OUR STAFF

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 Dr. Mike Heinen, our dedicated veterinarian, recalls his early childhood aspiration of becoming a vet. By the age of six, he had firmly decided that his lifelong pursuit would be a career in veterinary medicine. Raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr. Heinen graduated from Grimsley High School with big ideas for the future, but back in those days, North Carolina did not have a veterinary school. Dr. Heinen was fortunate and capable enough to secure a full athletic scholarship to the University of Georgia. and later enrolled in the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

When Dr. Heinen first moved to Mooresville, he practiced a diverse range of animal species, including large animals such as cattle, horses, and hogs, as well as dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, fish, and many more. He continued his passion for working with all creatures great and small by building and establishing the original Lake Norman Animal Hospital in 1985. 

Dr. Heinen also served for a decade as Chairman of the Iredell County Board of Health and currently serves as the lead veterinarian for the Lake Norman Humane Society. He has been actively involved in mentoring, training, and supporting veterinarians and staff at various local area veterinary offices and loves enriching others with over forty years of hands-on experience and knowledge of veterinary medicine.

Lisa has worked in the field of veterinary medicine for twenty six years, with much of that experience being with Dr. Mike's. Working for him was her first job and gave her the foundation needed to carve out her lifelong career in veterinary medicine. 

Her experience includes ophthalmology, surgery, emergency, ICU, critical care and management duties. Outside of work, she cares for (and considers herself "currently owned by") a sweet calico kitty named Sage, and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Watson.

 Tonya is the Customer Service Representative Supervisor at Race City Animal Hospital, bringing over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. While she leads the front team, she also enjoys being hands-on in the back and is cross-trained to support patient care whenever needed.

Tonya has a true passion for working with animals and loves being part of their care. Seeing the bond between pets and their families is what makes her smile every day.

Outside of work, Tonya enjoys sewing, crocheting, and crafting, as well as spending quality time with her family. She shares her home with her boxer, Otto, and two cats, Gizmo and Pepper.

As long as she can remember, Stephanie knew she wanted to work with animals. She made it a point growing up to train her first pet, a cat named Spooky, to do every trick she could teach. Helping her follow her dream of working at an animal hospital, Dr. Heinen and Stephanie have worked together for almost twenty years of hands on veterinary experience. Outside of work, her passion for animals endures as she is the proud owner of a local farm, and especially loves to ride horses.

Steven, one of Dr. Heinen's twin boys, inherited his father's enthusiasm for animal care and wildlife. Growing up around our original location, from an early age he assisted with caring for a variety of animals, dogs, ducks, lizards, and even a baby deer.

 After assisting with much of the construction, renovation, and setup process of the new Race City Animal Hospital, he now works alongside Stephanie as one of our capable veterinary assistants.  

Outside of his work, Steven enjoys collecting, building and painting model kits in his free time.

Seth, the other one of Dr. Heinen's twin boys, Seth has always loved being around and caring for animals. He helped out with the first practice opened by Dr. Heinen, as well as volunteer work at local wildlife rescue facilities. Assisting with setup of the new hospital along with Dr. Heinen, while achieving his B.S. in Applied Economics. Seth now works as our marketing and outreach supervisor while assisting the veterinary assistants. Outside of work Seth is a recreational diver, pilot and Ironman triathlete.