Staff
Tim Wells, Co-Owner, Registered Veterinary Technician
Co-Owner and Registered Veterinary Technician Tim Wells has been with Shawnee Animal Clinic since his senior year in high school. It is the only place he has ever worked and it is a place where he loves working.
"We have great patient care, exceptional client communication, a wonderful staff of doctors and technicians, and we practice compassionate and comprehensive care for multiple species," Tim said about what makes Shawnee Animal Clinic so unique. "The staff goes above and beyond to provide great care and the best medicine possible."
Tim has an associate degree in Applied Science and Veterinary Technology and a B.S. in Animal Science and Agriculture, both from Morehead State University. He is a volunteer at Sierra's Haven Animal Shelter. He is also a Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor through the American Red Cross and an instructor for the Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Tim has twins, Owen and Olivia, and he spends some of his spare time with his French bulldog Candy and toy poodle Molly. He shares his time with this friends and family, playing basketball, tennis, showing Tennessee Walking Horses and traveling.
Cathy Strickland, Practice Manager
Practice Manager Cathy Strickland started with Shawnee Animal Clinic on the very first day we opened on Aug. 1, 1988 and has been here ever since. She's the expert in staff scheduling, payroll, taxes, accounts payable, the human resource department, bookkeeping and advertising.
"Being part of a great team whose sole purpose is to better the lives of the pets and their families that have entrusted us with their care," Cathy said about what keeps her inspired after 24 years. "I have an unwavering faith in and complete loyalty for this practice. I'm always doing my best to be fair and having the courage and conviction to remain so no matter what the case may be."
Cathy has two German shepherds, Champ and Bandit and enjoys spending time with her family and drag racing.
Karla McClary, IT Manager
IT Manager Karla McClary also oversees inventory management at SAC. She is in charge of ordering and managing all the inventory needed to run the practice, and she installs and maintains our computer hardware and software. Karla said she finds the most satisfaction in finding good deals on the supplies she purchases for the office and passing those savings along to our clients. She has been with SAC since 1990.
"The dedication and diversity of our doctors creates a strong team which our technicians and other support staff fully complements," Karla said about why she enjoys working at SAC. "We are proud to offer the newest advances in medical care in our area and constantly strive to improve so we can be sure our patients are receiving the best medical care available."
Karla is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association.
She has two dogs, Mackinac and Rimshot, and a cat named Hobo.
Karla and her husband Allen have eight grandchildren, ranging from 6 months to 16 years. Fall and winter are spent watching Cincinnati Bengals and spring and summer are spent camping, enjoying friends and family and their annual vacation to the Upper Peninsula where her family loves to walk the shores of Lake Superior and fish the Tahquamenon River.
Stephanie Frederick, Registered Veterinary Technician
Registered Veterinary Technician Stephanie Frederick is our resident cat whisperer. "I seem to have the ability to calm and soothe cats and handle them in a way that is less stressful for all involved," she said. She brings this calming personality to her other responsibilities, which includes lab work, anesthesia monitoring, surgery prep, emergency care and triage. Stephanie has been with us since July of 2005.
The best part of her day, she said, is "seeing the pets go home healthy and happy." Shawnee Animal Clinic offers "compassionate care for the animals regardless of what the situation is. We go above and beyond to provide the very best of veterinary medicine to every animal," she said.
Stephanie has a B.S. from The Ohio State University and an associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Columbus State, from which she graduated Cum Laude. She also passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam in the summer of 2009.
She has a quite a menagerie at home, including a black lab named Lily, a rabbit named Wee Willy, and five cats, Kiki, Julie, Gidgit, Kenny, and Bojangles. She has two guinea pigs named Squiggles and Wiggles. Stephanie spends some of her free time scrapbooking and crafting. "I am currently working on a scrapbook for the clinic to remember all of our great clients and pets," she said. She also enjoys spending time with her family and nature walks.
Terri Altman, Technician Supervisor
Veterinary Assistant and Technician Supervisor Terri Altman has been with Shawnee Animal Clinic since April of 1995. She assists with monitoring and caring for hospitalized patients, educating clients on their pets' needs and answering owner questions or concerns while their pet is at the hospital. "My heart is truly in my job," said Terri.
"I feel our staff's compassion shows in our work everyday," said Terri about the clinic. "We go above and beyond to provide the most advanced medical care possible for your pet."
She has an associate degree in Computer Information Systems.
Terri brings her compassion home to care for her six cats, Sophie, Booger, Lilly, Miracle, Mogley, and Yin Yang. She has two dogs, Cedar and Kodak. Terri enjoys scrapbooking, shopping and photography.
Lisa Anderson, Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant Lisa Anderson has been with Shawnee since November of 2009. She supports our patients and the medical staff by caring for our hospitalized patients and communicating our clients about their pet's condition on a daily basis. She often is on the emergency line at night. Lisa is always willing to lend someone a hand. She also has a degree in Biology and is now a student at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
"I love working at Shawnee Animal Clinic because I believe we provide amazing veterinary care to each and every patient, Lisa said. "We have a wonderful staff that always greets you with a smile and we do our best to make your pet's visit quick and as stress free as possible."
One of the most rewarding things about her job, Lisa said, is that it "is very rewarding to see the excitement on clients' faces when they get to take their pets home."
She has a small menagerie at home, including her dogs Milo, Phoenix, Sage, Gemini, Tynee, Leroy, Starr, Tawny and Reydarr. Her cats are: Eclipse, New Moon, Twilight, Bearcub, Neptune, Bailey, Chloe, Jay-Z. She has a stable of horses, who are: Frosty, Chiko, Poco, Leala, Chassis, Luna, Leilani, Chase, Koda, Xavior and Rango. She has a few rabbits named Gracey, Hershey, Mama and Cobalt. Her hobbies include running, training for marathons and baking, biking and spending time with her animals.
Wendy Bauer, Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant Wendy Bauer has been with SAC since 1998 and has worked with animals since 1994. Wendy works in staff development, client education, as a surgical assistant, marketing and "being an advocate for every pet." Wendy has outstanding communication skills with clients and goes out of her way to create relationships with the pets themselves.
"At SAC, pets are treated like family – even behind closed doors. We are truly here for the right reasons," she said of life at the clinic. "The staff is like family here, not just co-workers. I love that we go above and beyond to every pet that comes here."
Wendy has two indoor dogs, Chippy and Nike, and two outdoor dogs, Milkbone and Syrup. She is a member and donor to PETA and the ASPCA. She spends her outside time with her family, watching her sons play ball, cooking, shopping and entertaining family and friends. Wendy has been married to her husband, Adam, for 14 years. They have two sons, Kolton (12) and Kason (8).
Kayla Howiler, Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant Kayla Howiler has been with SAC since August of 2008 but has been working with animals since 2006. Kayla helps with everything from working the answering service to assisting the doctors in all areas of the practice. She admits that helping out in surgery is one of the most satisfying endeavors of her day. Kayla is very patient and caring.
"The relationships I've built with my co-workers is amazing. I also like how busy we are," said Kayla about the atmosphere at the clinic.
Kayla is currently enrolled at Shawnee State University studying Biology and Biomedical Science. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as watching movies.
Jennifer Kelly, Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant Jennifer Kelly joined the staff of Shawnee Animal Clinic in July of 2006. She's involved in all aspects of patient care, including giving medications, performing and assisting with treatments, patient monitoring, placing IV catheters, drawing blood, running lab tests and much more. Jennifer has a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science.
"I really enjoy working at Shawnee Animal Clinic because I believe we make a difference in the animals' lives. We are compassionate and understanding to the clients and pets," Jennifer said.
She shares her home with several pets, including her dogs Bayleigh, Mollie, Muttco, and her cats Mia, Daphne, Callie, Jasmine and Luna. She spends her time away from the clinic with her young son, shopping, doing yard work and taking walks.
Niki Ramey, Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant Niki Rae Ramey has been with SAC since April of 2009. She ably assists the doctors in all areas of the practice and brings her positive energy into the office everyday. "This clinic has state-of-the-art equipment and exceptional companion animal care," Niki said about the clinic. "We have five intelligent, highly qualified doctors and a great staff that works well with each other. I am thrilled to be working at Shawnee Animal Clinic where I can use my skills and compassion to keep my friends' and neighbors' pets as healthy as possible."
Niki reminds everyone to "Save lives- spay and neuter!"
She is currently enrolled in Cedar Valley Technical School. She has a black poodle named Ozzie and a black Lab named Bailey. She has two domestic shorthair cats named Shae and Cameron. Niki spends her free time with her fiancé, as well as bowling, hanging out with friends and family, roller skating, playing softball, 4-wheeling and riding bikes.
Kaylee Ross, Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant Kaylee Ross is always smiling, friendly, compassionate and caring. She brings these qualities to her work at SAC, which includes emergency services and assisting doctors and the other technicians. She has been with the clinic since 2009.
"Shawnee Animal Clinic provides excellent emergency services, patient care, client education, and disease awareness," said Kaylee about the work we do here. "Even though we are a large practice, we treat our clients and their pets like family."
Kaylee has a degree in Biomedical Sciences from Shawnee State University. She has four dogs: Toby, a yorkshire terrier; Daisy, a chihuahua; Molly, and border collies Molly and Kelsee. She has a cat named Burley and an Arabian horse named Mony.
Kaylee was a Shawnee State University cheerleader and she enjoys horseback riding and couponing.
Tiffany Schmidt, Animal Care Support
Animal Care Support staff member Tiffany Schmidt joined the staff at Shawnee Animal Clinic in April of 2012. She's a natural animal lover and enjoys spending time with all our boarders. She helps out by walking the dogs, admitting boarders, maintaining our kennels and much more.
"I love having the opportunity to work with all the different animals that come in to the clinic," Tiffany said. ""It's a great environment to work in."
Tiffany has seven pets, including three cats, Patch, Zeek and Sebastian, and four dogs, Maddie, Daisy, Mommy and Pepper. When not working at the clinic, Tiffany is a fan of camping, fishing, baking and spending time with her family and pets.
Dean Vastine, Animal Care Support
Animal Care Support staffer Dean Vastine always brings a smile to someone's face, whether it's a client or patient. He makes sure the patients are always in a clean cage, walks them, feeds and waters them during their stay with us.
"I like this clinic because the people and the animals here have become very dear to my heart," Dean said about working at Shawnee Animal Clinic.
Dean spends his free time watching his favorite TV shows, finding a new baseball cap, gardening and socializing with his friends.
Vicki Graf, Groomer
Groomer Vicki Graf has been with us since October of 2011, but has been working with animals for the past 22 years. Vicki helps bathe, groom and manicure the animals. "I adore working with dogs," Vicki said. "I enjoy everything dog-related. And I like everyone here."
Vicki has four poodles: Kadin, Dara, Molly, and Bea; a toy poodle named Spike and two terriers named Alex and Boomer.
Vicki enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and canning.
Corella Waring-Hernandez, Groomer
Groomer Corella Waring-Hernandez has been with SAC since August of 2008 and was a pet groomer for three years prior to that. She assists with bathing and grooming our dogs and cats and communicates to the doctors any issues she may see with the patients. The best part of her day is "making clients' pets look amazing." She is kind and understanding and has a particular flair for making our animal guests look amazing.
"Because I have the opportunity to not only help pets by making them look beautiful, I can also help the sick pets, help our vets when I see a problem with a pet I'm grooming and help our clients save money by allowing them to get all their needs filled in one place," said Corella about why she likes working at SAC.
At home, Corella takes care of Shadow, an 8-year old rottweiler; Toto, a 2-year old cairn terrier; Jack, a Scottish terrier; Baby, a 13-year old chihuahua; and her two cats, Tabby and JP. Corella enjoys running, biking, rock climbing/rapelling, basketball, video games and canoeing.
Laura Calver, Grooming Assistant
Grooming Assistant Laura Calver has been with SAC since 2006. She enjoys every facet of her job, which includes bathing, hair-dyeing, nail trimming and painting, and ear cleaning the animals. Laura is known around the clinic for her wit. She also works with the pets at Sierra's Haven Animal Shelter.
Laura keeps busy with six dogs, including one called Puppy, as well as Suzie, Calliou, Wallie, Sammy and Buster. She's an avid gardener and enjoys camping, and spending time with family.
Stacy Dodson, Billing & Collections
Office Assistant Stacy Dodson has been with SAC since 1999. She assists with accounts receivable and helps answer any questions our clients may have.
"I love the compassion and respect the veterinary medical care that our clinic brings to southern Ohio," Stacy said.
She has six dogs, named Carlie, Bruce, Frank, Nona, Sam and Sasquatch. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three sons, reading and watching TV.
Michell Counts, Receptionist
Being a good Receptionist requires a great attitude, and Michell Counts certainly has one. She gives all our clients and pets a cheerful and warm welcome. She has been answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting clients and helping out in any way possible since September of 2000.
"I like working here because our doctors and staff are great with the animals," said Michell about SAC. "You can tell they really care. I enjoy working with the staff and helping others."
Michell has three dogs, Buddy, Millie and Scrappy. She enjoys taking pictures, spending time with her grandchildren, going to flea markets and crochet.
Hilary Koch, Receptionist
Receptionist Hilary Koch began working with us here at Shawnee Animal Clinic in March of 2012. She answers clients' calls, assists with clients and their pets, and makes sure Moochie & Co. is well stocked. She's currently enrolled at Shawnee State University where she is earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business.
"I really enjoy the friendly environment Shawnee Animal Hospital provides for our clients and staff members," Hilary said.
She shares her home with two dogs, Bridgette and Heidi, and enjoys her time away from the clinic by drawing, painting, hiking and kayaking.
Jared Koch, Receptionist
Receptionist Jared Koch joined the practice in June of 2012 and helps out by answering the phones, scheduling appointments and assisting clients. He feeds and waters the clinic's pet macaw, Ava, in the morning. Jared has a Bachelor's Degree in History and is working on an Associate's Degree in Information Technology Management.
"I like working at Shawnee Animal Clinic because they extend their care to animals other than domestic pets, such as exotics and farm animals," Jared said.
Jared has two dogs, a Spaniel mix named Bridgette and a Doberman mix named Heidi. In his free time, Jared like reading, watching movies, hiking and fishing.
Connie Risner, Receptionist
Receptionist Connie Risner has been helping our clients and their pets at the SAC front desk since October of 2005. She does our scheduling and attends to customer service. "I love helping people," she said about what continues to motivate her.
"I feel this clinic gives exceptional service to all pets with state-of-the-art technology that is not matched in this area," Connie said. "The doctors and the staff are the most caring and qualified that I know."
Connie spends some of her free time caring for her four dogs, Lola, a chihuahua; Honey Bun, a pug; Shooter, a boxer mix and Quincey, a shepherd mix. She also has two cats, Ozzy and Roy. Connie enjoys cooking, music, shopping and is a proud Sierra's Haven donor!
Dave Counts, Maintenance
Dave Counts is our maintenance man and he's the guy who can fix almost anything. He maintains the grounds and buildings. Dave also operates our crematorium. He has been working with SAC since April of 2010.
Dave has three dogs at home, Scrappy, Little Buddy and Millie. He enjoys his grandchildren, working at home, hunting, cooking and ATV riding.
Hollie Reed, Housekeeping
Hollie Reed has been helping to take care of the patients here at SAC since March of 2010. She walks the dogs, feeds and waters both the dogs and the cats, and generally "pampers" the pets.
"Taking care of and spending time with the animals" is the favorite part of her job, Hollie said.
She has a 2-year old labrador retriever mix named Betty, and two chihuahuas named Choco and Chispa. Hollie loves spending time with her daughter and her pets.
Shirley Wheeler, Housekeeping
At Shawnee Animal Clinic we take pride in our appearance and we have Shirley Wheeler to thank for that. She's been keeping the clinic ship-shape for the past six years.
"I love all aspects of my job, especially being around the pets," said Shirley. She is always friendly and happy and treats the animals as though they were her human friends. "I love working with animals, and I love the employees that work here."
Shirley has a shih tzu named Muffin and enjoys shopping and taking leisurely walks in her spare time.