Meet Our Veterinary Team

Co-Owner | Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Jim Delker is co-owner of Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic and has been caring for pets in Alaska since 2003. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from South Dakota State University before receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1996.

After practicing in South Dakota and Minnesota, Dr. Jim and his wife, Dr. Debbie Mersch, purchased Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic and made Soldotna their home. His professional interests include soft tissue surgery and orthopedic procedures, including fracture repair and anterior cruciate ligament stabilization surgeries.
When he isn’t caring for patients, Dr. Jim enjoys Alaska’s outdoor lifestyle, including fishing, hunting, coaching soccer, and spending time with sporting dogs.

Co-Owner | Feline Medicine & Companion Animal Care

Dr. Debbie Mersch has deep roots in both veterinary medicine and the Kenai Peninsula community. A fourth-generation veterinarian, she comes from a family with a long tradition of animal healthcare professionals.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Olaf College, Dr. Debbie received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1996. Following several years in private practice, she returned to Soldotna in 2003 with her husband to purchase Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic.

Dr. Debbie has a special passion for feline medicine and enjoys helping cats live healthier, happier lives. Beyond veterinary medicine, she has been actively involved in numerous local organizations and community groups throughout the Kenai Peninsula.

Her commitment to both her patients and her community reflects the caring, client-focused approach that defines Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic.

Small Animal Medicine & Surgery

Dr. Gary Kuchinka brings extensive experience in veterinary medicine, surgery, and research to our team. He earned undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry from St. Olaf College before completing a Master’s degree in Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine at Iowa State University.

He later earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and has practiced throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Alaska. Dr. Gary has extensive experience in both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery and has completed advanced surgical training, including specialized techniques such as TightRope® ACL repair procedures. His dedication to continuing education helps ensure patients receive high-quality, up-to-date veterinary care.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Gary enjoys painting, fine arts, four-wheeling, and searching Alaska’s beaches for agates.

Surgery, Dentistry & Dermatology

Dr. Mike Haberman joined Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic in 2022 after nearly a decade in private practice in Minnesota. Originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of St. Thomas before receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 2013.

Dr. Mike enjoys all aspects of companion animal medicine but has particular interests in surgery, dentistry, and dermatology. His connection to the Kenai Peninsula began during a veterinary externship at Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic, and he always hoped to return to Alaska.

Known for his honesty, approachable personality, and sense of humor, Dr. Mike is passionate about helping pets live healthier, happier lives. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, woodworking, and exploring Alaska’s outdoors.

Internal Medicine & Ultrasound

Dr. Rebecca Wood brings a thoughtful, relationship-focused approach to veterinary medicine. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky before graduating with honors from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.

Since moving to Alaska, Dr. Rebecca has lived in Fairbanks, Bethel, and the Kenai Peninsula, where she now helps care for patients at Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic.

Her professional interests include internal medicine and ultrasound diagnostics. She especially enjoys building long-term relationships with pets and their families, often caring for patients from puppyhood and kittenhood through their senior years.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Rebecca enjoys gardening, reading, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, camping, fishing, and hiking with her family. She is grateful for the opportunity to balance her love of veterinary medicine with motherhood and family life.

Kyra has been a valued member of the Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic team since January 2021, serving as Office Manager and overseeing Human Resources. She graduated with honors, earning a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Humanities and Psychology. Kyra entered the field while pursuing administrative experience during her degree and quickly found her place in veterinary medicine. She thrives in her dynamic role at the clinic, where no two days are the same. Managing a wide range of responsibilities, she enjoys the fast-paced environment and the high level of trust placed in her position. Outside of the clinic, Kyra enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family. She is also a devoted pet owner with five dogs and one cat and has a special love for Miniature Dachshunds.

Breanna (better known as Brie) joined the front staff in early 2020 after recently moving to the peninsula from her hometown of Anchorage. With a passion for cats and paperwork, she became our Front Lead in 2023. She often tackles trickier administrative projects, international travel paperwork, and scheduling coordination with local rescues. She spends her lunch breaks with a good book, a cup of tea, and the ever-revolving clinic cats. Outside of work, she fills her time with fiction writing, fiber crafts, video games, and spoiling her two black cats.

Kevnea, our Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician, first joined TCVC in 2008 for her technician externship! She later moved to Minnesota, where she served as a lead technician for a decade, working in general practice and reproductive services. In 2022, she and her family moved back to Alaska, and she returned to TCVC as our Lead LVT. Although she has a special interest in critical care and patient improvement, Kevnea wears many hats in the back of the clinic and jumps in wherever she is needed, whether assisting with regular appointments, anesthesia and
surgical procedures, lab work, or any other odd task. She enjoys coffee and breweries,
camping, and scary movies and books.

Our longest-standing receptionist, Debbie, has been a comforting, familiar face in the community since 2002! She has helped train and guide every receptionist who has come after her. She has a deep love for all animals, whether they have fur, feathers, or scales, but has a special affinity for big dogs. If you have ever admired the beautiful and interesting balloon arrangements at the Annual Dog Jog or other clinic events, that is all her!

Patrina has been a valued member of our clinic since September 2008 and serves as our Purchasing and Inventory Manager. She began her career in veterinary medicine after moving back home and helping at the short-staffed clinic where her sister worked. Eighteen years later, she is still going strong! Patrina received all of her training on the job and appreciates the independence of her role, as well as the confidence her teammates place in her to get the job done. Detail-oriented, creative, and self-motivated, she brings a unique perspective from her previous 12-year career dressing mannequins for Macy’s. Outside of work, Patrina enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening, and creating art. She shares her home with Birdie, a two-year-old Porkie (Pomeranian-Yorkie mix), and has a special love for sea creatures, including octopuses, jellyfish, and whales.

Laksmi Teague was raised in Kodiak, Alaska, and moved to the Kenai-Soldotna area in 2020. She joined TCVC in April 2023 and graduated from veterinary technician school in July 2024. Laksmi’s main interests in veterinary medicine include anesthesia monitoring and assisting with surgeries and dental procedures. Outside of work, Laksmi enjoys spending time with her husband, Fletcher, and their two dogs, Moose and Lucy. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, camping, going to the gym, and caring for her houseplants.

Bailey started her veterinary journey in Ohio, earning an associate degree in Veterinary Technology before working with large animals at Cleveland Equine Clinic. She moved to Alaska in 2019 and has been with TCVC since 2023. Bailey enjoys providing comfort to patients through every step of their care, from post-surgical recovery to the humble nail trim. At home, she has two cats, a flock of chickens, and beehives. She loves baking, reading science fiction, and hand embroidery.

Sarah’s passion and empathy for animal welfare brought her to us in early 2024. She worked the front desk like a pro while juggling classes to become a Veterinary Assistant—her dream is to work with beloved pets at every step of their journey. When she is not loving on her three big dogs or finding broken appliances to tinker with around the clinic, Sarah enjoys fiber crafts, mechanics, homesteading hobbies, and gardening (we think she is just looking for fossils). Although she came from Montana, she has taken to the Alaskan lifestyle with “dogged” enthusiasm.

Gretchen started her career in veterinary medicine in the fall of 2002 but did not join TCVC as a technician until July 2024, following her return from Northern California. While working toward her associate degree through Penn Foster, Gretchen’s interests have leaned toward hospitalized patient care and diagnostics, and she has earned her keep as a fantastic dental assistant. Although she loves most animals—and certainly her own mix of Labs, Chiweenies, and cats—she has a special place in her heart for Rottweilers. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with family and friends, fishing, camping, and traveling. Recently, she has been splitting her time between technician and reception work, where the front staff benefits from her additional knowledge and warm presence.

Rylee was born and raised in Kenai, Alaska. She joined the Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic team in September 2024 and is currently enrolled in Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician Program, working toward completing her technician degree. Her interests within the hospital include surgery, anesthesia monitoring, and assisting the doctors with hands-on patient care. She enjoys fishing, anything outdoors, and spending time with her dogs, family, and friends.

Brenda moved to Soldotna from northern Idaho in July 2025. She graduated from college and earned her veterinary technician license in 1994, and she has worked primarily in small animal medicine ever since. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted to pursue a career working with animals. Her main interest in veterinary medicine is client interaction. She loves the human-animal bond and enjoys getting to know people through their pets. When she is not working, Brenda enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Jeff; their three dogs, Kai, Derby, and Miss Julep; and their cats, Commander and Ginger. She loves anything outdoors, including fishing, hiking, beachcombing, kayaking, and gardening. Brenda cannot wait to explore more of Alaska, and feels blessed to now call it home.

Taylor was born in Whitehorse and grew up on the peninsula. She later moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she worked at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In 2025, she returned to be closer to family and continue her career in veterinary medicine at TCVC. She is a cat lady at heart with two of her own, but she also loves her Shepherd mix, Berklee. Fate brought Taylor to us: her first stop off the Alaska Highway was Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic when Berklee needed an urgent orthopedic visit. She loves seeing patients flourish with quality care. When she is not at work, she enjoys walking her dog and petting cats, and she is determined to own a horse again one day.