Meet Our Portage Team
We wouldn’t be the veterinary practice we are today without our 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!
Veterinarians
Dr. John Coyne
Dr. John Coyne
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. John Coyne has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 40 years. He was raised on a farm in Central Illinois, which cultivated his love for animals and inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Since then, Dr. Coyne has blazed the proverbial trail, providing the quality of care he believed should be the norm and mentoring many skilled young veterinarians along the way. His dedication to hard work and persistence have led to him now owning and operating multiple animal hospitals throughout Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
Dr. Coyne places special emphasis on wellness care and providing pets with the best quality of life through proactive treatment. Like many pet owners, he regards pets as friends and family members. With that in mind, he believes that pets deserve to have access to timely, quality care whenever they need it, and is willing to go above and beyond to meet their needs.
While the years have gone by, Dr. Coyne’s commitment to pets, pet owners, and his employees, whom he treats like family, has never changed. He continues to innovate and find new ways to help those around him—be it through providing medicine or offering scholarships to veterinary students.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Coyne is a big fan of University of Illinois athletics and enjoys all Chicago sports. He and his wife, Ruth, have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Dr. Joylnn Rudman
Dr. Joylnn Rudman
Veterinarian
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Stephanie Kozdron
Dr. Stephanie Kozdron
Veterinarian
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. Kathryn Dittmer
Dr. Kathryn Dittmer
Veterinarian
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at this point in your life?
Fulfilling my lifelong goal of becoming a veterinarian.
If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
Please communicate with a veterinarian that you trust and work with them to provide the best care for your pet.
Favorite comfort food:
Mint chocolate chip ice cream
3 things people might be surprised to know about you.
I have lived on 3 different continents, I love kickboxing, and I worked at a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska.
Staff
Jennifer Stover
Jennifer Stover
Office Manager
What has been your most rewarding moment working with animals?
I enjoy seeing how much pets are a part of their families. It’s so rewarding to see the smile on peoples’ faces when they bring in a new puppy; to know that we can help give them a better understanding of how to care for their new family member is its own reward.
What is your favorite quote about animals?
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
Favorite comfort food:
French fries
Last book you read:
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Jennifer Douglass, RVT
Jennifer Douglass, RVT
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
Bethany Goodwin, RVT
Bethany Goodwin, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
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
Ashley Dec
Ashley Dec
Veterinary Assistant
What has been your most rewarding moment working with animals?
When I worked for the SPCA in Pennsylvania, we raided a Pit Bull fighting operation. We rescued several dogs that had been chained up their entire life. Showing them life beyond that was very rewarding.
Favorite quote about animals:
“They show us what is 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:
Pizza
Last book you read:
Garcia: An American Life by Blair Jackson
Savannah Farris
Savannah Farris
Veterinary Assistant
What has been your most rewarding moment working with animals?
Establishing a relationship with not only the pets but also with their owners, as well.
Favorite comfort food:
Pasta
Last book you read:
The Last Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Grace Moore
Grace Moore
Client Service Representative
Favorite comfort food:
Pizza
Last book you read:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Most unusual pet you’ve owned?
A piglet
Laura Mackowiak
Laura Mackowiak
Client Service Representative
Favorite quote about animals:
“I had a wonderful teacher about animal behavior—my dog Rusty. He taught me that animals have personalities, minds, and feelings.” – Jane Goodall
Favorite comfort food:
Mashed potatoes, popcorn, and Cheetos (respectively)
Last book you read:
Lilly and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
Most unusual pet you’ve owned?
A tarantula named ‘Norman’
Carolina Gonzalez
Carolina Gonzalez
Client Service Representative
Favorite quote about animals:
“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.” – Joaquin Phoenix
Favorite comfort food:
Mint chocolate chip ice cream
Most unusual pet you’ve owned?
I once rescued a ferret from a bad situation. He was an awesome pet!
Tonya Thorton
Tonya Thorton
Client Service Representative
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
Karen Peksenak
Karen Peksenak
Kennel Team
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!