PINE BLUFF
Meet Our Staff

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Larry C. Johnson, DVM

Hello, I'm Dr. Larry Johnson.  I have been here at Pine Bluff since 1977.  I graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976.  My first job was in a mixed practice in Macomb, Illinois where I worked for one year.  My wife, Joanne and I moved to Morris in 1977, and Morris has been our home since then.  Our two children are now grown.  Marc is a Microsoft Trainer living in Houston with his wife Robin. Robin does commercial interior design for huge office buildings. Marc and Robin have a son, Carter,  born on January 22, 2002, and a daughter, Caitlin, born Fevruary 21, 2006. Lisa is a stay at home mom with daughter Karryn and son Kody. Lisa and her husband Matthew live in Homer-Glen Township outside of Lockport. Matthew teaches computer advanced drafting  at Hinsdale High School.  Joanne works part-time for Dr. Engle, a local dentist.  We have one dog "Chip" (a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu).  We know personally the strength of the human-animal bond, and I always try to think of everyone's pets as part of their families.

Outside the office I continue to serve the veterinary profession as an active member of our state association (the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association).  I have served on the Grundy County Board of Health for many years.  I attend many hours of continuing education each year to stay current in the latest medicine.  I am an extremely active Lions Club member.  Joanne and I travel when we can, and I go on a ski vacation each winter out west.  I enjoy all the friendships I have made throughout the years with our clients and their pets.  In many cases I am seeing second generation pets and clients, making me feel a little old.
 
 

Hi, and welcome to the Pine Bluff Animal Hospital web site.  I'm Dr. Brian Schmidt.  I've been on staff here at Pine Bluff Animal Hospital since 1982.  I became one of the current owners of the Dwight-Pine Bluff-Lakewood Animal Hospital group in 1990.  I am a 1982 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, Illinois.  While in school, I took a keen interest in surgery and worked as a research associate to one of the schools small animal surgeons.  As a result, I was able to travel to other hospitals in the state, and to Vancouver, British Columbia, assisting and learning in numerous and complex surgical procedures.  This exposure paved the way for what is now my major focus at the Dwight, Pine Bluff, and Lakewood Animal Hospitals ---surgery, although I enjoy all facets of small animal care.  By attending continuing education seminars every year, working with the University, and other area surgeons, colleagues, and even over the internet, I try to maintain a high level of knowledge about the many problems and conditions that can be dealt with surgically.

When I am not at the clinics, I have numerous interests and hobbies that keep me busy.  My wife Catherine and I are both Nationally Certified Massage Therapists and together we own and operate the Heartland Wellness Center in Morris, Illinois.  Some of the center's offerings include instruction in Tai Chi, yoga and aromatherapy, however, the main activity is relaxational and medical massage therapy.  I enjoy woodworking, maintaining and remodeling our home; and, of course, caring for our  "children" (cats, dogs and birds).

In 2004, both video endoscopy and video laparoscopy were added to the services I provide for the clinics.  Endoscopy allows us to visualize the upper and lower GI system for purposes of evaluation, and obtaining biopsies, as well as removing various foreign bodies, such as bones, rocks, socks, etc. in a non-invasive manner.  Prior to having this capability, all GI foreign bodies that couldn't pass on their own, required an open surgical procedure.  Now, many (but not necessarily all) foreign bodies can be removed and the patient can go home the same day in total comfort.

Laparoscopy was added late in 2004 through a generous donation from the Grundy County Humane Society and Great Dane Rescue.  This equipment which mates with our endoscopy unit, allows for the direct visualization of the abdominal contents allowing both biopsy and procedures to be done in a "minimally invasive" surgery.  With laparoscopy, 2-3 small ports are placed in the abdomen which has been distended with gas (carbon dioxide).  A telescope camera, (the video laparoscope) is inserted in one of the ports while various instruments can be inserted in the other ports.  The gas in the abdomen provides a working space to be able to manipulate the instruments, handle organs/tissues, and accomplish whatever the intended goal is (biopsy, excision, gastropexy).  With minimally invasive surgery, incisions are smaller, patients are more comfortable post operatively, and bleeding is less.

At Pine-Bluff Animal Hospital, our primary use of laparoscopy has been used in a procedure called L.A.G., Laparoscopy Assisted Gastropexy.  See the separate page on this topic.
 
 

Kata Nichols, DVM

Hello everybody.  My name is Dr. Kata Nichols.  I am a new member of the team at your animal hospital.  I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2004.  I am originally from a north suburb of Chicago, Glenview, where my parents still live.  I have two Italian hunting dogs, Spinones, Leo and Maximus.

I also wanted to thank everyone for making me feel welcome to the hospital and in town.  I can't wait to meet you and your furry families.  Please stop and say "Hi", I am the doctor that looks like she is 16, don't worry - I am older!
 

Jenny , Office Manager 

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am the office manager at Pine Bluff.  My husband Neal and I have 4 girls; Stephanie, Christina, Coley, and Dana.  They keep me very busy with their many activities including dance, cheerleading, track, volleyball and poms.  My hobbies when time permits are cooking and reading.  The last two members of our family are a Chihuahua named Chi-Chi and a cockatiel named Paco.  I have been with the Pine Bluff family since 1998.  From the receptionists to the technicians to the Doctors I have never worked with a more caring group of individuals who have you and your pet's best interest at heart.  I look forward to seeing you soon.
 
 

Hi!  My name is Michele.   I'm a full-time receptionist at Pine Bluff Animal Hospital.  I have two sons, Matthew and Alex.  We have two pets at this time, a Golden Retriever named "Sweet Magnolia" ("Maggie" for short), and a cat named "Darla."  I truly enjoy working at Pine Bluff Animal Hospital.
My favorite past-time is spending time with my family and friends.

Hi!  My name is Julie.  I am head assistant in surgery.  I have been at Pine Bluff Animal Hospital since September, 1997 and I enjoy my work.  I have been married since 1993.  I have four cats and one Golden Retriever at home.   Outside of work, I like to hike in the woods with my dog, bike ride, swim, listen to music, and ride horses.
 
 

     Michelle, Certified VeterinaryTechnician
Hello.  I am Michelle Lockhart.  I graduated from Joliet Junior College in 2002 with a degree in Veterinary Technology.  I live in Braidwood with my husband, Scott and two children, Chris and Kayla.  I have two cats, Meow and Toby
 
 

Hello!  My name is Gina.  I have worked at Pine Bluff Animal Hospital since August 1994.  Although I am a part-time assistant, I am trained and experienced in most positions throughout our hospital.  I would have to say that my favorite job here is working in the lab.  As a client tech, I really get to know people and their pets on a personal level.  But I also have the opportunity of working with the doctors when they take care of injured or ill patients.  It is very challenging to run tests and await results that are so important for treatment.

In my spare time outside our clinic, I enjoy many sports like bike riding, golf, and bowling.  I also love working in my yard and decorating my home.  I am married, and my husband, Jim, and I have two daughters, Tiffani and Amber.  Our family has three dogs, a sheltie named "Kelsey" and two Pomeranians named "Buttons" and "Tiki".  They keep all of us very busy.  I would have to say that because of my three pets, my husband and my daughters, who are in every sport in school, I only have time to work part-time, but even part-time, my job is very rewarding and I am so lucky to be doing tasks that really interest me in this hospital.  As I continue to learn and grow through experiences here at Pine Bluff, I hope to always give back as much as I have received from every pet, client, co-worker, and doctor.
 

                Amanda, Veterinary Assistant 
Hi!  My name is Amanda and I am a vet assistant that has been working at Pine Bluff since 2002.  I work in the lab and assist in surgery.  I have 1 dog named Chino.  I adopted him from the clinic after he and his sister were found abandoned.  I also have a cat named Davina.  Working here has added plenty of pets to my family.  I have 2 daughters.  My hobbies include spending time with my family, going on trips to dog parks with Chino, and shopping.  Working here has been interesting and the people are fun.

            Jill, Certified Veterinary Technician

Hi1  My name is Jill and I am a CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician) and a VDT (Veterinary Dental Technician).  I have been with Pine Bluff since May of 2005.  I have become very close with everyone here and am glad to be part of the team.  I have two cats, Elsie Rose and Frostbite.  I have 3 dogs Mitzie (teacup poodle), Daphne (sheltie) and Gauge (chocolate lab).  I especially enjoy assisting in surgery and performing dentals.
 

        Leslie, Certified Veterinary Technician
Hi, my name is Leslie.  I have worked here since 2004 after graduating from Joliet Junior College.  Ia ma a Certified Veterinary Technician. I have 5 dogs named Peter, Chopper, Lucy, Fred and Desi.  I also have two cats named Francesca and Pumpkin.  In my free time I enjoy hanging with friends.  Pine Bluff  (aka: PBAH) is the Greatest!!  I also enjoy tanning.
 

Vickey, Receptionist 
My name is Vickey and I have been an employee at Pine Bluff since 2002 as a part time receptionist.  I have lived in Coal City since 2001 with my brittany spaniel, Sadie.  I thoroughly enjoy interacting with all the clients and patients here at Pine Bluff.  I especially enjoy seeing the doctors perform what sometimes we consider to be miracles!
 

       Debby, Receptionist

Hello, My name is Debby.  My husband Doug and I have four children, one son and three daughters, and twin granddaughters.  We also have a Shih Tzu mix named Gizmo.  I am a receptionist at Pine Bluff Animal Hospital.  I love working with all the animals.  Our staff is made up with friendly, caring people.  It's a great place to work!
 

    Patti, Receptionist

Hi, my name is Patti and I am a full time receptionist at Pine Bluff.  I like working here, being able to help people and their pets is very rewarding.  My husband Mike and I have two daughters, Keeley and Michelle.  We have 3 dogs, Missy a border collie, Lucy an Australian Shepherd, and Taco a rat terrier.  We also have Tigger our cat.
My hobbies include watching my daughters rodeo, sewing and crafts.

Michelle, Kennel Technician
Hi, my name is Michlle.  I am the kennel technician at Pine Bluff.  I just got married to my husband Sammy.  We have two dogs, a rottweiler named Zoey and a chihuahua named Jagermeister.
 

      Mary Sue, Technician
Hello, my name is Mary Sue.  I am a full time veterinary technician at Pine Bluff.  I live in Coal City with my husband, Shawn and our two children Michael and Shawn.
We hae two rescued miniature schnauzers, Bogey and Buster.  We also have a rescued rabbit named Mr. B.
Outside of work I love watching my boys play football for the Coal City Miners Youth Football League, as well as spending time with family and friends.
 

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