Dr. Jim Pottebaum, Veterinarian/Owner
Dr. Jim Pottebaum was raised on a family farm near Carroll, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University studying Animal Science and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. He and his wife Cindy were married at ISU and moved to Winterset after graduation to work at the Winterset Veterinary Center. In January 1989 he became a partner, and is now sole owner of the Winterset Veterinary Center. Dr. Jim enjoys mixed animal practice because everyday provides a variety of activities. Cow-calf, swine, sheep, and equine work, as well as, pets and exotics are seen at the clinic. When he is not at work, Dr. Jim is involved in many church and civic organizations and volunteer projects. Dr. Jim and Cindy have three grown children, Rebecca, Kate and Sam, that they follow around the world.
Dr. Lonna Nielsen, Veterinarian
Dr. Lonna Nielsen has been with Winterset Veterinary Center since 2007. She grew up in Northern Iowa on a hog farm and cared for many animals during those years. She married Dan Nielsen in 1984. Dan is the financial advisor at Heritage Financial Group in Winterset. They enjoy traveling to new destinations and hanging out with their 4 adult kids and spouses. They were recently blessed with their first grandchild, July Kay. Dr. Lonna has been writing a blog since 2016 for WVC’s website and shares it on FaceBook each month. She continues to monitor the social media accounts and website to keep them updated and relevant. Since her graduation in 1988 from ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the biggest changes she has seen are how technology has impacted practice and evidence that our furry friends make our lives meaningful and whole. Life without pets would be like summer days without sunshine!
Stephanie Woolson, Technician
Stephanie was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. Her husband, John, and she followed their dreams and moved to a small acreage in Madison County in 1997. They have two children, Ashlyn and Austin, and are blessed with their first granddaughter, Ruthie Rose. Prior to working at WVC she was a stay at home mom and caretaker to many animals. When the kids got older she joined Winterset Veterinary Center in 2003. She has been known to say, “This is her dream job.” Her hobbies consist of small weekend getaways, reading, and of course spoiling the grand baby.
Rita-Kay McDonald, Front Desk
Rita-Kay grew up in rural Winterset and graduated from WHS in 2010. She now lives back here after graduating from Hawkeye Community College with a degree in art and photography. She lives on an acreage south of Winterset on Saint Charles Hwy with her fiancé Paul. While always having a passion for art, she says that her love/care for all animals has been her #1 passion. In December 2021, Rita-Kay decided to take the next step in her life/career and is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Ashworth Community College. After graduation she plans to continue her career at Winterset Veterinary Center. Her primary responsibilities are greeting, scheduling, checking in/out our clients, and all other front-desk tasks. Rita-Kay is a ray of sunshine in our office and loves every single fur baby that comes through our doors as if they were hers! Her hobbies include camping, kayaking and fishing with Paul and their two Australian Shepherds, Ranger (pictured) and Eva.
Lana Jackson, Front Desk
Lana is a transplant from Missouri. In 1986 she married her college sweetheart, Shannon, and moved with him to Des Moines, Iowa.
Even though they grew up as “city kids,” they always dreamed of owning an acreage. After visiting Winterset for their 20th wedding anniversary, they finally knew where they wanted to live. For their 25th wedding anniversary, they “Bought the Farm” and haven’t looked back. They now have thirteen acres, goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, a barn cat and one adult son.
After years of being a client, Lana is thrilled to be able to work at Winterset Veterinary Center. Dr. Jim and Dr. Lonna have been patient teachers of animal husbandry while providing attentive care to her wide range of animals. Being part of the exceptional team at Winterset Veterinary Center is really a dream come true for her. Lana has too many hobbies to list. Some of her favorite things to do are cooking, canning, woodworking, reading, sewing, knitting, crochet, learning small engine repair, and learning new useful skills.
Ashley Alford, Kennel Staff
Ashley has lived in rural Madison county her whole life with her cats and cattle. She attends school at Winterset High School; where she is involved in marching band, concert band, dance team, and many other activities. She finds pride participating in the activities she loves. She has grown up around animals and has a soft spot for all kinds of them. Being able to take care of animals is a job she has always wished of.
Gracie Clemens, Kennel Staff
Gracie has lived in Madison County her whole life. She enjoys reading, riding her horse, and spending time with friends. She has 2 cats and 2 horses that she takes care of at her home. Her mom was a receptionist at Winterset Veterinary Center when she was younger. It is a dream come true for Gracie to be able to work here now.