Meet Our Team
Compassionate Veterinary Care in the Brainerd Lakes Area
At Northern Hope Veterinary Care, we believe exceptional veterinary medicine starts with an exceptional team. Serving Pillager, Brainerd, Baxter, and the greater Brainerd Lakes community, our doctors, technicians, and staff bring together years of expertise, advanced training, and a deep passion for helping pets live healthier, happier lives.
Our approach combines modern Western medicine with holistic and integrative therapies, ensuring each pet receives personalized care that fits their unique needs. Get to know the people who will treat your pets like their own family.
Veterinarians
Dr. Sara Hooge, DVM, CVA, CVH
Dr. Sara Hooge earned her B.S. in 1999 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2004. She began her career as a mixed animal practitioner in Worthington, MN, where she practiced for over 15 years and became the lead small animal veterinarian. Her work included small animal surgery, wellness exams, and patient advocacy, as well as large animal medicine in dairy health, beef and swine management, equine care, poultry medicine, and small ruminant medicine.
Over the years, Dr. Hooge developed a strong passion for integrative and complementary medicine. Educated by the Chi Institute, she is certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine, blending Eastern and Western medicine to create individualized treatment plans. Today, her focus is on delivering whole-pet care that improves health, longevity, and quality of life for dogs and cats in the Brainerd Lakes area.
Animal Chiropractor
Dr. Sara Curell-Graber, D.C., D.A.C.N.B.
Raised on a quarter horse ranch in Brainerd, MN, Dr. Sara Curell-Graber grew up surrounded by animals and developed a lifelong love of horses. With deep roots in equine care—her father and brother are both professional farriers—she has dedicated her career to advancing animal health through chiropractic medicine.
Dr. Sara is the first Board Registered Animal Chiropractor in Northern Minnesota and founded Curell’s Animal Chiropractic Connection in 2009. She has also completed advanced neurology training through the Carrick Institute of Neurology, allowing her to deliver specialized chiropractic care that restores mobility and supports long-term wellness.
Her extensive equine background, combined with her chiropractic expertise, makes her an invaluable part of our integrative care team.
Leadership
Jesse Hooge - Practice Manager
Jesse brings over 25 years of business management experience to Northern Hope Veterinary Care. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Sioux Falls and training in Lean Manufacturing and business development, Jesse provides strong leadership and operational guidance for the clinic.
His passion lies in helping others reach their potential and creating a supportive, client-focused environment. A dedicated family man, Jesse enjoys boating, watching sports, and spending time with his wife, Dr. Sara Hooge, and their four boys.
Kim Knutson, CVT - Assistant Practice Manager
Coming Soon
Technicians
Claire Eppelsheimer
Claire graduated from Ridgewater College in 2017, passed the VTNE later that year, and began her career at Animal Care Center before joining Northern Hope. With her strong background as a Certified Veterinary Technician, Claire excels in diagnostics, patient care, and client education.
Outside the clinic, Claire enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, and participating in axe-throwing leagues. She shares her home with her dog, Apollo, whom she adopted in 2018. Claire loves watching pets recover from illness to health and is passionate about helping clients provide the best care possible for their companions.
Kristen Dehne
Coming Soon
Assistants
Savannah Marsh
Coming Soon
Amber Poppenberg
Coming Soon
Morgan Linn
Coming Soon
Receptionists
Jenny Seltun - Lead
Sara Wernberg
Coming Soon
Support Staff
Katie Benson
Dedicated to Serving the Brainerd Lakes Community
The Northern Hope Veterinary Care team is proud to combine advanced medical knowledge with holistic therapies to provide the highest quality care for pets in Pillager, Brainerd, Baxter, Pequot Lakes, and beyond.
Every team member plays an important role in creating a compassionate, professional, and welcoming environment where pets can heal and families can feel supported. We look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!