Kathryn Golden, DVM
DrGolden@NorthernLakesEquine.com
Dr. Kathryn Golden is a northern Illinois native. Her passion for horses took her to William Woods University in Fulton, MO where she studied in Equestrian Science. She then attended the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with honors. Following veterinary school she completed a rigorous equine internship at Carolina Equine Hospital, a state-of-the-art clinic in Greensboro, NC.
Her professional interests include ophthalmology, dentistry, preventative medicine, and sports medicine. She is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and often travels to meetings to teach veterinary students in wet labs. Dr. Golden is also a board member for the Illinois Equine Practitioners’ Association, a group that focuses on bringing continuing education events to Illinois practitioners and fostering an environment of collegiality among Illinois equine practitioners.
From an early age when she began riding through the park district, her passion for horses has only grown. She still enjoys time with her eventing horse, Spider, who she has had for nearly 20 years. Dr. Golden’s other interests are making up recipes, hiking, and spending time with her husband Ryan, family, and friends. You may catch a glimpse of her two German Short Haired Pointers, Cora and Piper, in the truck.
Laurel Meininger, DVM, CVMMP
DrLaurel@NorthernLakesEquine.com
Dr. Laurel Meininger grew up in Omaha, NE. She received her B.A. from Colorado State University before moving to Ames, IA and receiving her DVM degree with honors from Iowa State University. Following graduation, Dr. Meininger completed a rigorous one-year hospital internship at Kendall Road Equine Hospital in Elgin, IL. In 2019, Dr. Meininger became certified in veterinary spinal manipulation (chiropractic) through the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute.
Dr. Meininger has a passion for horses of all disciplines and grew up riding on the hunter/jumper show circuit. Her veterinary interests include sports medicine and rehabilitation, dentistry, and preventative care, with a strong focus on client communication and education. Dr. Meininger strives to remain up-to-date in the veterinary and equine communities as an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the United States Equestrian Federation. In addition, Dr. Meininger sits alongside Dr. Golden as a board member of the Illinois Equine Practitioners’ Association to help bring quality continuing education opportunities to equine veterinarians in the area.
In her free time, Dr. Meininger can be found spending quality time with her husband, chasing after her two young sons, enjoying walks with her dog, or baking tasty treats in the kitchen.
Kelly Manion, DVM
DrKelly@NorthernLakesEquine.com
Dr. Kelly Manion grew up outside of Milwaukee, WI. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following graduation, Dr. Kelly completed a one-year field-service internship at the esteemed Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky.
Dr. Kelly has been riding since she was young and competed in the saddle seat discipline. She has a strong interest in reproductive medicine in addition to dentistry, preventative care, and emergency cases. Dr. Kelly enjoys building relationships with clients and staying active in volunteering her time working with veterinary students and equine rescues.
Dr. Kelly and her wife, Katie, have a dog, two cats, and two snakes. If she could, she would live off of popcorn and iced coffee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dabbling in photography, hiking and travelling to new locations.
Tess Cummings, DVM
DrCummings@NorthernLakesEquine.com
Dr. Tess Cummings grew up in a rural community in Central Illinois. She attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Equine Science. She then attended the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Cummings also earned her Fear Free certification in Equine Veterinary Care. While in veterinary school, Dr. Cummings served on the Illinois Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) board. She also volunteered with the Equitarian Initiative’s annual trip to provide veterinary care to the horses of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Dr. Cummings’s professional interests include ophthalmology, dentistry, and sports medicine.
Dr. Cummings grew up riding in the hunter/jumper discipline. Her horse Cowboy has lived on her family’s farm for 15 years and attended college with her, where they competed on the collegiate equestrian team in both hunt and stock seat disciplines. Dr. Cummings is also the proud owner of a standard donkey, Evie, who is best buddies with Cowboy. In her free time, Dr. Cummings enjoys riding her horse, hiking, camping, and spending time with her family.