Our Team
Get to Know Our Expert Veterinary Staff
JAIME SHRIVER, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jaime Shriver grew up in Minneapolis and dreamed of being a veterinarian since she was 11 years old! Her childhood dog Kirby was adorable but sickly so she spent a lot of time with animal doctors when she was a kid. She went to the University of Minnesota for undergraduate and veterinary school, graduating in 2010. She worked in private practice for 5 years after graduation and then spent 7 years working for the Pet Poison Helpline, becoming board certified in toxicology. She is so happy to be back in private practice working daily with patients and their people. Her professional interests include cardiology, anesthesia, toxicology, emergency medicine and preventative care. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, daughter, Cavalier Spaniel Mix Theodore and spicy cat Jack. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and attempting to play tennis.
CYNTHIA LIU, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
A graduate of UW-Madison and St. George’s University, Dr. Liu enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, with special interests in preventative care, internal medicine, and small mammals. She is dedicated to building strong connections with both pets and their families and looks forward to becoming part of the Excelsior community. With 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Liu brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for providing exceptional care.
Kelsey
Hospital Administrator
Kelsey joined Excelsior Animal Hospital as Hospital Administrator in August 2025. With a background as both a veterinary assistant and customer service representative, she brings a well-rounded understanding of patient care and client service to the team. Her passion for veterinary medicine began early—she worked alongside her father, a veterinarian, gaining firsthand experience and an intimate understanding of what it means to provide compassionate, quality care to both pets and their people. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time at her pottery wheel in her basement studio. She has two beloved dogs—an American Foxhound and a Golden Retriever—who keep life full of fun and fur.
Ariel
Veterinary Technician
Ariel joined the Excelsior team June of 2025. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in animal science from UW River Falls and her Associate’s in veterinary technology from Madison College in 2015 and has been a dedicated CVT since. She is especially passionate about working with small mammals and exotics, assisting in surgery, and ophthalmology. At home, Ariel is a proud mom to three daughters, two Bernese Mountain Dogs— Vixey and Hazel— and a lion head rabbit named Cookie. Outside of work and family, she enjoys baking, cross stitching, and keeping up with the latest reality TV shows.
Claudia
Veterinary Assistant
Claudia grew up in Edina, where a deep love for the outdoors was found from an early age. Her family’s tradition of going on overnight backpack camping trips left a lasting impression, and she continues to cherish time spent outdoors. Along with her love for nature, she also has a passion for helping animals. A proud mother to a 15-year-old daughter, Claudia values the time spent with her family, which includes their pets—an American Bulldog named Chapo and a Painter Turtle named Zizi. Claudia also enjoys traveling, eating spicy food, and music.
Kaitze
Veterinary Assistant
Kaitze joined the team in October of 2022 as both a Customer Service Representative and as a Veterinary Assistant. She has since transitioned to working full time as a Veterinary Assistant and has loved every minute of it! In her free time, she can often be found outdoors and learning to ride her motorcycle. At home, she has her rescue pup Kora as well as her sweet and spicy cat, Lily.
Madeline
Veterinary Assistant
Paighton
Veterinary Assistant
Paighton is a veterinary assistant who works with our team during her college breaks. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of St. Thomas before hopefully pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She also volunteers as a Dog Adoption Coordinator for Twin Cities Pet Rescue. Paighton’s family lives in Chanhassen with their two Cockapoos, Teko and Finley.