Our Team
Meet Our Veterinary Team in Grafton, WI
Introducing the dedicated team at Best Friends Veterinary Center, providing top-notch care for your beloved pets.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Paige, DVM
Medical Director, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Wilder's Video Biography →
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Dr. Alexandra, DVM
Medical Director, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Alexandra's Video Biography →
Read Bio →
Dr. Delany, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Hinz's Video Biography →
Read Bio →
Dr. Taylor, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Read Bio →
Dr. Hannah, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Read Bio →
Our Manager
Andi, Hospital Manager
Our Technicians
Meaghan, CVT
Our Veterinary Assistants
Jen, Veterinary Assistant
Ryanne, Veterinary Assistant
Allie, Veterinary Assistant
Hannah, Veterinary Assistant
Elaina, Veterinary Assistant
Caroline, Veterinary Assistant
Elaina, Veterinary Assistant
Caroline, Veterinary Assistant
Our Receptionists
Mandy, Reception
Katie, Reception
Mary Beth, Reception
Meghan, Reception
Molly, Reception
Our Kennel Staff
Chris, Kennel Manager
Ilynn, Kennel Assistant
Makenna, Kennel Assistant
Zoey, Kennel Assistant
Our Veterinary Float
Delaney, Veterinary Float
Dr. Paige, DVM
Medical Director, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Wilder, who usually goes by Dr. Paige, graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She joined the BFVC team in March of 2015. Her special Interests are client education, behavior, internal medicine and preventative care.
Paige’s personal interests include vegetable and perennial gardening, sports and exercise (roller derby, kettlebell workouts), reading historical fiction and thrillers, traveling overseas (future destinations include New Zealand and Iceland), and geeking out over geology and social/cultural criticism. (The rest of us aren’t really sure what that is.) She and her long-time partner, Markus, split their time between her home in Port Washington and his in Madison.
Dr. Alexandra, DVM
Medical Director, Associate Veterinarian
It was clear early on to Dr. Ripperger’s family her career path was set when her elementary school teachers commented that all she wrote about was animals. Dr. Ripperger grew up on the East Coast and spent her childhood riding horses and caring for goats on a friend’s farm before her family moved to Wisconsin. Dr. Ripperger is a proud Cedarburg High School graduate! She received her degree in biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota where she played on the volleyball team, was the President of the Pre-Vet Club, and wrote for the college newspaper. She attended the University of Minnesota for her DVM degree. In vet school, she had amazing opportunities to learn about and work with animals of all kinds- everything from sled dogs to sea lions! Her clinical interests include dentistry and ophthalmology. Dr. Ripperger is also Fear-Free Certified and takes pride in working to ensure her patients have a positive experience during their appointments
After graduation, Dr. Ripperger took a position at a busy clinic in the West Loop of downtown Chicago. Living and working in Chicago was a wonderful experience, but she decided she was a cheesehead at heart, and came back to Ozaukee County to work at Best Friends. You might see her walking her dog, Koosa the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, to the Cedarburg Coffee Roastery on the Interurban Trail or playing sand volleyball in a local league. When not caring for her patients, Dr. Ripperger also enjoys reading and traveling. Dr. Ripperger is currently serving as the secretary on the board of the Milwaukee Veterinary Medical Association. She also is a mentor for students interested in veterinary medicine at John Long Middle School in Grafton
Dr. Delany, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Welcome our new DVM to Best Friends! Dr Delany Hinz.
Dr. Delany Hinz graduated in 2023 from the University of Wisconsin Madison as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health. In pursuit of great mentorship, she joined Best Friends Veterinary Center in 2023 because of the high-quality medicine and the care with which they practice it.
Dr. Hinz was born and raised on a hobby farm in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin with dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits, oh my! Having loved animals all her life, she was inspired to be a veterinarian when her own pets needed veterinary care. She remembers wanting what is best for her pets, wishing she had all the information to make the best decision, and depending on her veterinarian to provide her with it. She wants to provide that service to her own clients – empowering them with the information to make the best decision for their pets and family. Just as every patient is different, so are their families and their goals. Dr. Hinz looks forward to meeting everyone “where they are” and being there for you and your pets however she can. She also speaks Spanish and can assist any Spanish-speaking families.
Dr. Hinz’s personal interests include biking, swimming, puzzles, eating home-cooked meals, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Taylor, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Taylor earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University and has a diverse background in general practice, emergency medicine, and reproductive care. She is Fear Free certified, having completed additional training in low-stress handling techniques to ensure a more comfortable experience for her patients.
Her passion for veterinary medicine is fueled by a lifelong love of science and a deep connection to animals. Dr. Taylor thrives on the meaningful challenges that come with caring for pets and finds daily inspiration in the joy of helping her patients.
Outside of work, Dr. Taylor enjoys quiet moments curled up with a good book and one of her four beloved cats. She also likes spending time outdoors on the water, where she can be found snorkeling or kayaking.
Dr. Hannah, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Hannah Listopad earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University and has several years of experience in mixed animal and small animal practice. She has additional training in veterinary dentistry, including dental procedures and extractions, and has a special interest in dental care.
Dr. Listopad’s path into veterinary medicine began at a young age, inspired by her love of science and a desire to help both animals and the people who care for them. She believes the best outcomes come from working together, keeping owners involved, and building a shared plan focused on each pet’s health and well-being.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, and kayaking with her dog.
Andi, Hospital Manager
Andi spent 6 years as a veterinary assistant in Illinois before relocating to WI. She has been with Best Friends since 2013, as a receptionist, assistant, then bookkeeper/office manager, and she is now hospital manager. Whatever needs doing, Andi can do it! In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, kids, and her great Danes Ripley & Nova.
Pamela, CVT
Pamela has worked for Best Friends Veterinary Center since 1999. She works part-time at Best Friends as a Certified Veterinary Technician and also has a pet-sitting business. Pamela is our house call technician, so if your pet needs a blood pressure reading at home where he is less stressed, you will probably see her. She also prepares the files for your appointments, making sure services aren’t missed and educational materials are ready for your appointment. Her professional interests include feline and canine behavior, nutrition, canine rehabilitation, and community outreach.
Pamela and her husband, Andy, enjoy hiking and traveling with their dogs, Sirius (Siberian Husky), Yuri (Siberian Husky), and Stephan (standard poodle). They also have two cats, Cian and Dexter. They have had previous pets in the blood donor program and Animal Assisted Therapy. Pamela is working with Yuri to become her new therapy partner.
Cindy, CVT
Cindy is a Certified Veterinary Technician who has worked in the veterinary field for over 40 years, over 25 of them here at Best Friends. Her professional interests include inventory management, nursing care, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. She also has experience in wildlife rehabilitation. In her time off, she enjoys biking, hiking bird watching, gardening, and spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Trina.
Kimberly, CVT
Kimberly is a Certified Veterinary Technician who has worked in the veterinary field for over 20 years. Her professional interests include canine behavior, canine rehabilitation, nutrition, and client education. Outside of work she’s a proud mother of a daughter and enjoys hiking, taking her dogs to the beach, and spending time with her two horses. She shares her home with 7 dogs, 3 cats, 2 birds, and a bearded dragon.
Hope, CVT
Hope has been with Best Friends Veterinary Center since January 2022. She graduated from Madison Area Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technician in May of 2023. Hope chose to go into the field of veterinary medicine because she knew she would learn something new every day and become the voice of her patients to give them the best care possible. Her professional interests include surgery and dentistry, behavior, nursing care, and client education. Outside of the clinic, Hope enjoys spending time with her dog, Tank, and her chinchilla, Onyx, boating, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends!
Meaghan, CVT
Bio Coming Soon
Jen, Veterinary Assistant
Jen is a part-time pet care attendant. She has been with BFVC since August 2000. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and is very interested in behavior. Jen attends many obedience and nose work classes with her Doberman, Emmit, keeshond, Niki, and German Shepherd, Kona. She also likes to spend time relaxing with her two cats, Pebbles and Meatball.
Ryanne, Veterinary Assistant
Ryanne is a part-time assistant who has worked at BFVC since 2003. She has worked in the veterinary field since 1994. She is often the one to lead school/scout tours at the clinic. Ryanne has worked at the Schlitz-Audubon Raptor Center and the Milwaukee County Zoo teaching education programs to school children. In her spare time, she enjoys playing softball, gardening, hanging out with her husband, and chasing her twin boys and their younger brother around. She has a cat named Shadow and a dog named Cricket. (Seven of Cricket's eight great-grandparents were purebreds but each a different breed. The eighth was a mutt. So, Cricket has DNA from beagle, miniature poodle, Great Pyrenees, Sheltie, American Stafford terrier, Border collie & chow ancestors!)
Allie, Veterinary Assistant
Allie has been with BFVC since March of 2016. She enjoys surgery, dentistry, and assisting in ultrasounds. She helps to train and mentor new veterinary assistants. If you need to know where something is kept or how to do a task, Allie is the one to ask! She is married and has two small children. When she is not in the clinic, Allie enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with her family and her fur children, Bailey and Nemo. Nemo was adopted from Best Friends after he was treated for severe urinary tract disease.
Hannah, Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Elaina, Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Caroline, Veterinary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Mandy, Reception
Greetings, meet Mandy, a Mequon native with a background in Criminal Justice. While her formal education led her down the path of justice, Mandy's true passion lies with animals. Since October 2021, she has been serving as a receptionist at Best Friends. Although this marks her first foray into veterinary medicine professionally, her upbringing immersed her in the world of animals. Mandy's childhood was filled with experiences such as riding, owning, and showing horses. She dedicated years to volunteering for an equine-assisted therapeutic program in Cedarburg, contributing to horseback riding lessons, and assisting with summer camps at a local stable. Mandy is a proud parent to two daughters, Rhileigh and Piper, as well as her husband, Scott, and their two feline companions, Tux and Rue. Her joy extends to engaging with all of you and meeting your beloved pets. Mandy is enthusiastic about answering any questions you might have, particularly those related to cats or equines. Feel free to reach out and share your inquiries or stories!
Katie, Reception
Katie worked for Dr. Boss years ago at our old clinic, then worked at a couple of other veterinary clinics before coming back to Best Friends years later, in 2017. There are few questions you could have that she can't answer! She is mostly a receptionist, including doing some supervising and training, but she spends a few hours a week filling in as an assistant. She also works on marketing projects, obsessively worries about patient care and cleanliness, and occasionally makes Dr. Boss clean her desk. Katie has two grown sons and two dogs.
Mary Beth, Reception
Mary Beth is our receptionist assistant. She keeps the place running smoothly by managing files, copying handouts, keeping the waiting area clean, and restocking so the receptionists can focus on our clients. Her English bulldog Buddha is featured in our atopy video because he has chronic skin and ear problems. Mary Beth can tell you all about how high-maintenance bulldogs are and the value of pet insurance!
Meghan, Reception
Bio Coming Soon
Molly, Reception
Bio Coming Soon
Chris, Kennel Manager
Chris came to Best Friends in 2018 as our Kennel Manager. She works very hard to make certain your pets are happy and comfortable while vacationing here at Camp Best Friends. She wears many hats at the clinic and enjoys filling in and helping out wherever she can. She has learned a lot in the past few years, including seeing how the underwater treadmill helps rehabilitate dogs post-surgery, and testing blood work and urine to determine the cause of a possible illness. Chris shares her home with Gracie who is a terrier mix who is the princess of the house. In her free time, Chris enjoys gardening, fishing, cooking, and hanging out with her family, friends, and dogs.
Ilynn, Kennel Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Makenna, Kennel Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Zoey, Kennel Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Delaney, Veterinary Float
Bio Coming Soon