Meet Our Team

Dr. Lauren Larsen

Dr. Larsen is a 2014 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a veterinarian and feels fortunate to live out that dream every day.

Dr. Larsen has special interests in internal medicine, behavior, and surgery, and enjoys the variety and challenges that each day in veterinary practice brings. She values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients while helping their pets live happy, healthy lives.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Larsen lives on an acreage north of Ankeny with her husband, their four children, and what she lovingly refers to as “a few too many animals.” Life is always busy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dr. Michael Forret

Dr. Forret grew up in rural Adel, Iowa. As a teenager, he began tagging along with the local veterinarian in Minburn, IA. He attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1982 with a degree in Microbiology. After working and doing graduate work at the National Animal Disease Center and National Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, he attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1987. He worked in private practice in Chicago, IL before relocating to Des Moines and working at the city’s 24-hour animal emergency hospital. In 1994 he purchased Highland Park Animal Hospital. Dr. Forret resides in Ankeny with his wife and four cats.

Tess

Tess grew up in Des Moines and developed a lifelong love for animals at an early age. Much of her childhood was spent at Highland Park Animal Hospital alongside her father, Dr. Forret, where she helped with day-to-day tasks and learned from the hospital team. She graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2006 and pursued a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Companion Animal Management at Iowa State University, before returning to the clinic full time in 2009. Tess is passionate about building meaningful relationships with clients and ensuring that every pet receives thoughtful, high-quality care and service—care she would expect for her own animals. Outside of the clinic, Tess lives with her husband in Des Moines, and is a proud cat mom to five cats. She enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with her nephew.

Sherry

Sherry grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University and DMACC. She has always had an interest in the medical field and a love for animals and found a career as a veterinary technician the perfect combination. She graduated from the DMACC Veterinary Technician Program and became a registered veterinary technician in 2006. Sherry has been with Highland Park Animal Hospital since 2007 and is skilled in caring for our more difficult feline patients. She currently resides in Ames, IA with her husband, four sons, and 6 cats. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, spending time with her boys, and loves vacationing at the beach with her family.

Laura

Laura grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, she graduated from North High School in 2000 and completed the DMACC veterinary technician program in 2011. Growing up in a family that loved all animals, Laura developed a passion for medicine, science, and math, which fuels her dedication to treating patients from their early puppy or kitten stages through adulthood while providing care that brings comfort to both pets and their owners. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her cats, Daisy and Georgie, and her dog, Gretchen, as well as jetskiing, visiting the dog park, motorcycle riding, reading, and binge-watching TV shows.

Ireland

Ireland is a Receptionist at Highland Park Animal Hospital who uses she/her/hers pronouns and grew up just outside of Des Moines, bringing her pets to the clinic her entire life, which makes her role there especially meaningful. She now lives in Johnston, Iowa with her fiancé and their two cats and is currently studying to complete her degree in Biological Sciences. Ireland was drawn to the veterinary industry because of her lifelong passion for rescue and helping animals wherever she can, and she enjoys supporting both pets and their families as part of a dedicated care team. Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending lots of time outdoors with family and friends.

Gracie

Gracie has been part of our clinic team since 2025. She graduated from San Joaquin Valley College with an Associate of Arts degree in Animal Science and has been working as a veterinary technician since 2010. Originally from Northern California, Gracie is especially passionate about supporting pets and their families during challenging times. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her three dogs