Our Careteam
Your pet’s emotional and physical well-being is prioritized with every visit. We put the patients first!
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Dr. Deborah L. Cox
Veterinarian / Practice Owner
Dr. Cox is a graduate of the Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to that she received a bachelor’s degree in English. She then spent two years in a graduate school focusing on a degree in Folklore, at which time she realized her calling has always been caring for animals. She spent 5 years in Wisconsin and t years in southern Minnesota practicing in mixed large and small animal clinics before taking over Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic in 1997. Being physically active has always been important, these days that translates to horseback riding, gardening & cross-country skiing when time permits. Her animal household now consists of three dogs (a middle-aged compulsive German Shepherd and two active young boxer siblings) and 5 cats (now older and all clinic rescues). Throughout the years of practice the most important and rewarding part has been sharing in our clients animal families.
Betsy Preston
Practice Manager
Betsy Preston’s journey into veterinary care began with a childhood golden retriever named Brownie. As a young girl, she would practice her “veterinarian” skills on him, learning the early lessons of compassion and care. The bond between them became even more meaningful when Brownie was hit by a car and broke his leg. Caring for him during his recovery ignited Betsy’s lifelong commitment to helping animals and supporting the families who love them.
Though Betsy started her own family as a young adult and didn’t attend college until her forties, she pursued her Associates Degree in Arts & Accounting with determination. The perfect opportunity arose in April 2017 when she joined Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic as a Client Service Representative. With her talent, dedication, and passion for animal care, she was promoted to Practice Manager in 2019, a role she embraces with warmth, organization, and heart.
Raised in a small town on the Iron Range, Betsy grew up with strong small-town values that shape her approach to both her work and community. She enjoys the balance her role provides—managing clinic operations, supporting the team, and connecting with pets and their owners every day.
At home, Betsy shares her life with her husband, Gary, their two adult children Felicia and Logan, and granddaughter Finley. Their pets include a playful boxer named Artemis, a mischievous schnauzer named Orion, and their newest feline family member, Mr. Meepers (aka Balam). Betsy’s love for creativity shines through in her hobbies—crafting with her Cricut, gardening, reading, fishing, and camping. She also channels her creativity into meaningful community projects, like creating the paw prints for the clinic’s “Paws for Help” program.
Betsy’s story is one of dedication, compassion, and a lifelong love of animals, making her an invaluable part of the Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic family.
Olivia Moon, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
For Olivia Moon, veterinary medicine has never been just a profession — it’s been part of her story for as long as she can remember. She grew up just minutes from Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic, where her family brought their pets for care, and the clinic quickly became a familiar place she trusted. In 2021, Olivia returned to Twin Pines as a student intern while completing her degree in Veterinary Technology.
Olivia’s love for animals began early. Her family raised and showed dogs, giving her a front-row seat to the dedication, teamwork, and joy that comes with living alongside animals. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science in 2019, followed by her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Dakota County Technical College in 2021.
At Twin Pines, Olivia finds her greatest fulfillment in surgery and laboratory work. She enjoys being hands-on in the operating room, assisting with procedures, and piecing together diagnostic clues through testing. To her, every case is a puzzle waiting to be solved, and she takes pride in helping uncover the answers that lead to healing. Her calm presence, steady focus, and genuine compassion make her a trusted ally to both patients and their families.
Outside of the clinic, Olivia’s life continues to revolve around animals. She shares her home with five Gordon Setters — Rowan, Waverly, Veronica, Enzo, and Tamsyn — and two orange cats, Binx and Josie, one adopted through Twin Pines. Dog shows are a beloved passion, and one of her proudest moments came in 2022 when she and Tamsyn won Best in Specialty Show from the veteran class.
For Olivia, every day at Twin Pines is an opportunity to give back to the animals and families who have shaped her own journey — a journey that truly came full circle.
Brandie
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon.
Jillian Hanson
Customer Care Specialist & Veterinary Technician
At Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic, Jillian Hanson has found the perfect place to combine her love of animals with her passion for learning. Splitting her time as both a Customer Care Specialist and Veterinary Technician, she’s also working toward her certification as a licensed veterinary technician through Penn Foster—a step that feels like a natural extension of the work she loves.
Jillian’s journey into veterinary care began back in her college days in Moorhead, MN, when she picked up a part-time job at a boarding kennel. What started as a way to earn extra money quickly became something more—she realized how much joy it brought her to spend her days surrounded by animals and to be part of their care. When she and her fiancé, Lane, settled back home in Sandstone, she discovered Twin Pines was hiring and knew it was the right place to put down roots.
For Jillian, the best part of her work is the variety. No two patients or days are ever the same, and she thrives on the constant opportunities to grow and learn alongside her team. More than anything, she loves knowing her role helps pets feel better and families feel supported.
Life outside the clinic is just as full and joyful. Jillian and Lane live in Askov with their two Small Munsterlanders, Saige and Clover. Saige is clever and full of personality, while Clover brings endless puppy energy and the sweetest snuggles. Together, they keep the house filled with muddy pawprints, laughter, and plenty of love.
When she’s not working or studying, Jillian enjoys reading, experimenting in the kitchen, heading to concerts, watching hockey, and savoring quiet moments with coffee in hand and her dogs by her side.
Sara Glazener
Customer Care Specialist / Veterinary Assistant
Sara Glazener’s journey into veterinary care began in childhood, when she could always be found curled up with an animal by her side. Nap times often meant snuggling next to a dog, cat, or even a farm animal willing to share the space. As she grew older, her first horse, Flash, taught her the responsibility of caring for an animal through both rewarding and challenging moments. Those early experiences shaped Sara’s lifelong passion for animal care.
One of her most vivid memories is walking through the woods with her loyal German Shepherd, who always kept her safe and guided her back home. That trust and companionship showed Sara how meaningful the bond between people and animals could be, inspiring her to pursue a career where she could give back to pets and the families who love them.
At Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic, Sara serves as both a Customer Care Specialist and Veterinary Assistant. She loves being part of a team dedicated to helping pets live healthier, happier lives. From assisting in recovery after surgery to providing comfort during routine visits, Sara finds joy in supporting patients and their families. She especially treasures watching pets grow through the years and knowing she has played a part in their journey.
At home, Sara shares life with her husband Jeremy and their six pets. Their cats—Bean, Gilligan, Lucy, and Tippy—were all adopted after being left at the clinic and quickly became part of the family. Darla, their gentle Great Dane mix, and Marvin, their spirited Cocker Spaniel, are inseparable best friends despite their size difference. Darla’s calm nature has even earned her the adoration of all the cats.
Outside of Twin Pines, Sara enjoys small-town living, spending time with her pets, and embracing the everyday joys of a life surrounded by animals.
Jackie
Customer Care Specialist
Jackie’s love for animals began in rural Wisconsin, where she grew up surrounded by family and a barnyard full of cattle, horses, and dogs. From horseback rides to daily farm chores, her early years were shaped by hands-on experiences that inspired a lifelong passion for animal care, companionship, and welfare.
Today, Jackie shares her life with her fiancé, David, her stepson, Dax, and her dog, Polly. Whether caring for animals or spending time with family, Jackie brings compassion, dedication, and heart into everything she does.
McKenzie
Veterinary Receptionist
Kenzie knows what it feels like to take a chance when it matters most. In early December 2025, she applied to Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic during a time when she was rebuilding her life and searching for a new direction. That decision became the start of a new chapter, one that placed her in the environment she had always been drawn to.
Her connection to animals has been consistent throughout her life. Growing up in Cambridge, Minnesota, she developed a strong appreciation for the outdoors and a deep interest in animals, especially horses. That interest goes beyond observation. It is rooted in understanding behavior, communication, and the connection that can form when trust is built over time.
One of the most meaningful examples of that connection is her relationship with her rescue mare, Clover. Through liberty work, a form of training based entirely on choice and trust, Kenzie has built a bond where communication happens through movement and energy. Clover chooses to stay engaged, responding to subtle cues and moving alongside her in a way that reflects mutual understanding. That experience continues to shape how Kenzie approaches animals in every setting.
As a Veterinary Receptionist, Kenzie values the opportunity to help both pets and the people who care for them. She enjoys creating a welcoming environment, supporting her team, and being part of a group that works closely together each day. The relationships she builds with clients and coworkers are an important part of what makes her work meaningful.
Outside of the clinic, Kenzie continues to pursue her passion for animal care through her studies in animal nutrition and her involvement in rescue efforts. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, writing, drawing, and exploring new experiences. At home, she shares her life with her rescue animals, each one reflecting the same connection that first inspired her path forward.
Alyssa Henke
Customer Care Specialist, Kennel Supervisor & Kennel Assistant
For Alyssa, animals have always been more than companions. They’ve been her passion, her teachers, and the driving force behind her career. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alyssa followed her love of animal care into higher education, earning degrees in both biology and psychology. Her journey then took her to two big cat sanctuaries, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience working with exotic species. Her time at The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota was especially formative, cementing her commitment to caring for animals of all kinds.
After realizing that she absolutely loved working as an animal caretaker, Alyssa’s curiosity about the medical side of animal care kept growing. That interest led her to Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic, where she has been part of the team for the past three years. As receptionist, kennel supervisor, and veterinary assistant, she enjoys learning new skills, supporting the medical team, and broadening her knowledge of veterinary medicine. For Alyssa, Twin Pines offers the perfect balance, allowing her to combine her background in animal care with her passion for continued growth.
Her life outside the clinic is also full of animals! Alyssa shares her home with nine rescue pets: six cats (Angel, Mya, Chase, Mango, Peanut, and Thea) and three dogs (Walter, Lily, and Neena). Each one has a unique personality and, as Alyssa likes to say, demands undivided attention. With nine pets all vying for affection, her home is a lively, loving place that perfectly reflects her love for rescue animals.
When she isn’t busy caring for her four-legged family or supporting patients at Twin Pines, Alyssa stays active with CrossFit, house projects, and reading. In October 2025, she will compete in Barbells for Bullies, a CrossFit fundraiser supporting bully breed rescues, a cause that is very close to her heart.
For Alyssa, every day is another chance to give back to the animals who have given her so much.
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Sloppy Kisses
19,389
Bellies Rubbed
27,193
Treats Given