Our Rehab Team

Dr. Peterson is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Certified Rehabilitation Veterinarian, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, and is Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and a Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapist certified by the College of Veterinary Chiropractors. 

Dr. Peterson has always felt a deep connection with animals. Whether she was bonding with her childhood pets, helping a client’s treasured cat to recover from an illness, or playing with her own affectionate dogs, she always felt that animals greatly enriched her life. To give back to these loving creatures who have such generous spirits, Dr. Peterson has dedicated her career to helping improve animals’ health, comfort, and quality of life!

Dr. Hartman is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified in Animal Chiropractic, graduate certificate in Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner and currently working on her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist certification. 

Dr. Hartman has a passion for integrative medicine, continued learning and how to best serve her clients. In addition to her above certifications, she holds numerous certifications in energy medicine and energy/intuitive modalities, as well as, using essential oils with pets and people. She loves working with clients and their pets to improve their health, quality of life and overall well-being.

Dr. Harder has been with Pawsitive Strides since November 2016. She is a 1978 graduate of Iowa State University. She practiced equine veterinary medicine for 38 years, selling her practice in 2016.

Becky is a  Certified Veterinary Assistant, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, and Certified Canine Massage Therapist. This dedicated, animal-loving lady keeps herself updated on the latest veterinary medicine advances, and she’s always ready to adapt to new technologies to better help her furry patients

Shelbi is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant and is in training to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. As a Des Moines native, Shelbi grew up spending many summer days at the Blank Park Zoo. She’s always been interested in the behavior and rehabilitation of animals, and knew that she would love to work hands-on to better the lives of the earth’s creatures. That’s why Shelbi decided to become a member of the veterinary profession!

Hemili joined the Pawsitive Strides team as our Patient Care Coordinator in 2023 and has assisted in multiple capacities since then. She obtained her degree in Animal Science at Iowa State University in 2021, and she has since found a passion for the administrative side of the veterinary field while still enjoying assisting with patient care.