Dr. Wickenheiser has always known that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She does not remember ever wanting to be something different. She feels she has a sixth sense of seeing pain and illness in animals. Being a veterinarian defines who she is, and she loves it. She especially enjoys the human connection and getting to know her clients, connecting with them through their pets and being able to help families through their pets' illnesses, helping pet owners understand how to help their pets through the process of aging, and then helping them heal with the end of life decisions. 

​

While attending M.N. State University of Moorhead in 1993-1998 with a B.S. in Biology, during the summer of 1996 and 1997, she attended Shoals Marine Laboratory (Cornell University) studying underwater research and sciences. She attended the University of Minnesota Veterinary School in 1998-2002. Graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. 
​
She works as a small animal general practice veterinarian interested in nontraditional pets (ferrets, tortoises. snakes, guinea pigs, goats, llamas). Her areas of special interest include behavior medicine, nontraditional pets, soft tissue surgery.  She especially enjoys splenectomy and cystotomy surgeries. 

​

Dr. Christine has a strong interest in marine mammal welfare and rehabilitation but lives in Minnesota to raise her family. She has a specific interest in orca whales and manatees. 
​
She has served as vice president of an animal shelter (Adopt a Pet) in Fargo while attending undergrad, worked for the American Red Cross, teaching CPR and First Aid and Lifeguard Certification, while in undergrad and veterinary school, She worked as a swim instructor for children and adults with near-drowning experiences and extreme fear of water. She was Assistant Swim Coach at Moorhead State University, and a. Master Scuba Diver with certifications in Deep Water Diving, Ice Diving, Rescue Diving, Open Water 1 and Open Water II, Nitrox Diving. 
​
She enjoys going sea kayaking with her family along the Northwest coast to experience Orca whales during their peak migration season.   

​

In undergrad, she worked at a molecular research lab focused on sugar beet farming and finding nonpesticide treatments to stop the sugar beet root maggot. 

​

She has a hobby farm with  ducks, geese, llamas, goats, and a few alpacas.  She enjoys spending time with her barn animals, their presence is so calming and therapeutic to her.   
​
Hobbies include hiking and camping, water sports, being by the ocean, SCUBA diving, oil painting, drawing, baking, trying out new cafes and restaurants with her family and friends, snowmobiling with her husband, watching comedy movies, and watching her children compete in sports.