Staff

Support Staff

El Sol Equine Practice couldn't function without its wonderful support staff. They keep our veterinarians in-line, on-time, and doing what they love, practicing veterinary medicine.

Nicole Swen

Veterinary Assistant

Nicole is a native of Wisconsin and has a BS in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin -River Falls. Nicole moved to Ocala in January 1998. She has worked with Quarter Horses, Standardbreds & Thoroughbreds on various farms in the area. In August 2003, she began working at El Sol Equine Practice as a Veterinary Assistant. Nicole is a member of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians. Nicole lives in Ocala with her two cats - Gerty and Weezie. In her spare time she enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities, including trail riding and the beach.

Megan Windsor

Veterinary Assistant

Megan is a Florida native and moved to Ocala in March 2010. She spent her first year of college at Murray State University in Kentucky majoring in Pre-veterinary medicine with a minor in Equine Science. Megan received her AS degree in Equine Science from CFCC in 2007. Megan is a member of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians, and active in AQHA, NRHA, and ARHA. She has managed two farms and enjoys training reining horses and starting colts. She is owned by 2 horses and 2 happy dogs! Megan joined El Sol Equine Practice in December 2010 and plans on furthering her education in the near future.

Sonja Kahkola

Receptionist

Sonja is a Canadian transplant and received her Diploma from Humber College in Toronto ON, for Equine Studies. Before getting into the Thoroughbreds, she spent a year in Calgary, AB working with jumpers just down the road from Spruce Meadows.

For 12 years she enjoyed grooming many high caliber racehorses at the track and finally retired to Adena Springs Farm South as a Foreman for 5 years and the 6^th as an Assistant Trainer. March ’08 she started at El Sol Equine Practice and definitely enjoys the change to office work.

Sonja and her husband Ken have lived in Dunnellon since ’99 and have 2 cats, Cali & Squeaky and over 100 Japanese Koi. They started the Rainbow River Koi Club in Nov. ’07 and enjoy taking a few of their fish to Koi Shows within FL.

Sonja and Savethelastdance; this picture was taken during Sonja's days working as a groom on thoroughbred racing circuit.

Elsa

Front Office Supervisor

Elsa is our rescue cat. She was abandoned in a local barn. Elsa has only one eye, but often checks out all our visitors. She also has the staff well trained and at times can be very demanding, but she knows she is well loved.