Capitol Illini Veterinary Services | Staff
We are very proud to have a broadly-trained and highly experienced team of professionals to attend to your questions and concerns as well as the health and well-being of your companion pet. The veterinary technicians very capably and compassionately assist our veterinarians during procedures and tend to your pet during any pre- and post- procedure activities that may be required. Our receptionists are pleased and proud to give you the best possible experience while you and your pet are at the Capitol Illini clinics.
You can be sure that your pet is receiving the finest veterinary care!
Venus, Chatham Clinic Cat
Venus has been a resident at Capitol Illini Chatham since 1996. Found as a youngster, Venus was brought into Capitol Illini by a Good Samaritan who was concerned she had a broken leg. A physical examination and radiographs revealed radial nerve paralysis in her left front paw. Unfortunately Venus would never have normal use of the affected paw. Due to the severity of her condition, the Good Samaritan entrusted us with her care and she quickly won the doctors' and staff's hearts. She has been a prominent part of Capitol Illini Chatham ever since. Venus seems unaffected by her condition and still to uses her paw to play and groom herself. Her favorite activities include sleeping, bird watching, lying in the sun, and chasing bugs in the foyer.
Betty, Office Manager and Human Resources Manager
Betty joined Capitol Illini in 1975 as a receptionist and veterinary assistant. She was later promoted to office manager in 1976. Betty's family consists of her husband, their son and four dogs. Betty has a wide range of animal interests including working at her son's dog training school in her spare time. She has seen a number of positive changes at Capitol Illini during her term and looks forward to many more in the years to come.
Pamela, Bookkeeper
Motivated by her love of animals, Pam has been with Capitol Illini since 1986. She is the bookkeeper for both clinic locations. Pam and her husband Don were married in 1973 and have two children and one granddaughter, Lilly. Pam has a chocolate Miniature Poodle named Isabella, and Don's hunting buddy is Zak, an English Springer Spaniel. Pam enjoys spending time with her family, movies, shopping, reading, camping and going to dirt car races with Don.
Gail, Inventory Manager and Technician Manager
Gail joined the Capitol Illini team in the summer of 1992. She received the majority of her in-house training in Pennsylvania where she previously lived. Gail has over 30 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. She was the head surgical technician from 1994-2009, enjoying all surgical procedures especially the orthopedic cases with Dr. Wright. Currently Gail is Inventory Manager, taking pride in the precise management of the hospital's extensive inventory, and Technician Manager, supervising the training and performance of our veterinary technicians and assistants. . Gail and her husband have 2 daughters, a Chihuahua mix Rosie, and a cat Mitchell.
Heather, Certified Veterinary Technician
Heather is a recent graduate from Parkland College Veterinary Technician Program. Prior to joining the team at Capitol Illini in May 2009, Heather spent almost 5 years working in the companion animal veterinary field and wildlife rehabilitation. She has a special interest in the behavioral rehabilitation of difficult cats and dogs. In addition, she is starting a weight management program at our hospitals. Heather is highly motivated in helping pet owners better understand their pet's medical, weight, and behavioral conditions. She shares her home with her fiancé Bruce and their 4 legged family. The family includes 3 cats Carmella, Guido, and Thomas; their dog, Cheyanne (always a loyal companion) and a little pet rat named Lambeau. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, football, and spending time with her family.
Michayla, Certified Veterinary Technician
Michayla, born and raised in Scott County, IL, always knew she wanted a career helping animals. After highschool she went to Champaign and worked for a veterinary hospital while attending Parkland College. She graduated from the Veterinary Technology programat Parkland in May, 2010, then joining Capitol Illini in August 2010. Michayla loves spending her free time with her animals. She has a lion faced rabbit named Cookie, a Maltese Dachshund mix named Moxy, a Maltese named Meiko and another Maltese named Kiara.Other things she enjoys in her free time are running, spending time with friends and family, dog/house sitting and basic agility training with Meiko and Kiara.
Molly, Certified Veterinary Technician
Molly joined the Capitol Illini team in August, 2011 after moving from Star Prarie, a small town in Wisconsin. She is a 2010 veterinary technology graduate from Globe University in Woodbury, Minnesota. Prior to Capitol Illini, Molly gained experience with both large and small animals, through a private veterinary practice and at the University of Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Outside of work Molly enjoys cooking, reading, watching dirt bike racing and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. She is also looking to adopt a dog in the future.
Andrew, Technician Manager
Andrew was hired as a Veterinary Assistant in 2001. He has been Dr. Wright's assistant since 2002 focusing on orthopedic medicine. Having grown up on a farm, Andrew had ample exposure to animals throughout his adolescence. True to his childhood roots, Andrew has five Appaloosa horses, Sassie, Flite, Joker, Soldier and Scout, one Bulldog, Junior and two cats, Louis and Little Tom Brady. Andrew is currently housing several feral "barn" cats. Naturally, he enjoys spending his free time riding his horses and hopes to one day operate his own horse farm, raising and showing Appaloosas.
Melanie, Veterinary Assistant
Melanie began her employment at Capitol Illini in 1992 and has since been one of the indispensable veterinary assistants at our Chatham location. Prior to her employment, Melanie attended Lincoln Land Community College and Illinois State University and obtained an Associate degree in Science. She lives in Edwardsville with her husband Bill in order to be closer to her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Melanie has a special fascination with Great Danes and has one of her own named Edison. She also has two cats, Endora and Waylon. In her spare time Melanie enjoys swimming, baseball, hockey and football. Her interest in Great Danes runs a close race with her love for the one and only "King," Elvis Presley.
Sammi, Veterinary Assistant
Sammi joined the Capitol Illini staff in October 2008. She attended Lincoln Land Community College prior to employment, working towards a degree in Science. Sammi shares her home with fiance Todd, son Kaiden, daughter Kelsie and a yellow lab named Dixie. In her spare time Sammi enjoys attending craft shows, reading, shopping and outdoor activities. Sami enjoys working at Capitol Illini because of the awesome staff and the ability to make a difference in our clients and pets lives.
Megan, Veterinary Assistant
Megan joined our team in July 2010. Megan is a 2008 graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a BS in Animal Science. Megan spent two years at Nestle Purina Product Technology Center running nutrition trials on the cattery side. She recently returned back home to Illinois, sharing her home with her dog Sophie and cat Sammy. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking with her dog, and other outdoor activities.
Amy, Veterinary Assistant
Amy started working at Capitol Illini in December, 2010. She studied Zoology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Amy has worked with animals most of her life, including; as zookeeper and as an education assistant at the Henson Robinson Zoo, a manager of a pet store, pet sitting, and wildlife rehabilitation. She recently moved back to Illinois from California where she worked in a 20 doctor, 24 hour practice and emergency clinic. Amy's spare time is spent with her daughter Alise, friends, 2 kitties Grace and Princess Kitty Maxie, reading, shopping and anything ourdoors. Amy loves her job at Capitol Illini due to the wonderful doctors, staff, pets and clients.
Kacie, Veterinary Assistant
Kacie joined the Capitol Illini team in December, 2010 as a veterinary assistant. Kacie grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from JHS in 2007. Currently she is enrolled in an online program for Animal Care which will be completed in 2011. Sharing her home with 2 great pets; Scarlet, a 1 yr. old Shepherd mix and a 1 yr. old kitty named Veda. Kacie spends her free time with friends, family and of course her pets! A favorite quote: Roger Caras once said,"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." Kacie chose Capitol Illini to help keep our pets healthy and with us for as long as possible.
Lauren, Records Keeper & Veterinary Assistant
Lauren began her employment at Capitol Illini in April, 2011. She was hired as a veterinary assistant, but now acts as both records keeper and assistant. She was born and raised in Chatham, graduating from Glenwood in 2005. Working with animals has always been one of Lauren's ideal jobs. She currently lives in Auburn with her boyfriend, her Doberman Gotti and her shepherd mix Tucker. Lauren's affection for animals, her personality and quick humor has made her a wonderful addition to our team.
Heather, Veterinary Assistant
Heather joined the Capitol Illini team in May, 2011. She graduated from Western Illinois University in 2011 with honors of Summa Cum Laude and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Zoology. In her free time she enjoys spending as much time outside as possible with her boyfriend, Kyle and their Vizsla, Hyde. They also enjoy hunting deer and upland birds together. Heather plans to go on to Veterinary School in the future to persue a DVM with an interest in large animals.
Jamie, Receptionist
Jamie joined Capitol Illini in March 2005. After time behind the reception desk, Jamie was ready for more hands-on animal interaction and became our full time kennel assistant in the fall of 2005. In 2009 Jamie accepted another role as veterinary assistant. Jamie is now cross trained and when needed Jamie is a real team player and can fill in just about anywhere. A rural Springfield native, Jamie now lives in Riverton with her husband Greg. Jamie has aspirations of pursuing a degree in Psychology. Jamie and Greg have two cats, Moses and Mittens and a rescued Chihuahua named Sadie Marie. While fulfilled with their present four-legged brood, Jamie still holds fond memories of her deceased horse Grady who was a special part of Jamie's life for nearly 10 years. Jamie enjoys horseback riding and anything that involves the outdoors.
Renee, Records Manager & Patient Care Coordinator
Renee has been a member of the Capitol Illini reception staff since August 2005. She still gets to fill in as receptionist when needed but her main job now is keeping the medical records updated. Her warm personality and excellent customer service skills makeher an important part of our team. Renee is the proud mother of three children, two boys and one girl. When their children aren't keeping Renee and her husband busy, the family pets are. Renee and her family have a Lab mix named Jack, a Shetland Sheepdog namedSnickers, a cat named Sam. When not working or attending their children's sporting events Renee and her husband enjoy camping.
Carrie, Senior Receptionist
Carrie's history with Capitol Illini far preceded her employment, the latter of which began in December 2005. While growing up in Springfield, Carrie and her mother brought the family pets to Capitol Illini for expert veterinary care. After graduating from theUniversity of Iowa and returning to Springfield, Carrie continued to bring her own pets to Capitol Illini. Carrie, her husband Johnnie and their son Harlan happily share their home with a Maltese named Gabriel and 2 cats named Peanuts and Addison. Peanuts wasadopted from the Animal Protective League. In her time away from work, Carrie enjoys watching her son participate in Karate and Little League.
Shelby, Receptionist
Shelby joined the Capitol Illini team in July 2006. As a child she lived in Sherman and developed a love for animals, caring for several cats and horses. Presently she lives in Decatur with her boyfriend Ryan and his two children Madison and Mason, and theirbaby Alex. They now share the house with four dogs (Bailey, Little Man, Coco, and Simon) and one kitty named Early. When Shelby in not at Capitol Illini she enjoys camping and being outdoors when she has free time.
Amber, Receptionist
Amber joined the Capitol Illini team in June 2008. She eagerly accepted the position because it combined her experience with customer service and her love for animals. A native of Williamsville, she shares her home with hedaughter Sydney, their rambunctious toy poodle, Daisy, and the latest addition, their kitten Lil Peyton Manning. In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, and attending her daughter's sportingevents.
Starla, Receptionist
Starla joined Capitol Illini originally in October 2009. She has taken classes and worked as a veterinary assistant as well as a receptionist. This, along with her outgoing personality, has made her a great addition to our team. She left us in June 2011 to stay home with her new son, Skyler, but found she could not stay away from the job she loved and returned in October 2011. When she's not helping to educate clients she, along with her husband Adam, stay quite busy keeping up with their four dogs from teaching Skyler how to give doggie kisses. Their family of canines includes Sadie, an American Bulldog and their small Pit Bull family of Tank, Lexie and Dessa.
Lindsay, Receptionist
Lindsay joined Capitol Illini in November 2010. She has a degree in Journalism from Southern Illinois University (GO Salukis!), and loves to write in here spare time. She also enjoys spending time with her family, spontaneous road trips and singing at the top of her lungs. Lindsay currently lives in Petersburg with her boyfriend Jake and their two dogs, Junior and Camo.
Melissa, Receptionist
Melissa joined the Capitol Illini team in March 2011 as a receptionist. She loves all types of animals and currently has 2 cats; Scooby, 11 yrs. old and Sweet Pea, 6 yrs. old. She also enjoys horseback riding, rodeos, camping, bowling, softball, motorcycle trips, reading and spending time with family, friends and her boyfriend Jim. Melissa has a Bachelors degree in business with a major in management and a minor in finance. She has worked in the banking industry for 10 yrs. and decided she needed a change. Melissa enjoys interacting with all pets and owners that come to the clinic.
Taisia, Receptionist
Taisia, originally from Minnesota, joined the Capitol Illini team in March, 2011. Taisia considers it a privilege to help make a difference in the lives of pets and people and has made it a personal goal to make "a trip to the vet" a pleasant experience. Taisia graduated from Brown College with a degree in Radio Broadcasting. In her spare time she loves making jewelry, knitting and photography, as well as enjoying quiet time with family, friends and her Siamese cat Addie. Taisia also likes discovering new and amazing places in this new state she now calls home.
Zachary, Kennel Assistant
Zach was a welcomed addition to Capitol Illini in March 2010. He enjoys working not only with animals, but with the staff as well. Zach is currently attending Glenwood High School with plans of attending college to become a police officer. Zach has a cat named Angel and 2 dogs, a Yorkie named Alex and Jack, a black Lab mix.
Sam, Kennel Assistant
Sam joined Capitol Illini in July 2010. Sam is currently attending Glenwood High School with future plans of becoming a veterinary technician. Sam is on a competitive dance team and also tumbles at Turnout Movement Arts Studio. In her spare time she enjoys art and attending sporting events. The family shares their home with two cats Wrigley and Addison.
