Heather Minkel PhD, DVM

Dr. Minkel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience from Central Michigan University (fire up Chips!). After completing her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Minkel went on to complete a PhD in neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her laboratory research focused on genetic and injury induced damage to the nervous system, and focused on animal modeling and surgery.

Dr. Minkel followed her passion for animal medical care and completed her DVM at Michigan State University veterinary medical school. She then completed further specialty training in a small animal rotating internship at BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospitals in metro Detroit.

Dr. Minkel has been practicing general medicine and surgery in northern lower Michigan for over 4 years. Her extensive medical and research training has developed special interests in ultrasound, dentistry, ophthalmology, neurology, behavior, and emergency medicine. Dr. Minkel is a proud small business owner that is excited to offer veterinary services that are not managed by a large corporate veterinary business model.

When not working, Dr. Minkel is usually in the woods running, cross country skiing, canoe racing, or hiking with her husband Casey and their three dogs.

Casey Gee

Casey is serving in the role of practice manager at Otsego Lake Veterinary Clinic.

He is dedicated to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Casey has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management as well multiple business certifications. Casey brings a wealth of business practice knowledge and experience.

When not working Casey enjoys cross country skiing, hockey, golfing, sled riding and hiking with his wife Dr. Minkel and their three dogs.

Stephanie Babcock, LVT

Stephanie has been working in the veterinary field since 2000. She worked hard to finish her degree and become a licensed veterinary technician. Stephanie takes a special interest in emergency medicine, surgery and clinical pathology. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her husband, two children and her dog, Nesta.

Emily Newman

Emily has been working in the veterinary field for over 7 years. She is born and raised in Northern Michigan.  Emily enjoys all things outdoors with her family and friends, but mostly hanging out with her dogs: Hank, Doug and Ronda and her hairless cat, Snacks.

Teah Lowe

Teah has worked in the veterinary field for 5 years and she is currently in school to become a licensed veterinary technician.  Teah spends most of her free time riding her horses on the beautiful trails of Northern Michigan or out and about with her four dogs: Mustard, Ranger, B, and June.  Teah is passionate about all things in veterinary medicine.  

Samantha Joyce

Samantha is a Gaylord native and has worked in veterinary medicine for 4 years. She has shown continuous dedication to the veterinary field with her passion for education. Samantha has her pet grooming certificate through Penn Foster and is currently studying to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Samantha’s passion is community education about the importance of preventative care. When not working, Samantha, along with her husband Caleb, 3 poodle mixes and Labrador, enjoys camping and boating in the warm months and snowmobiling in the winter.

Ginger Schellie

When you enter the doors at Otsego Lake Veterinary Clinic you will be greeted by Ginger.  Ginger is dedicated to delivering top notch customer service. She has 13 years’ experience in the Healthcare industry and is excited to be entering the veterinary medical field.  She is a lifelong Gaylord resident and is passionate about serving the Gaylord community. When Ginger is not at work, she enjoys walks with her dog Hades.