Our Team
Our team of doctors and staff provide the best care possible for your pets.
Meet our doctors.
At East Lawn Animal Hospital, we know that it can be hard to trust your pet to someone. We want to let you know that we will only treat your pet with the most compassionate and quality care possible.
Dr. Christensen
Veterinarian
With over 32 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Christensen is deeply committed to providing exceptional care for your beloved pets. His philosophy centers on compassion, respect, and delivering the highest level of care in every situation.
A proud graduate of Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Christensen has dedicated his career to ensuring pets receive top-notch medical attention. He’s also a strong advocate for fostering a positive, collaborative environment for both clients and teammates.
When he’s not in the clinic, Dr. Christensen loves spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with his wife, Sharon, their two grown children, and two wonderful grandchildren.
Dr. Bottorff
Veterinarian
Dr. Bottorff is a second-generation Veterinarian and graduate of Iowa State University. Upon graduation in 1978 he furthered his training at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. In 1984 Mike returned to Fort Dodge to join Dr. Herbert Jonas at East Lawn Animal Hospital purchasing the business in 1986. Bottorff and his wife Tina have managed the practice and have seen many changes over the years as veterinary medicine has become more complex with the passage of time. They have a son Matthew with three grandchildren and daughter, Alyssa, a student at ISU and an employee of PetCo in Ames. Mike has been closely involved with Almost Home, the local animal shelter, serving on the Board for many years and providing veterinary services as needed. He is past President of the Fort Dodge Historical Foundation and Fort Museum, and is Secretary of The Ann Smeltzer Trust. He learned from his father that veterinary medicine is not and should not be a nine to five job, but a position that requires him to be there when needed. This philosophy has served well as East Lawn continues to grow.
Dr. Hauptmann
Veterinarian
Dr. Katherine Hauptmann is originally from Sussex, England. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kent in Canterbury before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. Dr. Hauptmann has a special interest in managing chronic illness and is passionate about partnering with pet owners to help improve quality of life through long-term, compassionate care.
Dr. Nims
Dr. Celeste Nims graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 and worked full time at East Lawn Animal Hospital from 2022-2023. In October 2023, she was called from the Army Reserve to active duty at Offutt Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Facility in Bellevue, Nebraska. Dr. Nims and her husband, Will, served 13 consecutive years in the Army and Marine Corps. They are happy to permanently return back to Iowa in 2026.
Dr. Nims’ interests include soft tissue surgery, small animal dentistry, and all things feline. She has two cats and has raised ~100 kittens with zero foster failures.
Being a veterinarian is the greatest job in the world. I love working with my hands, being on my feet and serving people. – Dr. NIms
Samuel
Practice Manager
Samuel graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 2016 and entered the workforce with a strong work ethic. With a background in agricultural and HR management, he focuses on supporting his team, streamlining operations, and creating a positive experience for clients and patients as Practice Manager. His passion for animals began at a young age and continues at home with his dog, Scarlett, and cat, Iris. Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his family, including his four young children, being outdoors, and working on projects with his 3D printer.
Keziah
Registered Veterinary Technician
Keziah has dedicated herself to veterinary care for two years. She attended San Juan College, in New Mexico. Her unwavering belief in advocating for her patients drives her passion. Knowing they lack a voice of their own, Keziah has made it her mission to be their advocate.
She lives on a farm that is home to a variety of animals/pets. Including horses, dogs, cats, sheep, parrots, chickens, a rabbit, turtle and a llama. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her ten nieces and nephews, who live nearby. She also enjoys quilting when she can squeeze it in.
Olivia
Olivia graduated from the DMACC Veterinary Tech Program in Ankeny in May 2025 and has been involved in veterinary medicine since 2023. Growing up on a farm, she developed a strong passion for animal care that continues to shape her work today.
She is dedicated to providing high-quality care to her patients and enjoys the hands-on aspects of being a veterinary technician. At home, Olivia has several pets, including her dog Jasper, indoor cats Luna and Cyrus, and outdoor cats Zephyr and Prissy. In her free time, Olivia likes spending time outdoors with her friends and family.
Angel
Angel has been passionate about veterinary medicine since high school, beginning her veterinary education in 2015. She continued her studies at Palm Beach State College before transferring to Des Moines Area Community College to further her knowledge in the field.
As our receptionist, Angel enjoys building connections with clients and their pets while helping create a welcoming clinic experience. Her experience in multiple areas of veterinary medicine gives her a strong understanding of both patient care and clinic operations.
Angel loves that every day in veterinary medicine is different, offering new challenges and opportunities to learn. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and making memories with her future husband.
Dr. Dave Christensen
Read bio →
Dr. Mike Bottorff
Veterinarian
Read bio →
Dr. Katherine Hauptmann
Read bio →
Dr. Celeste Nims
Samuel
Practice Manager
Read bio →
Keziah
Registered Veterinary Technician
Read bio →
Dr. Celeste Nims
Veterinarian
Dr. Celeste Nims graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 and worked full time at East Lawn Animal Hospital from 2022-2023. In October 2023, she was called from the Army Reserve to active duty at Offutt Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Facility in Bellevue, Nebraska. Dr. Nims and her husband, Will, served 13 consecutive years in the Army and Marine Corps. They are happy to permanently return back to Iowa in 2026.
Dr. Nims’ interests include soft tissue surgery, small animal dentistry, and all things feline. She has two cats and has raised ~100 kittens with zero foster failures.
Being a veterinarian is the greatest job in the world. I love working with my hands, being on my feet and serving people. – Dr. Nims
Angel
Receptionist
Angel has been passionate about veterinary medicine since high school, beginning her veterinary education in 2015. She continued her studies at Palm Beach State College before transferring to Des Moines Area Community College to further her knowledge in the field.
As our receptionist, Angel enjoys building connections with clients and their pets while helping create a welcoming clinic experience. Her experience in multiple areas of veterinary medicine gives her a strong understanding of both patient care and clinic operations.
Angel loves that every day in veterinary medicine is different, offering new challenges and opportunities to learn. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and making memories with her future husband.
Jan
Receptionist
Jan serves as our veterinary receptionist, bringing four years of experience in the field. Her education at St. Cloud Technical College in Minnesota has equipped her well for this role. Her primary goal is to maintain order in the bustling clinic, ensuring that urgent cases receive prompt attention.
Beyond her professional commitments, Jan finds joy in her marriage and the blessing of five children along with four wonderful grandsons. She shares her home with two cherished senior dogs, Rumpy and Buddy.
Olivia
Registered Veterinary Technician
Olivia graduated from the DMACC Veterinary Tech Program in Ankeny in May 2025 and has been involved in veterinary medicine since 2023. Growing up on a farm, she developed a strong passion for animal care that continues to shape her work today.
She is dedicated to providing high-quality care to her patients and enjoys the hands-on aspects of being a veterinary technician. At home, Olivia has several pets, including her dog Jasper, indoor cats Luna and Cyrus, and outdoor cats Zephyr and Prissy. In her free time, Olivia likes spending time outdoors with her friends and family.
Keziah
Registered Veterinary Technician
Keziah has dedicated herself to veterinary care for two years. She attended San Juan College, in New Mexico. Her unwavering belief in advocating for her patients drives her passion. Knowing they lack a voice of their own, Keziah has made it her mission to be their advocate.
She lives on a farm that is home to a variety of animals/pets. Including horses, dogs, cats, sheep, parrots, chickens, a rabbit, turtle and a llama. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her ten nieces and nephews, who live nearby. She also enjoys quilting when she can squeeze it in.
Samuel
Practice Manager
Samuel graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 2016 and entered the workforce with a strong work ethic. With a background in agricultural and HR management, he focuses on supporting his team, streamlining operations, and creating a positive experience for clients and patients as Practice Manager. His passion for animals began at a young age and continues at home with his dog, Scarlett, and cat, Iris. Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his family, including his four young children, being outdoors, and working on projects with his 3D printer.
Dr. Mike Bottorff
Veterinarian
Dr. Bottorff is a second-generation Veterinarian and graduate of Iowa State University. Upon graduation in 1978 he furthered his training at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. In 1984 Mike returned to Fort Dodge to join Dr. Herbert Jonas at East Lawn Animal Hospital purchasing the business in 1986. Bottorff and his wife Tina have managed the practice and have seen many changes over the years as veterinary medicine has become more complex with the passage of time. They have a son Matthew with three grandchildren and daughter, Alyssa, a student at ISU and an employee of PetCo in Ames. Mike has been closely involved with Almost Home, the local animal shelter, serving on the Board for many years and providing veterinary services as needed. He is past President of the Fort Dodge Historical Foundation and Fort Museum, and is Secretary of The Ann Smeltzer Trust. He learned from his father that veterinary medicine is not and should not be a nine to five job, but a position that requires him to be there when needed. This philosophy has served well as East Lawn continues to grow.
Dr. Katherine Hauptmann
Veterinarian
Dr. Katherine Hauptmann joins East Lawn Animal Hospital from Sussex, England. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Kent in Canterbury, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and has experience in GP and shelter medicine. Dr. Hauptmann brings with her excellent tea preferences and special interests in managing chronic disease, surgery, preventative medicine, and complex medical cases, as well as working with exotic patients. She enjoys partnering closely with pet owners to create practical, individualized long-term care plans that prioritize comfort and quality of life. Known for her clear communication, empathy, and calm approach to problem-solving, Dr. Hauptmann is excited to join East Lawn’s collaborative team and contribute to thoughtful, high-quality care for every patient.
Dr. Dave Christensen
Veterinarian
With over 32 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Christensen is deeply committed to providing exceptional care for your beloved pets. His philosophy centers on compassion, respect, and delivering the highest level of care in every situation.
A proud graduate of Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Christensen has dedicated his career to ensuring pets receive top-notch medical attention. He’s also a strong advocate for fostering a positive, collaborative environment for both clients and teammates.
When he’s not in the clinic, Dr. Christensen loves spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with his wife, Sharon, their two grown children, and two wonderful grandchildren.