Veterinarians

Dr. Christopher Hall, DVM

Dr. Chris Hall is a graduate of Kansas State University. It was here he began a PhD. in anatomy and physiology with specific research regarding large animal respiratory disease. It was this research that led him to Michigan State University to continue his graduate work. Dr. Hall then transferred to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine to complete his Doctorate. At this point he began an externship in Raptor and Zoo Medicine at the University of Minnesota Raptor Rehabilitation Center and the Minnesota Zoo respectively.
Following his externship, Dr. Hall began work at the Chippewa Animal Clinic. He takes each patient’s care personally and prides himself in his ability to improve the lives of both his patients and their families. Dr. Hall’s approach to patient care reflects a well-known quote from Chief Seattle, a strong Native American leader: “If all the beasts were gone, we would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts, happens to us all”. Dr. Hall is a firm believer in the special connection we have with our pets; he aims to create a personal bond of trust with your family for a long lasting partnership in your pet's health and happiness. Dr. Hall and his team are committed to providing the most compassionate care available in an effort to improve the lives of both you and your pet.
Dr. Hall is very much involved with his tribe and participates in powwows as a singer and traditional dancer. In his free time, Dr. Hall enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife Debra and four children Justin, Nick, Jada and Alexia. Dr. Hall is also an avid martial artist; he currently teaches Kuk Sool Won to our local youth, and he is trained in both Judo and Taekwondo.  Dr. Hall has a special place in his heart for large-breed working dogs as his own fur family consists of three Great Pyrenees – Penelope, Newton and Charlie. He also has a variety of farm animals including horses, goats, and even a couple chickens.

Dr. Kate Kiekhaefer, DVM

Dr. Kate Kiekhaefer graduated from the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She then practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Spartanburg, South Carolina for two years before moving to Alpine, Texas. While in Texas, Dr. Kate practiced mixed animal medicine and surgery for four years. In 2008, she moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and began working with the wonderful staff at Chippewa Animal Clinic. Dr. Kate’s parents fostered her love for animals at a very young age – she grew up on a farm surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, chickens, and many other animals. Pursuing a career in veterinary medicine was the only logical choice for Dr. Kate as her passion for helping animals continued to burn. During each visit, Dr. Kate goes above and beyond to care for your pet while respecting your beliefs and wishes. She is passionate about pet owner education, and she aims to ensure you understand each aspect of your pet’s health. During her free time, Dr. Kate can be found running; she enjoys exercise and participates in various marathons and competitions throughout the year. Dr. Kate has a rather large family consisting of 12 dogs, 3 cats, 4 horse, 6 rabbits, and a flock of chickens! She holds a special place in her heart for senior dogs; Dr. Kate often rescues older dogs from various animal shelters across the state and gives them a comfortable home & lots of love during their golden years.

Staff 

Sami Knutsen

Receptionist 
Sami was inspired at a young age to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Sami grew up watching her uncle, Dr. Christopher Hall, chase his life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian. She always envied his dedication and compassion and was ecstatic when she was offered the opportunity to join his team at the Chippewa Animal Clinic. Sami’s ability to empathize with both her patients and their families is unmatched. With each visit, she aims to create a welcoming, comfortable environment in order to foster a long lasting relationship with both you and your pet. Sami has a soft spot for exotic animals; she has her own little zoo at home consisting of 3 rescue dogs – Bella, Roxy, and Chloe, 2 cats - Autumn & Sophie, Summer the bearded dragon, and Jaxson the hedgehog.  In her free time, Sami can be found painting or crafting, or soaking up the sun on the beaches of Lake Superior with her dogs during the summer.

Lucas Garrett

Veterinary Technician
Lucas has been helping animals since he can remember – as a child, he was always bringing home sick or injured animals to nurse back to health. His love for rehabilitating wildlife led him to pursue a degree in natural resource technology. Following his schooling, Lucas went on to be a wildlife assistant with the Department of Natural Resources; he eventually made his way into veterinary medicine, joining the team at Chippewa Animal Clinic. Lucas still holds a special place is his heart for wildlife, as he acts as the coordinator for our wildlife rehabilitation program.  Lucas is determined to provide exceptional care for all animals – both wild & domestic! He truly enjoys seeing a sick or injured animal return home happy & healthy.  In his free time, Lucas can be found fishing and enjoying the great outdoors with his children. 

Jackie Gort

Veterinary Assistant
Jackie's inspiration to join the team at Chippewa Animal Clinic originates from her experience in working with huskies and malamutes in preparation for winter sled racing. Jackie enjoys sharing her wealth of knowledge with her clients regarding breed specifics. Her main goal is to share at least one new piece of information about pet care with each client; Jackie finds it fulfilling to help pet owner's create a happy & healthy life for their fur babies. During her free time, Jackie can be found enjoying the great outdoors - no matter the season! Jackie & her rescue husky North love exploring the local scenery of the Upper Peninsula. 

Taylor Kerr

Receptionist
Taylor's calling to animals came when she starting volunteering at our local animal shelter as a teenager. Taylor has grown up with dogs all her life, she also has experience with small animals and birds. This love of all animals (big & small!) is what led her to pursue a career at Chippewa Animal Clinic. Taylor looks forward to providing compassionate care to each client and patient regardless of the situation at hand. If you need a good laugh or a shoulder to cry on, Taylor is our go-to gal! She possesses an innate ability to connect with your pet and family, to ensure you and your pet have a memorable experience at our clinic. Taylor's fur family consists of Tenley, a pocket-sized pitbull mix, and Riley, a rambunctious blue heeler.  Taylor works hard to provide the best life for her and her fur babies; but in her free time, Taylor can be found gardening or enjoying the sunshine!

Rebecca Smart, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician
Rebecca’s father is a veterinarian, so she knew at a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She grew up witnessing her father perform various procedures in-clinic and on farm calls, she envied her father’s dedication but he worked a lot and missed many family gatherings. Instead of following in her father’s footsteps, Rebecca paved her own path and continued her education to become a licensed veterinary technician. Rebecca takes great pride in her accomplishments, as she is one of the very few licensed veterinary technicians in our area. Rebecca’s experience and education has given her the knowledge needed to educate her clients on how to create a happy & healthy life for both her patients and their families. She looks forward to teaching our clients something new at every visit and aims to ensure each client has a thorough understanding of the care being provided to their pet. Rebecca is a workaholic and can usually be found in clinic; as the lead veterinary technician, her main priority is making sure herself and her coworkers love their workplace since our team tends to spend more time in clinic than at home. When she’s not at work, Rebecca enjoys the little things in life – relaxing with a dog on her lap and a cup of coffee in hand! Rebecca & her husband Mike have a soft spot for rescue & special needs animals. Her own fur-family consists of Josie, a miniature pinscher, Kipsy, a Doberman mix, and Verti – a special kitty with Cerebellar Hypoplasia!

Jacquelyn Plastino

Veterinary Assistant
Jacquelyn found her passion for animals as a child while spending her summers on her grandparent’s farm in Traverse City. Caring for the horses on the farm allowed Jacquelyn to develop a deep compassion for animals at a very young age. Ever since she can remember, Jacquelyn has wanted to pursue a career that would foster her love for animals. Jacquelyn made her dreams a reality by joining the team at Chippewa Animal Clinic! Jacquelyn treats each patient as if they were her own and she prides herself on her ability to connect with each patient she cares for. She aims to create a special bond with you and your pet and strives to make you both feel comfortable.  Jacquelyn has a soft spot for bully breeds! Her fur family consists of 4 pitbulls, Miila, Loki, Rome, and Reese and a Siamese named Arie! In her free time, Jacquelyn can be found spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter.

Jolene Nertoli

Priscilla Pine
Accounting
Office Manager