Our Team

Meet Our Team

Get to know the caring faces behind Northview Animal Hospital. Our dedicated team is committed to your pet’s well-being.

Get to Know Our Team!

Our team is dedicated to giving your pets a happy, healthy life! We’re excited to meet you, so please take a moment to scroll down and get acquainted with our team.

Veterinarians

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Dr. David Helper

DVM

Dr. Helper

  • Founder of Northview Animal Hospital 1989
  • Graduate of Southern Illinois University B.A. Biology 1979
  • University of Illinois B.S. Veterinary Science 1981
  • University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine D.V.M. 1983

Moved to Albuquerque in 1983, staff veterinarian at Bolton Animal Hospital for the 5 years prior to opening Northview Animal Hospital.

Hobbies: Fishing and other outdoor activities, Travel.

Married with 2 children.

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Dr. Kip Lemke

DVM, MS, DACVA

Dr. Lemke

  • University of Illinois BS Veterinary Science 1981
  • University of Illinois DVM 1983
  • Diplomate America College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia 1995
  • Worked in a small and large animal practice in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest from 1983-1989
  • University of Illinois Residency and Masters in Science in Anesthesiology and Pain Management from 1989-1993.
  • Taught Anesthesiology and Pain Management in Australia, Canada, and United States from 1993-2020.

Hobbies: Flyfishing, skiing, biking, and spending time with his labrador, Copper.

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Dr. Anna Algermissen

Dr. Anna Algermissen is a New Mexico native growing up on a horse farm in the south valley of Albuquerque. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of New Mexico and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis. Although she enjoyed her time in California, she is a New Mexican at heart and moved back to practice veterinary medicine in Albuquerque. In her free time, she enjoys raising, training, and competing her horses, practicing yoga and hiking.
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Dr. Tvede

I am originally from right here in Albuquerque, NM, and I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I completed my clinical year at the Royal Veterinary College in London England and after I graduated, I spent 4 months thru-hiking that Appalachian Trail before beginning my veterinary career.

I met my husband, Reid, while hiking the AT and landed in Tennessee, where I worked as a general practitioner. We just finished a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail before settling back in Albuquerque. We love anything that involves being outside, particularly hiking, running, rollerblading, and paddleboarding. We have a little adventure cat named Makita who hikes and kayaks with us as well.

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Dr. Merlyn Avila

Dr. Avila has been a dedicated small animal general practitioner for the past three years. A graduate of Washington State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Dr. Avila has lived in Albuquerque for most of her life and is passionate about improving the health and well-being of pets in the community. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Avila’s Cuban heritage allows them to connect with a diverse range of clients and provide personalized care to pets and their families.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Avila enjoys practicing martial arts, exploring Albuquerque’s beautiful hiking trails, and playing tennis. They are excited to welcome new and familiar faces to the practice!