Excellent Care and Outstanding Service
Pekin Veterinary Clinic Technicians
Courtney Evans, CVT - Small Animal Rehabilitation Center
I am a Certified Veterinary Technician and graduated from Parkland College. Originally from Washington, IL, I am converting to being a Pekinite. I have been with the Pekin Veterinary Clinic for over 5 years. My special interests at work include assisting in surgery (especially the orthopedic surgeries), phlebotomy, physical rehabilitation, and digital radiology. I really enjoy watching new puppies and kittens grow like weeds.
My husband and I currently have two four-legged children. "Tyge" is the name of my first born. He is a seal point Himalayan that has a loveable personality with an occasional side of "cattitude". My second born is a Siberian Husky named "Crash". Trust me, the name fits! He's a wild child that isn't the brightest crayon in the box, but I love him with all my heart anyway!
I am kind of an outdoorsy/athletic girl. My hobbies include all of the following: walking the dog, jogging, weight lifting, volleyball, tennis, pilates, cardio kick boxing, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, gardening, bowling, reading, traveling, and shopping...lots and lots of shopping.
Stacey Berlett, CVT - Small Animal Rehabilitation Center
I am a certified veterinary technician. I grew up in Champaign, IL where I attended Centennial High School and Parkland College. I played many sports including soccer throughout college. I graduated from Parkland in 2005 and obtained my license later that year. After graduation, I moved to Peoria, IL to pursue my career. My special veterinary interests include physical rehabilitation, pain management and nutrition. I am currently engaged to a wonderful man and we will be getting married in October of 2009. In my spare time I love to just be with my family and friends. We currently have a cat named Cali and a very spoiled dog named Capone. I play on a summer softball league and winter bowling league. I am also a huge Illini fan! GO ILLINI!!
Kelly Pennell
I've been in the technician field for over twenty-five years with experience in all technical areas including emergency, clinical, and surgical. I enjoy making a difference in my patients' lives, and helping an ill animal become a healthy pet again. Watching pet owners (especially their kids) take their special pet back home is all the thanks I ever need.
You name it, I have had it as a pet: horses, dogs, cats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and fish. My favorite ‘pets’ are my two sons, Ben and Sam, and my first grandson, Trent. I am active in my church, Parkway Christian, both on the board and in the choir. I'm also a brown belt in karate and trained as a Military Police Specialist - Hoo-raa! Go, Army! If you cause trouble at my clinic, you'll run into me sooner or later...
My most current hobbies are Egyptology, birding, and anything on Sci-Fi. Yes, I am a geek and a nerd.
Jennifer Knight, CVT
Growing up in the country in west central Illinois, I always had many pets. I believe this is why I have developed such a love for helping animals. My pets include my coonhounds Rex and Buck, rat terrier Rosco, yellow lab, Reese, along with my cats, Dusty and Bubba, and my quarter horse Copper.
I obtained my associates degree as a Certified Veterinary Technician at Parkland College in Champaign, IL in 2007. I started working at Pekin Veterinary Clinic in May 2008 and absolutely love my job. Some of my special interests include canine behavior and physical therapy. In my free time I enjoy riding horses, 4-wheeling, fishing, spending time outdoors, singing, and playing the piano.
Jessica Hood, CVT
Born in East Peoria, IL, I moved to Haleyville, AL, at the age of 8, where I spent the next 11 years. One year after graduating from high school, I moved back to the Peoria area. I attended Illinois Central College for two years, trying to decide which direction to take to fulfill my dream of working with animals. I moved to Champaign, IL in 2006 and enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program. I graduated in 2008 with an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology and soon moved back to Peoria. I began working at the Pekin Veterinary Clinic in May 2009 and I love my job! I recently became certified after passing my board exam. My professional interests include surgical assisting, behavioral rehabilitation, and phlebotomy.
In my free time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and family, and playing with my pets (My dog, Hazelnut; Chai, my kitty; and Truffle, my guinea pig). I also love to waste an afternoon watching television.
Angela VonDerHeide, CVT
I have lived in central Illinois most of my life and have always been around animals - I grew up with them and now I have my own in my home. Currently I have a big orange cat named "Jack", a chocolate colored beagle mix named "Lola", and a red corn snake named "Snakie".
I was married in 2002 to Ben and I consider him one of my best friends. I became a mother in February of 2008: Jameson is a very cool kid. Watching him grow and change has become our favorite pastime. He loves animals as much as I do. I also enjoy camping, playing games, watching TV, some sports, food, blue jeans, and chewing gum. My favorite color is currently light blue.
I started out as an art student in college at Illinois State University and worked drawing portraits for several years, but soon found myself in vet tech school. I graduated from Parkland College in 2006. I have been working as a Certified Veterinary Technician since then and love it. I truly enjoy educating our clients about their furry family member; it can greatly improve the relationship between the pets and their owners.