Technicians

Sandra Whittaker
Large Animal Head Technician
Sandra joined the practice in the summer of 2002 as the clinic's first full time employee. She started out as a "jack of all trades"; she was the receptionist, technician, janitor, office manager, groundskeeper, and any other job that needed doing. As the clinic has grown, she has become more specialized and primarily works as the primary large animal veterinary technician, and inventory manager. Her versatility enables her to fill in any place she is needed.
Sandra is from Germany, and is now a naturalized American citizen; she loves the lifestyle of this area. She along with her daughter Samantha and husband Andy own several horses and dogs and are very involved in the local horse community. Her spare time is filled with going with her daughter Samantha Lemon to rodeo events around the Northwest, as well as various horse shows, barrel races, and local saddle club events. She is also a member of the Nez Perce County Mounted Sheriff's Posse.
Large Animal Head Technician
Sandra joined the practice in the summer of 2002 as the clinic's first full time employee. She started out as a "jack of all trades"; she was the receptionist, technician, janitor, office manager, groundskeeper, and any other job that needed doing. As the clinic has grown, she has become more specialized and primarily works as the primary large animal veterinary technician, and inventory manager. Her versatility enables her to fill in any place she is needed.
Sandra is from Germany, and is now a naturalized American citizen; she loves the lifestyle of this area. She along with her daughter Samantha and husband Andy own several horses and dogs and are very involved in the local horse community. Her spare time is filled with going with her daughter Samantha Lemon to rodeo events around the Northwest, as well as various horse shows, barrel races, and local saddle club events. She is also a member of the Nez Perce County Mounted Sheriff's Posse.
Cassidy SpencerSmall Animal Technician
Cassidy joined the team in September of 2017! She started as a kennel tech, and now works as a veterinary assistant. She is currently working towards becoming a certified Veterinary Technician with hopes that someday she’ll get to work with animals of all shapes and sizes! Outside of work she enjoys singing and dancing in musicals with the Lewiston Civic Theatre. She also enjoys painting, and relaxing at home with her dog. |

Brittney Spencer
Small Animal Technician
Brittney joined the clinic team early fall of 2020. She currently works as a veterinary assistant in the small animal department. Working within the clinic has been a different change of pace from working fast food services in the past, but she’s very eager and willing to learn more every day! At home she has a dog, cat, ferret, parakeet, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, and fish tanks. So it’s safe to say she loves animals of all shapes and sizes! Outside of work she loves to spend time with her dog Riley, go camping, and make elaborate costumes for Halloween each year.
Small Animal Technician
Brittney joined the clinic team early fall of 2020. She currently works as a veterinary assistant in the small animal department. Working within the clinic has been a different change of pace from working fast food services in the past, but she’s very eager and willing to learn more every day! At home she has a dog, cat, ferret, parakeet, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, and fish tanks. So it’s safe to say she loves animals of all shapes and sizes! Outside of work she loves to spend time with her dog Riley, go camping, and make elaborate costumes for Halloween each year.

Carol Otterstrom-Dietz
Groomer/Technician
Carol joined the clinic in June of 2013. She started in the veterinary field in 1993 in Seattle Washington where she received most of her training. Carol continued her veterinary tech/assistant work in Colleyville, Texas for 3 years. After moving on to other jobs, she realized her passion was with animals. Carol works mainly with the small animals but is very excited to learn to care for the large animals too. She loves her family as well as her 4-legged friends (her cats) and has a passion for caring and taking care of all animals. She discovered she had a passion for animal grooming, and has completed training to become a certified groomer through Penn Foster University. For the past few years she has been our groomer, but frequently also fills in as a Veterinary Technician and Receptionist.
Groomer/Technician
Carol joined the clinic in June of 2013. She started in the veterinary field in 1993 in Seattle Washington where she received most of her training. Carol continued her veterinary tech/assistant work in Colleyville, Texas for 3 years. After moving on to other jobs, she realized her passion was with animals. Carol works mainly with the small animals but is very excited to learn to care for the large animals too. She loves her family as well as her 4-legged friends (her cats) and has a passion for caring and taking care of all animals. She discovered she had a passion for animal grooming, and has completed training to become a certified groomer through Penn Foster University. For the past few years she has been our groomer, but frequently also fills in as a Veterinary Technician and Receptionist.

Brooke Barnes
Kennel Tech
Brooke has been part of our team since December 2019! After finishing her senior year in Highschool she plans on going to WSU to get her degree in veterinarian medicine. On her free time Brooke enjoys riding her horse, hunting, and reading.
Kennel Tech
Brooke has been part of our team since December 2019! After finishing her senior year in Highschool she plans on going to WSU to get her degree in veterinarian medicine. On her free time Brooke enjoys riding her horse, hunting, and reading.

Grace Powell
Kennel Tech
My name is Grace and I am 18 years old. I enjoy riding and training horses, raising cattle, and spending time with family. As a family we hunt, fish, camp, and go boating here in the Lewis- Clark Valley. I've been involved in 4-H for 6 years and was the 49er's Saddle Club 2020 Princess. I am looking forward to graduating and going to Northwest College in Powell, WY in the spring.
Kennel Tech
My name is Grace and I am 18 years old. I enjoy riding and training horses, raising cattle, and spending time with family. As a family we hunt, fish, camp, and go boating here in the Lewis- Clark Valley. I've been involved in 4-H for 6 years and was the 49er's Saddle Club 2020 Princess. I am looking forward to graduating and going to Northwest College in Powell, WY in the spring.

PJ Walker
Kennel Tech
I am PJ! I have been working at Rustebakke's since September 2020. I am currently a junior at Clarkston High school and I am going to Walla Walla community college. In my off time I work with my alpacas, rabbits, and pig.
Kennel Tech
I am PJ! I have been working at Rustebakke's since September 2020. I am currently a junior at Clarkston High school and I am going to Walla Walla community college. In my off time I work with my alpacas, rabbits, and pig.