Name: Maddie Barrett, DVM

Position: Associate Veterinarian 

Education: Michigan State University (BS), Oregon State University (DVM)

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Pets: Emery, Luna, and Spark

More about Dr. Barrett 

Dr. Barrett has always loved working with animals, and wanted to be a veterinarian since she was in elementary school. She developed a love for exotics, wildlife, and zoo medicine while spending part of her clinical year rotating through several zoos and working with some amazing animals including big cats, marine mammals, and elephants! As a child, she loved coming to Cascade Hospital for Animals with her mom and asking the veterinarian various questions about their pets. When she decided that she wanted to be a doctor herself, she shadowed at our clinic in high school and college, then worked as a Veterinary Assistant before going to vet school! 
Dr. Barrett and her husband acquired all of their pets accidentally! Their Golden Retriever, Emory, was originally a foster for Paws with a Cause (an organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities). When she was released from the program, Dr. Barrett was asked if she wanted to adopt her, which was a no-brainer! Luna, their Klee Kai, was abandoned by her previous owner and found her forever home with Dr. Barrett. She is very quirky, energetic, and  way too intelligent for her own good! Their cat, Spark, climbed into Dr. Barrett's car at 7 weeks old in the parking lot at vet school. Dr. Barrett says he is the "pinnacle of an orange boy" and is the perfect fit for their life. 
Outside of work, Dr. Barrett enjoys spending quality time with her husband and pets, getting into nature, cooking, and finding new TV shows to watch. 

Name: Felix

Position: Veterinary Assistant

Education: Associates Degree from Muskegon Community College

Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan

Pets: Dexter and Roxanne

More about Felix:

• Felix believes that his interest in working with animals comes partly from the abundance that he's always had in his life, but also his mother's encouragement in helping animals from a very young age. He hopes to become a veterinarian in the future! 
• Outside of work, he enjoys basketball, whether he's playing or just watching. He played for three years on a high school team and still likes to play casually with his friends.
• His favorite music genre is rap and his favorite book is the Bleach series. There are a few TV shows and games that he really enjoys as well!
• Felix owns two dogs: Dexter and Roxanne. Dexter, a Pitbull, was adopted from a foster group in early 2021. While he is very protective of his sister, Felix states that he is all bark and no bite - 100% a sweetheart! Roxanne, or Roxy, is a Bulldog adopted from a client at his previous office that couldn't afford to care for her. She loves everyone and everything, and will do whatever necessary to receive treats or attention. 
• His favorite vacation spots are New Mexico, San Diego, and Spain. 

Name: Olivia

Position: Pet Care Assistant

Hometown: Lowell, Michigan

Education: Associates of General Studies

Pets: Kevin, Gary, Gourdy, and Big Daddy 

More about Olivia:

• Growing up, Olivia's love for animals started when her mom trained service dogs. Ever since, she has wanted to dedicate her career to serving all kinds of animals. 
• Olivia's interests include sewing clothes, camping up north in the summers, and traveling around the country. She hopes to travel outside of the U.S. in the future! 
• Olivia recently completed 10 months of service with the AmeriCorps NCC. She received congressional recognition for having additional service hours, and made so many new friends and memories along the way!

Name: Kaitlyn

Position: Licensed Veterinary Technician

Education: Michigan State University

Hometown: Livonia, Michigan

Pets: Blazer and Moku 

More about Kaitlyn: 

• From a very young age, Kaitlyn has always had a passion for animals. She grew up helping her grandma with her "fish lady" business and always had at least three animals in the house! 
• When she first shadowed the CHFA practice, she loved how close the team was, and how well they worked together. She states that everyone was very welcoming, and she is looking forward to continuing her passion for saving lives alongside us!
• Outside of work, she loves to read, cook, explore the outdoors, and try new restaurants/breweries (she is a big foodie!)
• Kaitlyn owns two cats - Blazer and Moku. Blazer, named for "trailblazer",  was found exploring the trails in Roscommon, Michigan. He is a lover boy and an absolute food MONSTER. Her other cat, Moku, is a rescue. While he is known to be a bit scared, he enjoys walking around and making tetradactyl noises. 
• She loves so many books that she is unable to pick a favorite! Some of her top genres are romance, thriller, and fantasy.