Smoky Tuna

Clinic Cat

Anne Shirkey

Animal Caretaker

Victoria Hawkins

Veterinary Assistant

Victoria grew up and lived in Holland most of her life. She went to college in Traverse City for 2 years, then transferred to Lansing Community College to get her General Associates Degree. Between Traverse City and LCC, Victoria did an online program to come a Certified Veterinary Assistant. Victoria has Shy, a 4-Year-Old Black Lab, Aries, a 3-Year-Old Husky Mix, Monica, a buff medium-coat cat, and Siff, a tortie cat. When she is not working, Victoria enjoys exercise or playing with her 2-Year-Old daughter.

Why did you become a veterinary professional?: “Besides the fact that I love animals, I have always had a fascination with veterinary medicine. I love to take what I learn and share it with clients so they can be educated.”

What do you like about working at PVH?: “My family. Always there for me and so fun to work with.”

What is your proudest moment at PVH so far?: “When I became a Veterinary Assistant. I just had this moment of wow, look how far I’ve come.”

Favorite animal: “Love all animals but any kind of dog. Big dogs.”

What is the most inspiring part of your job?: “Seeing the owners happy when they see their pets and everything is going to be okay.”

Autumn P.

Veterinary Assistant

Autumn was born and raised in Leslie, Michigan and attended Friends University in Wichita, KS, earning a B.S. in Zoo Science and Field Biology. She has been married for 5 years now, with two children. Outside of work, Autumn enjoys reading, writing, gardening, gaming, and playing with her kids.

What do you like about working at PVH?: “There’s such a close knit sense of community. It’s basically like a family away from home.” 

Favorite Animal: “Dragon – need I say more?”  

Darian Williams

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Caitlyn

Veterinary Assistant

Amanda

Veterinary Assistant

Amanda grew up in Metro Detroit. She went to Michigan State University and got a B.S. in Zoology and a B.A. in Art – she has been working here ever since! Amanda started off as a receptionist and is currently a Veterinary Assistant and Surgical Assistant at our clinic. When she is now working, Amanda enjoys creating artwork, reading, traveling, and learning other languages.

Own Pets: “2 cats. Minnie, (Minerva), a brown tabby – the mischievous one – and Natasha, (Tasha), a tortie – the loving and forgiving one.”

Favorite Quote: “’We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.’ -Kant”

If you could learn to do anything what would it be?: “Surf and fly planes.”

Fun Fact: “I worked at Walt Disney World for 1 ½ Years”

Jess Sutherlin

Veterinary Assistant

Jess started in the veterinary industry as an intern when she was 13 years old and is currently a Veterinary Assistant and part time puppy cuddler at Patterson Veterinary Hospital. She is married with half of a zoo at home. Jess is currently in undergrad and at Lansing Community College working towards going to MSU for Veterinary Medicine. When Jess isn’t working, she breeds fish and shrimp and enjoys skijoring and rollerjoring with her Labrador Theodore, hiking, drinking lots of coffee, painting, drawing, playing instruments, and spending time with her tons of animals.

Own Pets: “I have a sassy, spiky hedgehog named Potato Petunia that is a retired breeding /education animal from Preuss Pets. Theodore is my Lab that I skijor/rollerjor with and he thinks he is a lap dog. Salmon and Urchin are my rescue kittens from here that run the house. Then I have 5 tanks of fish that I breed. Pea Puffers are one of my favorites.”

Why did you become a veterinary professional?: “I have a love for helping all animals and love being able to make a difference.”

What do you like about working at PVH?: “We are all one big family here”

What is your favorite memory from PVH so far?:  “Our PVH Olympics was the most fantastic moment”

Favorite animal: “Dogs for sure are my favorites. They are so loving and always there for you.”

Karrie

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Cassidy

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Cassidy grew up in Mason and went to Baker College for Veterinary Technology. She currently lives with her amazing husband and the cutest baby buy! Cassidy is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and can do most anything, including inpatient and outpatient duties. When she is not at work, Cassidy enjoys exploring nature, going on long walks with her husband, baby, and dog, running, and poetry.

Own Pets: “Annie – a very energetic, sweet, smart, goofy German Shorthaired Pointer. 3 cats – 2 spunky torties and 1 sweet tuxedo.”

Why did you become a veterinary professional? “I became an LVT because I love animals and the bond humans have with them. I want everyone to experience this bond while also giving their pet the most healthy and happy life.”

What do you like about working at PVH? “I love the variety of cases and patients we see on a daily basis.”

What advice do you have for people wanting to go into the veterinary industry? “It is not for the weak! You will work hard for the rest of your life for little money, but you’ll love every second of it!”

What are the values that drive you? “Accountability, Critical Thinking, and Passion. You need critical thinking to allow you to get from start to finish, passion to drive you every day, and accountability to see and admit your mistakes so you can grow.”

Favorite Quote: “Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault really.”

What is your favorite animal? “Hippo. No one messes with hippos.”

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? “I would love to plan the piano.”

Brad

Veterinary Assistant

Morgan

Veterinary Assistant

Morgan grew up in Western and Mid-Michigan. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and is currently attending Purdue University for her Associates in Applied Sciences for Veterinary Nursing. She comes from a large family and has a big heart when it comes to animals. When she is not working, Morgan enjoys concerts, roller coasters, camping, the beach, baking, writing, and DIY projects.

Number of Years in the Veterinary Industry: 3 years

Own Pets: “I have a Saint Bernard named Agnes, a Bloodhound named Birdie, and three cats: Puffin, Salem, Cheddar and Ava (aka Bean). There are also plenty of foster kittens on occasion”

Why did you become a Veterinary Professional?: “It has always been a passion of mine. You name it, I grew up with it, even if it wasn’t technically a pet and we just found it in the yard and decided it was. I am also a major advocate for rescuing and rehabilitating animals. They deserve better lives than we can ever give them, but I do my best every day to make sure they’re all healthy and happy!”

What do you like about working at PVH?: “The coworkers and clients make it worth going into work every day. Everyone is pretty understanding and easy to get along with.”

What are the values that drive you?: “I am big-hearted, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.”

Favorite Quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson”

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? “I would love to learn how to rehabilitate domestic and exotic animals. I would also like to learn how to play piano and do wood working projects.”

Favorite Animal: “My favorite animal is an elephant, because they are smart, brave and beautiful. I could only wish to be as incredible as they are.”

Fun Fact: “I visited South Africa before any other states in the US.”

Daphne

Veterinary Assistant

Mykenzie

Veterinary Assistant

Sam

Veterinary Assistant

Bella

Veterinary Assistant

Bella grew up in Clarkston, MI and graduated from MSU with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology in May of 2023. She is currently in the process of applying to vet school. When Bella is not at work, she enjoys reading, hammocking, yoga, camping, bird watching, and shooting archery.

Own Pets: “I have two black cats, one is a DSH, 7 years old, a bit chunky – his name is Ed! I also have a DLH, he is roughly 3 years old and named Tom! I also have 3 dogs at my parents that I grew up with. Bow and Hunter are rescues and Ruger is a German Shorthair Pointer!

Favorite Animal: “I love cats. I love how they all have such strong personalities and how they go about their day!”

Sarah

Veterinary Assistant

Sarah grew up in Whitmore Lake and is the youngest of 4 kids. She had all sorts of animals growing up – chickens, cats, dogs, ducks, mice, rabbits, hamsters, birds, etc. Sarah currently works at PVH as a Veterinary Assistant and has been in the veterinary industry for 3.5 years. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys playing video games, spending time with family, traveling to new places, and hanging out with her cat, dogs, and husband.

Why did you become a veterinary professional?  “I’ve always had a deep passion for the care & companionship of animals. I love the medical care & what cases I can help.”

What do you like about working at PVH? “The environment is very uplifting and positive. The team helps so much with any questions I have if I am still learning something.”

Advice for someone wanting to go into the veterinary industry? “You have to remember you do it for the animals with your whole heart. Know that at the end of the day you do what you can to help those who would help you in a heartbeat…animals I mean.”

Favorite Quote: “Remember who you are” -Lion King

Own Pets: “Akeela, (Secretly 68 years old on the inside, likes his programs and sleeping with his dad), Murphy Brown, (Mana’s boy, goofy), and Eros Chaos Onondaga (Cute goblin that loves his “sashimi’s”).

Favorite Animal?: “Labrador because they’re always loyal or a polar bear because they are protective of their young and love the cold.”

Fun Fact about you: “I have a photographic memory of dog breeds.”

Stephanie

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Audrey

Licensed Veterinary Technician