Our Team – Veterinarians

Dr. Jenn Heesen grew up in central California with one younger sister and two loving parents.  Her family is originally from the Twin Cities area and in 2005 she chose to make Minnesota her home. At a young age, Dr. Heesen developed an interest in medicine from her father who was an emergency room physician. 

Although it was her father’s influence that inspired a future in medicine, it was her love of animals that ultimately drove her focus toward veterinary medicine.  She graduated with honors from Saint Cloud State University in 2009, completing her Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science.  In 2013, she earned her DVM degree from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where she focused on small animal medicine.

Dr. Heesen currently lives in rural Minnesota south of the twin cities with her husband Chad and Senegal parrot, Pepper.  When she is not working at South Metro, she enjoys volunteering at the humane society, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and game nights with family and friends.

Dr. Novik earned her DVM degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She did her internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA Referral and Emergency Center in New York, NY. 

Dr. Novik is passionate about surgery, critical care, and wound management. She speaks fluent Russian, is scuba diving certified, and has competed as a ballroom dancer. She has a Boston terrier named Louie and an orange tabby named Rishka, who she rescued while in vet school.