Our Careteam

Ashley
Office Manager & Veterinary Assistant
Ashley’s love for pets was instilled in her by her grandmother, a huge animal-lover herself. Ashley has also always been fascinated by the world of medicine and science ever since she can remember. By working to better the lives of pets as a member of the veterinary profession, she gets to combine the best of both worlds! Ashley is a proud member of the hospital’s Veterinary Assistant team.

Ashley is originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, and moved to Ludington in May of 2019. It wasn’t long before she had signed on at the Animal Hospital of Ludington as a Veterinary Assistant. Ashley couldn’t be happier to launch her journey in veterinary medicine here at the clinic! She is particularly fond of helping with surgeries, studying samples in the lab, and helping owners with preventative care. Most of all, Ashley likes learning more on a daily basis in order to best serve the area’s adorable four-legged companions.

When she’s not at work, Ashley likes exploring her new town, taking photographs, and spending time with her family. She has two cats at home: Dexter, who mostly keeps to himself but enjoys the occasional cuddle; and a quirky Calico named Dumplin’ who can’t get enough attention.
Tashina
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Tashina has spent time around animals since the day she was born, including dogs and cats, horses, cows, pigs, hamsters, and fish. She’s always felt an innate connection with pets, and she wanted to serve as an advocate for those who can’t always speak up for themselves. That’s why Tashina decided to become a veterinary professional!

Tashina is originally from Custer and joined the Animal Hospital of Ludington’s care team as a Veterinary Assistant in the summer of 2018. She’s been caring for pets here ever since! Tashina finds that she has special passions for anesthesia and surgical work, and she loves to constantly learn something new. Above all, she likes knowing that she’s able to make a lasting difference for the families of the community.

When she’s not at work, Tashina can be found reading, watching classic Disney movies, kayaking, and spending quality time with her family. She has one dog at home: Jake, a Labrador mix who recently learned how to use his inside voice.
McKenna
Veterinary Assistant
Animals have always been a central part of McKenna’s life. Growing up in the country, she and her siblings had to make their own fun, which usually consisted of playing with their many pets. There were dogs and cats, rabbits and hamsters. Eventually, McKenna started her own hobby farm, complete with horses, goats, chickens, ducks and cows. As an adult, her love and compassion for all living creatures led her to a career in veterinary medicine. She is thrilled to be living her lifelong dream!

McKenna’s journey officially began at a local kennel, where she gained invaluable experience and fostered her desire to learn more. She joined Animal Hospital of Ludington in June of 2022. As a veterinary assistant, McKenna has a particular interest in preventative care and laboratory work. She loves the fact that every day is different and an opportunity to learn something new.

In May of 2022, McKenna married her best friend, Kevin. Together, they have one dog - a golden retriever named Dallas, and three cats: Louise, Millie, and Karl. Dallas is a total mama’s boy and has mastered the art of persuasion through the use of puppy dog eyes. The cats are independent, but occasionally enjoy cuddling, as long as it’s on their terms.

Outside of work, you can usually find McKenna in the barn with her horses, Peach and Dot. Her other hobbies include going for walks at the state park or beach, taking photographs, and finding new crafts to try.
Sara
Veterinary Assistant
Sara grew up in the country outside of Ludington with her parents and two brothers, and spent much of her childhood exploring the great outdoors. It wasn’t hard to develop a love for the earth’s creatures early on in life. Sara has always known that she would enjoy working hands-on to better the lives of pets! She’s able to do just that every day as a member of the hospital’s Veterinary Assistant team.

Sara used to work in the restaurant industry but knew that she wanted to do something more personally rewarding. She knew that veterinary care was her true calling! Sara joined the team here at the Animal Hospital of Ludington and now serves as a Veterinary Assistant—she loves the new challenges she faces every day, and finds that one of her favorite parts of the job is the way it constantly keeps her on her toes. Sara also loves to meet new pets and animal owners on a daily basis.

Outside of work, Sara likes paddle-boarding in the summers, reading, going for hikes with her dogs, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She and her husband have two canine companions at home, Rhyno and Millie, who are best friends and are rarely found apart.
Tangella
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Tangella was born and raised in Custer, MI, where animals were always a part of her life. She often visited her aunt, who introduced her to horses and riding, and was gifted her first horse at the young age of eight. Tangella’s mother also bred and raised Shih-Tzus, an experience that sparked an interest in caring for smaller pets. Having grown up in this environment, it came as no surprise that Tangella would one day end up working with animals as a career.

After high school, Tangella went on to attend Baker College of Muskegon, where she completed the AVMA accredited veterinary technology program. Through this program, Tangella fell in love with the technical aspect of pet health care and knew she’d chosen the right path. Upon graduation, she spent several years at various practices. When she welcomed her first son in July of 2021, she decided it was time to find a place that was closer to home, and AHL fit the bill. She joined the team in April of 2023 and hasn’t looked back since!

Professionally, Tangella has a special interest in anesthesia because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for every patient. She also enjoys performing dental prophylaxis and taking dental radiographs. Seeing the process through from start to finish and witnessing the end result is something Tangella finds truly fascinating.

At home, Tangella has many pets of her own, including two dogs: a Pekingese mix named Lashae, and a miniature Australian shepherd named Rahshi; four Siamese cats (Mahlaina, Mahlana, Meesha, and Kahkasha); and one domestic longhair named Sasha. Rounding out her crew are four horses, including a 34-year-old Arabian named Tara, a palomino quarter horse named Kachica, and two grulla miniature horses named Komande and Kahzzi. Tangella and Tara have hundreds of miles under their belts.

When she’s not busy working or tending to her plethora of pets, Tangella enjoys spending time with her husband, Steven, and their young son, Braxton. An avid outdoors person, Tangella also enjoys archery hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, kayaking, riding horses in the national forest, and sorting cattle on horseback.
  • What our clients have to say…

    Lisa VogelLisa Vogel
    12:33 30 Jul 22
    Dr Paxton saw my 15.5 year old dog yesterday and was so kind and responsive. My dog had developed a honking cough, and at his age, anything... like this gives me great concern. He did a thorough exam, my dog was super comfortable with him and his tech, and it was refreshing to visit a vet who doesn’t up-sell with a battery of tests. Excellent service from everyone, reasonably priced.read more
    Joslyn DeBoodeJoslyn DeBoode
    14:36 07 Jul 22
    We were camping just south of Ludington and needed a vet for our pup. They were able to get us in and help us out with no problems. It was so... great!! Staff was so friendly and helpful! We are grateful for their assistance!!read more
    Becky HaissBecky Haiss
    01:22 21 Apr 22
    Very accommodating to us. We're able to squeeze us in for an emergency visit when our dog was sick. Helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
    Paula MPaula M
    13:03 11 Apr 22
    Pet seen for preventative care and spay surgery. All options and prices were clearly outlined prior to procedure. Opted for laser surgery, pet... healed very well with no complications. Dr. Denies and her staff keep me updated throughout pet visit. Have used this facility over the years for my pets and they have treated them kindly.read more
    Brittany HoldenBrittany Holden
    00:59 21 Mar 22
    Love this clinic! Everyone from the ladies who greet us at the front desk to the veterinarians are incredibly kind. Dr. Deines has taken great... care of my dog and cat for the last year or so. She takes the time to answer all of my questions (sometimes before I've even asked!) and she puts myself and my pets at ease. I recommend this clinic to anyone looking for great care for their pet(s)!read more
    Loren BachLoren Bach
    22:52 08 Mar 22
    We recently moved to Ludington and I polled my neighbors about a local vet. Very happy that we had a recommendation to start with Animal... Hospital of Ludington.Unfortunately, my previously healthy older small dog developed a heart valve problem. Dr. Deines worked with me to try medications. Eventually I needed to have my dog euthanized but Dr. Deines and all the staff, were so kind and explained everything so it made it an easier time for me and my husband.Our younger dog is doing well and she will continue care with the Ludington Animal Hospital. Thank you so much for your care and attention.read more
    Diann Neil EngbladeDiann Neil Engblade
    01:23 24 Feb 22
    We have been clients of Animal Hospital of Ludington for at least 20 years. They take wonderful care of our animals and their compassion when... having to euthanize animals is wonderful. I highly recommend themread more
    Janet BAXTERJanet BAXTER
    01:38 29 Jan 22
    Thank you Steve for the wonderful job you have done on Willie's toe nails!!! They are short again and no rough edges. I know he is a handful... but thank you for doing a great job! You have been a friend and trusted vet to us for many years. Please don't retire too soon. Only thing missing is the toenail polish! LOLread more
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