Richard B. Silverstein

Dr. Silverstein founded Heritage Animal Hospital in April 1991. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 and holds a B.A. in biology from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. His professional affiliations include the AVMA, AAHA, AAFP, IAVPM and MVMA. Dr. Silverstein has a special interest in technology and its applications for diagnosis and patient care. If you want to distract him, ask him about his family, biking, his most recent ski trip or what he and Ruby the adventure poodle have been up to recently.

Kaley A. Alger

Dr. Alger is a Minnesota native who grew up with a goal of becoming a veterinarian. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in Animal Science. She then attended the University of Glasgow College of Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland, and earned her veterinary degree in 2017. She became a veterinarian on the Heritage team that year, though she initially joined as an assistant in 2012. In addition to providing veterinary care at Heritage, Dr. Alger is part of the clinic's management team. Her professional affiliations include AVMA, RCVS, VIN and MVMA. Her interests in veterinary medicine include the unique health conditions of giant breed dogs, soft tissue surgery and fostering relationships with patients and clients. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, her two daughters, Lyla and Charlotte, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Walter. She also enjoys spending time at the family cabin in northern Minnesota, trying new foods/restaurants and her Peloton™.

Jamie L. Hartman

Dr. Hartman graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and joined Heritage Animal Hospital that same year. She studied biology and chemistry at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls for three years and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science from the University of Minnesota. Her professional affiliations include AVMA, MVMA, VIN, AFA and ASGV. Dr. Hartman is originally from Wisconsin, and after spending much of her life helping on her grandparents’ dairy farm, she followed her heart by becoming a small animal veterinarian. She is especially interested in small mammal “exotics” or pocket pets such as ferrets, rabbits and rodents. Whether it be discussing dentistry, weight management to improve pet health, or using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, her passion is with small mammals.

Joseph Digirolamo

Dr. Joseph Digirolamo, known to many as Dr. Joe, has been at Heritage Animal Hospital since July 2020. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2020. His professional affiliations include AVMA and MVMA, ensuring your pet is in the hands of the best. Although Dr. Joe enjoys many aspects of his profession, his special interest in the veterinary field is soft tissue surgery. He shares his home with his wife, son, and two pets: a dog named Mercutio and cat named Ophelia. Outside of work, Dr. Joe enjoys grilling and playing board games. Many are shocked to find out his undergraduate degree is in theatre—don’t believe us? Ask him to quote Shakespeare!

Elise Wunderlich

Colleen L. Carter

Dr. Carter was raised on a working farm in Morris, Illinois. In 1986, she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She earned her veterinary degree with honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional affiliations include AVMA, MVMA, AAEP, MAEP and VIN. Dr. Carter is Dr. Silverstein’s wife and together they formed Heritage Animal Hospital. Her hobbies include showing and breeding American Saddlebred horses, hiking, snowshoeing and traveling. She retired from her career as an equine (horse) veterinarian and now consults at Heritage Animal Hospital.