Meet Our Team
Expert Doctors. Professional Care.
Melissa Heberer
DVM Pender and Emerson Locations
I graduated from the University of Nebraska/ Iowa State University school of veterinary medicine. Since then I have always worked with both small and large patients in rural communities. I grew up in Hoskins, NE and having family nearby has been very enjoyable. Outside of work my interests are DIYing anything from home improvement to the random art project.
Josh Beutler
DVM Pender and Emerson Locations
I am a DVM and have been in practice for 3 years. I grew up outside of Bancroft, Nebraska on a farm. I realized at a young age I wanted to be a veterinarian. I have one dog, Koda who is an English Setter Mix. I have cows and calves as well. I am married to my lovely wife Alaynna and we have a beautiful 2 year old daughter Nora. When I am not working, you can find me hunting, golfing or at the basketball court. We like to travel (I have been to New Zealand) but also love Nebraska.
Michael Sharp
DVM Pender and Emerson Locations
James Albrecht
DVM Pender and Emerson Locations
Dr. James Albrecht grew up on a farm in the Emerson/Pender area in Northeast Nebraska. Following graduation from High School in Emerson in 1972 he continued his education at nearby Wayne State College graduating with a B.S. in chemistry in 1975. He graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. While attending the University of Minnesota he worked on a black bear research project where he met his wife Kathy. After graduation he moved back home to Nebraska and joined the Pender Veterinary Clinic where he has worked since graduation.
Dr. Albrecht and his wife Kathy have three grown children and 6 grandchildren who live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. In his spare time he enjoys visiting his children and grandchildren, fishing, hunting and working on his farm.
Alison Luhr
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Hobbies: Kayaking, Hanting, Hiking, Baking, Cross Stitching
Dr. Kia Coleman.
DVM Pender and Emerson Locations
I am Dr. Kia Coleman. I have been at Pender Vet Clinic since graduating from ISU College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2021. Originally, I grew up on a feedlot/cow-calf operation in Broken Bow, NE.
At work, I see all kinds of animals, but my passion lies in beef production medicine. When not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities with my dog and helping back at my parents ranch.
Support Staff
Angela Sanderson
I am Pender Veterinary Clinic’s Vet Tech/Office manager and I have been working at Pender for 14 years. I have 17 years of experience in total.
My husband Ray and I have been married since 2001 and we have three children: Colton- 15, Nathaneal- 12 and Shaylee- 10. We also have too many pets to count!
Some of my hobbies include horseback riding, camping with friends, and whatever current sport or activity my kids are participating in. I’m also a 4-H leader for Cloverleaf Livestock.
Barb Gilster
My family includes my husband Alan, and my children Penny, Brent and Tiffany. I also have two pets: Chloe, a Schnauzer and Smokey, a Domestic short-haired cat.
My hobbies include fishing, boating, camping, and gardening flowers. I also enjoy tending to my grandchildren’s sports.
Lynette Sunderman
I am Pender Vet Clinic’s Veterinary Assistant. I love animals and own quite a few myself. At home, I take care of four dogs- Simon, Tucker, Candy, and Maui, eight miniature horses, 15 chickens and one guinea pig.
I am married to my husband Steve and we have two sons, Shane and Tanner. We also have three grandchildren: Jaxon, Ashlynn and Kashton and a daughter in law, Jynessa who is expecting a third baby with Tanner.