Veterinarian Overview
I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and got my first induction into animal care through work at the Anti-Cruelty Society. I spent 4 years there trying to make a difference in the lives of a few of the many animals released, abandoned, neglected or abused in the city. I cared for them by feeding and cleaning, vaccinating, rescuing, and assisting the humane investigator. We set shelter policy and standards for those who followed. I learned a lot, but knew I couldn't continue in that setting. A few years working for a major bank and obtaining my undergraduate requirements at DePaul University pointed me towards veterinary medicine as a career. I graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. I achieved induction into Phi Zeta, the national honor society for veterinarians and won the Bastien award for exceptional canine care. I was fortunate to do an externship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City my senior year. Following graduation, I practiced in the Chicago area for 12 years. I practiced alongside a few special veterinarians in large, busy hospitals which allowed me to grow as a practitioner and define my goals in this exciting field. In 2002, my family and I decided to move to Indiana. After settling in and investigating opportunities in the area, Dr. Schmidt and I decided to become partners and move Portage Animal Clinic into its present facility. Here, we are able to provide the community with an exceptional service through our excellent staff, well equipped facility and our desire to excel in the care of our patients and service to our clients. I am happy to say we all love our professions and enjoy meeting the everyday challenges typical in this field. In 2011, I became the sole owner of Portage Animal Clinic as Dr. Schmidt retired to return to his home in Ohio. I enjoy spending quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) time with my husband, Keith and my son, Jack when he is home from college. I dabble in quilting, agility with Hazel and get lost in a good book on a regular basis. Occasionally, I can be found watching old Stargate SG1 and Firefly episodes, getting dirty in the vegetable garden or just walking through our woods with our cats, Mew Lee, Freya and our dog, Hazel.
