Get to know our team!
OUR VETERINARIANS
OUR STAFF
Dr. STEPHANIE RICKER, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ricker grew up in New Jersey, but fell in love with Oregon as a student at Reed College. After graduating from the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, she and her husband returned to the Northwest. Dr. Ricker has been at Southgate Animal Clinic since 1986 and enjoys the long-term relationships she has established with her clients here. Dr. Ricker and her husband have a son and a daughter who attend college out of state. Her family enjoys their volunteer work as puppy raisers for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Click the link below to see photos of two of the pups, Donette and Riata, they helped raise.
Dr. KRISTEN SHAW, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Shaw has a life-long love and respect for animals, which led to her career in veterinary medicine. She enjoys working with clients who include their animals as a part of the family. Dr. Shaw emphasizes providing the best possible care and forming long-lasting relationships with her clients. She graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. In 2005, Dr. Shaw formed a partnership with then senior practitioner, Dr. Powell. She purchased the practice when Dr. Powell retired in 2006. Dr. Shaw shares her home with her husband and two very active dogs. She also has a love for horses and has raised, trained and shown horses since her youth.
Dr. JEN STRELKAUSKAS, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Strelkauskas graduated in 1996 with a BS in Animal Science and a DVM from Auburn University College in Veterinary Medicine. She practiced both small and large animal medicine in a number of states across the country before settling in the Pacific Northwest in 2002. After living in the Columbia gorge for 13 years, she and her two boys have now made Portland their home. She joined Southgate Animal Clinic in 2016 and hopes to cultivate many new relationships with our clients and their forever friends. When not working, she can be found reading good books, cheering for one son at football games or supporting her other son as he dances for Oregon Ballet Theater.
DR. LIBBI PELTZ, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Libbi Peltz graduated from OSU starting in equine medicine out of college and transitioned into small animal practice in 2010. All aspects of Small Animal Medicine are of interest, but Dr. Libbi’s particular passions are Preventive medicine, puppy care and education, geriatrics and treating canine athletes. Outside of work, Dr. Libbi competes and trains jumping horses, currently competing with her horse Kirra. She also trains and competes in Agility with her 3 Australian Shepherds. Dr. Libbi has one horse, 2 cats and 3 Aussies, enjoys hiking and gardening.