Hello. I grew up in Annandale, MN. Married my husband, Mike McAlpin in 1991. I received my BA with a major in Biology and German. Graduated from U of MN College of Veterinary Medicine and began my career as an associate Veterinarian. I am now a practicing partner in the two clinics owned. We have six beautiful daughters, Mikhayla, Morgan, Kelsey, Keegan, Lilly and Lucy. They have kept us busy supporting their various activities. I am part of the Big Lake Chamber, a member of the board at the Wave Youth Center, a community partner with Independence STEM Elementary School. I also support the community by partaking in the youth apprenticeship program and providing a scholarship to graduating students. As you can see the youth of our community are very important to me.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
See above
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have worked in Big Lake since the year 2000 and made our home here in 2005.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2000 and have worked with the St. Michael Veterinary clinic and Big Lake Area Veterinary Hospital ever since.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
Will always love the movie Dirty Dancing. Holds a special place in my heart due to the group I went to see it with. My favorite authors are Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Netflix binging.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Coffee would be my beverage for sure.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I have been a Girl Scout leader for almost 20 years. I love to garden and may have too many houseplants. Reading has always been important to me but seem to run out of time for that lately.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Continue to travel and see as many new places as possible within the US and other countries. I especially love the Caribbean.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
Travel the world.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
I took a year off of vet school to have my first baby. Everyone told me I would never go back to finish. Well, I had my second baby between my 2nd and 3rd year of vet school. It was a challenge having two small children and completing my clinicals. But I certainly proved my doubters wrong.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To slow down and enjoy life. It really does fly by.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My husband is my rock and has been a support system for all I have accomplished.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I am so proud to be a wife and mother.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Lupulin, Willys on the Water, Trails, Coborn’s
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
the people coming together to accomplish big things in our community.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get to know people in your community. I have met some of my closest friends through volunteering in the community of Big Lake.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Brenda Geldert, Sarah Gosewisch
