Our Story at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic
All Creatures Veterinary Clinic first opened its doors on June 1st, 1993, at the corner of Reserve Road and Highway 93, founded by Dr. Greg and Linda Markellis. We have since moved from the original clinic but we’ve proudly provided compassionate veterinary care ever since.
After decades of dedicated service, Dr. Markellis retired at the end of 2020. In January 2021, longtime associate Dr. Stacey Neils – who had worked alongside Dr. Markellis for over 10 years – took over the practice, continuing the legacy.
MEET OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Stacey Neils
Dr. Stacey Neils grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School in 1997. She then went on to do her undergraduate studies at Pacific Lutheran University, and Veterinary School at Colorado State University. After Veterinary School she worked in several practices in Alaska, North Carolina and Washington until she realized she wanted to come home.
Dr. Neils joined All Creatures Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Markellis in 2012 and has been enjoying herself ever since. In 2021 Dr. Neils, along with her parents (Ralph & Edna) bought the practice when Dr. Markellis retired, it is keeping them all busy. She has a love for all aspects of medicine, but especially surgery, reproduction, and exotics (furry ones and reptiles).
Dr. Neils lives in Kalispell with her partner, Matt; son, Julius, 2 dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and Bull Lake time in the summer.
Dr. Carol Pierson
Dr. Carol Pierson has been practicing Veterinary Medicine for 28+ years. She was a veterinary assistant for about 10 years before going to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Before moving to Montana, she had ownership of a two hospital practice in Berkeley County, West Virginia, which employed 47 people when she sold it to a corporation. That practice became the first West Virginia practice to be owned by VetCor Corporation.
Dr. Pierson has an interest in internal medicine in cats and dogs. She received the Small Animal Award as a senior at OSU.
She resides outside of Columbia Falls with her husband, 1 Belgian Malinois dogs, 1 cat and several fish. The deer and turkey in the area visit them daily.
Dr. Laura Thiel
Dr. Laura Thiel has been living in the Flathead Valley and caring for pets since 2008. She is a 2001 graduate of The Ohio State University college of Veterinary Medicine. Growing up in Huntington, West Virginia, she had many dogs, cats and horses. She practiced Veterinary medicine in the Reno area for 7 years after graduation, and then moved with her family to the Flathead.
Dr. Laura has special interests in veterinary dentistry, surgery and internal medicine. She especially enjoys caring for senior pets, and optimizing quality of life during those golden years.
Dr. Joanie Bechtle
Dr. Joanie Bechtle is a proud Montana native who feels grateful to have built her career in the place she has always called home. After graduating from Montana State University, she went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 1998.
She began her career practicing in Bellingham, WA for two years before returning to Montana, where she spent the past 25 years caring for pets and their families in Whitefish. Throughout her career, Dr. Joanie has developed special interests in dentistry, internal medicine, wellness care, and general surgery. No matter the focus, her greatest goal has always remained the same: helping pets live their happiest, healthiest, and longest lives.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys life with her husband, their two grown sons, three beloved dogs, two fish, and a cheerful parakeet. When she’s not working, she can usually be found outdoors—camping, hiking, gardening, cross country and downhill skiing, kayaking or taking part in just about any activity that lets her enjoy Montana’s wide open spaces and big sky.
While leaving her longtime practice was not an easy decision, Dr. Joanie is excited to have joined the great team at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic. She looks forward to welcoming new clients and patients while also reconnecting with many familiar faces. For her, it is a true honor to continue building these bonds, both old and new, in the community she loves.