Dr. Andrew W. Helmholdt became an 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. In addition he has a special interest in orthopedics and soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and general/internal 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 during the summer enjoys sailing with his family in South Haven.

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Dr. Cyndi(Rieden) Lunney became an 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, 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.

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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 has just graduated to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. 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!

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 watching scary horror movies, and rooting for her favorite sports teams (Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins). Click here for more pictures of Izzy & Allie.

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.

Anita joined the staff of Portage Animal Hospital in June of 2007. She worked at Sturgis Veterinary Hospital for a year as a veterinary assistant. She is from Colon, MI the magic capital of the world, but moved to Kalamazoo in August of 2007 to be much closer to work. She hopes soon to start classes to become a licensed technician. Anita has a cat named BoBo, She also has a dog named Dutchess, and her newest addition, a 6 month old hound mix named Finn! In her spare time she enjoys watching sports, especially the Tigers, she also enjoys bike riding and being outside.

Look who's back!!! Donella re-joined our staff March of 2008. After raising a family, caring for aging parents, and 22 years in the Kalamazoo County 4-H equine project, she has returned to us. Sharing her life are husband, Dennis, son, Terry, daughter, Tiffany, son-in-law, Brad, Bear (her Weimaraner grand-dog), and her 2 Arabian geldings Ga-Sharri and Rajag. Donella is enjoying many reunions with long standing clients, and getting acquainted with current clients and pets. Her hobbies include boating, bowling, craft & antique shopping, and working hidden picture puzzles.

Ashley joined our staff in August 2008. She has three cats: a Maine Coon named Skeeter, a orange Tabby named Maynard, and a silver Tabby named Sophie. In her spare time she likes to drive around in her car, draw, and listen to music. She does plan to attend college, but is yet undecided on her major.

Holly recently became a member of the Portage Animal Hospital in February of 2010. She was born and raised in Portage, and graduated from Portage Central High School in 2002. Married to Chris Rogenski, she has two step-children, Christian and Skylar. She LOVES animals, and is excited to be working in the veterinary field. She has a full house of furry friends: Breanne, a Chocolate Lab/Rottweiler mix, Sye, a boxer mix, Scrappy, a Shepard/Rottweiler mix, and Cowboy, a maine coon mix. She enjoys being with her family and friends, and also loves to travel.

Jessica started with us on September 1st, 2009. She grew up in Oxford, MI and moved to Kalamazoo in 2006 to attend Western Michigan University. She will graduate soon with a communications degree, and then go on to a vet tech program. She has one dog, named Honey who she spends a lot of time taking for walks and swimming.