Meet the Veterinarians of Northern Valley
Animal Clinic

Bradley Treder, DVM: Veterinarian/Medical Director

Dr. Treder earned his BS in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences and went on to graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a native of Rochester and has spent most of his years in practice as a veterinarian at Northern Valley Animal Clinic. Dr. Treder has been prolific in orthopedic surgery and recognizes the tremendous advancements in patient comfort that laser technology now provides. Dr. Treder concentrates on developing long-term relationships with his clients and their pets. He became a partner at Northern Valley Animal Clinic in 2008.

In his spare time, he especially enjoys spending time with his wife and their son and daughter, vacationing together, skiing, and camping. He is also involved in helping with various school and youth sporting activities. Their family also included his two cats: Shadow, and the new trouble maker, Milo.

Dr Rachel Amato, DVM: Veterinarian

A southern native, Dr. Rachel Amato is a 2021 graduate from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. During her time in Georgia, she served as president for the student chapter of the Wildlife Disease Association, did research at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) and became a student representative for the PetSmart Charities Ambassador Program. She has worked extensively with several different species, including sea turtles, cynomolgus monkeys, and even humans. Her veterinary interests include toxicology, neurology, and cardiology. She recently completed a Partners for Wildlife internship where she worked primarily with Minnesotan wildlife in the field of rehabilitation. She has a keen interest in all animals large and small, and is an advocate of the Fear Free Program. Outside of veterinary medicine, Rachel enjoys the linocut art form, baking various breads, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband, their cat Jackie, and their snake Dr. Noodles.

Norbert Nigon, DVM: Veterinarian

Dr. Norbert Nigon earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Dr Nigon was an owner of the Zumbrota Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice, before solely focusing on small animals since 2014.

Dr. Nigon joined the Northern Valley Animal Clinic in May of 2021. He is a native of Rochester and has enjoyed working with animals his whole life. His main focus has been on preventative care and general medicine. Professional interests include surgery, nutrition, dentistry, and environmental enhancement for animals. Dr. Nigon enjoys learning the latest techniques that can be applied to animals to enhance the human animal bond.

He and his partner, Virginia, live in Rochester and enjoy traveling, hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing and biking. He has shared his home with hunting dogs and volunteered with Seasons Hospice's pet therapy program.

Dr. Mary McKie, DVM: Veterinarian

Dr. Mary McKie is a 2008 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. As a student, she shadowed Dr. Treder and Dr. Herman, and has been learning from them (and occasionally teaching them a thing or two) since. Dr. McKie enjoys small animal medicine and surgery, and in particular client education and public health. In her free time, she is usually spending time with her family: husband Paul, three boys, and Labrador Wynn. She likes to play tennis, enjoys any time spent outdoors, reading fiction, and cheering for the Twins, some years more than others.

Michael Herman, DVM: Veterinarian

After 35 years following graduation at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr Mike Herman has retired from full-time veterinary practice. Dr Herman spent 2 years in California before returning to Minnesota and helped grow Northern Valley Animal Clinic from the ground up into the companion animal veterinary clinic that it is today. Dr Herman is still an owner-partner of the practice and will continue to help in our business office. Dr Herman enjoys the outdoors and will find more time for other activities like fly fishing, cooking, biking, and traveling, with friends and family.

Dr. Natalie Lucca, DVM: Veterinarian

Dr. Natalie Lucca grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and has been involved in animal care, husbandry and animal medicine for over 20 years. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Minnesota and went on to become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) before attending veterinary school at St. George University. Dr. Lucca received her DVM degree in 2016 and has been working in small animal medicine since graduation.

Dr Lucca joined our staff in October 2021 and enjoys developing long-term relationships with clients and doing small animal surgery. Camping and spending time with her son’s sports, scouting and 4-H activities occupies much of her free time. Dr Lucca’s pets currently include backyard chickens and fish.