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.

Support Staff

Stacie Long

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.

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.

Tiffany Bonnesen

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 boyfriend, Howard, and has three cats, Fiona, Raisin, and Leia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends.

Melanie Dieber

Sarah Johnson

Sarah has worked as a veterinary receptionist since 2007. In March of 2015, Sarah joined the Homestead team when she and her husband, Sean, moved back to NW Iowa after being in SE Iowa for 9 years. Their 3 children are grown and they have 1 grandchild. They currently have 2 cats to keep us relaxed after moving from a hobby farm with a little bit of everything. She enjoys hand spinning, cooking, making soaps, and painting.

Tara Dole

Tara is originally from Sanborn, IA and currently lives in Spencer with her husband, Kyle. Together they have 2 cats, Alley and Boo Boo, a French bulldog named Elsie J, and a golden retriever named Arcane. She graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with her veterinary technician degree in May of 2017 and joined the Homestead team. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends.