.net
Phone: 405-684-7904

My name is Laurel Klotz. I’ve been privileged to have an exciting career within the veterinary industry over the last 16 plus years. While in nursing school I worked as a Veterinary Assistant. My passion for veterinary medicine ultimately led me to a life changing decision. I found that my medical training in human medicine had direct application to veterinary medicine and so switched my concentration, shortly upon graduation. I worked as an RVT and Practice Manager for nearly 12 years. The latter part of my career in clinic focused heavily on emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, and practice management.

I joined the MVS family 5 years ago. In those 5 years I’ve successfully partnered with and managed Equine exclusive, mixed animal, food animal, and companion animal accounts. In 2015, I was honored with the “OSR Rookie of the Year” award. My passion for this industry keeps me involved in outside and local groups. I sit on the advisory board for Murray State Colleges’ Veterinary Technology Program. I am also a member of Oklahoma’s Network for Veterinary Practice Managers. Most recently I was asked to sit on an advisory board with local Equine Veterinarians. We are teaming up to help with an initiative that will elevate the experience veterinary students receive when networking for internships, post-graduation job placement, and enhancing their skill sets by way of providing various wet labs at local veterinary clinics during their time at OSU.

My husband and I live in Newcastle Oklahoma with our two dogs, two miniature donkeys, and our mare. As your Territory Manager, my paramount concern is to partner with you and understand the wants, needs, and goals of your practice. I am elated at the opportunity to begin our partnership. I welcome you to contact me with questions, concerns, or just to chat over the phone.

Shawn David

Location: Louisiana
Email: shawn.david@midwestvet.net
Phone: 337-227-3106

Beth Bowory

Location: Pennsylvania Branch
Email: beth.borowy@midwestvet.net
Phone: 800-643-9378

Hi I'm Beth; I started with Midwest Veterinary Supply 2005 as an Inside Sales Representative out of our Pennsylvania Brach. I am also our East Coast Inside Sales Equine Specialist. My love of horses has had me involved in the equine industry for almost 20 years now. Most of my experience came from working in an equine surgical facility in upstate New York and also working for a large breeding farm in Oklahoma.

I grew up in Glen Mills, PA. I began showing English horses with a local 4-H Pony Club at an early age and then switched over to riding western horses and running barrels, which was way more exciting! I own a quarter horse gelding named Pete that I ride competitively in the sport of Professional Barrel Racing. You will find me traveling up and down the East Coast competing at several different rodeos on the weekends.

Chrissy Powers

Location: Pennsylvania Branch
Email: chrissy.powers@midwestvet.net
Phone: 800-643-9378

I started with Midwest Veterinary Supply in December of 2009 after a 20 year career in a small animal practice and 2 years in an oncology specialty practice. I started as a support person for our large animal specialist and recently in April 2015 I accepted the position as the equine specialist for the east coast team.

I grew up in the heart of Chester county horse country and spent many years showing hunters and galloping around getting into trouble. I still have my very first foal, Murphy he's 26 this year! I spent time in 4-H when younger and groomed for a 3-Day eventer in my teens. I also showed poultry all over the east coast and I am a USDA certified poultry tech.

My most recent hobbies include raising bees, spending time with my son Colin (15) and going to rodeos with my cowboy husband Kevin. We have 4 horses- 3 quarter horses, 1 thoroughbred mare, a goat, sheep and lots of chickens.

Brandy Guilkey

Location: Las Vegas Branch
Email: brandy.guilkey@midwestvet.net
Phone: 800-643-9378

My name is Brandy Guilkey and I am very excited to be your Inside Sales Equine Specialist for Midwest Veterinary Supply. Midwest is a family owned, full-line veterinary distributor that has been in business for over 55 years, and I am so honored to be a part of this family.

Growing up with an NFR qualifying barrel racer for a mom, and a race horse trainer for a dad I had the love of all things equine instilled in me at a very early age. I began running barrels on my pony at the age of 4, and continued to ride most of my life. I have worked with many different breeds over the years including Quarter Horses, Paints, Thoroughbreds, and Andalusians.

It is my goal to build a personal relationship with you and your clinic answering any questions you may have, and providing you with a unique one on one relationship as well as the exceptional customer service that Midwest Veterinary Supply offers.

I look forward to getting to know you, and working with you to build a relationship and meet your clinic’s equine needs.

Cheri Breitinger

Location: Dallas Branch
Email: cheri.breitinger@midwestvet.net
Phone: 800-643-9378

My name is Cheri and I started working as the Inside Sales, Equine Specialist at Midwest Veterinary Supply in March 2018. Although I haven't been here long, I already feel as if this is my family. I recently moved to Texas from Washington State, where I lived most of my life. My family and I decided to make a change from rain to sun, and boy have we found the sunshine!

I've been in the Veterinary industry for a little over 40 years and have loved every minute. While in high school, I worked at a small animal practice. After 15 years, I switched my career focus to Veterinary distribution. After working in distribution for 23 years, I went to work at a specialty practice for a Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Although I loved the job, when my dream job as an Equine Specialist became available (in a sunny state!) I was more than ready to start.

Horses have always been a passion of mine, after my first pony ride as a child I was hooked on everything horses. I started out riding western, but grew to enjoy English much more. Over the years I've owned 2 horses, and now I hope to find one here in Texas. My husband and daughter moved down here with me, along with our 4 cats and 1 dog. I am so excited to be working with wonderful people, in a field I love!

Leah Scharnell

Location: Wisconsin Branch
Email: leah.scharnell@midwestvet.net
Phone: 608-834-3537

Taryn Galliher

Location: Indiana Branch
Email: taryn.galliher@midwestvet.net
Phone: 260-399-3511

Taylor Hammett

Location: Alabama Branch
Email: taylor.hammett@midwestvet.net
Phone: 205-433-8030