Lori Scarlett, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian
I didn’t always want to be a vet. I loved dogs and wanted a cat. I would put out some milk if I saw a cat in the neighborhood and my mom would say “Don’t feed them or they’ll keep coming back.” She didn’t understand that was my plan! But my early goals were to be a neurosurgeon or a writer.
In college, I found I didn’t like the culture in my pre-med classes, so I went into genetics research. I worked in a lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln as an undergrad, then went to Oregon State University to work on a PhD in Genetics. I found that “bench research” wasn’t for me. It was too solitary and didn’t seem applicable to real life. Plus writing grants wasn’t my kind of writing!
So there I was in Corvallis, Oregon, struggling with what to do with my life. I thought about teaching; my dad had been an educator, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to be around kids all day. Then my fiance, Cameron, got me a 6-month-old kitten. I was in love and thought “I could work with cats all day!” I finished my research project for a Master’s Degree, got married, and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Cameron started graduate school (he likes bench research!). After establishing residency in Michigan, I applied to Michigan State University – School of Veterinary Medicine and here I am today–loving being a veterinarian, talking to lots of people, and petting dogs and cats all day! I even write articles for Madison Locally Sourced magazine and the website blog. Life is good.
I started Four Lakes Vet Clinic in April 2013. I had been working in McFarland, WI but wanted a place where I could better practice medicine my way. The vets at Harmony Vet suggested starting in the space next to them and the rest is history. In 2019 I joined the Turks and Caicos Veterinary Association. Every year or so I have a 2-week “workcation” in Providenciales, TCI. I work four half days at the clinic each week and then the rest of the time is mainly spent on a gorgeous beach or snorkeling at the many reefs. Let me know if you plan to visit and I’ll tell you my favorite restaurants!
I have 3 sons: Caleb, who received his Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California – Berkeley and is currently serving in the Navy. Asher, who received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is training as a pilot in the Air Force, and Micah, majoring in Political Science and African American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I have 4 cats: Catalina, Eddie, Spice, and Moby, and two collie dogs, Scout and Merlin. When I’m not working, I often play mindless games on my iPhone, practice the French horn, do gardening, or watch various competition shows on Netflix.
Anne McClanahan, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
When I was little I had two possible dreams: veterinarian or dolphin trainer. One of those worked out for me! I grew up on Madison’s West side and have many fond memories of spending my summers at Parkcrest Pool (go Penguins!) and winters sledding down the giant hill at Elver Park. I attended Memorial High School where I continued my love of swimming and figured out that I wanted to go into the sciences after high school.
While I loved Madison, I decided I wanted to move away for college and moved to Iowa City, IA to get my degree in Integrative Physiology at the University of Iowa. After being in Iowa for a year, I met my now husband, Andrew, a Quad-Cities native. During my time in Iowa, I went back and forth trying to decide between PA school, PT school or getting my PhD. After graduating, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I planned to spend a year working in a research lab I had worked in during college. During that year, my very sweet dog Bo had an allergic reaction to a medication that sent us to the local veterinary ER. It was at that time that I remembered my childhood dream (about being a veterinarian, not a dolphin trainer).
Everything just seemed to click into place. I spent the following year working in a veterinary clinic as an assistant and knew that this was what I wanted to do. I applied to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and just a few months later Andrew and I were headed back to Madison for veterinary school.
I started working at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic right after graduation in 2018. I’ve loved being part of the Four Lakes family, which really is a family. During my time at Four Lakes we became Fear Free Certified and started seeing many animals with behavioral conditions. Veterinary behavior has always been an interest of mine and in 2023 I was lucky enough to start a non-conforming residency program with the help of Dr. Marie Hopfensperger. I’ll be working towards board certification over the next few years. During that time, I look forward to helping animals and their owners from all over Wisconsin through challenging behavioral conditions.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family, which includes my husband Andrew and my two boys, Cody and Noah. We also have a dog and a cat who provide endless amusement and affection towards my kids.
Kelsey Ricci, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
When asked in 1st grade to draw what I wanted to be when I grew up, I started drawing animals. At that point in my young life, people were scary (I was an introverted child) and animals were my happy place. A veterinarian seemed like the best option in my young brain. As I grew up, I discovered I actually enjoyed most everything else that came with veterinary medicine—science, math, solving puzzles, and yes even people!
I am originally from Wheaton, Illinois where I raised rabbits and had a variety of other pets growing up. For my undergraduate degree, I majored in biology and Spanish at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While there, I studied in Honduras for a semester and developed a passion for the Honduran culture and people. I had thought I would attend veterinary school in Illinois, but then UW Madison called and mentioned their veterinary mission trips to Honduras and Ecuador, and I was intrigued. After visiting the campus, I knew I would be moving to Madison, Wisconsin.
In 2014, I graduated from UW Madison Veterinary School and practiced mixed animal medicine (primarily dogs and cats but also frequently worked with cows, horses, and small ruminants) for nearly 9 years in Wisconsin. I have loved the variety of the veterinary profession throughout these years, but what I find the most rewarding is working with people to help their animals. Every pet and their human have their own story and when something is wrong, I deeply want to understand and help. I believe listening and communication allow me to help you and your pet in the best way possible. I am very grateful to be a veterinarian and look forward to meeting you and your pets at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic!
My husband, Daniel, and I live in Madison with our daughter, Annie, and dog, a collie mix named Wiley. We enjoy rock climbing, sailing/winter kiting, gardening, and just being outdoors..
Nicole Chervenka, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Like most in this profession, I have been an animal lover my entire life.
I grew up in Rockford, Illinois with two yellow Labs and a matching chihuahua. I also had birds, rabbits, hamsters, lizards, fish, and a turtle throughout my childhood. In high school, I started my first job working at a boarding kennel. It was around this same time that I began to seriously consider turning my love for animals into a career in veterinary medicine. I saw this field as the perfect way to care for animals while also helping people, too!
I attended UW-Madison for my undergraduate education, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2019. During this time, I gained experience working with small, large, and zoo animals, and I even had the opportunity to work in research. Following my undergraduate studies, I was thrilled to stay in Madison for another four years when I was accepted to the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated with the Class of 2023, and I am so excited to begin my veterinary career with Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic!
Outside of veterinary medicine, I am married to my husband, Austyn, who works as a respiratory therapist and is also a Captain in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Together we have one cat named Edgar who always keeps our life interesting. We love exploring Madison, fishing, kayaking, and spending time with friends & family whenever we can!
Cassie, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician/Nurse
Hi! I’m Cassie, a Certified Veterinary Technician who has been part of the Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic team since 2014. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from UW–Madison in 2016 and became a CVT in 2020 with on the job training. I’m especially interested in dentistry, behavior, and anesthesia/analgesia, and I’m currently working toward my VTS in Behavior. Creating a Fear-Free experience for pets and their people is one of my biggest passions.
Outside of the clinic, you can find me crafting, going to concerts, cheering on the Badgers, and spending time with my husband, Paul and our two sons, Brayden and Brooks. Our home is also shared with our dog Lucy and our two cats, Remi and Gary Elliott.
I look forward to building relationships with you and your pets and to providing them the Fear Free veterinary care that they deserve!
Lily, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician/Nurse
Hi! My name is Lily and I am a receptionist/tech assistant here at Four Lakes Vet Clinic.
I graduated from La Follette high school in June of 2020, planning to go to college in Minnesota. But Covid changed the plans of many people, me included. I ended up taking a gap year and was lucky enough to start working here! My favorite things about working at Four Lakes Vet are getting to learn new things every day and sharing the love you have for your pets. As of right now, I’m in school at Madison College, and I plan to enter their veterinary technician program to become a Certified Veterinary Technician.
My family has three family dogs, one gecko, and one bunny.
When I’m not at work, you can find me painting, shopping, reading, playing with my dogs, watching a good movie, and of course, studying. I love working here and I look forward to meeting all of your fuzzy friends!
Xiomara, CVT
Hi! My name is Xiomara and I am a Veterinary Technician here at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic. I grew up in Richland Center Wisconsin and lived there until I decided to attend college in Madison.
I have always been an animal lover but after I adopted my first cat Zuko I knew I wanted a career working with animals. I joined the Madison College Veterinary Technician Program and graduated in 2023. I recently started working at Four Lakes in August of 2023 and have felt so grateful to have such amazing mentors. I enjoy working in surgery and prepping patients along with seeing pets for their wellness exams.
My husband Fransi and I have a pretty full house with our energetic orange cat Zuko, cuddly Miniature Dachshund Kylo Ren, and sweet Beagle Daisy Mae. We love taking our pups to the park and on long walks enjoying nature. Outside of work, I love traveling, attending concerts, watching new movies, and spending time with family and friends. However, my forever favorite activity is cuddling with all my pets and my husband while we watch our favorite TV show.
I love working here at Four Lakes and look forward to creating long-lasting relationships with you and your pets!
Brenda
Clinic Manager
Shortly after I learned to walk, if my parents couldn’t find me, they would locate our dog and knew I would be close by. I spent entire summers “babysitting” frogs, cuddling salamanders, whispering to rabbits, and taming the wild cats at my grandparents’ farms. I have dabbled in hedgehog, rabbit, frog, and fish ownership!
My current brood includes Butter and Toast, 2 rescue cats from Shelter From the Storm, an adorable rescue mutt named Clover, and chickens! Odette, Betty, Clara, Buffy, Willow, Dawn, Olive, Ludmilla, and Wolf are all teaching me the magical world of bird ownership! I would have more fur babies, if I wasn’t spending my free time chasing after my two children, Juniper and Basil, with my husband.
When not enjoying time with my family, I can be found in the garden, canning and preserving fruits and vegetables, baking, crafting Halloween costumes, painting, constructing paper-mâché and cardboard animals for birthdays, and wedding and party planning in general.
If you catch me here at Four Lakes, I can be found dabbling in all sorts of problem-solving, catching the phone, taking photos, organizing fundraisers and fun. I have been known to do minor repairs, feed a pup peanut butter, and send out postcards to remind you to bring in your pet. I also man the social media pages and projects that involve glue, scissors, and colorful paper while sneaking in quick cuddles with your pets because I just can’t get enough!
Keely
Veterinary Technician Assistant
“My name is Keely and I’m a vet assistant at Four Lakes! I started working here in February of 2022 and am so thrilled to be a part of the team. I graduated from Edgewood College with an art degree, but began my journey in the animal field working at a humane society for four years and very quickly developed an interest in the veterinary sciences. What drew me to Four Lakes was the focus on Fear Free – it’s so important to give our pets positive experiences! I live in Madison with my dog and my cat. Cricket, pictured here, is a rescue that was transported to Madison from Arkansas! I fostered him through the amputation of his left forelimb and fell in love. When the time came for him to be available for adoption, I couldn’t say goodbye! When I’m not working, I continue to foster for Dane County Humane Society, and I love hiking, art, traveling, going to concerts, and scary movies. In the future I hope to achieve my Veterinary Technician Certification and continue to help pets feel safe and comfortable at the vet!”
Beth
Hello! I’m Beth and I am so excited to start my adventure here at Four Lakes!
I graduated from UW-Madison with a BS in Entomology approximately five years ago. During my undergrad, I was especially interested in the taxonomy of insects and studied the anatomy of the specimens I collected. Looking at them under a microscope and using a special insect key allowed me to identify their unique features to determine which species they belonged to.
Although this is extremely beneficial knowledge, it did not set a clear path for my career goals (I wish I could identify insects for a living!). After speaking with my old professor/advisor he highly encouraged me to look into a different field with an emphasis in my love for creepy crawlies. This was disappointing news, but the reality check I needed to move on. Initially, I was interested in Veterinary Entomology, however, I have no interest in bench research…This began my interest in becoming a DVM.
It seemed so obvious in hindsight. I have always had a passion for animals and science, and I am especially interested in the endo and ectoparasites that are often found in the vet field. I’ve played with the idea of becoming a veterinarian before, but I was always too intimidated. After thoroughly researching the ins and outs, I feel confident in my future.
My plan at this time is to enjoy my time with Four Lakes. If I love working here (as I expect to,) I will apply to vet school and take it from there.
My husband, Ryan, my cats Sonnet, Pepper, and Gunter, and dogs Goose, and Peaches are extremely supportive of this journey. Even though they don’t love that I’m not working from home anymore, I know they will always have my back.
In my free time you can find me on my couch playing video games, crocheting/knitting, cuddling my pets, and when it’s warm enough you can find me gardening, camping, or reading a book outside.
Josie
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hi! My name is Josie and I’m one of the Vet Assistants here at Four Lakes Vet.
I started here in December of 2022 and have loved every moment of being a part of the team! My journey into the veterinary field started back in 2020, when I was a receptionist at another clinic. I went into it not knowing how much I was going to fall in love with working one-on-one with animals and their parents! I quickly became interested in becoming an assistant, and now I hope to get my Certified Veterinary License soon.
When I’m not at work you can find me cuddled up with my dog, Honey, watching a good movie or show. I also enjoy reading, hiking, or hanging out with friends! I can’t wait to meet all of your furry babies and give them the best experience possible, while at the vet.
Emilie
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hi! I’m Emilie and I’m a tech assistant here at Four Lakes.
When I was younger I always knew that I wanted to work with animals, so after graduating I jumped right into the technician program and Madison College. Through school, I was able to learn about the different vet clinics in the area and Four Lakes caught my eye right away.
I love being able to meet many different pets with different personalities every day. While they cover me in peanut butter or Churu, being able to work to make their vet visits as happy as possible is a perk to working here.
When I’m not at work hanging out with all of the cats and dogs, I can usually be found hiking, reading, or just hanging out watching movies with my dog Sam.
Holly
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hi!
My name is Holly and I am one of the technician assistants here at Four Lakes.
I first started at Four Lakes in March of 2023 as a receptionist while starting my journey into an online vet tech program, and this was my first experience in the veterinary field! I knew I wanted to advance further in my career as soon as possible, so when I was given the chance to do it here, I was more than thrilled.
Being a part of a Fear Free veterinary team has been the best introduction to this field that I could have ever asked for. I love making our pet patients’ experiences the happiest they possibly can be, usually with copious amounts of treats and snacks!
When I’m not here covered in peanut butter kisses and kitty hair, you can find me at home with my own kitties, Max and Binx. I can’t wait to meet your furry little ones and help make the vet a fun place for them to be!
Bryanna
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hi! My name is Bryanna and I am a Tech Assistant here at Four Lakes.
I have been working here since July of 2023. I recently moved back to the Madison area after finishing my undergrad at UW-River Falls. I received a B.S. in Animal Science and hope to go to veterinary school in the future. I have previously worked at a small animal clinic up north and am excited to continue my veterinary career in Madison!
While I don’t have any pets of my own currently, I do volunteer with a service dog organization where I raise and train mobility assistance and/or diabetic alert dogs. When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts. I am looking forward to getting to know clients and their pets here at Four Lakes!
Claire
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hello! My name is Claire and I’m one of the Technician Assistants here at Four Lakes.
I’ve always loved animals and have wanted to work in the veterinary field since I was a kid. I worked in horse barns for many years but only started working in a vet clinic this past year. In the summer of 2024, I made the move to Wisconsin and was lucky enough to become part of the team here at Four Lakes! I’m also in an online program to become a certified veterinary technician one day, and I’m so excited about pursuing my career in veterinary medicine!
I’m thrilled that I’m able to be a part of a Fear Free practice and learn how to make vet visits as stress-free as possible for both you and your pets.
When I’m not working or doing schoolwork, I’m either at the barn with my horse, Georgia or spending time with my cat, Olive, and two ferrets, Hazumi and Yana! I also enjoy reading, watching my favorite TV shows while cuddling with my critters, and doing puzzles!
Evelyn
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Hi! My name is Evelyn and I am one of the veterinary assistants here at Four Lakes.
I was born and raised in the south side of Chicago and came up to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’ve work in the veterinary field for about 4 years now and just graduated from UW Madison with a B.S in Animal and Veterinary BioSciences, with hopes of attending Veterinary school in the future.
When I am not at work, I am either spending time with my pets (2 cats, 2 rabbits, 1 hamster), reading, or cooking/baking!
Kiana
Customer Service Representative
Hello! My name is Kiana. I am a Customer Service Representative here at Four Lakes!
I have always loved animals my entire life. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals who have more anxiety than others, because I can totally relate. This is why I love that our clinic is fear-free!
When I’m not here with your amazing pets; I am hanging out with my family, camping, playing video games, or cuddling my 3 cats at home.
Tinka
Tinka joined the Four Lakes Vet family in late 2022. She belonged to a family with two other Devon Rex cats (one of whom was already named Tinka) after the owner’s mother couldn’t care for her anymore. While Tinka didn’t care about the other cats in the household, they weren’t fond of Tinka and the clients reached out to Dr. Scarlett to see if she needed a clinic cat. Ranger, our previous clinic cat, was adopted by one of our receptionist’s mother and is living a much happier life as an “only child.”
Tinka’s origin story is a mystery. She was adopted from a breeder in Iowa who had bred her at least once. But the breeder was no longer breeding cats and wanted Tinka to go to a family. Prior to that, another breeder owned her and passed her on to the breeder in Iowa. It is unknown how old she is and how many litters she had.
What we do know is that she fits into the clinic perfectly. When she was brought in as a trial, she immediately jumped off the front counter and started exploring. She loves to perch on shoulders and sleep on top of the refrigerator in the treatment room, watching everything that goes on. Since she has very short, curly fur, she consents to wear sweaters, but said “absolutely not” to a shiny, jingly “jester’s collar.” A girl has her limits!
She goes to various employees homes each weekend, getting a lot of attention from children and husbands.
We are very happy to have Tinka as part of our family!