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About
Peak Performance Equine PLLC is proud to serve the Flathead Valley, MT area daily, along with the following additional areas: Willamette Valley in Oregon, Treasure Valley in Idaho, and the Santa Ynez Valley. Please see our Facebook site for the most up-to-date schedule of visits. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service. Email us with questions through our online form or call us at (406) 885-7148.
We believe in treating every equine patient as if they were our own horse and giving them the same loving attention and care. We are a group of highly trained and experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible.
If you have any questions about how we can care for your horse, please don’t hesitate to call us at (406) 885-7148. Thank you!
OUR TEAM
Cierra Dedeker DVM – Practice Owner / Veterinarian
Dr. Cierra Dedeker grew up around horses, large and small, and has a background in equine performance.
She is a graduate from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors in Animal Science and a minor in Equine Science. Following graduation, she was selected by the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, in Canada for a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Madelyn Dedeker – Veterinary Assistant
Madelyn has been working for her Mom since she was 5 days old. She loves all horses, especially minis, but has an extreme love of unicorns and her horse Hilltop. When she’s not working, she’s in the saddle, on the boat, or on the ski hill.
Charles Dedeker – Facilities Manager
Charles Dedeker serves as support staff and takes care of daily tasks and keeps the practice vision innovative and on task.
Shelby VanSlander – Veterinary Technician
My name is Shelby and I have had the honor to be a veterinary assistant for Dr. Dedeker since I was in high school. In 2019 I graduated from Oregon State University with an Animal Science degree with an Equine focus. Once I graduated, I moved to Kentucky for the Kentucky Equine Management Internship where I was working with racing thoroughbreds. After the internship, I accepted the Stable Assistant Manager position at Sun Valley Resort. Here I manage the draft horses for sleigh rides in the winter and trail horses in the summer. In my free time, I like to play mermaids in the lake with the tiny assistant Madelyn, shred the mountain, and go camping with my family.
Shelby Ketcham – Veterinary Assistant
Shelby Ketcham is the owner and founder of SJR Horsemanship and is based out of Boise Idaho. She trains horses and also runs a lesson program for kids and adults. She strives to develop a strong and trusting relationship between horse and rider, both on the ground and under saddle. A few examples of what she teaches are Liberty work, trick training, groundwork and horsemanship for all levels and disciplines. She has been competing in many disciplines with different breeds for over a decade including many high placing’s in Extreme Mustang Makeover Competitions. Her most recent achievement is winning the 2021 Impact of the Horse Competition held in Heber City, Utah.
Caitlin Gaffney – Veterinary student & Assistant
Caitlin was introduced to horses at the age of ten when she got her first mare, Honey. In 2021, she welcomed a second horse – Honey’s first foal – Zara. Caitlin and Honey compete in dressage, currently working towards their bronze medal. Her introduction to horses was shortly followed by her introduction to Dr. Dedeker, who has been instrumental in both Caitlin’s and her horses’ lives. Her time at Peak Performance Equine has provided her with many new skills and widened her horse knowledge. This experience has been immensely helpful in preparing her for a career in veterinary medicine – both deepening her love for horses and the profession. Caitlin graduated from Oregon State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science with a focus in pre-veterinary medicine and a minor in chemistry. She is currently in her second year of vet school at Oregon State Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine (class of 2026), with a focus in equine medicine.
Heather Edlund – Practice Manager
Heather grew up on a farm in North Carolina and joined our team after moving to the Flathead Valley in 2022. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Appalachian State University. Heather first worked in healthcare as a resident care coordinator but has shifted to the veterinary world due to her love for animals. “Meeting Dr. Dedeker has allowed me to merge my two biggest passions of horses and healthcare into one job. I feel fortunate to have coworkers and clients who care so deeply about their animals and will do anything to provide the highest quality of care.” When Heather is not working, you can find her in her garden and spending time outdoors with her daughter Hazel.
Jean Collins – Veterinary Technician
Jean Collins is a dedicated and compassionate veterinary assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from Pennsylvania State University. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, her interest in animals began at a young age. Her formative years were spent at a stable just outside the city where she developed a strong connection to horses and their training. She is experienced in caring for and riding a variety of horses from many backgrounds. Currently she runs her own riding lesson program, specializing in foundational equitation with a focus on biomechanics. She works with her students and their horses to be the best possible team. Jean enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and actively participates in equestrian activities and competitions, while training and caring for her own two horses.”
