Our Staff

Our Veterinarians

Dr. Maggie Hirschfield, Owner

Dr. Maggie Hirschfield is a 2017 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is originally from Connecticut and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pathobiology and Molecular & Cellular Biology from the University of Connecticut in 2013. She resides on a farm north of Aurelia, IA with her husband Luke and son, McKinley, and daughter, Marley. They have two dogs, Yukon Cornelius, a Rough Coat Collie, and Lainey Lou, a mixed breed dog, many farm kitties, sheep, and chickens. In her “free” time she enjoys horseback riding, cooking and relaxing with friends, and of course adding to the “zoo” at her farm. She has been a member of the Homestead family since graduation in 2017 and purchased the clinic in 2022.

Dr. Connor Butson, Owner

Dr. Connor Butson is a 2019 graduate of Ross Vet School. She is originally from Hampton, IA and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. She now resides outside of Storm Lake, IA with her Husband Kellen, four cats, and 3 dogs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, hiking, reading and working out. She joined Homestead in 2022 and became an owner in 2026.

Dr. Samantha Ford

Dr. Samantha Ford graduated from Iowa State University in 2017. She moved to Sacramento, California right after graduation to practice exotic animal medicine. Dr. Ford spent 3.5 years working there, learning from a variety of experienced exotic animal vets, as well as a board-certified avian specialist. She moved back to Iowa in 2022 and spent two years working at a small animal and exotics (primarily reptiles and small mammals) clinic in Des Moines. Dr. Ford has spent a great deal of time traveling to various wildlife clinics, zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and wildlife rehab centers all over the Americas. From hummingbirds to rhinos and tarantulas to anacondas, she has seen it all. Dr. Ford has been a member of the Homestead family since 2024.

Support Staff

Renae Thate, RVT Practice Manger

Renae graduated from Ridgewater College in 2013 with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She has been working as a Registered Veterinary Technician for over a decade and in 2020 began her journey as a practice manager. Renae enjoys the days when she can work with the animals and assist in surgeries but loves to assist the staff in other ways, such as personal growth, education and work-life balance. Renae enjoys spending her time with her family and pets on their farm in Minnesota.

Stacie Long, RVT Team Lead

Stacie is our lead technician and has been a member of our team since October 2014. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She is originally from Oyens, IA. She lives in Spencer with her husband Josh, and three children, Everett, Eden, and Lauren. They share their home with 2 cats, Luna & Toni, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sprout, and a yellow lab, Zeke. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching TV, and reading.

Receptionists

Denna Gastelum

Denna has been with Homestead Small Animal Practice since 2025. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician that has been in the industry for 10+ years. Denna lives locally with her husband, dogs and cats. Outside of work you probably won’t run into Denna, she will be at home, snuggled up with her pets reading a book or gardening.

Faith DeGroot

Faith joined Homestead Small Animal Practice Team in 2026. She graduated from Buena Vista University with a bachelor’s in Scientific Illustration in 2025. Faith shares her home with her cat, Remy, and 2 leopard geckos. Faith enjoys technical art and in her free time like to travel, try new foods and birdwatch.

Technicians

Megan Henderson

Megan has been with Homestead Small Animal Practice since 2025. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2019, that came to us from Spirit Lake, Iowa. Megan shares her home with a one-eyed cat that she rescued named “Wink.” At work Megan enjoys drawing blood, dental procedures and enjoys hands-on experience with all exotic and wild animals. After hours, you can find Megan fishing on one of the lakes, spending time with family or going to various concerts.

Candace Brazel

Candace has been with Homestead Small Animal Practice since 2025. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2024. Candace lives locally and has 4 kids that share their home with numerous cats and a dog. The human-animal bond is very special to Candace, so she enjoys helping to educate and help clients with their pet’s health. Outside of work you can find her kayaking on the lakes and rivers, running around with her very active family.

Tiffany Henkelvig

Tiffany is originally from Aurelia, IA, and completed her Vet Tech training at Iowa Lakes in 2017. She then worked at an emergency clinic in Ankeny, IA, and at ISU Emergency. She graduated from ISU with her Animal Science degree in 2021. She joined our team in July 2021. She now lives in Emmetsburg with her husband, Howard, and daughter. She has three cats, Fiona, Raisin, and Leia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends.

Heather Schmidt

Heather has been part of the Homestead team since the fall of 2020. She started as a kennel attendant while she was completing her technician degree from Iowa Lakes Community College. She graduated in May 2021 and joined us as a technician. She lives with her boyfriend, Luis, and has three cats, Byno, Screamer, and Alvin. In her free time, she enjoys reading.

Kyley Anderson

Kyley is a native to Spencer and joined the Homestead team in 2026! She graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 2020. She has worked in the field for 7+ years and become a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2025. Kyley loves to owners and watch their pets grow over the years helping them and bonding with them. Kyley has numerous pets (mostly dogs) that she enjoys cuddling at home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies and listening to musicals.

Kennel Attendants

Kayley Hermstad

Kayley is currently in high school but is looking to seek a career in veterinary medicine. She is heavily involved in golf, dance, and FFA. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing and spending time with her family.

Lauren Lee

Lauren is currently in high school but plans to attend ISU to become a veterinarian. She is active in softball, and swimming/diving.