Meet Our Staff

The doctors and staff of Portage Animal Hospital look forward to providing an outstanding health care experience for your pet.

Dr. Andrew Helmholdt became a co-owner of Portage Animal Hospital in August 2005.  He is a 1991 cum laude graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  His practice experiences have included Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.  He has special interests in cardiology/thoracic disease and performs echocardiographs regularly. He also has experience in orthopedics and soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and general medicine.  His family includes his wife, Tonya, and daughters, Hannah and Olivia.  They share their home with three cats, Bella, Mimi and Chin-Chin, and three dogs, Lucy, Ellie, and their newest rescue- Andy.  He has his sport pilot certification and is building his own plane. Click here to see pictures of his pets!

Dr. Cyndi (Rieden) Lunney became a co-owner of Portage Animal Hospital in August 2005.  After earning a Bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College in 1991, she received her DVM summa cum laude from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.  She practiced in Benton Harbor for two years followed by seven years in Grand Rapids.  Her interests include internal medicine, feline medicine, behavior and ultrasound.  Dr. Lunney's family includes her husband, Michael, son, Tim, and daughter, Rachel, as well as her cat Mookie, and dog Hooch.  When Dr. Lunney isn't working she loves to follow sports (especially hockey).  She also enjoys reading and home-improvement projects. Click here to see pictures of her pets!

Dr. Cynthia Lunney

Michelle started working with us in February of 2008.  She graduated from the MSU Veterinary Technology program in 2007 and is a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  Michelle has previously worked in cardiovascular research and at an exotics practice.  Michelle's family includes her husband Dave, Tucker a black long-haired cat, Austin a collie mix, and Raz a quarter horse.  In her free time Michelle likes to fish, hike, rock-climb, and travel. Click here to see pictures of her pets!

Caitie joined the Portage Animal Hospital staff in 2003.  She began working at Portage Animal Hospital as a student in the EFE program and she is currently pursuing a Veterinary Technology degree.  When she is not working she enjoys spending time scrapbooking, cake decorating, gardening, and playing with her dog, Otis (Coonhound/Great Dane mix). Click here for more pictures of Otis!

Caitie, Veterinary Assistant

Leah has been a member of the Portage Animal Hospital staff since 2004.  She is originally from Florida where she first worked in the veterinary field, but has been braving the Michigan winters with her boyfriend, Jason, and cats, Izzy & Allie. When Leah isn't working she enjoys following football and hockey, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins.  Click here for more pictures of Izzy & Allie.

Leah, Receptionist

Deb has been a member of the Portage Animal Hospital staff since May 2005.  She has worked as a Veterinary Assistant since January 2000 and also works full-time at Kentwood Veterinary Clinic in Grand Rapids, MI.  Her family includes two sons, one grandson, and a cockatiel named Buddy.  When Deb isn't working she enjoys reading, jogging, disc golfing and roller blading.

Deb, Veterinary  Assistant

Christy joined us May of 2007. She has her Associates Degree is business and is working on getting her veterinary technician degree.  Christy is from Sturgis, MI and moved to Kalamazoo in September of '06 with her husband Tim. They just got married in August! Christy has a Chow/German Shepherd mix named Chloe, a black lab named Tido, a recently rescued yellow lab named Morgan, a torti cat named Kiara, and a few fish.  Her hobbies include anything with her animals, watching football (Detroit Lions and University of Michigan) rollerblading, camping, and reading (when she has time!) Click here for more pet pictures!

Christy, Receptionist