About Our Team at Animal Emergency Hospital

Debbie joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in April 2022. She is a seasoned licensed veterinary technician and manager with experience in ER, ICU, neurology, and general practice. Debbie loves the thrill of challenging and complex cases and is passionate about training, mentoring, coaching, and practicing best medicine. When Debbie is not working hard at AEH, you can find her at home with her fiancé and two stepchildren. She enjoys bonfires, breweries, boating, live music, and cozying up with a good book. There are only smiles when Debbie is around!

Dr. Bickerstaff joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in February 2018. She has been a veterinarian since 2014 and although initially starting in general practice, she quickly found her passion in emergency and critical care medicine. Dr. Bickerstaff is committed to practicing best medicine and thoroughly enjoys complex surgical cases. When Dr. Bickerstaff is not directing and leading the emergency floor, she can be found on her home farm with her husband and two small children. Dr. Bickerstaff enjoys sharing her property with cows, chickens, horses, goats, and ducks. On the occasion when she and her husband are not on their farm, you can find her enjoying bonfires, concerts, riding horses, or gardening. It is hard to keep up with her!

Shawn joined Animal Emergency Hospital in September 2019. She knew right away that veterinary medicine was her passion, and has been in the field since she was 15 years old. Shawn graduated from Baker College in 2003 and has been a licensed veterinary technician since, with experience in both general practice and emergency medicine. When Shawn is not at AEH, you can find her on her small farm with her husband, four children, one dog, three cats, and an array of farm animals. Shawn is always on the go with the kids between sports, 4H, and running the Youth Football Program in her town. On the occasion she does have a free minute, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, having bonfires, swimming in the pool, cooking, or baking. An incredibly active and enjoyable lifestyle!

Natalie joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in June 2018. Prior to AEH, she was a dental assistant and dental insurance biller. She realized that she loved animals and switched careers to veterinary medicine. Natalie started in general practice but fell in love with emergency medicine the moment she started at AEH. When she is not managing the full swing of the front desk, she is diligently working on her business management degree at home and proudly holds the role of treasurer for a local non-profit organization. Natalie is married to her high school sweetheart and has a variety of animals on her home farm, including horses, goats, dogs, cats, snakes, tarantulas, and two beehives! Around all of that, she still makes to find time to enjoy boating, fishing, hunting, cooking, baking, and being in the great outdoors with her family. What an amazing life!

Karen joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in July 2020. She graduated from the technician program at Macomb Community College in 1983 and has been an actively licensed veterinary technician ever since. Karen has worked in the veterinary field since she was 16 years old and now puts all her knowledge and skills towards operations and inventory. Karen loves the intricate nature of her job in inventory. She is married and they are currently owned by four Mastiffs and four Cornish Rex. There is never a dull moment!

Dr. Bickerstaff joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in February 2018. She has been a veterinarian since 2014 and although initially starting in general practice, she quickly found her passion in emergency and critical care medicine. Dr. Bickerstaff is committed to practicing best medicine and thoroughly enjoys complex surgical cases. When Dr. Bickerstaff is not directing and leading the emergency floor, she can be found on her home farm with her husband and two small children. Dr. Bickerstaff enjoys sharing her property with cows, chickens, horses, goats, and ducks. On the occasion she and her husband are not on their farm, you can find her enjoying bonfires, concerts, riding horses, or gardening. It is hard to keep up with her!

Dr. Torres joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in June 2022. She graduated with her DVM in 2009 from the Universidade Federal de Vicosa in Brazil. She continued her education with a small animal surgical internship, oncology fellowship, and has her ECFVG certification. Dr. Torres speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. When she is not treating pets on the emergency floor, you can find her at home with her husband, two young children, and three energetic dogs. Dr. Torres enjoys quilting, sewing, traveling to Disneyworld, and being a den leader for her son’s cub scout den!

Shana joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in November 2021. She graduated from Baker College in 2010 and has been an actively licensed veterinary technician since 2022. Shana is a mom to four amazing kids, four dogs, and two cats. When she is not working hard to save the lives of animals, you can find her traveling. She especially enjoys motorcycle trips!

Kristy joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in October 2022. Growing up, she always had a love for animals and that love turned quickly into her passion. Kristy has been in the veterinary field for over 23 years and has been an LVT since 2003. Outside of work, she is a mom to 3 very busy kids, as well as 3 dogs, 3 cats, and a rabbit. When she does have a moment to herself, she enjoys nothing better than some quiet relaxation! We don’t blame her!

Melissa joined the Animal Emergency Hospital team in 2004. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology and has been an LVT since 2000. Her love of health and science led her to expand her career field. She earned a second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and has been an RN since 2022. She is driven by her passion for caring for our pets and the families in our community at their time of greatest need. Melissa promotes and practices holistic care. For self-care, she enjoys coffee; spending time with her family including their three beloved cats; and serving at her local church. She also adores watching her chickens, ducks, and the wildlife around her home.