Dr. Earl Ellingson of Missoula, Montana, USA first became interested in animal health during high school when he lived and worked on a sheep ranch. After earning a BS in Animal Science, he completed his veterinary degree at Colorado State University in 2005, and worked in small animal practice in Alaska for several years before returning to Montana. Since 2007, Dr. Ellingson has practiced emergency veterinary medicine and owns the Pet Emergency Center in Missoula, Montana. His interests include surgery, diagnostic imaging, and emergency medicine. Dr. Ellingson is passionate about making veterinary medicine available to underserved animal populations in isolated areas of the world, and working to improve the health of both people and animals through education and care designed to address and prevent zoonotic diseases. When not working, Dr. Ellingson enjoys adventuring in the great outdoors - hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snow camping. He also enjoys gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family.

Dr. Donna Bacon, of Butte, Montana, USA, has 24 years of experience in veterinary medicine treating small animals and exotic pets. She attended Montana State University for her undergraduate program and graduated with her DVM degree from Colorado State University. She has also worked internationally in public health roles in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2008, Dr. Bacon retired from veterinary medicine and public health and now spends her time volunteering in schools and working with youth groups. Her hobbies include sewing, reading, hiking, and visiting national parks. She and her husband Mark have two children and four grandchildren.

Dr. Shawna Bais of Wenatchee, Washington, USA, worked as a pediatric nurse prior to graduating with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After attending veterinary school at both Oregon State University and Washington State University, Dr. Bais purchased Black Butte Veterinary Hospital. She later built and opened Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital in East Wenatchee, Washington, and later purchased Quincy Veterinary Clinic in Quincy, Washington. Her interests include anesthesia, surgery, emergency care, reproduction, and internal medicine. Creating relationships with clients and patients is her favorite part of veterinary medicine. When not working, Dr. Bais loves to hike, garden, ride horses, and spend time with her family.

Dr. Matt Witzel of Missoula, Montana, USA, lived in Kenya, East Africa, during his childhood where he learned the importance of relationship building and finding common ground. He also spent a year during college volunteering as a high school teacher in Micronesia. Dr. Witzel earned his DVM degree at Washington State University in 2012. As a large animal veterinarian, Dr. Witzel has continued his passion for service in remote areas, providing veterinary care in underserved Alaska. He currently works out of his clinic, Western Montana Equine. As a practice owner, Dr. Wetzel is using his previous experiences and expertise to reach out and help underserved regions around the world in the development and implementation of improved veterinary and animal husbandry programs. When he isn’t working, Dr. Wetzel enjoys hiking, vehicle restoration, riding horses, climbing, and camping.