Receptionists

Jen Plemon

Jen has been a Westgate team member since April 2002. She started working here while still in high school as an animal caretaker. She has moved up through the ranks and is now a receptionist.

She currently lives in Elk Mound with her husband Jon and two sons, Colton and Brecken. She has a Labrador Retriever Kash, a King Charles Cavalier Elliott, three Golden Retriever Lena, Lyndy, Tate, and multiple cats. Jen enjoys watching her boys play sports, boating, going to the pool, and showing her dogs.

Shannon Vargo

Shannon started at Westgate Animal Hospital in 2002 then left to be a stay at home mom, and now is back at Westgate part-time.

Shannon and her husband have 2 kids, 2 poodles and a Chinese Crested. In her spare time she enjoys spending lots of time with her family, camping, attending music festivals and training or showing her dogs.

Sam Anderkay, CVBP, VRCE, FFCP

Sam started at Westgate in August of 2018.

Sam lives in Chippewa Falls with her husband Derek, and daughter Elaina. They have two German Shepherds, Hera and Nymeria and three cats- Elvis, Buckwheat and Cassie. In her spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering, reading, and travelling to dog shows with her German Shepherds. Sam has completed three veterinary certifications which include a Wellness/Burnout Certification, the Veterinary Reception Certificate of Excellence and the Fear Free Certificate Program.

Lilly Engen

Lilly started her time at Westgate in August 2020.

Lilly bought her first home in Eau Claire and lives there with her two Pitbulls named Jude and Panzer, and two cats named Winnie and Wyatt. In her free time, she enjoys working around her house, spending time with friends, hiking and continuing obedience training with her dogs.

Brooklyn McLean

Brooklyn started with Westgate in August of 2021.

Brooklyn grew up in the small town of Strum WI. She has always had a deep love for animals and knew she wanted to work with them. Brooklyn currently lives in Eau Claire with her two dogs, her shorthair/hound mix Olive and golden retriever Newton. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, thrifting and working with her dogs.

Abby Hakari

Abby started with Westgate in July 2023

Abby lives in Eau Claire with her boyfriend, Ryan and 2 cats, Calvin and Willow. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her animals, camping, buying plants, and reading. Her goal is to become a veterinary technician in the next couple years.

Halle Engel

Halle started at Westgate Animal Hospital in February of 2024.

Halle lives in Amery WI with her heeler/corgi mix Luka and her three cats Whiskey, Loki, and Moo. In her free time, she enjoys hunting during the fall months and fishing during the summer months, she also enjoys travelling, drawing, and spending time outdoors!

Zoë Larson

Zoe started working at Westgate Animal Hospital in July of 2024.

Zoe lives in Eau Claire with her soon to be husband Nick and their three dogs. Zoe has a golden retriever named Josie, and black lab named Remington, and a corgi named Harvey. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dogs, as well as spending time outside and at the family cabin!