Learn More About Animal Medical Clinic

Jacki Atkins-Schroeder, DVM

You could say that I grew up at the Animal Medical Clinic and would be right. I started assisting my dad, Dr. George Atkins, and his partner, Dr. Tom Powell, when I was only fifteen years old. I have always loved all animals, and fell in love with veterinary medicine and surgery while assisting my dad and Dr. Powell. Helping Pets and their families is always an adventure.

I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2001. I took my first job at a small animal clinic in the west suburbs of Chicago and learned quickly that I could not wait to get back to Central Illinois. I worked at the Animal Emergency Clinic in Springfield for over 3 years before settling back in at Animal Medical Clinic in January of 2006. I purchased the practice from my dad and Dr. Powell in February of 2008 and plan to work as hard as they did to maintain the highest standards in the area for small animal veterinary medicine and surgery.

My interests include preventative medicine, critical care and soft tissue surgery. I also have a passion for advanced pain management. I finished my certification in animal chiropractic in the fall of 2010. I am certified through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the International Veterinary Chiropractic association.

When I am not at work, I am enjoying being a mom to three amazing boys. My husband and I love to travel when we get the opportunity. We also share our home with our rescued pets. Peggy Sue is a crazy beagle mix who has won my heart although I cannot explain why. She has been treated multiple times for eating things she was not supposed to eat. She is my inspiration for learning more techniques to help dogs with back pain. Missy is our part Siamese part goddess cat who keeps everyone on the straight and narrow.

The Professional Team at Animal Medical Clinic

Brandi Bearden, CVT
Practice Manager

I have always known that I wanted to work with animals and began my veterinary career in 1999 in York, Virginia. I relocated to Illinois in April 2001 and began working at AMC in August 2001. AMC truly is my home away from home. I can't imagine being anywhere else.

I have always had a love (ok, ok obsession) with Dalmatians. Pictured with me are Storm (brown nose) and Reed (pink nose). They are litter mates and always keep things interesting. They love to travel with us and go boating on the weekends in the summer. I also have two cats at home, Rohn and Radius. They are not quite as outgoing as the dogs though. They prefer to stay at home and lounge on their human brothers' beds.

Outside of work, my family and I enjoy being on the water. We are out on the lake most weekends that the weather is nice and we love visiting the beach.

Dorothy Wartenbe, CVT

Technician

I have lived in Springfield for almost all of my life. Growing up, I knew I wanted to work with animals. During middle school, I started looking for possible careers in the veterinary field and I soon decided to pursue becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). During high school, I job shadowed at several veterinary clinics to make sure becoming a CVT was what I truly wanted to do. I started researching colleges that offered Veterinary Technology programs. I wanted to find something that was close to home and I soon found Parkland College in Champaign, IL.. After graduating from Parkland in 2008, I moved back to Springfield to be close to friends and family. I found my first job as a CVT at a multi-doctor practice for 2 years. After 2 years at a larger practice, I realized that a smaller practice was a better fit for me and in July 2010, I became part of the wonderful staff here at Animal Medical Clinic.

In June 2016, I became a homeowner for the first time. I still live in Springfield and plan to for awhile as it is where my life is; great job and most of my family and friends. As far as my four legged children, I had a beautiful Golden Retriever named Jaxon who passed away in May of 2022. Soon after his passing I knew I wanted another Golden, so I acquired Chandler Joseph who was born in May 2022 and I got him in July 2022. He is a handful compared to Jaxon, but we love him all the same. I also had a calico cat named Jewel who passed in 2019 and couldn't live without a cat either so after a couple of months I rescued a black cat from SCAC named Opal Jane. I love my fur babies and will always have at least one dog and cat. I can’t live without them! I have no plans to change my career choice. I love my job and can’t imagine doing anything else.

Cassidy Savage

Assistant

A veterinary clinic is where I wanted to spend my life since I found a love with animals at a very young age. Dogs and cats being a part of my family for as long as I can remember, they fuel my passion and interest for helping other families love and care for their furry family members. In June of 2016 my dreams came true and I became a part of the AMC family and haven't looked back! I began my journey into veterinary medicine with classes majoring in Biology, but shortly after starting at AMC I chose to focus on working with my favorite people all day, every day! I do plan on furthering my education to achieve my CVT license in order to improve my knowledge and care for patients, but for now I am blessed to continue to grow relationships with clients and patients alike.

My wild bunch consists of; my personal furchildren, a 10 year old Boston Terrier/Pit Bull Mix named Kiara, & a 7 year old torti-point Siamese, Lira. My family has a 7 year old Pit Bull, Roxy, who was relinquished here at the clinic and fell nose over paw for my dad. Lastly, a 9 year old Doberman named Isabella who loves me dearly, but loves my mom SO much more. I can't imagine life without this crazy crew!

Overall, I am so grateful to be a member of this amazing team, who I am lucky to consider family and I can't wait to get to know every owner, family, and furry friend that walks through the doors.

Tomi Patrick, CVT

Technician

I’ve always gravitated towards working, playing, & training animals since I was a young girl. Through 4H I was lucky enough to have cared for cats, dogs, ducks, cows, and horses (my childhood obsession). My life in the veterinary world began in 1992 as a kennel assistant, and then in 1997 I graduated with my Animal Science degree from SIUC, to immediately rejoin the veterinary work force as an assistant. In the years to follow, I obtained my CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician) license in 2010, and began working at a clinic in the Chatham area where I would stay for 25 years, as well as the local emergency clinic starting in 2001. In 2021 I found my forever home at AMC, where I plan to spend the remainder of my career.

Outside of work my corgi’s (Enzo & Gunny) and I enjoy participating in Nosework, Agility, Obedience, Tracking, & Rally training. Not to forget our orange tabby housecat, Alvin who enjoys the sunnier things in life. Most recently, in 2020, I fulfilled my childhood dream and bought my own horse, Thea, and we often take part in cow sorting competitions across several states.

Marsha Willing

Receptionist

I grew up in the country in Athens. I have always had a cat and dog. I have also had birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish and a pig. I always wanted to work with animals.

I started working at Kmart when I was 16 years old, then Walmart in 1996 and St. Johns in medical records in 1999. I was always looking for a job working with animals. I finally got my chance in 2016 working at a vet office in Chatham. I worked for 7 years in 2 different vet offices in Chatham. I started working at AMC April of 2023. I like working with a group of great people.

I got married in 2011. We have 2 rescued cats, Reese and Chevy. I enjoy camping, fishing, riding bikes and traveling. I dream of living on the beach taking care of animals.

Alissa Razo

Assistant

I have always wanted to work with animals ever since I was little. I’ve never gone through a stage where I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my career, it has always been veterinary medicine. I started working at AMC in February of 2021 part-time as an Assistant, which further confirmed my passion & desire to continue in this field. I am currently studying at Millikin University, with the intention of continue on to achieve my DVM (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine).

I currently have 3 dogs, 2 of which are labs, Oakley (3 years) and Boone (2 years)(featured in the photo) are half siblings and make life interesting while duck hunting with my dad, and Arnold, our 10 year old English Bulldog who finds joy in sleeping his days away. Late 2021, I started my bunny obsession, by bringing home Pheobe, I loved her so much, I decided to get her a friend, Binx, which resulted in me keeping one of their babies, Theodore. Then, earlier in 2023 I acquired a stray kitten, Ronan, who loves to play hide & seek when he’s not being his usual wild and crazy self (he’s even woken me up by smacking my forehead!).

Rhonda Luzio

Assistant

I have been working at AMC since March 2007 as an assistant. I have been married to my husband, Chris, since June 2006. We have two children: Caleb born in 2011 and Eden born 2016. We also have two furry “kids”. Our cat, Maeby, is older and very motherly to the 2 “hairless kittens” she has claimed as her own. Our dog, Tobias “Toby” Purple, is a 70# dog who thinks he is 10#. What he lacks in intelligence (which is a lot), he makes up for in pure sweetness.

I worked full-time for almost 10 years at the clinic, until I had my daughter. I made the difficult decision to stay home with her, but ultimately couldn’t stay away from my co-workers, clients, and patients. Less than a year later, I came back in a part-time position and love it.

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