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Veterinarian and Owner
Emily grew up in the northwestern corner of Oregon surrounded by a menagerie of pets. Because of her love for hunting and fishing, she pursued a Fisheries and Wildlife Degree from Oregon State University. After graduating, Emily was hired as a biologist in Wyoming where she met her husband, Jim. It was there while working with wildlife diseases that she discovered a passion for veterinary medicine. Emily attended Colorado State University and graduated in May of 2022 with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. She worked in Wyoming at a fast paced, rural mixed animal practice after graduation and then transitioned to relief work traveling to other locations in Wyoming, Nebraska, Oregon, and Michigan. She recently relocated to the UP after working in Marquette as a relief veterinarian. She enjoys working with her small animal patients and their parents. Emily is looking forward to becoming a permanent member of the community.
Dr. Grace is originally from south Texas so if you hear a y’all or howdy when she talks to you don’t laugh too hard! She grew up playing every sport you can imagine but truly fell in love with soccer and earned a scholarship to continue her education and follow her sports dreams at Texas A&M University. She always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and following a successful career as an athlete in college stayed in College Station, TX to pursue her DVM at Texas A&M University. Upon graduation, Grace moved to central Illinois and joined a fast-paced mixed animal clinic where she started her career as a doctor and gained so much valuable experience! Dr. Grace has a passion for surgery and the human-animal bond helping people and their pets through all stages of life. She is married to her husband Nathan, and they have three pets at home: Riggs and Ralphie, the sweetest golden retriever buddies; and Kallie the calico cat! In her free time, she enjoys CrossFit, hiking with the dogs, travelling, and Veterinary based Mission Trips! Dr. Grace can’t wait to serve the Marquette community!
Veterinary Assistant, Inventory Management
Shelby was born and raised in Marquette, Michigan, and takes pride in being a Yooper. She attended Marquette Senior High School, where she was a varsity diver, a violinist in the orchestra, and a member of the National Honor Society. She studied biology and physiology at NMU as a student of the pre-vet program and plans to return Fall of 2024 to complete her degree and attend veterinary school after that.
When she is away from AMC, Shelby likes to read, cuddle with her two French Bulldogs, and spend time with her husband. She loves to cook, swim, spend time with family, and take many, many naps.
Shelby has been a member of the AMC team in some capacity since 2013 – first as a Health-Occupations high school student, then as a college student at Northern Michigan University, and now as a veterinary assistant. She has been officially on the payroll since 2018. She manages inventory and orders all the supplies and medications that allow us to care for your pets, but her favorite part of the job is helping animals feel better. Whether assisting in surgery, running labs, or seeing appointments, Shelby is dedicated to patient care and takes pride in a job well done. She is passionate about internal medicine, veterinary nutrition, soft-tissue surgery, and client education. She enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and their pets. Shelby loves being a member of an AAHA-accredited hospital that focuses on gold-standard patient care – allowing her to continue to grow her skills and learn – and that makes creating a Fear-Free environment for patients a priority. Making a difference in the community and pet’s lives makes every day worth the hard work.
Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
Meet Shana. She has been an LVT with us since 2007 and is happy to call the Upper Peninsula and the Animal Medical Center of Marquette home. She’s generally interested in everything we do but has a love of anesthesia, dentistry and senior care. She is always excited about developing new skills and emerging medicine but tempers it with a practical approach. She shares her home with one dog, two cats and a flock of chickens.
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Alex, even as a young child, greatly enjoyed the company of animals. Though Alex at first took to dogs, she has grown to appreciate and admire animals of all shapes and sizes. That appreciation grew into a genuine desire to help and care for those animals she held so dear. Following her passion, Alex began working at Animal Medical Center as a Veterinary Assistant. Over the next several years, Alex studied in Purdue University’s Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program and after completion was licensed as a Veterinary Technician in 2023.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys hiking the great outdoors of Marquette, Michigan, where she was born and raised. Alex participates in a women’s volleyball league, is a member of the Marquette Choral Society, as well as an avid reader. In addition, Alex has raised, trained and socialized nine puppies as a Volunteer Puppy Raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind, as well as assisting and supervising other Volunteer Puppy Raisers as a Puppy Counselor. Of those nine, Alex has adopted two as pets; Ardyn and Xander, after they were Career Changed. Ardyn now works as a licensed Therapy Dog at Marquette Area Public Schools, and Xander is Alex’s joyful and exuberant companion. Alex hopes to follow her desire of bettering the lives of animals of all shapes and sizes for many years to come.
Veterinary Assistant
Bella is a dedicated Veterinary Technician Assistant with a deep-seated passion for patient care, surgical support, and pharmacology. With 3 years of experience in the field, Bella combines technical expertise with compassionate care, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of treatment.
A proud Michigan native, Bella grew up amidst the natural beauty of the mitten, which has instilled in her a profound appreciation for the outdoors. Bella has always had a passion for veterinary medicine. Growing up, she could be found on her family’s farm helping with educational shows, walking horses, and teaching visitors how to milk cows.
Bella’s journey in veterinary medicine began with a commitment to making a positive impact on animal health and welfare. Specializing in patient care and recovery, Bella excels in providing attentive and empathetic support, ensuring that each animal is comfortable and cared for during their visit. Her keen interest in surgical procedures allows her to assist with precision and efficiency, contributing to successful outcomes in the operating room.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Bella enjoys spending time outdoors with her beloved cat, Bug, who accompanies her on hikes and walks along the beach. Their adventures have strengthened their bond and have deepened Bella’s appreciation for the healing power of nature. Whether she’s in the clinic or exploring nature, Bella is committed to fostering the health and happiness of all animals.
Bella started with AMC in May of 2024. She feels incredibly fortunate to call AMC home and is deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of every animal in her care. Her dedication to staying current with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine ensures that she provides the highest quality of care and support.
Veterinary Assistant
Hello i’m Grace, I am a born and raised Yooper and grew up on a small farm. I got my love for animals when I had to learn how to raise and take care of them from a young age. I strive to do everything I can to provide my best knowledge and passion for animals and their people to bring a little more joy into everyone’s lives.
I enjoy being outside and doing things like fishing, hunting, laying on the beach and exploring new terrain. I grew up with 9 other siblings so I know how to handle a crazy and fun environment and that is why I got into veterinary medicine. I have always wanted to expand my knowledge about animals and how to take care of them, and I look forward to caring and servicing you and your pets!
Lead Client Service Representative
Born and raised in Lower Michigan, Taylor grew up in a home full of rescued cats and dogs, fostering a deep love for animals from a young age. With a mother who was a horse trainer and a childhood surrounded by wildlife, she naturally found joy in caring for animals—starting with taming barn cats and eventually helping with horses and livestock.
Driven by this lifelong passion, Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Northern Michigan University, with the goal of building a career dedicated to animal care. Whether it’s cuddling up with her beloved cat, Skitz, spending quality time with friends and her boyfriend, or diving into a good book, she finds fulfillment in both quiet moments and meaningful connections.
Above all, Taylor believes that animals of all shapes and sizes deserve love, respect, and the best possible care—because to her, they’re not just pets, they’re family.
