Meet Our Veterinary Team
Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Platte Lake Veterinary Clinic in Honor! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Our Team
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Dr. Kevin Stewart
Veterinarian
Introducing Dr. Kevin Stewart, a Michigan State University graduate who boasts 37 years of invaluable experience in the veterinary field. His commitment lies in diligently investigating cases to identify issues and providing treatments that make a significant impact.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Stewart finds pleasure in hobbies like hunting, photography, home renovations, and equestrian activities. He also loves spending time with his animals: 2 dogs, 3 horses, and chickens.
Dr. Michael Knowles
Dr. Michael A. Knowles graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University in 1986. He previously owned Forest Hills Veterinary in Grand Rapids, where he worked from 1998 until his transition to relief work.
For over a year, Dr. Knowles has been providing relief veterinary services to the clients and their pets at Platte Lake Veterinary Clinic. He enjoys working with the clients, the dedicated team at Platte Lake, and the beautiful surroundings, all of which make his time at the practice truly fulfilling.
Dr. Jessica Columbus
Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Jessica Columbus was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she currently resides. A 2004 graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Columbus completed a yearlong internship with VCA before working as a small animal associate at the same clinic for 14 years.
She later owned and operated a house call veterinary practice for three years. Additionally, she spent a year working for a private security company, providing veterinary care for explosive detection canines in the Middle East. Now back in the Upper Peninsula, Dr. Columbus offers regional relief veterinary services and provides local at-home euthanasia services.
Dr. Columbus is married and has two children, ages 12 and 14. She also shares her home with two cats, including Mr. Sunny Bun Bun, and a dachshund mix dog.
Rachel Shaffer
Introducing Rachel Shaffer, a dedicated and passionate Licensed Veterinary Technician at Platte Lake Veterinary Clinic. With a solid foundation from Baker College of Cadillac, Rachel brings a fresh perspective to the veterinary field.
Rachel takes great pride in her commitment to the well-being of animals. She is a skilled technician and has also achieved certification in three levels of Fear-free practices, ensuring a compassionate and stress-free environment for every furry patient under her care.
Whether she’s immersed in the captivating world of video games, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through workouts, expressing her creativity through drawing, or indulging in the pages of a good book, Rachel’s enthusiasm and dedication extend beyond the veterinary clinic.
Andi Rosa
Veterinary Technician
Andi completed her education at MSU College of Vet Med and has 23 years of experience in the veterinary field. With a particular focus on small animal dentistry and behavior, she holds certifications as a fear-free practitioner and a certified dental technician.
In her free time, Andi enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, and horseback riding, and spending time with her Aussie, Jetta. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Shelby
Shelby has been in the veterinary industry since October of 2023. She prides herself in providing superior patient care and building community relations. In her free time, she enjoys a wide variety of activities, including hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her 5 year old son.
Pam
Receptionist
Pam has over 23 years of experience in animal welfare. She began her career working in animal shelters and later served as an Animal Cruelty Investigator for the city of Detroit for 15 years. Pam is also trained as part of Michigan’s Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) Team for disaster response, having responded to multiple disasters across the state. Her most recent deployment was during Hurricane Ida in New Orleans in 2021. In her free time, Pam enjoys spending time with her family, plant shopping, and singing in her local choir.
Jessica
Jessica is a dedicated Client Service Representative at Platte Lake Veterinary Clinic. Her journey with the clinic began when she started as a kennel technician during high school, and she has since developed a passion for supporting pets and their families.
Jessica takes great pride in building trusting relationships with pet owners, ensuring they feel confident and at ease knowing their beloved companions are in caring hands. Her warm and approachable nature makes her an integral part of the Platte Lake team.
Outside of work, Jessica cherishes time with her two young children—a four-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter. Her family also includes three wonderful canine companions: two Great Pyrenees and a German Shepherd, who keep her life full of joy and adventure.