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. 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. Stephanie Caverly
Dr. Stephanie Caverly
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. Sarah Peiss
Dr. Sarah Peiss
Veterinarian
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment at this point in your life?
Becoming a veterinarian is my biggest accomplishment. This has been a long time dream and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else in the world.
If you could give one piece of advice to pet owners, what would it be?
Google is great but it just scares you. Vets want the best for your furry friends. We aren’t just there to charge you. Please be kind to your veterinarian. Prevention is the best medicine- See your veterinarian often.
Favorite comfort food?
My mom’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes (or any of her cooking- its good for the soul)
3 things people might be surprised to know about you?
I went to school at the University of Glasgow, in Glasgow Scotland.
I love working on farm animals, I thought I would be a food production vet but I stumbled about this office and fell in love. (I’ve worked for Dr. Coyne since I was 16 years old, I started in the kennel at our sister clinic, Midwest Animal Hospital)
I love children as much as I love animals, I wasn’t sure for a long time if I was going to be a vet or a pediatrician. (My nieces and nephews are my world)
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.
Dr. Alexandra Prescia
Dr. Alexandra Prescia
Veterinarian
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Adrienne Pinks
Dr. Adrienne Pinks
Veterinarian
Bio coming soon.
Management Team
Jennifer D.
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
Ashley E.
Ashley E.
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
Liz
Liz
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!
Emily B.
Emily B.
Kennel Manager
Bio coming soon!
Technicians/Assistants
Bethany G.
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
Savannah F.
Savannah F.
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
Samantha M.
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.
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
Melissa P.
Melissa P.
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon.
Megan M.
Megan M.
Veterinary Technician
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.
Room Assistants
Stefanie M.
Stefanie M.
Pharmacy/Room Assistant
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.
Amber P.
Amber P.
Room 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
Customer Service Representatives
Tonya T.
Tonya T.
Client Service Representative Shift Leaders
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
Madi M
Client Service Representative Shift Leaders
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
Ally M.
Ally M.
Client Service Representative
Bio Coming Soon.
Karly H.
Karly H.
Client Service Representative
Being a first time dog mom instead of a sister is what inspired me to reach out. I have always enjoyed animals, however, having one of my own has changed the experience. I love building relationships with animals.
If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be, and why?
If I could have any pet it would be a giraffe. I absolutely love the personality of giraffe’s.
Do you currently have any pets? What type and what are their names?
Yes I have done dog (Dachshund) named Wrigley
What is your favorite thing about working with animals?
I love their personalities and how they know when someone is having a bad day. Human and pet connections are one of a kind.
Kennel Attendants
Brittany C.
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
Lindsay T.
Lindsay T.
Kennel Attendant
Favorite Animal Quote:
“A house is not a home without a pet”
Favorite Comfort Food:
My neighbors’ homemade Puerto Rican Rice
Last Book you Read:
To All the Boy’s I’ve Loved Before Series
Anastasia S.
Anastasia S.
Kennel Attendant
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.
Juan G.
Kennel Attendant
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
Ryan P.
Ryan P.
Kennel Attendant
bio coming soon.
Emma N.
Emma N.
Kennel Attendant
Bio coming soon!
Dani D.
Dani D.
Kennel Attendant
Bio coming soon!
Grooming
Brittany S.
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
Leah B.
Leah B.
Grooming Assistant
Favorite animal Quote:
“Meow” means “woof” In cat.” – George Carlin
Favorite comfort food:
Stuffed Shells
Last Book Read:
The Lincoln Lawyer By Michael Connelly
Maintenance
Karen P.
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!
Myrna R.
Myrna R.
Maintenance
Bio coming soon!