Hospital Staff

Karen Karen, a part-time receptionist, has been with us since December 2008. She and her husband, Ted, live on Barking Dog Farm just north of Elk Rapids. Besides managing her two teenagers, she finds time to play with their black lab, Libby, and grows veggies and herbs. Karen is excited to be working in a "pet friendly" business and enjoys seeing all the pet owners in Elk Rapids!


Jessie Jessie, a receptionist, joined our team in December 2008. She has been working in pet professions for eight years and loved every minute of it. She and her husband live in Traverse City with their daughter, Savannah, and their other “kids”, two miniature dachshunds and a lab mix. They all love to take advantage of the snow, sand, and water as much as they can.


Ellen Ellen, a licensed veterinary technician, has been with us since December 2008. She has been working in veterinary medicine since 1983 and has been licensed since 1990. Ellen enjoys educating clients, animal training, and nutrition. She and her husband, Tim, have three dogs: a lab, Sable, a golden retriever, Marnie, and a portuguese water dog named Talon. Ellen and Talon compete in agility whenever they can. When Ellen is not working she likes to garden, go camping, hiking, and spend time with Tim and their dogs.


Katie Katie, a veterinary assistant, has been with us since May 2008. She is currently studying to become a veterinary technician. Katie has been working with animals since she was 11 years old and enjoys them all (dogs, cats, horses, goats, guinea pigs, rabbits). She presently has two adorable cats, Frisky and Franklin. She enjoys spending time outside, reading, crafts, baking, and spending time with her fiancée Chris. Her favorite aspect of working with animals is that every pet has his or her own personality and always seem happy to be with their human counterparts.


Sharon Sharon, a veterinary assistant, joined our team in 1998. She has been working with animals since 1995, taking a couple of years off for her kids. Sharon has a bordercollie named Kilee, and a cat named Ralphie. When she is not working, she likes to do home improvement projects and woodworking. Sharon likes helping both owners and their animals get the best possible care.


Josh Josh, a veterinary assistant, has been working with us since the summer of 2009. Josh has grown up with animals and currently has a dog, two cats, and a guinea pig. Knowing that he is able to help animals and their owners is his favorite aspect of his job. This fall Josh will be starting college with goals to become a veterinarian. When Josh is not working he likes to snowboard, hike in the woods, and go hunting or fishing.