MN SNAP’s Founder

Dr. Kim Culbertson conceived the idea of and officially founded MN SNAP on April 20, 2010 to fill Minnesota’s unmet need to provide wide-scale and affordable spay and neuter services to the public. Since that day she has worked tirelessly to advance and grow the mission impacting countless animals and clients while inspiring team members, mentees, volunteers, supporters and partners. She led MN SNAP as Medical Director until December 2023.

All MN SNAP operations continue to use the same high standards developed, continually innovated and maintained by Dr. Kim. We provide high-quality, affordable and accessible spay and neuter services to those in need and do everything to honor and uphold Dr. Kim’s legacy, years of service and her unwavering determination to end the suffering and unnecessary death of Minnesota cats, dogs and rabbits due to overpopulation.


Meet MN SNAP’s Staff

Your pet is in good hands!

Alyssa Dehne, CVT

Anesthesia Technician
Alyssa knew she wanted to be a Vet Tech since career day at 12 years old. She graduated from Minnesota School of Business/Globe University in the Veterinary Technology program and earned her certificate in 2014. After working as a CVT in a privately owned practice (her childhood Vet clinic), she found her niche in a non-profit organization performing a wide variety of services. Her two passions are high-volume spay/neuter and dental cleanings for pets of low-income families and rescues.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since November 2023

Types of pets in your family and their names: Three cats – Hot Dog Jones, Kukie Curtis, and Howard Parker McJohnstone

Favorite color: Teal

Favorite pet name: Human names from the 1920s such as Eleanor

Interesting personal trivia: Alyssa has volunteered her time in the Caribbean Islands as well as in northern Minnesota helping other non-profit groups with high volume spay/neuter surgeries.

Alyssa has a wide range of hobbies and interests including: geneology, knitting, crochet, counted cross stitch, sewing, jewelry making, photography, using her Cricut, sublimation, kayaking, camping, snowboarding, and thoroughly enjoys riding her 2022 Yamaha R7 motorcycle whenever able.

During her lifetime, Alyssa has had a beta fish, a hamster (Oreo), a Cockatiel (Malibu), two rabbits (Snowball and Dirtball), Cocker Spaniel (Bailey), and seven cats (Tickles, Maddison, Lucy, Bella, Hot Dog Jones, Kukie Curtis, and Howard Parker McJohnstone).


Amanda Brehmer

Program Coordinator
Coming Soon!

Types of pets in your family and their names: Duchess Kitty- Tortoiseshell (who was a rescue from MNSNAP almost 5 years ago) and Arlington Parker- Chihuahua/ Rat Terrier/ Jack Russel rescue mix.

The most pets you have had at one time: 6 cats, three dogs and a hamster.

Favorite color: Royal Blue

Interesting personal trivia: I have traveled cross-country by car over five times and have spent time in almost every state in the US, including living on the island of Oahu, HI.


Andrea Mann, CVT

Cross Coverage Technician

Andrea grew up loving animals and would be the annoying kid wanting to pet every dog, everywhere! She has been working with animals since 2003 and graduated from Argosy University in 2007 with her CVT. 20 yrs!

Andrea is married to Joe and between the two of them they have 6 kids and 4 grandkids. “Very Brady Bunch!” says Andrea.

In her free time, she likes to go up north, enjoyes hot-rods, yoga, traveling, 4 wheeling, reading, and playing on Sea-doos. Andrea looks forward to traveling more and loves learning about ancient history.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since September 2018

Types of pets in your family and their names: Gustof, 9y/o polydactyl-has 24 toes. Marshmallow-5 y/o longhaired siamese mix. Indigo and Popcorn Shrimp- Brothers – 2 y/o sphynx cats (hairless). Adelaide- 1y/o Black lab

The most pets you have had at one time: Five

Favorite pet name: Skexie (pictured Sphynx, now passed) It is the name of the creatures in the movie The Dark Crystal.

Interesting personal trivia: Andrea has volunteered in the Caribbean doing spay/neuter on the islands. She helped after hurricanes Irma and Maria to fundraise, and to bring food and supplies, so pet owners didn’t have to worry about their pets.


Christa Raymond

Client Communications Technician

Christa was drawn to animals from a very young age. Her passion was strongly encouraged and she grew up with a variety of small critters along with cats and a dog.

She graduated in 2003 from Argosy University and worked at the Animal Humane Society for more than 15 years. Before starting at MN SNAP, she founded her own pet sitting and dog walking business.

In her free time, Christa likes gardening, yoga, walking, thrifting, reading in a hammock and hanging out with her animals.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since January 2022

Types of pets in your family and their names:

Two dogs: Fritz, a terrier mix and Mouse, a Pomeranian. Five cats (Johnny Cash, Perry, Vinny, Fonzie and Keen) and two long-term foster brothers Benny and Pudge.


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Christie Daluge

Operations Director
Christie graduated from Minnesota School of Business in 1996 from the Veterinary Assistant program. She worked in private practice (Brighton Veterinary Hospital) as a veterinary assistant for two years. After a brief career change, she started at the Animal Humane Society (Golden Valley) in 2001 as a veterinary technician and then moved to a role as a surgery technician in the stationary clinic in 2003. She transferred onto the mobile surgical unit in 2007. Christie was part of the MN SNAP startup in 2010.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since April 2010

Types of pets in your family and their names: Coco

The most pets you ever had at one time: Five total – three owned cats, one cockatiel and a foster cat

Favorite color: Green

Favorite pet name: Troy – the name of her first rescue cat. He was a great companion for nine years.

Interesting personal trivia: She loves all the things that Minnesota offers and the outdoors: biking, running around the lakes, snowboarding, wake-boarding, camping, etc.


Christine Schraml

Marketing Director

Christine was born and raised in Mankato, Minn. but left to attend Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. (partially to “confirm Minnesota was as cool as she thought it was”) graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Public Relations and Political Science support. She began her career in public and media relations eventually splitting her time between Nebraska and Washington, D.C. working for a U.S. Senator.

She returned to her beloved Minnesota in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area shifting to retail marketing/communications before finally making the leap in 2016 to combine her career experience with her love of animals in pet retail nutrition and wellness marketing.

Jesuit educated, her public service began as a 10-year-old convincing her parent and elementary school teacher to let her walk a few blocks alone after school to a campaign headquarters to call (very patient and amused) people and encourage them to vote.

Before she joined MN SNAP in 2022, she was broadening her education and experience in social impact and inclusivity with the goal to switch to full-time advocacy. She believes firmly in the positive impact the human-animal bond has on our mental health, and that children raised with pets learn valuable skills in empathy and responsibility to become our next generation of leaders.

Christine is an advocate for homeless and neglected companion animals and a consummate media, culture and entertainment enthusiast. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Pink Cloud Foundation assisting people transitioning to and staying in long-term sober living (including pet fostering). She currently lives in the western metro with her husband and their two rescue dogs.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since May 2022

Types of pets in your family and their names: Darby is a Rat/Toy Fox Terrier mix, and Paisley is an American Eskimo/Mountain Cur/Super Mutt mix.

The most pets you ever had at one time: Four (a dog, cat and two goldfish)

Favorite color: Purple

Interesting personal trivia: Christine is a big Saturday Night Live/sketch comedy fan and has been selected twice to be in the audience at Studio 8H at Rockefeller Center (once with just two-and-a-half day’s notice to get to NYC!).


David Hamilton

Interim Executive Director

David has worked in the nonprofit sector in leadership positions for over two decades. In 2001, David served as Executive Director for Access Works, a harm reduction based social service organization that provided services for drug users. Recently, David served as Executive Director for The Cedar Cultural Center, a mission-based performance venue. David has also served as Operations Director for the internationally based Center for Global Education and Experience operating out of Augsburg University. David has also played a leadership role in instituting DEI initiatives and conducting the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).

David has an MA in African History from University of Minnesota, and a Mini-MBA for Nonprofit Organizations from University of St. Thomas.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since December 2023

Types of pets in your family and their names: I grew up with a Basenji dog, the barkless African hunting dog and an Iguana. I was also the chosen caretaker of my friends’ prized Goldendoodle!

Interesting personal trivia: I’m currently an avid Salsa/Bachata dancer and I was a very active musician in the local music scene a decade ago playing keyboards in a variety of Jazz, Blues and R&B bands.


Emily Aslesen, DVM

Surgeon

Dr. Emily Aslesen grew up near Madison, Wis. as an animal- and nature-lover. She received a B.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California-Santa Cruz in 2004. She returned to Madison for her Master of Water Resources Management degree and worked at an ecological consulting firm in southern Wisconsin for several years. During that time, she became a very active volunteer and Board member at her local animal shelter. This eventually prompted her to consider a career change so that she could have a more direct impact on animal welfare and reducing pet overpopulation.

Dr. Emily graduated from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 and moved to Toledo with her husband Nate to work at Humane Ohio, a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic serving several counties in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. She fell in love with the mission, knowing that every day her clinic was reducing the number of animals ending up in shelters and helping families that might not otherwise have access to veterinary care.

In 2021, Dr. Emily and Nate moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to family. They have two children, Meryl (5) and Otto (3), two dogs, and three cats who keep them very busy. They are excited to explore both city life and the many beautiful natural areas Minnesota offers. Dr. Emily is thrilled to be working at MN SNAP, where she can continue her life’s passion with a fun and committed team of people.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since June 2021

Types of pets in your family and their names: Two pitties (Gemmy and Pidge) and three cats (Charles, Opal and Fern)

The most pets you ever had at one time: Six (three dogs and three cats)

Favorite color: Too hard to pick – the rainbow!

Favorite pet name: Her dream is to get a boy pit bull and name him Brad.

Interesting personal trivia: At her previous job, Dr. Emily did countless hours of raptor and tundra swan surveys. She hopes to get back into bird watching soon!



Erin Richards

Practice Manager, Lead Veterinary Technician
Erin has more than a decade of veterinary experience. She started working as an animal care technician at a local animal shelter in 2001, moving to the veterinary technician department in 2006. Erin started with MN SNAP when MN SNAP started!
Length of time with MN SNAP: Since April 2010

Types of pets in your family and their names: A Bassett Hound named Duncan and a DSH brown tabby named Halen. Both were rescued from a shelter.

Favorite color: Pink!


Heather Woltmann

Client Communications Technician
Heather grew up on a hobby farm in Leroy, MN. She has worked on dairy farms as well as with horses, goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas, llamas, dogs, cats, and a variety of small animals. Heather has a Bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota and has held positions in several vet clinics for over 5 years. She loves camping and traveling the North shore.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since April 2019

Types of pets in your family and their names: Rhodes (terrier mix), Lyle (pitty mix), Sassy (ragdoll), Timmy (lion head rabbit)

The most pets you have had at one time: Seven (three dogs, two cats, one rabbit, one hamster)

Favorite color: Thistle Purple

Favorite pet name: Allen

Interesting personal trivia: Heather graduated high school in a class of 21 students.


Heather Nardi

Volunteer Coordinator

Heather has lived in Minnesota her whole life. She resides in Apple Valley with her husband, two children, a dog, and a cat. She worked for the YMCA in Woodbury for over eight years as a Marketing Assistant and enjoyed being part of a non-profit organization and supporting the community. And at MacPhail Center for Music for over one year.

She also fostered at Underdog Rescue and saw the need for a dedicated space for animals to be safe until they are adopted. Heather has always loved animals and wanted to be able to do something more than donate money to help shelter animals. After hearing about MN SNAP, she knew this was the perfect opportunity for her as it allowed her to support an organization that makes a difference every day.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since January 2023

Types of pets in your family and their names:

We have a dog named Maverick and a cat named Olive

The most pets you ever had at one time: We had 2 of our own dogs and 3 fosters in our home at one time for a short period.|
Favorite color: blue
Interesting personal trivia: My daughter is a leapling or someone that was born on a leap year, February 29th.

Janae Herman, CVT

Client Communications Technician
Janae discovered her passion for animal welfare and high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter work when she found a job in 2005 at the major animal shelter in Rapid City, South Dakota. She worked there for the next seven years and during that time went back to school to get her AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. She also worked with a local nonprofit group doing MASH-style spay/neuter clinics on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in western South Dakota. (MASH-style means traveling with surgery equipment stored in a trailer, unloading it into a suitable community center for three or four days, then packing everything up and driving back home.)

When Janae found a technician position posted on this website, she was so impressed with the organization, she immediately applied. Several Minnesota blizzards and nine-hour car trips later, she was thrilled to join the team.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since March 2014

Types of pets in your family and their names: Wobbles, a short-haired buff tiger tabby. Wobbles has a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia, which causes him to “wobble” and fall over frequently. But he’s the friendliest cat ever!

Interesting personal trivia: During her time at the shelter, Janae knew quite a few cats and dogs that would come in with injuries to legs where the best option for the animal was amputation of the affected limb. It’s amazing to her how well and how fast these animals recovered! Also, Janae also has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, which she obtained before she started working with animals.


Jessy Nickolauson, CVT

Anesthesia Technician
Jessy has had a soft spot for animals her whole life, and it’s always been her goal to help them in any way she can. She obtained her associate’s degree in applied sciences in December 2012, and she has more than six years of experience in the veterinary field as a CVT.
Length of time with MN SNAP: Since March 2015

Types of pets in your family and their names: Jessy currently has five pets. One is a boxer named Trout, who is her best friend! She also has three cats, Harvey, Maple and Ricky Bobby. Last, but not least, is her painted turtle named “T,” who Jessy has had for more than 20 years.

The most pets you have had at one time: When she was 10 years old, her family had a total of seven animals between her mother’s and father’s houses: three dogs, two cats, one turtle and one rat.

Favorite color: Green

Favorite pet name: Jessy’s always liked pets with theme names. Her dog was part of a littler born in rescue, and they named the litter all after fish! Trout was, of course, her favorite.

Interesting personal trivia: Jessy loves everything outdoor Minnesota has to offer! She has family in Lutsen on Lake Superior and hopes to retire to that area. She’s also an amateur photographer and frisbee golf player.


Kelly Pawlenty, DVM

Surgeon

Dr. Kelly Pawlenty grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. After receiving her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Minnesota, she went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2004. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Kelly worked in small animal private practice for 15 years, and performing surgery has always been her favorite aspect of being a veterinarian.

For several years prior to graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Kelly worked and volunteered at the Animal Humane Society. It was there that she met Dr. Kim Culbertson, who was a wonderful mentor to her and contributed to her love of surgery. Dr. Kelly is thrilled to work with Dr. Kim again, and she feels like her career has come full circle! Dr. Kelly has also volunteered as a surgeon at the Minnesota State Fair Surgery Suite, to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering.

When she’s not working, Dr. Kelly’s family keeps her very busy. She loves spending time with them and watching her kids play hockey. Her family enjoys watching and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Wild. In her rare free time, she enjoys reading, relaxing and going on vacations. She lives in the Chisago Lakes area with her husband, Geoff, and two sons, Hayden and Carter.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since May 2019

Types of pets in your family and their names: A mutt (her best guess is a Poodle/Terrier mix) named Charli; three cats named Lila, Uno and Gato; her son’s leopard gecko named Hershey; and her other son’s corn snake named Marshmellow.

The most pets you ever had at one time: The six that she has right now.

Favorite color: Blues, purples and greens

Favorite pet name: Uno, the name of her cat with one eye (pictured)

Interesting personal trivia: Dr. Kelly has traveled to many places throughout her life, including Europe, Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, Hawaii and all over the continental United States. She has experienced many adventures while traveling, including skydiving, parasailing, thrill rides, snorkeling in coral reefs, horseback riding on beaches and in oceans, and swimming with dolphins, stingrays and manatees.


Leah Kruzel

Anesthesia Technician

Leah was born in St. Paul, MN and spent her summers on a farm in rural Minnesota. Her first job at 14 was at an animal boarding facility and she’s been working with animals ever since.

She graduated from Argosy University with her Associates Degree in veterinary technology in 2010.

Her hobbies include hiking, hunting, dehydrating new foods and camping. She also is dedicated to fostering with R Paw, Adopt-a-Husky with a special focus on medical cases.

Before joining MN SNAP in November 2022, she was an officer at St. Paul Animal Control. Before that, Leah was a technician with The Animal Humane Society.

Current pets and their names: Rumpelstiltskin (Rumple), a Siberian husky; Go Go Gadget, a pom/poo; Tortuga a red-footed tortoise; Mama and her son Little Bit, Mando all domestic short hair cats, Junior (JR) a senior domestic short hair cat and Thelma and Louise, two chickens.

Most pets you’ve ever had at one time: 12 dogs, 5 cats, 3 exotics, 4 ferrets (she was fostering and pet sitting for friends)!

Favorite color: Red

Interesting personal trivia: She’s been fostering a pit bull named Stewart for one and a half years (and counting) who was abandoned in Mears Park in St. Paul. He’s had multiple medical needs and she is determined to get him ready for his forever home. Her home is always open to animals in need.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since November 2022


Madeleine Little, DVM

Surgeon

Dr. Maddie Little is from Kansas City, Mo., and has always had a strong passion for community service and helping animals. Throughout her career, she’s found that nonprofit and animal welfare organizations offer the perfect blend of serving both pet parents and animals in need.

Dr. Maddie received her animal science degree from Kansas State University in 2011. She then graduated from Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.

Upon graduation, she returned to Kansas City as a veterinarian at Great Plains SPCA, working in both shelter medicine and a full-service, low-cost veterinary clinic. In 2018, Dr. Maddie joined the Kansas City animal shelter, Wayside Waifs, where she performed and taught veterinary students high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter surgical techniques.

Dr. Maddie and her family were drawn to the Twin Cities’ proximity to nature and outdoor activities. She was excited to find MN SNAP and knew quickly after meeting the enthusiastic and passionate staff that she’d be proud to join the organization’s mission- driven work. During her first few days at MN SNAP, Dr. Maddie and Dr. Kim discovered they were both inspired by veterinarian Dr. Karla Brestle of the ASPCA. The common thread speaks to the growing number of veterinarians who continue to invite others into this life-saving work that Dr. Maddie feels fortunate to have found and re-connected with at MN SNAP.

Types of pets in your family and their names:

Ash Wednesday, a 2-year-old Cattle Dog mix; Freyja, a senior Chow-Shepherd mix; Kitten, a 5-year-old white domestic short hair with gray spots; Taj, a 3-year-old deaf, tri- pod Turkish Angora; and Goomba, an ancient hospice-foster Persian cat that will surely outlive us all

The most pets you ever had at one time: Two dogs, four cats and a rotating foster dog or cat

Favorite color: Teal

Interesting personal trivia: Between the summer of her undergraduate degree and vet school, Dr. Maddie worked as an alpaca intern for the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, where she provided daily care to more than 60 alpacas. She dreams of having a small hobby farm with her own herd of llamas and alpacas.

Length of time with MN SNAP: Since March 2021


Michael Kyllo-Kittleson

Development Specialist
Coming soon!
Length of time with MN SNAP: Since September 2023 Coming soon!


Nicole Wallace

Surgery Prep Technician
Nicole is dedicated to the field of animal welfare and is committed to continually improving the quality of care that animals receive, no matter the species. For more than a decade, she worked in an animal shelter and helped develop a wildlife exam room. She also worked as a zookeeper that specialized in the care of reptiles and amphibians. Both roles allowed her to travel and educate people about animals that not everyone understands. She also has experience in emergency veterinary care and private practice.
Length of time with MN SNAP: Since July 2016

Types of pets in your family and their names: Two crested geckos (Zelda and Krampus) and a Siamese mix named Annie

The most pets you have had at one time: Animals are a huge part of Nicole’s life, a good chunk of it on a hobby farm, which included cats, dogs, horses, goats, chickens, chinchillas, rats, quail, rabbit, parakeets, pigs and fish. She thinks 24 was the highest number at one time. Current residents of her parent’s hobby farm include two dogs: Tucker, a 15-plus-year-old Norwegian Elk Hound/Labrador Retriever, and Kodiak, an 8-plus-year-old German Shepherd. The farm is also home to five domestic short-hair cats; Dilute Tortoiseshell Petra, Gray and White Oscar, Brown Tabby Blade, Grey Tabby Taz and Lynx Point Siamese Annie; and five equines: Quarter horse geldings Cool and Pete, Brood Stock Paint mare Ice, Shetland pony gelding Trigger and Mule gelding July. Last, but not least, a rooster called Rusty lives there, too.

Interesting personal trivia: Nicole’s invested in volunteer work. She’s volunteered for animal shelters, her saddle club, zoological facilities (including the Australia Zoo), The Wildcat Sanctuary, Chicken Run Rescue, Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release and Minnesota Herpetological Society. Nicole is a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator and holds a master permit. Over the years, she has helped more than 100,000 wild animals get a second chance at life in the wild!


Sonja Lundin

Program Coordinator
Coming soon!
Length of time with MN SNAP: Since September 2023

Coming soon!