Our Staff
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Maggie Hirschfield
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. 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
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 in Early, IA with her fiance Kellen, four cats, and 3 dogs. In her “free” time she enjoys reading, cows, and Beach Body. She has been a member of the Homestead family since 2022.
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
Tara Dole
Tara is originally from Sanborn, IA and currently lives in Spencer with her two dogs Elsie J, and Arcane. She graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with her veterinary technician degree in May of 2017 and joined the Homestead team the same year. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends.
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.
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, that came to us from her previous job in Spirit Lake, IA. Candace lives locally and has 4 kids that share their home with Rambo, Yogi, Liberty, Binx, and Pickles. 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 ‘yakin 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 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.
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.
Madison Stickrod
Madison is currently in high school and hopes to become a veterinary technician in the future. She is currently involved in wrestling, golf, and showing rabbits.
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.
Brooke Hibbing
Brooke joined us in 2025. She has spent the last 10 years working with animals, most recently dissolving her own dog boarding business. Brooke enjoys spending time with the animals and making sure they have the best time away from home. Outside of work Brooke of a busy mom of 2 boys and loves spending time with them and her fur babies.