Meet the Staff of Columbia Animal Clinic 

Photo by April Messer Photography

Dr. Michelle Engel

Dr. Engel graduated from Michigan State University, at which time she developed a special interest in exotics, as well as cats and dogs.  Family time with her husband and 2 daughters usually involves card games and good food.  To work off the food, she enjoys running with her dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Stilton. Her humane society acquired cat, Cheddar, completes the home menagerie. 

Photo by Jennifer Bates Photography

Dr. Laura Baker

Completed her Bachelor's and her DVM from Michigan State University in 2003. She has a special interest in feline medicine, cytology, and ultrasonography. When she's not taking care of her patients, Dr. Baker enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and camping. Dr. Baker joined our team in May 2012.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Dianna P., CVPM

Dianna graduated from Lake Superior State University with a B.S. in Biology in 2005. Dianna started her career here that summer. In 2010, Dianna became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. Dianna is married to her high school sweetheart, and has 2 amazing boys and 2 cats. She enjoys hiking and spending time in the Upper Peninsula. ​

Photo by Jennifer Bates Photography

Kinsey L., LVT

Kinsey joined our team in August 2016 after earning her B.S. in Veterinary Technology from Michigan State University. She holds a special interest in surgery and rehabilitation. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, gardening,  and spending time with her dog Yukon and cats McGraw, Marmalade, and Hazel. 

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​​Photo by April Messer Photography

Tiffany C., CSR

Tiffany joined our team in 2011, after working at Dr. Engel's former boarding facility, Creature Comforts Pet Resort, for 2 years. She is married and a proud mom of two handsome boys! She has 4 dogs. 1 Boxer/Mastiff mix named Brutus and 3 Boxers Gemma, Charmander and Opal. She also has 2 cats named Cosmo and Priscilla, Spike, who is an almost 15-year-old bearded dragon, and chickens. 

Photo by April Messer Photography

Emily T., LVT

Emily joined our team in 2009 as a Vo-tech student studying Veterinary Assisting.  After Emily graduated from high school, she stepped right into a role here as an assistant/receptionist.  Emily attended Stautzenberger College in Toledo, completing coursework to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She lives happily with her dog,  a Boxer named Harper, her cat, Livewire (L.W.), and her son, Ledger.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Kristi F., Office Manager

Kristi joined our team in May of 2019.  Kristi is married to Patrick, together they have 3 children, three dogs named Lola, Chewy, and Solo. Kristi enjoys spending time on the lake, reading, knitting and spending time with family.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Kaleigh P., CSR

Kaleigh joined our team in September 2020 as a veterinary assistant. She has a bachelor's degree in Children's Literature and Drama/Theatre for the Young, with a minor in Creative Writing. In her free time, she enjoys photography, reading, and crafting. Kaleigh lives with her husband, 2 daughters, a rabbit- Harrison, and three dogs- Bubba, Jefferson, and Georgia. ​

Photo by April Messer Photography

Rachel R., LVT

Rachel joined our team in March of 2022. She graduated from Statzenberger College with an Associate's Degree in Applied Science and obtained her LVT in 2016, and started working at a multi-doctor general practice in Adrian, MI. After moving to Brooklyn, she accepted a position at a dentistry specialty practice where she worked for the last 2 years. She is so happy to be a part of this amazing team where she can demonstrate her passion for working with companion animals every day. She also enjoys building relationships with clients and their pets through veterinary medicine. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 3 teenagers. They also keep busy with their 4 dogs, 4 cats, 3 goats and 10 chickens.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Becca T., LVT

Becca joined our team in May of 2022. She attended Baker College of Jackson and graduated with an associate's degree in applied science in May of 2022. She did her externship here during her last semester of school, and then became an employee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, sons, their dog, Bailey, and cat, Theo.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Erin P., VA

Erin joined our team in August of 2022. She is currently studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician, with plans to graduate in the spring of 2024. Erin's veterinary passions include hematology and working with exotics. At home, she has a long-haired tiger cat named Rocket. In her free time, she enjoys off-roading, baking, and spending time with her husband, Rhyan, family, and friends.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Ashley B., VA

Ashley joined our team in April of 2023 as a Veterinary Assistant after moving up from Georgia, where she spent time as a Kennel and Lab Technician. She loves getting to interact and assist with all our different clients and is currently working on her Fear Free certifications! With her husband, Seth, she has two dogs, Echo and Lily, as well as four cats, two ducks, and a ball python. In her free time, she enjoys lake days, video games, and a good book.

Cathy F., CSR

Cathy joined our team in August of 2023, with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. She has 2 dogs, Lucy and Murphy. In her free time, Cathy enjoys walking with her dogs, reading, and traveling.

Photo by April Messer Photography

Emmy T., LVT

Emmy joined our team in March of 2024. She has two Lab Mixes, Mac and Faith. She went to school to become a veterinary technician and passed her VTNE in June 2025. In her free time, she loves to read, listen to music, and hang out with her family and friends.

Kasha C., VA

Kasha joined our team in April of 2024. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2017 with a B.S. In Zoology, and she is currently in the veterinary technician program through Penn Foster. She currently doesn't have any pets, but looks forward to having another Golden, as well as ferrets, in the future. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, hanging with family, and relaxing on the couch binge-watching TV.

Shayna G., LVT

Shayna joined our team in May of 2024. Shayna graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Nursing from Michigan State University in May 2024 and obtained her LVT in July. When not at work, she enjoys gardening and spending time with family and friends.  Shayna shares her home with two dogs (Chico and Hunter) and two cats (Jejunum and Teuta). 

Tori P., LVT

Tori joined our team officially in May of 2024, after completing her externship here. She graduated from Baker College in August of 2024 and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in August of 2024. Tori has a special interest in zoology and would like to work with zoo animals one day. She has two dogs, a Dachshund/Jack Russel mix named Zoey, and a Beagle/Dachshund mix named Pickles. When she's not at the clinic, she loves relaxing with her dogs in the sun, reading books, and playing adventure video games. She also has a love for almost everything nerdy, and would be happy to talk about Star Wars and superheroes with you anytime!

Ashlee E., CSR

Ashlee joined our team in July of 2024. She lives with her fiancé, Chase, and they have a German Shepherd named Thunder and a cat named Penelope. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and traveling.