Meet Northwood Animal Hospital’s caring and experienced staff!
-
DR. JENNIFER KLABUNDE
DVM, CVCP
Dr. Jen Klabunde is a Veterinarian and co-owner of Northwood Animal Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State University and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. Dr. Klabunde moved to Northern Michigan in 2007 to take over ownership of our practice.
Dr. Klabunde is an active member of the veterinary medical community. She has been involved with local animal rescue organizations and served as President of the Northern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association for several years. She is a member of the MVMA, AVMA, AAFP, and AAHA.
When not working, Dr. Klabunde can be found shuttling her three children to and from school sporting events. Since 2010, she has been the head coach of the ‘Girls on the Run’ program at Kingsley Elementary School, where she encourages young girls to develop self-esteem and healthy lifestyles. She enjoys camping, boating, and fishing with her four-legged best friend Finn.
-
DR. JOHN SHEARD
DVM
Dr. John Sheard joined Northwood Animal Hospital in 2022 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Prior to pursuing his medical passion, Dr. Sheard lived in Chicago and spent 14 years in Corporate Finance.
While at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Sheard won the Student Achievement Award in both Dentist and Internal Medicine. He also served as Treasurer of the Student Chapter of the National Veterinary Medical Association.
After graduating and before moving to Michigan to be closer to family, Dr. Sheard practiced medicine in Madison, WI as the Medical Director of a local practice. Dr. Sheard's medical interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery as well as internal medicine.
Outside of work, Dr. Sheard is an avid sailor, guitar player, and a runner. He lives in Traverse City with his wife Kathy and son Logan, who is currently an MSU Spartan, along with his 3 mischievous Labrador Retrievers - Skylar, Sydney, and Atlas.
-
DR. JENNIFER LINK
DVM
Dr. Jennifer Link joined Northwood Animal Hospital in 2024. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, concentration in Animal Behavior and Neurobiology, and completed her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2011. Before joining our team, she worked in the Mid-Michigan area practicing small animal general medicine and surgery.Dr. Link was drawn to the veterinary field by her love of science and medicine, as well as her love of animals and helping people. Her compassion and empathy for her patients and clients make her the perfect addition to our team.
When she is not caring for animals, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching MSU sporting events, hiking, and spending time on the beach. Dr. Link and her husband have a son, three bulldogs (Ursula, Bessy, and Beans), and four cats (Henry, Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana).
-
CLINT KLABUNDE
Hospital Administrator
Clint Klabunde co-owns Northwood Animal Hospital and is our Hospital Administrator. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State University, Clint worked for the USDA’s National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Clint moved to Northern Michigan with his family and became our Hospital Administrator in 2007.
As Hospital Administrator, Clint is usually working behind the scenes managing the business aspect of our hospital. He has been an active member of the Interlochen Chamber of Commerce since 2011 and was honored to be elected President of the Chamber in 2014.
In his free time, Clint enjoys woodworking and snowmobiling throughout Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He enjoys spending time with his family. Clint shares his home and farm with dogs, cats, sheep, and whatever else his wife or children bring home.
-
PATTY NEUBECKER
Office Manager
Patty Neubecker is our Practice Manager. Prior to joining our team, Patty started in the veterinary field as an assistant in her hometown in 2003. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Michigan State University, she moved to Northern Michigan and joined our practice in 2010.
Not only does Patty enjoy working with our patients, but she truly enjoys getting to know our clients. She is always trying to create and develop informational tools that help educate clients on topics that directly affect their pets.
When Patty is not at work, she enjoys time spent outdoors doing activities with her family. Patty and her husband Jared have two children, Hunter and Rylie, and pets Ino and Metoo (cats), and Ruger Sprinkles Ann (dog).
-
MELISSA TYLER
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Melissa Tyler is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). She joined our practice after graduating from Michigan State University’s LVT program in 2009.
Melissa was inspired to go into the field of veterinary technology as an avenue to serve and care for people, advocating for the pets they love and cherish so much. She is a compassionate and intelligent technician that will be there for your pet’s every need.
When not caring for your pets, you will find Melissa hiking around the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore with her husband Buddy and their dog Sky. Her interests include disc golfing, dancing, running, baking, and creating beautiful furniture and décor.
-
KARLEE DAWSON
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Karlee Dawson is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). She joined our hospital prior to obtaining her LVT degree from Baker College in 2017.
Karlee was inspired to go into veterinary technology through her dog, Lilly, who required extensive medical attention at a young age. Lilly’s care became so involved that the veterinary team taught Karlee how to take over some of Lilly’s treatments. As a technician, she is meticulous and dedicated to the veterinary field.
When not caring for your pets, you will find Karlee spending time with family, fishing, camping, reading, and baking. Her family includes her husband Austin, son Walker, daughter Maeve, and pets Lilly (dog), Carson, Goose, Socks (cats), and three ducks.
-
SAM ORBAN
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Sam is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). She joined our practice after graduating from Michigan State University’s LVT program in 2021.
Sam’s compassion and dedication to the care of animals are what drew her to the veterinary field. She uses her skills to help pets and enjoys comforting and caring for them.
When she’s not at the clinic, Sam enjoys playing the ukulele, rollerblading, reading, and hanging with her sister Kayla.
-
ABBY LUYK
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Abby is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) and joined our practice after graduating from Michigan State University’s LVT program in 2022.
Caring for animals has always been a passion for Abby. That, combined with the ability to be a voice for the voiceless, is what drew her to the veterinary field.
When she isn’t at the clinic, she enjoys paddle boarding and kayaking on northern Michigan lakes and rivers and spending time with family. Abby and her boyfriend have two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rory and Mack, and two cats Roscoe and Yoshi.
-
-
ASHLEY PUCKETT
Veterinary Assistant
Ashley Puckett is a Veterinary Assistant. She graduated from Western Michigan University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services. After gaining six years of experience in animal care at Leader Dogs for the Blind, she moved up north and joined our practice in 2018.
Ashley enjoys learning new things and growing as a vet assistant. She particularly enjoys that she is able to work with animals every day and contribute to keeping them healthy.
In her spare time, Ashley likes to read, watch movies, and go for hikes with her family. Ashley and her husband Brian have two pets, Penny (cat) and Jaxson (dog).
-
SHELBY TOMPKINS
Veterinary Assistant
After three years in the insurance industry, Shelby joined our practice in 2021 as a receptionist to pursue her career in pet medicine. As she studies to become a Veterinary Technician, Shelby has taken on the role of Veterinary Assistant.
Being able to help our clients and snuggle our patients, Shelby’s exceptional customer service and love for animals make her an asset to our clinic. Even though her background is in business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Public Relations and Marketing, she has adapted well to a brand-new career.
Outside of work Shelby and her husband Jake enjoy exploring new places, having bonfires, and hanging out with family and friends. Shelby and Jake have two dogs, Kirby and Jelli.
-
TESSA KEYTON
Patient Care Coordinator
Tessa Keyton is a Patient Care Coordinator. As a proud Spartan, she graduated from Michigan State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a minor in Spanish. She joined our practice in the spring of 2013.
Tessa came highly recommended due to her work ethic, as well as her bubbly and outgoing personality. She enjoys finding ways to make pets and clients feel welcome and at ease when coming to our clinic.
In her spare time, you will find Tessa making memories with close family and friends. Her family includes her husband Darren, three children, and pets Kyla and Buckley (dogs), and Killian (cat).
-
CHRISTY BROWN
Patient Care Coordinator
Christy started in the Veterinary field as a volunteer for the ASPCA in 2000. She continued working as an assistant and patient care coordinator in Las Vegas, she moved to Phoenix where she was a clinic manager for six years, and moved here in 2021 to continue her career. She enjoys working with all types of animals and making them and their humans feel comfortable and welcome.
In her spare time, Christy enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking. Her family includes her husband Todd, daughter Nika, and pets: Dragster - a Bearded Dragon, and three chihuahuas - Gussy Gustavo Gustoferson Bustamonte, Princess Monster Face, and Magical Leoplueridon.
-
EMILY LEMIEUX
Patient Care Coordinator
Emily has been working in the Veterinary industry since 2019 as a patient care coordinator for a clinic in Southeast Michigan. She moved to the area in late 2020 and joined the practice.
Emily was inspired to work in the veterinary industry after volunteering with animal rescues. She enjoys helping clients and their pets feel welcome and at ease.
In her spare time, you’ll find Emily on her farm with her husband Dan, their dogs - Pippin, Harlow, and Tikki, cats, a flock of sheep, a goat, poultry, and a llama named Rupert. They occasionally get away to hike, kayak, and explore Michigan.
-
JENNA
Patient Care Coordinator
-
KATIE
Patient Care Coordinator
-
MEGAN KLABUNDE
Veterinary Assistant
Megan Klabunde is a Veterinary Assistant. She graduated from Kingsley High School and is currently attending Grand Valley State University with the long-term goal of becoming a Veterinarian.
Megan enjoys learning new things and growing as a Veterinary Assistant. She especially enjoys seeing the many different types of animals and their individual personalities, while helping them feel more comfortable and giving them a positive experience at the vet.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys spending time with friends, playing with her dog Grover, and going on hikes to watch the sunset. Megan has multiple pets, Grover (dog), Finn (dog), Cocoa (cat), Cricket (cat), and her Babydoll Southdown sheep.
-
LAURA KLABUNDE
Veterinary Assistant
Laura Klabunde is a Veterinary Assistant. After graduation, she plans to enter the field of Veterinary Medicine.
Laura enjoys interacting and taking care of all patients. She particularly likes making every patient visit the best experience possible.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys being with friends and family, creating things, outdoor recreation, and sports. Laura has many pets including sheep, dogs, and cats.
