Meet Our Team!

Veterinarian, Medical Director

Dr. Bethany Opperman is a 2010 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  She has worked as a veterinarian with Portland Veterinary Service since 2010, but has been with the practice since 1998 as a veterinary assistant.  Prior to that she rode around on farm calls with her dad Dr. Dennis Opperman, and her first job was hoof trimming with her father.  Her professional interests include preventative medicine and client education, dentistry and oral surgery, pain management, nutrition, internal medicine, palliative care / end of life care, and integrative medicine. 🐾

In her time off from work, Dr. Bethany enjoys hiking with her husband David, especially on the North Country Trail, and backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains.  She also spends time on her homestead with her 3 Australian Shepherds, 1 cat, ducks, chickens, and a garden.  She likes Jeeping and classic cars, yoga, reading, cooking, traveling (especially Michigan!), and spending time with her family and friends.  She feels her role in veterinary medicine is her calling to help others as part of her Christian ministry.

Veterinarian

Dr. Chelsie Simon received her DVM degree from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She then joined a busy small animal and exotics practice in the Grand Rapids area and spent the last 2 years practicing there before deciding it was time to move back to her hometown area. Dr. Simon’s professional interests include surgery and dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening, and just being outdoors. Dr. Simon resides in Dewitt with her husband, two children, two dogs, and one cat.

Head Receptionist / Assistant

I take pride in educating and providing compassionate care for our clients and their pets. Being able to build lasting relationships with clients is very important to me. I have been very fortunate to be able to work in a profession that has allowed me to pursue my love of animals.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking and gardening. My husband and I also enjoy spending time outside on our family farm. Our furbaby family includes 2 cats and 2 dogs.

Veterinary Nurse

I have been working with animals for a little over 5 years.  I started as a kennel technician, then transferred to reception, and finally went to school to become a licensed veterinary nurse in Florida.  I have had experience with domestic, farm, and exotic animals through internships at school.  I met Dr. Bethany Opperman at a Christian Veterinary Conference in Orlando and soon found myself packing my bags to move to Michigan.  Here, I have found a team that has become like family as we work together to provide quality care to clients and their pets.  I pride myself in treating every pet as if it were my own.  From a happy puppy to a grumpy senior cat, I can feel the love and compassion that has been poured into these animals and wish to give every pet an opportunity to live it’s best life.  I strive to master every technical skill I learned in school, such as blood draws, radiographs, and surgical monitoring.  During my free time, I enjoy hiking with my chihuahua (Edward), crafting, and furthering my knowledge of Christ with friends at church.

Veterinary Assistant

I have always been interested in the Veterinary field. Growing up on a farm, I’ve always had a passion for animals. Our office is like a family and I am proud to support our DVM’s in providing care for the pets in our community.

In my free time, I manage a small farm. We raise pigs, chickens, and turkeys as well as horses, 4 dogs, and 4 cats. Additionally, I’m a mother to 3 children. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and reading a good book.

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Receptionist

I graduated from Lansing Community College with an associates in Biology. I began working in the veterinary field in 2018.

I pride myself on my ability to relate with the clients and share my knowledge and experience with them. I am very passionate about the care we give to our clients and their furry family members. 

In my free time, you will find me with my family on our little hobby farm, tending to our goats, chickens, ferrets, and peacocks. When I’m not in the garden or reading a good book, we are watching our 3 children play tennis. 

Kennel Assistant

I am a student at Portland High, and I currently work as a kennel assistant at Portland Veterinary Service.

In my free time, I enjoy painting and taking my dog for walks.