Staff
Support Staff | Veterinary Technicians | Animal Handlers | Pet Care Specialists | Kennel AttendantsOffice Support Staff
Susan Poole is our Hospital Administrator and has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since September 1993. Prior to entering the animal care field, she was employed as a Surgical Nurse in Virginia Beach, Virginia, beginning in 1985 and then as a Surgical Nurse/Lead Technician in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, from 1988 to 1992.
“I simply enjoy just the day-to-day interaction with the clients and their pets,” she says, “as well as the satisfaction knowing I can help animals live a better life.”
Susan is a member of the World Wildlife Foundation and owns an assortment of dogs and cats as well as a bird and horse. Her interests include horseback riding, gardening, and any other activity that gets her outside enjoying nature.
Natalie Waters is our Personnel Manager and has been a member of the Bethany Animal Hospital staff since April of 2002.
Her duties include hiring, acting as the employee advocate, conducting employee reviews, and providing support for supervisors and managers.
Natalie’s pets include seven cats, Felipe, Clay, Pablo, Poofy, Mama, Baby, and Frogger. Her interests include baking, walking, and playing with Legos and Play-Doh with her adopted grandson.
Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary Technician Coral Wake has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since August of 2006. She began her career in the animal care field in 2004.
Coral says that she tries each day to bring her charisma and keen sense of humor to her work and that she believes the staff she works with is amazing.
Her pets include a German Shepherd named Cane and two cats named Darth Vader and Cat. Coral’s interests include hiking, boating, four wheeling, and anything outside.
Certified Veterinary Technician Jodie has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since March of 2009, but began her career in the animal care field in 2007. She is licensed in the state of Illinois and earned her degree at Joliet Junior College.
Jodie says that client education is an important aspect of her work and that she enjoys the people she works with and our clients.
She has two English Pointers named Dwen and Miller and a cat named Zoc. Jodie is also a big fan of mystery books.
Sarah Mumbower is a Veterinary Technician who has been a member of the Bethany Animal Hospital staff since November of 2010, but began her career in animal care in 2009.She has an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from Joliet Junior College and is certified in Illinois.
She says that the quantity and variety of her work experience is an asset she brings to her work and that she appreciates the dedication to patient care found at our hospital.
Her pets include a Mini Doxie named Anna, two Pitbulls named Ollie and Mary Lou, and four cats named Abby, Beau, Chylli, and Fern. Sarah’s interests include reading, knitting, vacationing in Florida, and spending time with her family.
Certified Veterinary Technician Sarah A. Clark has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since December of 2010. She has an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technician and is licensed in the state of Illinois. She also has a Bachelor’s degree.
Sarah says that she brings a unique sense of enthusiasm to her work and that, “Everyone here works as a team. This is also a great learning environment, plus the doctors are awesome.”
She has a yellow Lab named Max, a bunny named Peaches and a horse named Phoebe. Sarah’s interests include baking, reading, and riding her horse.
Technicians Assistant Donnie Gibson has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since November of 2007.
Asked what he enjoys most about his work, he says, “I learn something new every day and I work with great people.”
Donnie has six cats named Jack, Ji-Ji, Sid, Yuna, Blinx, and Calypso. His interests include working around his house and playing games.
Mary Beth Maneillas is an Animal Handler/Veterinary Technician Assistant who has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since June of 2006. She is also a certified Pharmacy Tech and Physical Therapy Aide.
She says that, “Bethany Animal Hospital puts its patients as its top priority. Friendly staff and great company make this the only job I’ve had that I enjoy going to every day.”
At home, she says she has what she describes as a spoiled Pekingese named Ebony Rose. Mary Beth’s interests include reading, hiking, computers and taking Ebony Rose for walks.
Animal Handlers
Jacob DeVries is an Animal Handler who got his start at Bethany Animal Hospital in May of 2010, but has been working with animals in one capacity or another his entire life. He also holds Bachelors' degrees in Biology and Psychology; both from Western Illinois University.
Jacob says that he can make anyone smile, even on their worst day and adds, “I like working here because the staff are laid back, yet hard working. The veterinarians here take the time to explain to clients as well as the staff why and how treatments and procedures must be done, which ensures an ever increasing competency among staff and better relationships with clients.”
Jacob has a snake named Clark and a rat named Peetee. His interests include anything outdoors: fishing, hiking, camping and off-roading.
Jenna Hance is an Animal Handler who has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since June of 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Illinois University and is enrolled in the Purdue Veterinary Technology program.
She says, “I enjoy working with a diverse group of doctors and getting the chance to work with domestic and exotic species.”
Jenna’s pets are a Chihuahua named Ollie and a cat named Mokey. Her interests include cooking, baking, camping, fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
Pet Care Specialists
Erin Murphy is a Pet Care specialist who has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since September of 2000 and began her career in the animal care field in 1997. Her primary responsibilities include providing care for our boarding guests by ensuring they receive medications on schedule, are fed, exercised, bathed, and other general care needs are met.
“Everyone here is like a second family; very caring and thorough,” she says. “I feel everyone really wants to be here and takes pride in their jobs, no matter what their job is.”
She has a three-legged cat named Smokey.
William Covell is a Pet Care specialist who has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since August of 2010. He has an Associate’s degree in science, is currently working on a Bachelor of Science in Biology and plans on attending veterinary school.
He says, “I enjoy everyone’s attitude and compassion for animals. All the staff are highly trained and possess so much knowledge.”
At home, William has a gray cat named Ibbi and his interests include playing guitar, hiking, reading, and composing music.
Kennel Attendants
Kennel Attendant Kori Overton has been with Bethany Animal Hospital Since June of 2010. In addition to her work experience, she has an Associate’s degree in Science from Kishwaukee College.
“Everyone here is very knowledgeable and has experience working with animals,” she says. “Everybody also has a positive attitude and shows a passion for what they do.”
Kori’s pets include a Beagle, a Shih Tzu, a Burmese/Egyptian Mau mix, and a calico cat. Her interests include video games, reading, writing and movie collecting.
Sarah M. Smith is a Kennel Attendant who has been a member of the Bethany Animal Hospital staff since June of 2010, but began her career in animal care in 2000.
She says that she enjoys the depth of medical expertise at the Hospital and that our practice includes large animals as well as companion animals.
At home, Sarah has three cats named Gizmo, Stitch, and Princess. Her interests include spending time with her daughter, swimming, scrapbooking, reading, writing, being outdoors, soccer, going to the beach, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Receptionists
Terry L. Jerde is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and a receptionist at Bethany Animal Hospital since August of 1988.
“I love this clinic,” she says. “We have the best doctors and staff found anywhere. All of us have the skills and compassion to care for all of our patients and I have the utmost respect for everyone.”
Terry has a Golden Retriever named Quinn, two Yellow Labs named Gogi and Jeepers, and two cats named Marx and Frisco. Her interests include reading, gardening, baking, walking her dogs, and playing Frisbee with Jeepers.
Megan Stephens is a receptionist at Bethany Animal Hospital and has been a member of our staff since September of 2004.
“It’s like a big second family to me,” she says of why she enjoys her work. “A lot of people have been here for a long time and you can be open and honest here. I really do love it.”
Megan’s pets include four cats named Chloe, Sydney, Vaughn, and Zibby. When not working, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, travel, go to the movies, and shop.
Lindsey Frazier is one of our receptionists and has been a member of the Bethany Animal Hospital staff since February of 2009. Her duties include taking calls, helping our clients with a range of issues, answering questions, and checking clients in and out for appointments.
“I believe we are a wonderful hospital,” she says when asked about her work. “We are here for the animals and their owners and do our best to offer the highest quality of care for the pets we see.”
At home, Lindsey has a Pitbull named Kami. When she isn’t working she likes to play with her dog and go out to dog parks.
Gwen Armstrong is a receptionist who has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since September of 2009. Not only is she good with helping our clients, but she has some sign language ability and says that she loves to talk.
When asked what she likes most about her work, Gwen says, “All the doctors treat me with respect and make me feel like I’m part of the family. I also am proud that our number one concern is the health and wellbeing of the pets.”
Gwen’s pets include a Yorkie named Missy, two chinchillas named Gizmo and Mocha, and three cats named Smokey, Mittens and Tommy Girl. Her interests include spending time with her kids, playing racquetball with her husband, planting flowers and decorating.
Receptionist Erin Anderson has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since November of 2010, but began working in pet care in 2006. She has an Associate’s degree in Diesel Management, an Equine Training degree and plans on becoming a certified veterinary technician.
“I love everybody that I work with and really enjoy meeting new people and learning about their pets,” she says. “I encounter something new every day, which makes the job very interesting.”
Her pets include an Australian Shepherd mix named Koda and a Dachshund named Klouse. Erin’s interests include horseback riding events such as break away, roping, jumping, and barrel racing (she spent time working as a wrangler in Big Sky, Montana). She also enjoys long distance road trips, camping, going to the movies, meeting new people, dirt bike riding, and visiting new places.
Receptionist Christina Johnson has been with Bethany Animal Hospital since July of 2009. She is currently working toward an undergraduate degree in Animal Science.
“I love seeing the patients come in because they are all so different and especially the puppies and kittens because they are so adorable,” she says. “I also love the family atmosphere here and that we all care for pets and value them as part of the family.”
Her own pets include a Yellow Lab named Cooper and several farm animals—miniature horse, pygmy goats, rabbits, miniature donkey and a pig. Christina’s interests include painting, reading, and playing tennis as well as watching old time movies and playing Apples to Apples.