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
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
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
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.
Management Team
Nora B.
Nora B.
Practice Manager
I grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago and majored in Health Administration at Robert Morris University while on a Lacrosse scholarship (National Champion 2014.) After receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I moved to Austin, Texas and fell in love with animal rescue. In my spare time, I volunteered at local shelters, as well as fostering with Austin Boxer Rescue. After moving to Austin, I immediately knew I wanted to stay in the medical field but also help care of animals. I started working in the Veterinary field in 2017 and eventually worked my way up into Practice Management.
Liz S.
Liz S.
Office Manager
I formed a Home and Pet Care business and began working in an emergency facility to build my knowledge base. I have always enjoyed caring for pets.
Megan M.
Megan M.
Head Veterinary Technician, RVT
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.
Kaylee R.
Kaylee R.
Kennel Manager
I have always had a major love for animals. I would wander around the pet store with my parents at a young age and beg for every new animal I encountered. Animals are my happy place, they bring so much joy into my life. I fall in love with every animal I come into contact with. Working in animal care is literally a dream come true and I couldn’t be happier living it out for the rest of my life.
Jen G.
Jen G.
Inventory Manager
Bio coming soon!
Technicians/Assistants
Amber P.
Amber P.
Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead
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
Jennifer D.
Jennifer D.
Registered Veterinary 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
Ashley C.
Ashley C.
Veterinary Technician Shift Lead, RVT
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
Juan G.
Juan G.
Veterinary 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.
Sam M.
Veterinary 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.
Alexandria R.
Alexandria R.
Veterinary Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Room Assistants
Dawn S.
Dawn S.
Room Assistant
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.
Stephanie B.
Room Assistant
Growing up I’ve always had a love for animals and caring for them. I have always wanted to work in this field. Working at Coyne has made me extremely grateful to have a job I enjoy.
Malina C.
Malina C.
Room Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Customer Service Representatives
Megan R.
Megan R.
Client Service Representative
I have always had a soft side for animals and heart-filled dreams of working with them. To be able to help animals is a true accomplishment and I aspire to grow in the vet community.
Gwen W.
Gwen W.
Client Service Representative
Gwen attends Vincennes University as a Pre-Veterinary Medicine student and plans to transfer to Purdue University to become a Veterinarian. They have always had a passion for working with animals whether it be her horse, goat, or other pets in the animal-care industry. She wants to become a Vet to continue to help others and provide quality care for the pets that need it most.
Maddi B.
Maddi B.
Client Service Representative
Hello, My name is Maddi. One thing you should know about me is… I have always dreamt of working with animals my whole life. My goal is to become a licensed Technician one day so I am more involved in the field.
Myra A.
Myra A.
Client Service Representative
Bio coming soon
Kennel Attendants
Delaney S.
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.
Alyssa R.
Alyssa R.
Kennel Attendant
I decided I wanted to work this job since I’ve always had a huge love for animals.
If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
I would love to have a lion or leopard they are my favorite land animals.
Do you currently have any pets? What are their names and what is your favorite thing about them?
I have a dog named Ivy and my favorite thing about her is her goofy personality.
What do you find most rewarding about working with animals?
I find their love and their neediness the most rewarding when working with animals
Ellie S.
Ellie S.
Kennel Attendant
I have loved animals from a young age. As a toddler I toted around our two cats, and have fallen in love with almost every horse I’ve laid eyes on/worked with, not to mention the years I’ve spent training and loving on my own dog. Now, I’m living out my love for animals by caring for them daily!
Mattie D.
Mattie D.
Kennel Attendant
I have always grown up with dogs in my house and I don’t really think I can say I ever not enjoy being around animals.
If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
I would definitely want a snake only because I find them to be pretty cool.
Do you currently have any pets? What are their names and what is your favorite thing about them?
I have a dog named Milo and I would have to say I just love his goofy little smile!
What do you find most rewarding about working with animals?
I feel like there’s never really a dull moment working with animals
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with family and friends I also enjoy finding new places I can take my dog
Brandon B.
Brandon B.
Kennel Attendant
I have a background in HVAC and Customer service, and I wanted somthing entirely different for a change. I love all animals and it is very rewarding working here. Helping out as much as I can for these animals makes me feel good at the end of the day.
Cheyenne V.
Cheyenne V.
Kennel Attendant
I am a mom of two human babies and two fur babies. My goal for the future is unclear at this time but I know for now my focus is my children. The thing that inspired me to work with animals is my love for animals and I wanted somewhere that going to work was something I look forward to.
Grooming
Kayla R.
Kayla R.
Groomer
I am one of the groomers at the Portage location, I love working with dogs. I have always taken care of animals so I decided to make it my career! I went to Animal Behavior College and trained at the Crown Point location before coming to Portage a year ago, hoping to be here for many more!