Dr. Janet Olson graduated in 1996 from the University of Minnesota – College of Veterinary Medicine and then completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship in 1997 at the University of Missouri – College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked in the companion animal veterinary profession for over 16 years. She practiced in a private, small animal referral clinic for the past eight years, providing her with extensive critical care experience. She is currently a cardiology resident at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Olson received the prestigious Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Service Award in 2007 in recognition of her accomplishments developing and leading the Basic Animal Rescue Training organization. Dr Olson is married to Brian Olson, a member of the New Brighton Fire Department, and they have two daughters, Gabrielle and Shelby. The Olsons reside in New Brighton, Minnesota with their cat “Kitten” and dog “Gus”.

Mike Murphy is a veterinary toxicologist and attorney. His wife, also a veterinarian, and two labs – Barney and Bailey – all enjoy being BART volunteers.

Michelle Reckard graduated from the University of Florida in 1998 with a major in Mathematics and minor in actuarial science. She worked for 9 years in the actuarial consulting industry. In 2002 she began a career change into veterinary medicine, graduating from Argosy University in 2005 as a Certified Veterinary Technician. Michelle is a second year veterinary student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree along with a Masters in Public Health.

Michelle began volunteering with BART in 2005 and increased her involvement in 2007 assisting with many of the program and logistical functions of the organization. She is a Certified Small Animal Speaker and Trainer for Small Animal Handling and Restraint, as well as Small Animal Patient Assessment and First Aid. She worked with another DVM/MPH student to write the Large Animal Recapture and Restraint curriculum that was submitted to the Department of Homeland Security in December of 2009 for evaluation as a DHS approved state-sponsored course.

Bridget Monson graduated in 1993 from Carlson School of Management with a major in management and finance and in 2006 received her Masters in Healthcare Administration also from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Bridget worked 15 years in human healthcare. She joined the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center in 2006 where she managed 12 specialty services at the hospital and grew to enjoy the field of veterinary medicine. Bridget is now chief administrator for a new multi-specialty veterinary practice in the Twin Cities.

Bridget is excited to be part of the BART organization. Her new role as the Treasurer will present many great opportunities. She has been actively involved in her church for the past 20 years and enjoys her current role on church council and the financial secretary. Bridget lives in Shakopee, MN with her husband and two kids as well as her two cats, Jasmine and Trixie and two dogs, Zeus and Hercules.

John Fruetel is the Minneapolis Assistant Fire Chief. Chief Fruetel was off duty at the Twins game when the 35W Bridge fell. The Minneapolis Fire Department’s Assistant Chief of Operations bolted from the Metrodome and was leading the rescue operation minutes later. Fruetel’s leadership brought comfort, care and order to the chaos. He received the Firefighter Ready award at the 2008 Heroes Breakfast, presented by the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Red Cross for his leadership during the I-35 bridge collapse in the summer of 2007.

Dr. John King graduated in 1989 from the University of Minnesota – College of Veterinary Medicine and then completed a large Animal Medicine, Surgery and Theriogenology Internship in 1990 at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada – Atlantic Veterinary College. He has been active in his primarily equine practice from 1990 to present. He is also served as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine since 2002. Dr King has been a member of the LeSueur Fire Department since 1991. In 2009 he received the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) President’s Award for his “significant contribution to the veterinary profession, MVMA and for promoting the human-animal bond animal health and welfare and public health”. He is married to his wife Kay and has twin daughters Maggie and Molly and a son Evan and numerous animals, large and small.

Tony Paetznick serves as a Police Officer and Deputy Fire Chief for the New Brighton Department of Public Safety, where he has been employed since 1997. In these roles, he coordinates the Police Division’s Citizen Corps Programs, including CERT, VIPS/Fire Corps and Neighborhood Watch, and is responsible for leading all training activities of the Fire Division. He is also a member of the North Suburban Hazardous Materials Response Team. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Tony holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish, and a Master of Arts in Police Leadership. Tony lives in New Brighton with his wife Stacie and their two sons, Isaac and Andrew. As New Brighton is the home of BART, Tony is proud to maintain a relationship with this community organization.

Cassie Panning graduated from Argosy University in January of 2004 with an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology. After graduation she completed an internship at Metropolitan Veterinary Referral Services (MVRS). She continued to work at MVRS for an additional year and a half before moving to general practice. Cassie is currently employed at St. Boni Pet Hospital located in St. Bonifacius Minnesota.

Dr. Jerry Sprau graduated from the University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary Medicine in 1968. He previously operated Scenic Hills Animal Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota for 37 years. His professional affiliations include the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) where he has served as president and currently serves as Secretary-Treasurer. He has also served on the Animal Emergency Clinic as president and as a board member of the Veterinary Hospitals Association (VHA). He received the MVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award in 1994. Dr. Sprau has served on his church council, is president of the Lions Club and served for 12 years on the Ramsey County Society for Companion Animals Board of Directors.