About
Check out our team below!
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Bobbie Zech, DVM
My name is Bobbie Zech DVM. As many young girls, I always knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. I grew up on a family dairy farm in Saranac. This was a big part of my inspiration! I was active in 4-H (showing both cattle and horses) and FFA. I learned a great deal about veterinary medicine by working in two different veterinary hospitals during high school and college. I went on to MSU to earn my degree in veterinary medicine and graduated in 1996. My first job was right here at Grand River Veterinary Hospital. I was given the opportunity to purchase the practice just two years later! The practice has grown over the years, but our dedication to providing compassionate care and build personal relationships with our clients has remained. In addition to a fulfilling professional life; I have a great family. My husband Chris and I have two wonderful children, Meaghan and Connor. Chris is an elementary teacher, teaching in the Ionia school district. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, backpacking, and traveling in my spare time. Dr. Zech is a member of the following organizations: MVMA - Member of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association Community Partner of Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners Kim Mast, DVM My name is Kim Mast. I grew up on a family farm in Wayland, MI. I have always had a love for animals. My curiosity and wanting to make them feel better encouraged my dream of becoming a Veterinarian. I went to school at Michigan State University and graduated in 1994 with my Veterinary License. I met my husband while in college and we got married in 1993. Now my family life takes up much of my time when I am not here. We have two boys, Caleb and Kobe. We also have one dog, Mitch. As a family, we feel that it is important to stay involved in the community and help where we can. I enjoy Kids Hope, Volunteering at Cherry Creek, Relay for Life, and teaching Sunday School. In my leisure time, the family will go camping, boating, downhill skiing, reading a good book, and traveling. Dr. Mast is a member of the following organizations: MVMA - Member of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association Community Partner of Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners Samantha Case, DVM My name is Sam Case, DVM and for as long as I can remember, I have wanted to become a veterinarian. I grew up in Northville, Michigan and volunteered at a local veterinary clinic while in high school, which grew my passion for helping animals. In addition, I was also a member of the cross-country running team and still enjoy running in my spare time. My greatest running accomplishments have been completing the Grand Rapids Metro Health Marathon and the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City. After high school, I moved to the west side of the state of Michigan where I earned my bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in 2016. During this time, I had the pleasure of working with a local veterinarian which solidified my decision to pursue a career as a veterinarian. I was then accepted to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) which gave me the opportunity to study in the Caribbean on the beautiful island of St. Kitts for several years. Then, I completed my final year at Purdue University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in Lafayette, Indiana and graduated from vet school in January of 2020. Travelling to many different places and learning from veterinarians all over has been an amazing experience and I am so excited to begin my career as a veterinarian at Grand River Veterinary Hospital. Currently, I live in Hastings, Michigan with my husband, Calvin and our dog, Flo. I rescued Flo while I was at St. Kitts for vet school, she was a stray dog that unfortunately was hit by a car. Now, she is all healed and in a loving home. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, outdoor activities, and when I have time: travelling to explore new places. Tina - Practice Manager My name is Tina. I have been with GRVH since late 2003. I cannot imagine working anywhere else! I really enjoy getting to know the people we work alongside and the personalities of their fur kids. My home life consists of family time! I was married in 2009 to my teen sweetheart. We have three kids, Tera, Nathan, and Naomi. We have rounded out our family with our cats, Baby and Frankie, and dog, Willow. I thrive on knowing that we are all passionate about treating the patients here. I love that I know the hearts of my team members well enough to know that they are here for all the right reasons. I look forward to each new day here and meeting new families! Jamie - Office Manager I've joined the GRVH team in 2019. I grew up in the Alto and Lowell areas. Roger, the kids, and I live on a small hobby farm with our many pets, including Great Danes, cats, and poultry. I have always had a passion for animals, but also love the human aspect of veterinary medicine. I'm a firm believer that treating the humans with care and compassion is equally as important as treating the pets. My interests include 4-H, FFA, Girls Wrestling, and I'm a strong supporter of our military men and women. My mission here is to help bring a smile to everyone's face! Robin - Licensed Veterinary Technician My name is Robin. I grew up and went to high school in Portland. Always surrounded by dogs and cats, going to MSU to become a veterinary Technician was a natural choice. After graduating from MSU's Veterinary Tech Program, I worked for one other clinic that was a mixed animal practice for ten years. Then I joined Dr. Zech and came to GRVH. At home, I am happily married with a blended family of three sons and one daughter. My hobbies are gardening, camping, and traveling. Lindsay - Licensed Veterinary Technician My name is Lindsay. I grew up in Grand Rapids, and always knew I wanted to work with animals. I started my career at the Humane Society, but after almost five years I decided I needed a change and joined the team at GRVH. I have grown so much and love the caring, family environment we have here. My husband, Ross, and I have two dogs and a son that takes up most of our free time. I enjoy most outdoor activities, reading and spending time with my family. Aaron - Veterinary Assistant I graduated from Lakewood High School and was actively involved in three sports: basketball, softball, and cross country. I then continued my education and softball journey at Grand Rapids Community College where I earned my Associates Degree! After over a year of working at GRVH, I decided to further my education to become a veterinary technician. I am now in MSU's Veterinary Nursing program and love every bit of it! Outside of school and work, I enjoy exercising, being with my family, and watching movies. Shelly - Veterinary Assistant Hello everyone! My name is Shelly. I graduated from Lowell High School in 2018 and began working at GRVH in 2019. I have always been passionate about animals and caring for them - I grew up in 4H, learning to care for and handle animals of many kinds. I also have many furry, feathered, and scaly pets that I love dearly! I have always dreamed of working in the veterinary field, I am currently working towards becoming a licensed veterinary technician. Being apart of GRVH is the best! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people everyday. Doing my best to help our clients with their pets always makes me happy. The doctors and staff are always putting their everything into caring for your fur babies, making sure they have the best of the best care possible! Savannah - Veterinary Assistant Hi! I'm Savannah. I have been at GRVH since October 2020. I have a passion for animals, especially a strong love of cats! You might see me working in both the front and back areas here at GRVH. I used to work rescue and have helped with trap/neuter/return (TNR) programs in the past. I can be found on my days off snuggling with my kitties on the couch or working on my truck. I plan to stay a part of the GRVH team for many more years! Melissa - Veterinary Assistant Hi I’m Melissa. I’ve been with GRVH since August 2022. Unlike a lot of my friends that work here, I didn’t always know what I wanted to be when I grew up so I have played many roles. I was a receptionist at another veterinary clinic once before, I worked with children with disabilities, was a bus driver, worked at a hospital and even had my own daycare. Although all those roles were fulfilling in one way or another, working with animals has been my absolute favorite and where my heart truly lies. My spare time is my family time. I have been married to my husband for 11 years and we have two daughters and a pug. In the summer my husband dirt track races so you can find us either at the track or at our seasonal campsite enjoying the outdoors. Anna - Veterinary Assistant My name is Anna and I joined GRVH in 2022. I was born and raised in Caledonia and now live in Saranac. I have loved animals ever since I was little and love that I work a career that involves working with them every day. My husband and I currently have two dogs and three horses. When not at work, you can usually find me riding my horses or on the trail hiking with the dogs. Julia - Veterinary Receptionist Hello, my name is Julia and I have enjoyed working with the caring and dedicated team at GRVH. I have also been very blessed with wonderful and supportive family and friends, who also share my passion and love for animals. I have two cats. My interests and hobbies include dancing with my girls on the Wii, playing tennis, swimming, reading, embroidery, crochet, and watching classic movies. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of the GRVH team! Carisa - Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist I’ve been working with animals since the age of sixteen. I started off as a pet care employee at PetSmart, which led me to my grooming career in Chicago, where I was born and raised. Since I was a child, my family and I would come up to Michigan for the summers, which eventually led me to move here. I moved to Florida just a couple years later where I started my journey as a receptionist and vet assistant at a vet clinic until it brought me back to Michigan and to GRVH. You will see me up front greeting you and your furry companion, as well as helping out with appointments and assisting the doctors. I enjoy walking with my Australian Shepherd, Taz, my Shih Tzu, Yoshi, and husband, Jeff. I also enjoy bike riding, eating pizza, relaxing in front of a fire on a cool night, as well as hitting the waters with my wake board. Candice - Veterinary Receptionist Hello! My name is Candice! You may even know me as “Candi” if you were born & raised here in Lowell! I came out of retirement to join GRVH in 2021 after so many wonderful families adopted pets in need of a forever home during the pandemic! My former career was mainly within the medical specialty of ENT, as a registered medical assistant for 11 years. My transition to the veterinary world has truly filled my heart with joy! I cannot think of a time in my life when I did not have the blessing of a pet’s love! I grew up rescuing & adopting every stray pet my parents would allow, showing horses in 4-H, and on the quarter horse circuit. I always have kitties of my own, currently 2 brothers. I am also blessed with extra love by my Golden Retriever Grand-Dog! I truly love the opportunity to greet and serve so many of my friends & family, as well as making new friends, both human & 4-legged who are part of our GRVH family! Lexi - Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist My name is Lexi and I have been at GRVH since 2020! I graduated from Lowell High School (Go Red Arrows!) and played volleyball and softball all four years. I have always loved animals! I mean, how could I not?! I love helping take care of them even more. Being a part of the GRVH family is so much fun. Making our clients happy is very important to me and is one of my favorite parts of my job. I also love having family-like relationships with my coworkers. GRVH is such a caring, welcoming, and trustworthy place. Our doctors work their hardest to give the best care for your fur babies, along with the team of course. Thank you for choosing greatness at GRVH! Morgan - Veterinary Receptionist My name is Morgan. I joined the GRVH team in June 2022. It has been a huge change in my career and it has been amazing none the less. I’m so blessed to work in such a beautiful, friendly, and unique environment. When I’m not at work loving on all of your fur babies, I enjoy hammocking, reading a good book, hanging out with my cat, Donna, watching any and every scary movie, and fishing. Jade - Veterinary Receptionist Hi I'm Jade! I grew up in the Belding area on a cattle farm and surrounded by many animals my entire life. I participated in 4-H and FFA as well. I have always enjoyed animals of all shapes and sizes, including all of the care for them. When I'm not at GRVH (although it is one of my favorite places to be), I am at home with my own 3 dogs. We enjoy running around the yard and playing fetch as often as we can. I also enjoy boating, biking, running, and anything else I can do outside no matter what the weather provides. |
GRAND RIVER VETERINARY COVID-19 UPDATES AS OF JUNE 23, 2021
As of June 23, 2021, Grand River Veterinary Hospital has been able to change some of our policies and protocols related to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Starting June 23, 2021, we will follow these guidelines:
*We will continue to have check in's done from the vehicle to ensure less traffic in the office
*The lobby is still closed to allow us to minimize crowds within the office
*Masks for clients are optional
*Masks for our team are required (due to MIOSHA regulations)
*Team members continue to do a daily health assessment
*Continued disinfecting protocols between each appointment
*Medication and food pick up will still be curbside
*We will allow for two people to come in for patient appointments (unless curbside is specified)
*We will continue to remove patients from the exam rooms for their examination and the doctor will come in to discuss findings
*Some appointments or scheduled drop off appointments may still be curbside service only
*We continue to require 24 - 48 hours for medication refills
We feel an obligation and responsibility to continue to provide a safe work environment for our team and a safe environment for our patients and their families. Staffing is an ongoing problem at practically all businesses. We continue to ask for patience while we continue to alter how to continue to provide the very best care and service for your family.
We realize that this past year has been especially difficult with ongoing changes all around us. We ask that you continue to support our team members by being respectful and courteous, as this year has been taxing on them all both physically and mentally. They are here because they love caring for your fur kids. They are committed to the care of patients and have been working beyond what has been asked of them. We want to stay positive and keep them healthy so that we can continue to provide exceptional patient care.
We are excited to be able to see more of our fur friend's family members! We will continue to alter our policies and protocols according to safety recommendations and requirements put forth by the state and federal laws. The health and safety of our fur friends and their humans, as well as our team will continue to be our top priority.
Grand River Veterinary Hospital, P.C.
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
5/29/20
COVID-19 TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES
The following materials have been presented to staff in preparation for offering services to our clients on May 30, 2020.
We will conduct a daily entry self-screening protocol for all employees or contractors entering the workplace, including, temperature check, a questionnaire covering symptoms and suspected or confirmed exposure to people with possible COVID-19 utilizing the COVID-19 Daily Self Screening Form.
ONSITE STAFF PROTOCAL: SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
We will utilize "curbside care" and telemedicine for a majority of our clients, but there have been situations where the presence of clients has been important to the proper care of our patients.
For situation where clients must be admitted into the clinic, the following protocol will be followed:
PROTOCOL TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF EXPOSURE TO A POSITIVE COVID-19 CASE
If an employee is identified with a confirmed case of COVID-19, within 24 hours, we will notify:
A sign will be posted at the front door with the following information:
This plan is posted at Grand River Veterinary Hospital, 661 Lincoln Lake Ave SE Lowell, MI 49331 posted at the front desk and online at www.grvh.com
DESIGNATED WORKSITE SUPERVISOR
Tina Hattis and Roberta Zech will serve as the worksite supervisors with responsibility to implement, monitor, and report on the COVID-19 control strategies. The supervisor will remain on-site at all times when employees are present on site. After regular business hours, the last remaining on-site employee is designated to perform the supervisory role.
As of June 23, 2021, Grand River Veterinary Hospital has been able to change some of our policies and protocols related to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Starting June 23, 2021, we will follow these guidelines:
*We will continue to have check in's done from the vehicle to ensure less traffic in the office
*The lobby is still closed to allow us to minimize crowds within the office
*Masks for clients are optional
*Masks for our team are required (due to MIOSHA regulations)
*Team members continue to do a daily health assessment
*Continued disinfecting protocols between each appointment
*Medication and food pick up will still be curbside
*We will allow for two people to come in for patient appointments (unless curbside is specified)
*We will continue to remove patients from the exam rooms for their examination and the doctor will come in to discuss findings
*Some appointments or scheduled drop off appointments may still be curbside service only
*We continue to require 24 - 48 hours for medication refills
We feel an obligation and responsibility to continue to provide a safe work environment for our team and a safe environment for our patients and their families. Staffing is an ongoing problem at practically all businesses. We continue to ask for patience while we continue to alter how to continue to provide the very best care and service for your family.
We realize that this past year has been especially difficult with ongoing changes all around us. We ask that you continue to support our team members by being respectful and courteous, as this year has been taxing on them all both physically and mentally. They are here because they love caring for your fur kids. They are committed to the care of patients and have been working beyond what has been asked of them. We want to stay positive and keep them healthy so that we can continue to provide exceptional patient care.
We are excited to be able to see more of our fur friend's family members! We will continue to alter our policies and protocols according to safety recommendations and requirements put forth by the state and federal laws. The health and safety of our fur friends and their humans, as well as our team will continue to be our top priority.
Grand River Veterinary Hospital, P.C.
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
5/29/20
COVID-19 TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES
The following materials have been presented to staff in preparation for offering services to our clients on May 30, 2020.
- Workplace infection-control practices - CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.PDF
- The proper use of personal protective equipment
- Steps the employee must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.
- Employees who have symptoms should notify their supervisor and stay home.
- Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers.
- Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and follow CDC recommended precautions.
- How to report unsafe working conditions.
- Contact your worksite supervisor immediately
- If you do not receive satisfaction, you should file a complaint with MIOSHA https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_11407-93835--,00.html
- You should not fear retaliation as it is illegal to retaliate against workers who report unsafe conditions during the pandemic
We will conduct a daily entry self-screening protocol for all employees or contractors entering the workplace, including, temperature check, a questionnaire covering symptoms and suspected or confirmed exposure to people with possible COVID-19 utilizing the COVID-19 Daily Self Screening Form.
ONSITE STAFF PROTOCAL: SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
- Staff are encouraged to maintain least six feet from one another to the extent possible.
- We will provide surgical and/or non-medical grade face coverings to our employees.
- We require face coverings to be worn when employees cannot consistently maintain
- Employees may choose to use face shields (when they become available) when three feet of separation cannot be maintained from other individuals in the workplace.
We will utilize "curbside care" and telemedicine for a majority of our clients, but there have been situations where the presence of clients has been important to the proper care of our patients.
For situation where clients must be admitted into the clinic, the following protocol will be followed:
- Clients will be admitted into the clinic at the discretion of the doctor.
- Clients will be questioned regarding the following:
- their current health status and any illness or quarantine in the past 30 days
- the health status of any person they have been in contact with over the past 7 days.
- Clients will wait in their vehicle until approached and escorted in by staff.
- Clients will use our hand sanitizer before entering.
- Clients will not be admitted without a face mask.
- All staff will be notified in advance of entry.
- Clients will be immediately directed to a predetermined examination room.
- Clients will maintain social distancing in the exam room as directed by the doctor and staff. (floor marking will not be utilized as their position depends on the procedure being performed)
- All business will be conducted within the same room.
- Clients will not have access to the restroom.
- Clients will be escorted out of the building.
- All surfaces in the exam room will be cleaned and disinfected with bleach water or proper disinfectant.
- The exam room will be ventilated for 10 minutes after the visit.
- Clients will wait in their vehicle until greeted by staff.
- Clients are permitted to exit their vehicle and retrieve their pet from the vehicle.
- Small dogs and cats should be in a carrier.
- The carrier should be placed outside the vehicle, the client steps six feet away and staff will then retrieve the pet and enter the clinic.
- For dogs on a leash:
- Clients will exit the vehicle and retrieve their pet from the vehicle.
- Clients will apply a slip leash supplied by staff.
- Clients will then hand the leash to staff.
- The same protocols will be followed when the pet is returned to the owner.
- Communication with the client should be conducted with six feet social distance or by phone.
- We encourage all financial transactions continue by credit card but will accept checks.
- Clients are scheduled by appointment over the phone
- Clients check in and check out by phone from the parking lot (contact-less sign-in)
- Clients will wait in their vehicle and will not need waiting room access
- Special provisions/time will be made for elderly or special needs clients.
PROTOCOL TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF EXPOSURE TO A POSITIVE COVID-19 CASE
- Cleaning will follow protocols in CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.PDF
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection will occur at the end of every work shift.
- Employees are encouraged to not share computer workstations.
- Employees are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting their workstation at end of shift.
- In the event of a positive COVID-19 case follow protocols in CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.PDF
- Cleaning supplies are available to employees upon entry.
- Employees are encouraged to wash hands frequently and/or to use hand sanitizer.
If an employee is identified with a confirmed case of COVID-19, within 24 hours, we will notify:
- The local public health department at Kent County Health Department 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Contact phone number is 616-632-7100 and
- Any co-workers, contractors, or suppliers who may have come into contact with the person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- We will allow employees with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 to return to the workplace only after they are no longer infectious according to the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and have a doctor's note as confirmation.
- We will follow Executive Order 2020-36, and any executive orders that follow it, that prohibit discharging, disciplining, or otherwise retaliating against employees who stay home or who leave work when they are at particular risk of infecting others with COVID-19.
- We will immediately send home any employee with a confirmed infection in the workplace, temporarily close all or part of the worksite to allow for deep cleaning.
A sign will be posted at the front door with the following information:
- No admittance without prior approval by Doctor
- You must wear a facemask
- You will be escorted into and out of the building to an examination room
- Your access will be limited to that examination room. Unfortunately, restrooms are not available for public use
- All questions should be referred to the Designated Worksite Supervisor.
This plan is posted at Grand River Veterinary Hospital, 661 Lincoln Lake Ave SE Lowell, MI 49331 posted at the front desk and online at www.grvh.com
DESIGNATED WORKSITE SUPERVISOR
Tina Hattis and Roberta Zech will serve as the worksite supervisors with responsibility to implement, monitor, and report on the COVID-19 control strategies. The supervisor will remain on-site at all times when employees are present on site. After regular business hours, the last remaining on-site employee is designated to perform the supervisory role.