 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Betty, Practice Manager
 Betty
joined Capitol Illini in September 1975 as a receptionist and
veterinary assistant. She was later promoted to Office Manager in 1976
and is currently the Practice Manager. Betty is the proud wife of her
wonderful husband, Jim and devoted mother to her son, Joe. Betty and
Jim have two dogs, Cassie, a Pembroke Corgi and Sad Sack, a Bloodhound
rescue. Betty has a wide variety of animal related interests that keep
her busy while at work and in her leisure time. Betty has seen a number
of positive changes at Capitol Illini during her tenure and looks
forward to many more in the years to come.
|
| |
 |
Pamela, Bookkeeper
 Motivated by her love for animals, Pam has been working for Capitol Illini since September 1986. Pam is our full time bookkeeper. She and longtime best friend, Don have been blissfully married since 1973. They have two children, Matthew of Franklin and Kate of Tucson, AZ. Pam was blessed in 2005 with her first grandchild Lillian. Pam enjoys interacting with the variety of pets, large and small, young and old, that visit Capitol Illini every day. She and Don are the caring guardians of two barn cats Sunny Tucson and Duncan Franklin, an English Springer named Zak, and a Pomeranian named Cooper. Cooper keeps Pam company while Zak and Don are out hunting. Pam and Don spend the majority of their free time working at the Sawmill business they opened in 2004.
|
| |
|
Shannon, Office Manager & Records Manager
 Shannon joined Capitol Illini in March of 2002. Shannon serves as a receptionist but her focus is primarily as patient care coordinator, maintaining medical records, and overseeing the office staff at the Chatham clinic. Shannon has lived in the Chatham area for 20 years and is a graduate of Virden High School. She and her husband Jimmy, her high school sweetheart, have been married since 2001. They welcomed their first child, James in 2004 and their newest addition Allie in 2008. The family shares their home with a dog, named Scruffy and a cat named Talouse. Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising and reading.
|
| |
|
Gail, Surgical Technician
 Though
Gail may have only been with Capitol Illini since the summer of 1992,
she has over 25 years of experience in the field of veterinary
medicine. Prior to moving to Illinois, Gail lived in Pennsylvania and
worked at Prospect Park Veterinary Hospital where she received the
majority of her in-house training. Gail has been the head surgical
technician at Capitol Illini since 1994. She takes pride in her precise
management of the clinic's extensive inventory and enjoys partaking in
the variety of surgical procedures, routine, orthopedic and otherwise,
we perform on a daily basis. Gail and her husband Keith are the proud
parents of two daughters, Caitlin and Amy. They also share their home
with a Chihuahua named Rosario and a cat named Mitchell, the latter of
whom they adopted from the Animal Protective League.
|
| |
|
Connie, Certified Veterinary Technician
 Connie joined Capitol Illini in August of 2003. She obtained her degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College in Florida. Born and raised in Springfield, after graduation Connie returned to Illinois and practiced at an emergency facility near Chicago. She enjoys a number of outdoor sports as well as routine yard work and gardening with her husband Marc and beautiful step-daughter Maggie.
|
| |
|
Dorothy, Certified Veterinary
Technician
 Dorothy
officially became part of the Capitol Illini team
in July of 2008. Prior to her employment Dorothy
attended Parkland College in the Veterinary Technology
Program. She has wanted to be in the veterinary
field since grade school and after researching
her options she chose to be the front runner of
patient care by becoming a certified veterinary
technician. After developing a relationship with
the staff through a summer internship, Dorothy
focused on a career with Capitol Illini. A resident
of Springfield her entire life, Dorothy shares
her home with her cat Jewel, two rats Missie and
Blondie, and future plans for a Golden Retriever
named Jaxon. In her free time she enjoys spending
quality time with friends and family and of course
enjoying the company of their pets.
|
| |
|
Kari, Certified Veterinary
Technician
 Kari joined the Capitol Illini team in February 2009. She is a recent graduate of the Certified Veterinary Technician program of Sanford-Brown College in Fenton, Missouri where she graduated with honors and received the award for “Most Outstanding Student.” Her specific goals in the veterinary field include: 1) promoting quality dental health, and 2) improving compliance through client education. She feels these goals will better the quality of life for our companion animal friends. Kari and her husband Kyle have a variety of pets, including: a ferret (Tiger), 2 horses (Bo and Brittney), and 2 dogs, a beagle named Maddie and the most recent addition to their family, Oxley a rapidly growing Great Dane (a breed she absolutely adores). She loves spending time with her family and friends and can always be found outside enjoying anything involving animals or nature. We at Capitol Illini are very excited that Kari is on board and appreciate the positive attitude and teamwork she displays each and every day.
|
| |
|
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.
|
| |
|
Jody, Technician Manager
 Jody enlisted with Capitol Illini in June 1997. Since that time she has proficiently held a variety of positions within the clinic. Though she started as a receptionist at our Chatham facility, she has also had experience in record keeping, kennel, and finally veterinary assistant. She was later promoted to head veterinary assistant at Wabash and is currently the technician manager at Chatham. Jody also oversees the interior clinic decorations, inventory, and occasionally substitutes as receptionist if needed. Jody has two cats, a Siamese named Smoke and a one-eyed domestic medium hair named Winks. She has a German Shepherd named Ishka whom she breeds. In her spare time she enjoys taking Ishka to various wooded trails and camping out at her uncle’s lake (which Ishka quite enjoys as well).
|
| |
|
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 is currently attending an online Veterinary Technician
Program. 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.
|
| |
|
Jenn, Veterinary Assistant 
Jenn joined our staff in September
2007. is a graduate of Southern Illinois
University-Carbondale, holding a bachelor's degree in business
management. Jenn is a native Illinoisan who recently returned
from the east coast. She and her husband, David, have two dogs,
Neely and Maddie. Neely is a beagle mix who loves to eat, sleep,
and snuggle (other hobbies include: begging for treats, watching
Maddie eat, and chasing squirrels). Maddie is a terrier mix who
enjoys chasing squirrels and protecting her turf (other hobbies
include: chasing geese, chasing chipmunks, and chasing birds).
|
|
|
Sammi, Veterinary Assistant
 Sammi joined the Capitol Illini staff in October 2008. During high school she was in the Health Science Academy where she decided to pursue a career in the health care field. She enjoys spending her spare time camping, swimming, house/pet sitting, and watching movies with her son and yellow lab, Dixie. |
|
|
Liz, Veterinary Assistant
Liz, a Springfield native, joined the Capitol Illini team in May 2009. While she enjoys working with many different pets, Liz’s love of cats and dogs led her to a career in the Veterinary field. Liz has 4 pets of her own: Marley, a loveable Pit Bull; Izzi, a lively Min Pin; a quiet and reserved kitty named Dell; and Kiku, a kitty that looks like a baby black panther. In her free time she likes hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a talented singer and has a fabulous sense of humor. When she isn’t working at Capitol Illini, she spends time pet sitting. Liz is a great addition to our staff. She is warm, friendly, and her love of animals is apparent to everyone she meets. |
|
|
Jennifer, Veterinary Assistant
Jennifer became a valuable team player in December, 2009. She recently moved to the Springfield area, although she was born and raised in central Illinois. Jennifer graduated with a BS in Zoology from Western Illinois University and is currently working on her master’s degree at Illinois State University. She has 2 dogs, KC and Bowser, and 3 cats, Dorian, Einstein, and Shebert. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, the interweb, hiking, tubing and playing with her video camera. Jennifer’s good nature, communication skills, and desire to learn make her a valuable asset to Capitol Illini. |
|
|
Renee, Records Manager & Patient
Care Coordinator
 Renee
has been a member of the Capitol Illini reception staff since August
2005. Her warm personality and excellent customer service skills make
her 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 named Snickers, a cat
named Tiger and a Cockatiel named Bird. Bird keeps the family
entertained with his impression of the microwave timer. When not
working or attending their children's sporting events Renee and her
husband enjoy camping.
|
| |
|
Carrie, 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. Even after striking out on her own, Carrie continued
to bring her own animals to Capitol Illini. Carrie, her husband Johnnie
and their son Harlan happily share their home with a Maltese named
Gabriel and a cat named Peanuts. They adopted Peanuts from the Animal
Protective League. Carrie's warm personality blends well with all our
staff members and with the vast variety of clients and patients we
welcome at Capitol Illini every day. Whether on the phone or in person,
rest assured Carrie and the rest of the Capitol crew will see to it
that each client and patient's needs are met promptly and efficiently. |
| |
|
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 Greenview with her
parents. She shares her home with 2 hamsters, Maggie and Pepper,
and a very curious kitty named Zipper. When Shelby is not at
Capitol Illini, she enjoys taking photographs and making pottery.
She is also an avid gardener and loves tending to her Bonsai trees. |
| |
|
Tracy, Receptionist
 Tracy joined the Capitol Illini team in August of 2007. Although she is an Illinois native, Tracy lived in the U.K. for seven months of her life. Tired of the gloomy weather, she returned to the U.S. with her son Brayden. Tracy’s quick wit and sense of humor has made her popular among not only furry friends, but the entire Capitol Illini team. She is a fan of Fat Willy’s chef salads with extra ranch and spending time with her son and her Maine Coon cat, Laya.
|
|
| |
Lyndsay, Receptionist
 Lyndsay joined the Capitol Illini team in May 2008. Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Lyndsay previously worked at an animal shelter. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her son Cayden. They both especially enjoy spending time at Washington Park. Lyndsay and Cayden share their home with a sassy kitty named Gizelle nicknamed “Zelli-head” for short.
|
|
| |
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 her daughter Sydney and their rambunctious toy poodle, Daisy. In her spare time, Amber enjoys being with family and friends, cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, and reading.
|
|
| |
Lyndsey, Receptionist
 Lyndsey joined the Capitol Illini team in June of 2009. Trading in her flip-flops for a parka, Lyndsey moved to Illinois in May from Santa Barbara, CA to finish journalism school. Writing and animals have always been her two great passions in life and through moving to Illinois she was able to find a career in both. She works part-time as a freelance journalist for the Illinois times and currently lives with her kitten Karma and boyfriend (hope to be soon fiancé or else) Patrick.
|
|
| |
Jamie, Kennel
 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. 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, a
number of outdoor activities and occasionally volunteers as a dog
walker at the Animal Protective League.
|
| |
|
Shelby, Kennel
 Shelby began work with Capitol Illini in March 2009. In addition to her work at Capitol Illini, she also works part-time at a hair salon. Shelby is currently a senior at Southeast High School, a member of Southern View Chapel, a member of National Honor Society, as well as a volunteer for the Animal Protective League. In her free time she loves reading, spending time with her boyfriend, and hanging out with family and friends. Her future plans include attending SIU Carbondale to study zoology with a minor in photography.
|
| |
|
Venus, Chatham Clinic Cat
 Venus
has been a resident at Capitol Illini Chatham for nearly nine years.
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.
|
|
|
 |
