Doctors and Staff
Mark R. Howlett, DVM - Veterinarian, Chief of Staff
Dr. Howlett was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin but grew up in Spokane, Washington. In 1998, Dr. Howlett graduated with a Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and surgery through the Veterinary Honors Program from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. As a student, he earned numerous awards including both the large and small animal surgery scholarships given to the student(s) most proficient in each of those fields. He also co-authored various journal articles relating to new surgical techniques in veterinary medicine. Dr. Howlett’s first seven years of practice were spent as an associate veterinarian in private clinics in Arizona and Idaho. Part of that time was spent as the managing veterinarian and chief of staff at a busy Boise, Idaho clinic. He then worked closely with board certified specialists in surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, and physical therapy as an emergency/critical care veterinarian at West Vet Emergency and Specialty Center of Idaho. Dr. Howlett then came to Gem Veterinary Clinic in 2006 and committed his high standards of care and progressive medicine to the community of Emmett and people of Gem County. His favorite aspects of veterinary medicine include surgery, trauma, challenging cases, and client education. With his limited free time, Dr. Howlett enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with his bird dogs (Labs Josie, Addi and Emmi), his cat Berg, and most of all, family time with his wife, Cathy and daughter, Anna Catherine.
Steven Cassel, DVM - Veterinarian
Dr. Cassel brings over 34 years of experience to Gem Veterinary Clinic’s family. Upon completion of a Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1974, Dr. Cassel spent his first six years in rural practice in Livingston, Montana. He then moved to Post Falls, Idaho and established his own practice. After 26 years in practice at the Post Falls Animal Clinic, Dr. Cassel semi retired for a year before wanting to come back to work. Fortunately for Gem Veterinary Clinic in August of 2008, Dr. Cassel chose our community to continue his practice. He appreciates the progressive medical aspects of Gem Vet while enjoying another great part of the state of Idaho. His favorite aspect of being a veterinarian is doing surgeries and, of course, working with puppies and kittens. His reason for employment at Gem Vet is having the opportunity to work with such a wonderful staff. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Cassel likes to spend his time fishing (mainly salmon), hunting, and taking care of his dog Buster.
Tami Hinderager, DVM - Veterinarian
Dr. Hinderager was born in North Dakota. Her family was relocated to Boise when she was about 10 and she has been enjoying Idaho ever since. She knew that she was going to be a veterinarian since she was a little girl. She first started to work in a veterinary clinic at the age of 12 volunteering as a kennel attendant and worked her way up to a veterinary assistant before she left for college. She received her B.S. and DVM degrees at Washington State University through the honors college. After college came back to her home state of Idaho to practice small animal medicine. Upon returning to Idaho she has worked as a general practitioner and emergency doctor in both Canyon and Ada counties before joining Gem Veterinary Clinic in mid 2009. She loves preventative medicine, geriatric patients, and managing general medicine cases. She is married to her best friend Eric. Dr. Hinderager also enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, volleyball, cooking, painting, and relaxing with a good book.
Tracy Howard - Office Manager
Tracy is the veteran staff member of Gem Veterinary Clinic having been employed since 1992. Tracy came to Gem Veterinary Clinic with a degree in Dental Assisting from Olympia Technical Community College and uses that knowledge when performing dentals on pets. Tracy has built upon this foundation in dentistry to include veterinary nursing care, management, and client relations. Tracy’s primary responsibility is as Gem Vet’s Office Manager. Although in charge of the day to day clinic activities, Tracy is extensively involved with the surgical and medical care of our many patients. Tracy is currently taking courses to receive her degree as a Certified Veterinary Technician. Her special areas of interest include surgery, dentals, patient nursing care, and client relations. Tracy enjoys working at Gem Veterinary Clinic because of the progressive medical care offered to the community. When she is not at work, Tracy enjoys camping, working out, and spending time with her family including her dogs Piper and Leo, her cat Meg and Dutched Bunny Huck.
Helen Frisbee - CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician)
Helen Frisbee was born and raised in Emmett. She attended her first three and a half years of formal education toward a major in pre-veterinary medicine, at the University of Idaho. She then moved to Ellensburg, Washington and attended Yakima Valley Community College, obtaining an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology earning her the title of Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). Helen has worked as a CVT for over 6 of her 12 years involved in the veterinary field. In fact, Helen worked at a local emergency and specialty center with board certified specialists and emergency and critical care veterinarians prior to her arrival at Gem Vet. Along with her high school sweetheart, now husband David, Helen lives with her beautiful little girls Lydia and Adeline, as well as 2 cats (Bailey and Bleu) and 3 dogs (Miley, Harley and Cooper). Helen’s favorite aspect of working at Gem Veterinary Clinic is being able to offer the best and most current medicine possible to our community and their pets. Helen enjoys working at Gem Veterinary Clinic because the family all works as a team and cares so much about the medicine we are providing. When Helen is not at work she enjoys spending lots of time with her husband and daughters. She also enjoys reading, walking her dogs and do-it-yourself projects around the house.
LindsayLee Swart - Veterinary Assistant
LindsayLee has been working in the veterinary profession for over seven years. LindsayLee started working as a kennel attendant and has continually improved her knowledge base and skills to become the veterinary assistant she is today. LindsayLee’s favorite aspect of Gem Veterinary Clinic is the high quality and compassionate medicine the team provides. LindsayLee married her high school sweetheart and they enjoy life with their twin boys, three dogs, and two cats. After work LindsayLee and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Stephanie Johnson - Client Relations / Veterinary Assistant
Stephanie joined the family at Gem Veterinary Clinic in March of 2008. Stephanie grew up in Emmett then graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and Technology with a minor in Agricultural Economics and Rural Community Development. Prior to taking a position at Gem Vet, Stephanie worked in the administration office of the WICAP Head Start program for almost 9 years. Stephanie’s favorite aspect of working with clients is getting to know each of them personally. She looks forward to sharing in the good times clients have with their new pets as well as understanding the discomfort and the need for compassion during the sad times. Stephanie enjoys working at Gem Vet because she is able to work with her sister, be closer to home, and continue to increase her knowledge and skills and.....spend lots of time kissing puppies!!! When Stephanie is not at work she enjoys spending time with family (especially her young son Jeremiah and her husband and best friend Johnson), friends, her 2 dogs (Tuff Nutt and Saige) and 1 cat (Tigford Illinois) and can often be found with her sister reading cooking books or begrudgingly working on scrapbooks.