Dr. Chihiro Gardiner
Chief of Staff
Dr. Gardiner graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She worked at a local shelter as well as private practice prior to joining Banfield in 2008. Dr. Gardiner is originally from Japan and after spending many years in Minnesota, it is her second home. She currently lives in St. Paul with her family, miniature dachshund, Abby, and several cats. All of her pets are rescued and enjoying their second lives. Dr. Gardiner's passion of preventive medicine comes from her experiences working in the shelter. When she is not working at the hospital, she enjoys time with her family, friends, and beloved animals. She also enjoys her vacation time in Japan visiting family and friends.
More Details >>
Dr. Sarah Morrissey
Veterinarian
Dr. Morrissey is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing with Banfield since 2013. Prior to joining Banfield, she spent time working in a private veterinary practice in eastern Wisconsin. Her special areas of interest include dermatology, feline medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Morrissey currently lives in Saint Paul with her husband, two young daughters and their 3 cats. She is originally from Madison, Wisconsin and when she is not working, she enjoys the outdoors, yoga, reading, and spending time with family.
More Details >>
Dr. John (Jack) Schechinger
Veterinarian
Dr. Schechinger graduated with honors from the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2018. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College where he played baseball for 4 years. He currently has two dogs, Romeo and Isla, both who were rescued from shelters. Isla is currently enjoying her new life in the Unites States after moving from Scotland. His main passions in veterinary medicine include preventive care, dermatology, and orthopedics. When not at the hospital, he enjoys personal fitness, spending time with his family, and outdoor adventures.
More Details >>
Dr. Erica Hartz
Veterinarian
Dr. Hartz is a 2020 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees. She also previously earned a Master of Science degree in Chemistry in 2013 from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. She is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has called the Twin Cities home for the last 7 years. She lives with her partner, Marty, their two rescue dachshund mixes, Thelma and Bernie (better known as Mr. Bun-Bun), and their three cats, April, Alvin, and Millie. Dr. Hartz loves all areas of veterinary medicine, but she is especially interested in internal medicine, dentistry, cardiology, and neurology. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys rock climbing, reading, playing the piano, and cooking.
More Details >>
Marissa Payton
Practice Manager
Marissa grew up on a farm in northern Minnesota, this is where her passion and love for animals began. She moved to the Twin Cities was she was in high school and attended the University of Minnesota as an animal science major. She joined Banfield in 2014 and believes preventive medicine can help pets live happier and healthier lives. She has worked at the Highland Park location since it opened in 2016 and currently lives in Saint Paul with her 2 cats, Princess Leia and Darth Vader. When not at work, Marissa enjoys being outdoors and spending time her friends and family.
More Details >>
Alexandra E. Stewart, CVT
Veterinary Technician
Alex graduated from Globe University in September of 2016 and has been with Banfield for 3 years. She knew from a young age that she would spend her life working with animals. She fell in love with her pets as a child and grew to love all pets of every species over time. She has 2 cats, Itty Bitty and Scarlet, a dog named Josie, 2 parakeets, Juicy and Lucy, and 8 New Zealand white's frogs that she obtained from rescues. In her spare time, Alex enjoys hiking, writing music, playing guitar/piano, and singing. She loves working for Banfield and looks forward to meeting you and your pets!
More Details >>