Meet Our Team in Portage

We wouldn’t be the veterinary practice we are today without our team of phenomenal veterinarians and staff members. We’re proud to have so many talented individuals working hard every day to help pets and their families. Take a few minutes to read on and learn more about us! When you're ready to meet us in person, call us at (219) 763-3311.

Veterinarians

Dr. Stephanie Caverly

Veterinarian, Medical Director

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life? Aside from becoming a veterinarian…earning my private pilot’s license. If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be? Plan for when you are not there and keep them active. Favorite comfort food: Chimichangas and pierogis 3 things people might be surprised to know about you I have my private pilot’s license, I am a 10-year State Champion accordion player, and I love to play tennis.

Dr. Jolynn Rudman

Veterinarian

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment at this point in your life?

I’ve practiced for 38 years and every day brings joys – and I’m at home with an incredible team – what more could anyone ask for!

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?

Slow down, look into your options, and leave your money at home when you first explore pets. This is a life-long adoption, and it should feel good from the beginning

Favorite comfort food?

Anything Serbian

3 things people might be surprised to know about you?

Coming home to our farm is a vacation each day – restful and restoring. Singing in Liturgy keeps me peaceful and grounded. I still enjoy writing letters and sending cards through the mail.

Dr. Adam Fessenden

Veterinarian

Dr. Adam Fessenden graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2019 and started his veterinary career with us in June of 2019. In veterinary school, Dr. Fessenden developed an interest in veterinary dentistry, dermatology, and behavior. He wants owners to know that there are many options available for pets with behavioral problems. Dr. Fessenden also believes that you know your pet’s normal behavior the best out of anyone, so if they are acting out of the ordinary, and seem sick, don’t wait to seek help from a veterinarian. Even if you aren’t sure, or have questions, he is always willing to help. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Fessenden’s interests include soccer, snowboarding, and travel. If he could, he would spend all his free time in the mountains. Dr. Fessenden also has lived in 3 different countries, including volunteering in Thailand to care for and help find homes for their stray cats and dogs.

Dr. Alexandra Prescia

Veterinarian

I went to school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I have wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as I (and my parents) can remember. I have always been fascinated with how the body works and how I can heal sick animals.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?

Living out my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.

If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?

Always trust your gut instinct- you know your furry babies the best, if they seem off, bring them into the clinic. And always run yearly bloodwork!

3 things people might be surprised to know about you?

I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in New York City.
I have been to Africa twice- having worked on elephants, water buffalo, sable antelope, and much more!
I am a certified scuba diver, my favorite scuba spot being Roatan, Honduras.

Management Team

Jennifer D.

Practice Manager, Registered Technician

Favorite quote about animals:

“Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” – George Eliot

Favorite comfort food:

Ice cream

Last book(s) you read:

Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling

Liz S.

Office Manager

I have always enjoyed being with people and their four-legged family members. After college and various accounting positions, I began my career in the animal care and veterinary field. I owned a business specializing in house-sitting, dog walking and home care at the same time, and worked as a receptionist at a 24-hour emergency facility. After I met and married my wonderful husband, Jim, we moved to Tupelo, Mississippi and I continued to work within the veterinary field. I was hired as a receptionist, trained in-house as a technician and untimely became practice manager. A few years ago, as I drove down Broadway and saw our facility being built, I knew I needed to get back into the veterinary field… and the rest is history!

There were a few moments that truly imprinted in my the importance of connecting with each of our clients.It is an amazing feeling when an owner know that you and your facility will care for their pet as your own.

Liz has a sweet family tradition on Christmas where after they decorate the Christmas tree, they turn out all the lights in the house except for the tree and lay down with their feet under the tree. They take that time to bond, talk about their favorite memories, ask any and all questions, and enjoy the quiet moment of just them.

She has also has learned the importance of the tie on her work scrubs the hard way while getting her daily hug from a golden named Barry!

Stefanie M.

Room Assistant Manager

Favorite quote:

The greatest fear Dogs know is the fear that you will not come back.

Favorite comfort food:

Tamales

Last book read:

Can’t remember! I like to skim through magazines and love watching documentaries on animals and different environments.

Ashley C.

Head Veterinary Technician

Favorite Quote:

“Animals are the bridge between us and the beauty of all that is natural. They show us what’s missing in our lives, and how to love ourselves more completely and unconditionally. They connect us back to who we are, and to the purpose of why we’re here.” ― Trisha McCagh

Favorite comfort food:

My mom’s home cooked puerto rican rice

Last book(s) read:

“Girl wash your face” by Rachel Hollis

Ashley C.

Kennel Manager

Bio coming soon!

Technicians/Assistants

Bethany G.

Technician Shift Leader

Favorite quote about animals:

“Dogs have owners, cats have staff.” – Anonymous

Favorite comfort food:

Ice cream

Last book you read:

Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

Melissa P.

Veterinary Technician

Bio coming soon.

Amber P.

Veterinary Assistant

Favorite animal quote:

“True compassion is showing kindness towards animals, without expecting anything in return.”

Favorite comfort food:

Fudgy Brownies

Last book I read:

Gone Girl

Samantha M.

Veterinary Assistant

Favorite quote:

“Dog’s come when called, cat’s take a message and get back to you later”

Favorite comfort food:

Alfredo

Last book read:

Harry Potter series

Brittni R.

Veterinary Assistant

Favorite Animal Quote:

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I see a living being, I see a friend, I see a soul.” – A.D Williams

Favorite Comfort Food:

Biscuits and Gravy

Last Book you Read:

The Divergent series

Megan M.

Veterinary Technician Shift Leader

I was in high school and went out on a limb and decided to apply to tech school. I was accepted to the Vet Tech Institute and fell in love with animal medicine. Being able to work hand and hand with the doctors, clients, and pets to make a difference is my passion

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
A whale, I love to watch them in their natural environment but would love to have one to watch whenever I would like.

Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?
I have a Boxer named Cricket and 2 cats – Astro and Orbit.

What is your favorite thing about working with animals?
Being able to put blood, sweat and tears into a case and having a positive outcome for that animal. Having your hard work pay off makes you feel amazing.

Makayla D.

Veterinary Assistant

I’ve always been passionate about the veterinary field and all types of animals interest me. What inspired me to get into the animal field was one of my professors at Purdue who taught a lot of my animal science classes. Ever since working at Coyne my love for animal care and knowledge has grown and I couldn’t have picked a better field to work in.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

A giraffe because they are so unique

Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?

I have a cockapoo named Charlie

What is your favorite thing about working with animals?

My favorite thing is getting to know all the dogs and learning their personalities. Each of them is so different and I love gaining their trust and caring for them.

Room Assistants

Anastasia S.

Room Assistant

Favorite quote:

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” ~Anatole France

Favorite comfort food:

Warm brownies

Last book read:

I’ve Got My Eyes on You by Mary Higgins Clark

Juan G.

Room Assistant

Favorite Animal Quote:

“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” – Jane Goodall

Favorite Comfort Food:

S’mores Poptarts

Last Book you Read:

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

Sam M.

Room Assistant

I have a degree in theater but will be enrolling in Penn Foster to further my education in animal care. After having worked in a shelter after graduating, I was inspired to do all I can to help make animals’ lives as positive as possible.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
I would have a pet owl because they are incredibly beautiful and powerful animals, and I just think they are super cool.

Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?
I have a pointer mix named Titus who is a drama queen and full of love.

What is your favorite thing about working with animals?
My favorite thing about working with animals is knowing that I’m helping make their lives as happy and healthy as possible.

Customer Service Representatives

Tonya T.

Client Service Representative Shift Leader

What has been your most rewarding moment working with animals?

My most rewarding moment was helping a past client raise funds for a much-needed surgery for her pet.

Favorite quote about animals:

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” – Immanuel Kant

Favorite comfort food:

Pizza

Madi M

Client Service Representative Shift Leader

Quote:

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” –Josh Billings

Food:

Brownies

Book:

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Jenni B

Client Service Representative

I started my interest in the animal care field when I participated in a vet camp during middle school. The knowledge that I gained there is what helped me decided what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Whether it was to become a veterinarian, a veterinary technician, or a veterinary receptionist, they all help in caring for animals.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

I would choose a Leopard because they rest in trees and can be very playful.

Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?

I have a pit/lab mix named Appa (from Avatar) and a chihuahua/terrier mix named Baby

What is your favorite thing about working with animals?

My favorite thing is connecting with the animals brought in and making unique connections with the parents.

Dawn S.

Client Service Representative

I have always loved animals. I have had pets from a skunk to all rodents, cats, dogs, and much more. If I get upset or stressed over anything, holding my dog instantly relaxes and calms me. I would be lost without animals in my life.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?

An otter. I just love how playful they always seem to be.

Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?

I have two cats, Camille and Faith who are 19 and 20 years old. I also have 1 dog, Lucy, who is 4 years old.

What is your favorite thing about working with animals?

They don’t judge you and they always let you know when they are happy, which in turn makes me happy.

Stephanie B.

Client Service Representative

Bio coming soon!

Kennel Attendants

Brittany C.

Kennel Attendant

Favorite Animal quote:

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak great language.” – Martin Buber

Favorite comfort food:

Polish Sausage and sauerkraut.

Last book I read:

Twilight Saga New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Dani D.

Kennel Attendant

Bio coming soon!

Delaney S.

Kennel Attendant

A dog named Indy was the start of my passion for animal care. She was a neglected twelve-year-old black lab running the streets in East Chicago and my first foster. Indy then led to about sixty more foster dogs and made me want to impact more animals’ lives.

If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
Dog are amazing pets that strive on pleasing their owners with so much loyalty so they are my favorite pet that I could ever have. But besides a dog I would love to own a cow. Cows seem so friendly plus, they are very cute.

Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?
I currently own an English Mastiff, Khaleesi (Nugget), a black lab puppy, Hank, and three French Bulldogs, Max, Luna, and Lincoln.

What is your favorite thing about working with animals?
My favorite thing about working with animals is the bonds I can create with them. I also love helping animals come out of their shell.

Kaylee R.

Kennel Attendant

Alexis R.

Kennel Attendant

Claire G.

Kennel Attendant

Bio coming soon!

Grooming

Brittany S.

Groomer

Favorite Quote:

“The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.”

Favorite comfort food:

Pasta!!

Last book(s) read:

The Game of Thrones series

Kayla R.

Groomer

Housekeeping

Karen P.

Maintenance

What has been your most rewarding moment working with animals?

Every day has a new rewarding moment. It makes me feel good that the animals I work with trust and love me, and that I understand them and will do my absolute best to make them comfortable and happy.

Favorite comfort food:

Ice cream

Last book you read:

Indian Country by Philip Caputo

Most unusual pet you’ve owned?

A 6ft Colombian boa constrictor—her name was Pantera, and she loved eating ice cream!

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