Our Veterinary Team
Each member of our team plays an essential role in delivering thoughtful, individualized veterinary medicine. Together, we combine experience, collaboration, and genuine care to support the health and well-being of every dog and cat we treat.
Our Veterinarians
Megan Ehlers, DVM
Founder
Dr. Megan Ehlers has practiced veterinary medicine in Lincoln, Nebraska for the past 25 years. A Nebraska native, Megan attended Kansas State University for her doctorate in veterinary science before returning with her husband to Lincoln to build a practice.
With decades of experience serving local pet families, Dr. Ehlers has built Ehlers Animal Care on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and individualized patient care.
Emily Kerl, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Emily Kerl is a Lincoln native and worked at Ehlers Animal Care for several years prior to graduating from Iowa State University with her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She rejoined the Ehlers team in June 2018 as a veterinarian.
Dr. Kerl’s connection to both the Lincoln community and our clinic reflects her long-standing dedication to local pet care.
Chandler Labenz, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Chandler Labenz started as an associate veterinarian in July 2022. She was raised in Nebraska and completed her undergraduate work at Nebraska Wesleyan, graduating with a biology degree in 2018. During her undergrad career, she worked here at Ehlers, serving as a veterinary assistant. She attended the UNL/ISU cooperative veterinary medicine program, graduating in 2022.
Dr. Labenz resides in Lincoln with her husband. They share a cattle dog mix named Summer and an orange tabby named Marton. In her spare time, Dr. Labenz enjoys reading, traveling, and playing board games with friends and family.
Brooke Porter, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Brooke Porter grew up in Wahoo, NE, where she attended Wahoo High School. She moved to Lincoln to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2003. Dr. Porter obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University in 2008. Following obtaining her veterinary degree, she completed a small animal internship at VCA in Delaware.
From 2009 to 2016, the focus of her work was emergency and critical care, practicing in Chicago and later Omaha. Since 2016, she has been practicing small animal general medicine and enjoys the special bonds she fosters with her patients and clients.
Brooke is married with two daughters. They keep busy with their girls and enjoy world travel, a good culinary experience, and spending time outside with friends and family.
Claire Martin (Sintek), DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Claire Martin (Sintek) grew up in Norfolk, NE, where she graduated from Norfolk Senior High School. After high school, she continued her education at Doane University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science. After obtaining her degree, she was accepted into the UNL/ISU cooperative veterinary medicine program and graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May 2023. After graduation, she moved to Lincoln, where she lives with her husband and sheepadoodle, Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake, cooking, reading, and having fun with her family and friends.
Tessa Klein, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Tessa Klein earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. She brings over 8 years of experience to veterinary medicine and has a strong foundation in mixed animal general practice.
Dr. Klein’s passion for veterinary medicine began early in life, inspired by her passion for animals and interest in medicine. Her experience working as a traveling relief veterinarian deepened her commitment to supporting owners and their pets and ensuring individualized, high-quality care for pets.
In her free time, Dr. Klein enjoys reading with her book club, paddleboarding, traveling, hunting, and challenging herself by learning Czech.
Our Licensed Veterinary Technicians
Our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) play a critical role in delivering safe, attentive care during examinations, procedures, and recovery. Their training and experience support both patient safety and client communication.