Lori G, Kennel Assistant
MEET OUR TEAM
Kelli B, Veterinary Assistant & Receptionist
Kelli was born here and raised here in Kalkaska, Mi. She left the human medical field to join us back in 2022. She enjoys spending time with friends, family and her two dogs (Sophie and Lilly).
Susie H, Vet Assistant & Receptionist has been a resident of Northern Michigan since 1986. She graduated from Kalkaska High School and then attended NMC. Susie fulfilled her love for horses while working at Ranch Rudolph as a trail guide in her early 20's. From there on it was all about working with animals. In 2004, she married Derek Hogerheide and they became the proud parents of twins, Kit & Trent. The Hogerheide's have two cats, Vanna & Elliotte, one rescue dog Lenny, and a horse named Denver.
Kim Q, Receptionist
We currently have four house cats who give our clinic extra life and personality. Roy, Tequila, Cheddar, and Cheeto are very friendly and enjoy meeting all the new faces. They have all ended up with us over the years, but you may be most familiar with our old boy "Roy," the tabby cat. He helps himself into the exam room for some treats and water fresh from the sink!
Amie C, Receptionist
Dr. Hannah was raised in Lincoln, MI. She earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Michigan State, and attended veterinary school at the University of Missouri graduating in May 2023. Dr Hannah joined our team in November of 2023. She and her husband live in Mancelona with their dogs, cat, horses, and chickens while managing their newly established Katahdin sheep farm. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, riding horses, all varieties of skiing, and hiking.
Michelle D, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Rest in Peace Doc, Screech, and Granny/Quackers.
Speedythe African Spurred Tortoise came to live with us the summer of 2015. Speedy grew up in a school surrounded by kids. He loves chasing the ball and getting his shell scratched. A little about the African Spurred Tortoise; It is the third-largest species of tortoise in the world and can live to be 100-150 years old! African Spurred Tortoises are herbivores and their diets consist of many
types of grasses and plants. Speedy eats a head of romaine lettuce everyday but his favorite treats include strawberries, pizza crust, tomato and watermelon!
Kalkaska Animal Hospital
625 M-72 NE
Kalkaska, MI 49646
Office (231) 258-4107
Fax (231) 258-0671
Dr. Leigh Ngirarsaol, DVM
Dr. Ngirarsaol was raised in Grand Rapids and earned her Bachelor degree at Hillsdale College. She graduated from Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Dr. Ngirarsaol joined our team August 1, 2011. On January 1, 2013 Dr. Ngirarsaol purchased Kalkaska Animal Hospital. She and her family lives in Rapid City with their 2 dogs, 2 cats, 4 horses and a guard goat. In her spare time she enjoys water sports, spending time with friends and family, riding horses and playing softball . Her favorite team? The Detroit Tigers!
MEET OUR HOUSE CATS & TORTISE!
Dr. Richard Smith, DVM
Dr. Rick Smith, a 1969 graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, returned to Michigan to join Kalkaska Animal Hospital in 2003. After practicing in both Lansing, Michigan and in Neenah, Wisconsin, he is delighted to be “back home: in northern Michigan. He and his wife Tricia live in Traverse City with their dog Charlie. They have two married children and two grandchildren.
Katie H, Kennel Assistant
Dee R, Receptionist
Kalkaska Animal Hospital
Cindy R, Receptionist
"The strength of the team is each individual member.
The strength of each member is the team." --Phil Jackson
Dr. Hannah Morton, DVM.
Sarah P, Veterinary Technician
Sarah was born and raised in Kalkaska, Mi. Graduated from Baker College in 2020 with an Associates degree for Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology. She has three dogs, two registered Paint horses and two lovely barn cats. Outside of the clinic Sarah enjoys the outdoors such as kayaking, hiking, riding horses, camping, etc. Her love and passion for helping animals has been since she could first remember!