Since 1999, South Ridge has been quietly caring for the pets of southwest Lincoln — through moves, new puppies, tough diagnoses, and long, happy lives.
South Ridge opened in 1999 in what was then sparsely populated, rapidly growing southwest Lincoln. In 2018, Dr. Lindsey Hanson took the reins and has been building a team that treats every pet like a member of the family.
Our mission is simple: give you compassionate guidance to keep your furry family members happy, healthy, and with you for many years to come.
Dr. Hanson earned a Bachelor's in veterinary science from UNL in 2009 and her DVM from Iowa State in 2013. She joined South Ridge in 2016 and took ownership in September 2018. Special interests include internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery. Originally from Kearney, she and her husband Brent have three daughters — Evelyn, Scarlett, and Claire — and a pug named Beans.
Dr. Whalen grew up in Kearney, NE, where her love for veterinary medicine began on her grandparents' farm. She earned her Animal Science degree from UNL in 2015 and her DVM from Iowa State in 2019, joining South Ridge in June 2021. She has a special interest in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Outside the clinic, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and true crime documentaries with her husband Mitch and their three dogs.
Dr. Sam grew up on a farm in Stratton, NE. She earned a Bachelor's in Education and Human Sciences from UNL in 2015, then returned to school and graduated with her DVM from Iowa State in 2024. She started her veterinary career at South Ridge. She lives with her husband Garrett and their two dogs, Ghost and Ash, and enjoys movies, sand volleyball, golfing, and reading.
Katie is from Lincoln, NE and earned her Veterinary Technician degree from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in 2012. Before that she spent five years in marine mammal care at SeaWorld. She has a dog, Stryker, and a cat, Eli, and keeps track of every species she has placed an IV catheter in — including a capuchin monkey, opossum, walrus, and ferret.
Rachel is from Rapid City, SD and earned her Veterinary Technician degree from Northeast Community College in 2019, after previous degrees in photography and graphic design. She and her husband Trew have a boxer named Kilo. She loves DIY projects, woodworking, and murder mystery novels.
Jenna is from Hastings, NE and graduated from UNL NCTA with a Veterinary Technology degree in 2020. She's been with South Ridge since January 2023. She loves camping with her family and brings her senior rescued beagle, Gracie Bean, to work every day.
Preethy is from Lincoln, NE and graduated from Iowa Western Community College with a Veterinary Technology degree in 2017. She has been on the South Ridge team since 2021. She has two dogs, Remi and Norman, and loves to paint — especially flowers.
Brad is from Guide Rock, NE and has been a Veterinary Technician for over 20 years, joining South Ridge in 2013. He has a cat named Starvin Marvin and several horses — and loves playing practical jokes on everyone at the clinic.
Burgandie graduated from UNL with a Bachelor's in Animal Science and joined South Ridge in August 2022. She's currently enrolled in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program and has assisted with a spay/neuter program in Malawi, Africa. She has three cats — Elliott, Delores Jane, and Dharma Grey — loves pit bulls, and enjoys hiking, biking, drawing, and traveling.
Jessica is from Scottsbluff, NE and graduated from UNL with a B.S. in Veterinary Science in 2024. She joined South Ridge in September 2024 and plans to pursue a DVM program. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, enjoys baking and exploring new cuisines, and shares her home with a tabby cat named Billy.
Kristie is from Nebraska. She studied cosmetology and criminal justice before discovering her love for animals and a career in veterinary medicine. She has a daughter and two dogs, and enjoys biographies about real historical figures.
Torrie grew up in California and Montana and has lived in six states total, settling in Nebraska in 2012 through military life. She started in veterinary kennel work around 2013 and began grooming in 2014. She and her husband Danny have a son and daughter, one dog, and two cats. She originally studied Aerospace Engineering and is the oldest of nine children.
Longer appointments so we can actually hear you and your pet's story.
Straightforward recommendations that fit your life and your budget.
Low-stress handling, warm exam rooms, and treats — always treats.
Up-to-date diagnostics, surgery, and pain management done thoughtfully.