Karen M. Updike, DVM
Dr. Updike graduated from Michigan State University in
1994 and has practiced here at Milwood Animal Clinic
ever since. She and her husband, Dr. Curtis Dame,
took over ownership of the clinic in June of 1995. She
has a special interest in avian and exotic pet medicine
as well as animal behavior. Dr. Updike loves that our
doctors and staff take the time necessary to make our
patients feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. Updike and
Dr. Dame have two children, Amelia and Mitchell. The
family shares their home with a Miniature Schnauzer
named Hazel, a Papillon named Bingo, Ginger the ferret,
a budgie named Polly, a Schneider's Skink, and a
Russian Tortoise named Mathias, who lives in the clinic.
Dr. Updike graduated from Michigan State University in
1994 and has practiced here at Milwood Animal Clinic
ever since. She and her husband, Dr. Curtis Dame,
took over ownership of the clinic in June of 1995. She
has a special interest in avian and exotic pet medicine
as well as animal behavior. Dr. Updike loves that our
doctors and staff take the time necessary to make our
patients feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. Updike and
Dr. Dame have two children, Amelia and Mitchell. The
family shares their home with a Miniature Schnauzer
named Hazel, a Papillon named Bingo, Ginger the ferret,
a budgie named Polly, a Schneider's Skink, and a
Russian Tortoise named Mathias, who lives in the clinic.
Alissa M. Smitley, DVM
Dr. Smitley, also a 1994 graduate from Michigan State
University, has been with Milwood Animal Clinic since
September 1997. Her special interests are
reproductive medicine, exotic pet medicine, and
ophthalmology. She lives with her husband, Jon and
her daughter, Lelia. She loves that here at Milwood we
truly and constantly strive to provide the most caring
and comprehensive care to all our patients.
Dr. Smitley, also a 1994 graduate from Michigan State
University, has been with Milwood Animal Clinic since
September 1997. Her special interests are
reproductive medicine, exotic pet medicine, and
ophthalmology. She lives with her husband, Jon and
her daughter, Lelia. She loves that here at Milwood we
truly and constantly strive to provide the most caring
and comprehensive care to all our patients.
Barb Disney
Barb has been with Milwood Animal Clinic since 1996.
Born and raised in Southern California, Barb is a
graduate of the Licensed Animal Health Technician
Program at San Diego Mesa College. Her family of four
transplanted to Kalamazoo in 1990. Having experience
in Veterinary Technology, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and
pet grooming, she has been Milwood's Practice
Manager since 1997. The family pets are all rescues:
Shellie the bossy Australian Shepherd, Paulie the
rascally Jack Russell mix, and Rooste, the wild and
woolly Golden Retreiver/Chow mix. Barb enjoys
reading, music, cooking, fishing, and tending her
perennial gardens. She loves the dedication to
kindness and respect for all our patients and clients,
which is the hallmark of Milwood Animal Clinic.
Barb has been with Milwood Animal Clinic since 1996.
Born and raised in Southern California, Barb is a
graduate of the Licensed Animal Health Technician
Program at San Diego Mesa College. Her family of four
transplanted to Kalamazoo in 1990. Having experience
in Veterinary Technology, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and
pet grooming, she has been Milwood's Practice
Manager since 1997. The family pets are all rescues:
Shellie the bossy Australian Shepherd, Paulie the
rascally Jack Russell mix, and Rooste, the wild and
woolly Golden Retreiver/Chow mix. Barb enjoys
reading, music, cooking, fishing, and tending her
perennial gardens. She loves the dedication to
kindness and respect for all our patients and clients,
which is the hallmark of Milwood Animal Clinic.
Emily Partaka
Emily came to us in November of 2006 from the Upper
Peninsula and works at Milwood as an out-patient
nurse and receptionist. She has a Bachelor's Degree
in French Linguistics form Western Michigan
University and is presently engaged to be married.
Her kitty pets are Faline the old maid with a whole
lotta spunk and Madmartigan the itty bitty kitten
turned gigantic monster cat who enjoy annoying one
another. Both kitties are Milwood rescues. Her
interests include camping, hiking, and baking. Emily
loves the relationships our staff build with our patients
and clients throughout their pets' lives.
Emily came to us in November of 2006 from the Upper
Peninsula and works at Milwood as an out-patient
nurse and receptionist. She has a Bachelor's Degree
in French Linguistics form Western Michigan
University and is presently engaged to be married.
Her kitty pets are Faline the old maid with a whole
lotta spunk and Madmartigan the itty bitty kitten
turned gigantic monster cat who enjoy annoying one
another. Both kitties are Milwood rescues. Her
interests include camping, hiking, and baking. Emily
loves the relationships our staff build with our patients
and clients throughout their pets' lives.
Kathleen Disney
Kathleen,(Katie) started working at Milwood in
February of 2007. She is a student at Western
Michigan University studying Elementary Education.
She shares a home with her sister and their adopted
mystery breed dog Kira. Katie loves how we
appreciate the uniqueness of all our patients and the
way the staff at Milwood educate our clients so they
can make informed decisions about their pets' health.
Kathleen,(Katie) started working at Milwood in
February of 2007. She is a student at Western
Michigan University studying Elementary Education.
She shares a home with her sister and their adopted
mystery breed dog Kira. Katie loves how we
appreciate the uniqueness of all our patients and the
way the staff at Milwood educate our clients so they
can make informed decisions about their pets' health.
Susan Elizabeth Chappell
Susan joined us in February of 2004 as an Out Patient
Nurse and surgical assistant. As well as being little
Audrey's favorite auntie, Susan has quite an extended
family of furry friends. Lillian is an adorable and naughty
tricolor beagle who loves junk food and chasing her
tennis ball, Reginald is a Akita-mix, and Scooter, an
Australian Cattle Dog mix. Greyling and Jane are
Susan's domestic short hair cats who love massages
and showing how to shake paws. Susan's 2 ferrets,
Jenna and Bernard, enjoy stealing socks and hiding
them under the bed for you to find. Lastly is Ebony, her
20 year old paint/quarter horse. Susan loves that at
Milwood all the staff are encouraged to learn new skills
and enrich their knowledge every day.
Susan joined us in February of 2004 as an Out Patient
Nurse and surgical assistant. As well as being little
Audrey's favorite auntie, Susan has quite an extended
family of furry friends. Lillian is an adorable and naughty
tricolor beagle who loves junk food and chasing her
tennis ball, Reginald is a Akita-mix, and Scooter, an
Australian Cattle Dog mix. Greyling and Jane are
Susan's domestic short hair cats who love massages
and showing how to shake paws. Susan's 2 ferrets,
Jenna and Bernard, enjoy stealing socks and hiding
them under the bed for you to find. Lastly is Ebony, her
20 year old paint/quarter horse. Susan loves that at
Milwood all the staff are encouraged to learn new skills
and enrich their knowledge every day.
Ian Brown
Ian joined Milwood's staff as a computer fix-it guy in
December of 2006 but he couldn't help but join all the
fun animal work! He attended Western Michigan
University from 1998-2001and is one of Milwood's full
time Out-Patient Nurses. He has a Black Lab mix
Aurora and a fish named Camo Ian likes that we try
very hard to educate clients in order for them to make
the best, informed decisions about the care and
feeding of their pets.
Ian joined Milwood's staff as a computer fix-it guy in
December of 2006 but he couldn't help but join all the
fun animal work! He attended Western Michigan
University from 1998-2001and is one of Milwood's full
time Out-Patient Nurses. He has a Black Lab mix
Aurora and a fish named Camo Ian likes that we try
very hard to educate clients in order for them to make
the best, informed decisions about the care and
feeding of their pets.
Kari Stasienko, BS, CPDT-KA
Kari joined Milwood in June of 2002. She has a Bachelor
of Science Degree from Grand Valley State University
and earned her Certified Professional Dog
Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) credential in
October, 2009. Kari provides Puppy and Family Dog
Classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays. In
addition to dog training, Kari works with Dr. Updike to
develop behavior modification programs for canine and
feline behavior problems. Kari is married with two sons.
Her "furry" children include Coby and Tyson - two lazy
pugs, Riley - an energetic lab mix who loves swimming
and playing ball, and Vento - a German Shepherd who
is a police canine as well as a great family pet.
Kari loves Milwood's team commitment to provide the
best customer service as well as the value we place in
educating clients and recommending the best for their
pets - as if they were our own.
Kari joined Milwood in June of 2002. She has a Bachelor
of Science Degree from Grand Valley State University
and earned her Certified Professional Dog
Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) credential in
October, 2009. Kari provides Puppy and Family Dog
Classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays. In
addition to dog training, Kari works with Dr. Updike to
develop behavior modification programs for canine and
feline behavior problems. Kari is married with two sons.
Her "furry" children include Coby and Tyson - two lazy
pugs, Riley - an energetic lab mix who loves swimming
and playing ball, and Vento - a German Shepherd who
is a police canine as well as a great family pet.
Kari loves Milwood's team commitment to provide the
best customer service as well as the value we place in
educating clients and recommending the best for their
pets - as if they were our own.
Tina Lamb
Tina has been a technician with Milwood Animal Clinic
since June of 2000. She has worked in the field of
veterinary sciences for many years. She has an
associates degree from KVCC and Lake Michigan
college, both as an EMT Specialist and a Medical
assistant. Tina's pet family consists of dogs, cats,
birds, and horses. Her hobbies are shopping with
Susan, gardening, horseback riding and riding a Harley
in the summer with her main squeeze. She has a special
interest is avian behavior and medicine. Tina enjoys the
people she works with at Milwood, the exotic pets we
treat, our dedication to client education and how we
work hard to fulfill our mission statement.
Tina has been a technician with Milwood Animal Clinic
since June of 2000. She has worked in the field of
veterinary sciences for many years. She has an
associates degree from KVCC and Lake Michigan
college, both as an EMT Specialist and a Medical
assistant. Tina's pet family consists of dogs, cats,
birds, and horses. Her hobbies are shopping with
Susan, gardening, horseback riding and riding a Harley
in the summer with her main squeeze. She has a special
interest is avian behavior and medicine. Tina enjoys the
people she works with at Milwood, the exotic pets we
treat, our dedication to client education and how we
work hard to fulfill our mission statement.
Robin Baker
Robin joined our team in June of 2007. She has over
30 years of dog and cat grooming experience and
has groomed throughout the Kalamazoo area during
this time. Robin has 3 dogs: Gracie, Marshall, &
Pattie, and a calico cat named Indian. Robin enjoys
working on her property and creating rustic art work
from natural materials.
Robin joined our team in June of 2007. She has over
30 years of dog and cat grooming experience and
has groomed throughout the Kalamazoo area during
this time. Robin has 3 dogs: Gracie, Marshall, &
Pattie, and a calico cat named Indian. Robin enjoys
working on her property and creating rustic art work
from natural materials.
About Us:
The staff of Milwood Animal Clinic is dedicated to providing the highest quality medical
care for your pet while making your visit as pleasant as possible. It is our philosophy
that the mental well-being of your pets is as important as their physical health so we use
calming, rewards-based handling techniques to minimize stress. We treat our patients
as if they were our own pets!
Our Vision:
Our vision is to educate and inform pet owners so they can make optimal medical
decisions on behalf of their animal companions in order to prevent and treat disease.
Our Mission Statement:
The Doctors and Staff at Milwood Animal Clinic recognize the trust our clients have
placed in us. We are therefore dedicated to providing compassionate care to all our
patients and their families through outstanding veterinary medicine, education and client
services.
The staff of Milwood Animal Clinic is dedicated to providing the highest quality medical
care for your pet while making your visit as pleasant as possible. It is our philosophy
that the mental well-being of your pets is as important as their physical health so we use
calming, rewards-based handling techniques to minimize stress. We treat our patients
as if they were our own pets!
Our Vision:
Our vision is to educate and inform pet owners so they can make optimal medical
decisions on behalf of their animal companions in order to prevent and treat disease.
Our Mission Statement:
The Doctors and Staff at Milwood Animal Clinic recognize the trust our clients have
placed in us. We are therefore dedicated to providing compassionate care to all our
patients and their families through outstanding veterinary medicine, education and client
services.
Milwood Animal Clinic's support staff aids the veterinarians in everything they do. Receptionists directly assist our
clients with appointments, records and communications with the doctors. Out Patient Nurses (OPNs) work hand in
hand with the veterinarians during examinations and do most of the client Milwood education that helps our pet
owners keep their pets happy and healthy. Our In Patient Nurses (IPNs) perform laboratory procedures, assist the
doctors in surgery and provide nursing care for hospitalized patients. All our staff receive continuing education on a
weekly basis so that they can better help educate our clients, assist the veterinarians and provide exceptional health
care to your companion pets.
clients with appointments, records and communications with the doctors. Out Patient Nurses (OPNs) work hand in
hand with the veterinarians during examinations and do most of the client Milwood education that helps our pet
owners keep their pets happy and healthy. Our In Patient Nurses (IPNs) perform laboratory procedures, assist the
doctors in surgery and provide nursing care for hospitalized patients. All our staff receive continuing education on a
weekly basis so that they can better help educate our clients, assist the veterinarians and provide exceptional health
care to your companion pets.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Jennifer Austin
Jen became a Milwood Animal Clinic veterinary
technician in September 2011. She is a transplant
from California and received her Associates degree in
Veterinary Technology from Pierce College and her
Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo. Her pet family includes a kitty named Mugsy
and two pugs: Ringo and Chewy. Jen enjoys hiking,
camping, and just being out doors. Jen has enjoyed
learning about exotic small animal species at Milwood
and loves our dedication to client education.
Jen became a Milwood Animal Clinic veterinary
technician in September 2011. She is a transplant
from California and received her Associates degree in
Veterinary Technology from Pierce College and her
Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo. Her pet family includes a kitty named Mugsy
and two pugs: Ringo and Chewy. Jen enjoys hiking,
camping, and just being out doors. Jen has enjoyed
learning about exotic small animal species at Milwood
and loves our dedication to client education.
