Veterinary Technician Program Faculty

Dr. Kimberly Rowley, DVM

Dr. Rowley received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. Prior to her doctrine, she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. Prior to teaching, Dr. Rowley practiced in a mixed animal practice in Austin, Minnesota where she began as an associate and became a partner. She loves veterinary medicine and is excited to share that love with students.

She continues to be active in the American Veterinary Medical Association, Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, and South Eastern Veterinary Medical Association as well as community organizations.

Layne Daniels, DVM

Dr. Daniels earned his doctorate from the University of Minnesota and has been in veterinary practice for 15 years. During that time he has been in mixed and large animal practices. In addition to teaching at RCTC, he also maintains a large animal practice that specializes in large animal reproduction and ultrasound. He is active in several professional organizations such as the AVMA, MVMA, WVMA, and AABP. He and his wife Monica have three young sons that keep them busy.

Elissa Burgstaler, CVT

Elissa is a certified veterinary technician who graduated from Ridgewater College in 2005. She started at RCTC in 2017 as a College Lab Assistant and she is still doing that and is also an Adjunct Instructor. Elissa is currently employed and works as a CVT at the Zumbrota Veterinary Clinic part-time and also does relief work at Blue Pearl Animal Emergency Hospital in Rochester. Elissa is an active member in several veterinary organizations such as MVMA, MAVT, NAVTA, and AVTE, and she is also Fear-free certified. She works with small animals and some exotics currently and in the past as well as she has been the lead technician and has taught before and been the program chair at MSB. She also has experience with wildlife, zoo animals, and a small amount of large animal as well.  She lives in the country with her dogs, cats, and lots of bunnies.

Kari Houg, CVT 

Kari is a graduate of Ridgewater College with an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology. She has previously worked in small animal practice, research, and teaching at Globe University in La Crosse, WI. She lives on a hobby farm with her husband, goats, chickens, cats, and a livestock guardian dog. She enjoys gardening, canning, baking, and attending concerts in her free time.

Theresa M. Iverson, CVT

I graduated from the University of   Minnesota Technical College – Waseca, MN with an A.A.S degree in Animal Health Technology.  I worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician at the Austin Veterinary Clinic for 20 years.  I am currently working in construction with my husband during the summer months and as a College Lab Assistant in the Animal Health Technology program here at RCTC during the Fall and Spring semesters.  I live on a small hobby farm in rural Austin with my husband, daughter, a dog, three horses, and many cats.  I have a son and another daughter who are both married.  I also have three grandsons.  I am very involved in my community and surrounding communities in the musical aspect.  I enjoy many outdoor activities especially horseback riding, camping, gardening, four-wheeling, and walking.