Our Staff

Laurie P., Veterinary Technician

Laurie was born in Gaylord, Michigan and graduated from Macomb Community College as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in ’84. She spent the last nine years as an instructor for Macomb Community College. Laurie’s favorite part about being a part of the Indian River team is the great clients. In her free time, she likes to make cement leaf bowls, tabletops, birdbaths, and attend craft shows. She loves the snow and her fur kids.

Michelle K., Receptionist

Michelle is from Petoskey, Michigan. She graduated from Inland Lakes and is a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. Living up north, she enjoys the four seasons (especially fall), being surrounded by fresh waterways, and knowing most of the people in town; giving the sense of family. She enjoys working at Indian River, seeing dogs, cats and a variety of pets all day long. Michelle is married with two kids (Hannah and Tristan), and two cats (Tango and Baker). In her free time, she enjoys reading, shopping, boating and camping.

Jenn D., Receptionist

Jenn was born and raised in Cheboygan, Michigan and graduated from Cheboygan High School in ‘00. She loves being able to experience all four of the seasons in Northern Michigan, and that there are so many fun outdoor activities to do year-round. She loves working at Indian River, and how everyone is like family. Jenn is married, and has three kids (Gabe, Riley and Hannah), three dogs (Bailey, Buster and Maci), and three horses (Cricket, Gypsy and Trouble). In her free time, she enjoys spending it with family and friends, riding/showing horses, camping, fishing and hunting.

Amy S., Veterinary Assistant

Amy was born and raised in Lapeer, Michigan. At four years old, her family moved to Northern Michigan. She loves that that there are tons of trails to explore, and fresh water everywhere. She has a background in human medicine but is happy with her switch to animal medicine. Amy has now been in animal medicine for 12 years, 10 of those years working in an animal emergency hospital. She enjoys working at Indian River because she gets to work with animals daily, and she also appreciates the “at-home” feeling the clinic has. Amy has four kids, two crazy pups (Clutch & Dually), and a cat (Jack Jack). She enjoys baking, gardening, hunting and fishing.

Lindsey H., Veterinary Technician

Lindsey was born and raised in Cheboygan, Michigan. She graduated with her Associates Degree in Applied Science in ’17, and shortly after that obtained her Veterinary Technician license. What she enjoys most about being a part of the Indian River team is making a positive difference in the lives of not only the animals, but their owners as well. Lindsey has a special interest in pain management and learning how to reduce fear and anxiety in pets through fear-free methods.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening, and hanging out with her four dogs, two cats and two rats.

Teah L., Kennel Assistant

Teah is originally from Troy, Michigan, but grew up in Wolverine. She loves how pretty spring, summer and fall are in Northern Michigan, and appreciates the easy going, small town vibe. Teah attended school at North Central Michigan College, and plans to return to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the next year. What she enjoys most about working at Indian River is being able to help care for the animals. She adores her family, especially her two nieces, and two nephews. Teah has three dogs, a cat, and fish. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, being a youth leader for middle schoolers, and training horses.

Amy H., Kennel Assistant

Amy was born in Cheboygan, Michigan and has been here ever since. Her favorite part about Northern Michigan is being able to enjoy all the seasons, especially summer. Amy has a variety of experience in the veterinarian field and enjoys meeting all the amazing pets and owners that come into Indian River! Amy is married with two children (Matt and Justin), three dogs, two cats, two quarter horses, pigs, cows and a mini donkey. She enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time on her small farm.

Nikki K., Kennel Assistant

Nikki was born in Cheboygan, Michigan and was raised in Indian River. She loves living in Northern Michigan, and being able to enjoy all the seasons, especially fall and winter. Nikki has experience working and living on a farm. She has two dogs (Yogi Bear and Grizzly Bear), along with horses, cows, chickens, ducks, and barn cats. She spends a lot of her free time riding horses and taking her dogs on fun adventures.

Brad D., Boarding & Grooming Office Manager

Brad was born in Muskegon, Michigan, where he grew up in Fruitport on a blueberry farm. He graduated from Calvin College in mechanical engineering in ’92 and worked as an engineer in manufacturing until ’07. He also received his degree in computer information systems in ’09. It was around that time that Brad began to manage Indian River Pet Resort. What he enjoys most about working on the Indian River team is seeing the joyful reaction of pets when they arrive at the resort. Brad has been married to Dr. Heidi Dirkse since ’94. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his two Labradors (Ripley & Koda Bear), hiking, bicycling, reading, snorkeling, scuba diving and video games.

Chelsea W., Kennel Assistant

Chelsea was born and raised in Northern Michigan and graduated from Inland Lake High School. She loves the scenic views, lower population, variety of seasons, the lakes, rivers, and all the nature preserves, especially Pigeon River Forest. Chelsea has been working with dogs for over five years and loves it. She enjoys working with the clients and pets at Indian River and having the opportunity to become a part of the pets’ lives.  Chelsea is married and has three dogs (Kamee, Grim and Otis). For fun, she enjoys kayaking, snowmobiling, four wheeling, walking her dogs, hiking in the U.P. and camping.