GRVH Staff

Hello! My name is Robin. I grew up in Portland, Michigan, where I was always surrounded by animals. Becoming a veterinary technician felt like a natural path, and I went on to earn my degree from Michigan State University’s Veterinary Technology Program.

After graduation, I spent ten years at a mixed animal practice before joining Dr. Zech and the team here at Grand River Veterinary Hospital. It’s been a great fit ever since—I love being part of a team that’s committed to high-quality care and truly values the human-animal bond.

At home, I enjoy life with my wonderful husband and our blended family of three sons and one daughter. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, camping, and traveling whenever I get the chance.

Aaron is a Lakewood High School graduate and former multi-sport athlete in basketball, softball, and cross country. She earned her associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College, where she continued her softball journey, and began working at GRVH shortly after. Her passion for animal care inspired her to pursue veterinary nursing through Michigan State University’s Veterinary Technology Program.

Outside of work and school, Aaron enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and watching movies.

Shelly is a Lowell High School graduate and has been with GRVH since 2019. With a background in 4-H, she has cared for animals of all kinds and is currently pursuing her veterinary technician license. Shelly enjoys working in a supportive environment and takes pride in helping clients and their pets every day. At home, she shares her life with a variety of furry, feathered, and scaly pets.

Savannah joined GRVH in 2020 and brings a strong passion for feline care and rescue work. Her experience includes participation in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and a background in animal rescue. She works in both client services and patient care roles and looks forward to many more years. Outside of work, Savannah enjoys time with her cats and working on her truck.

Melissa has been with GRVH since 2022 and brings a wide range of professional experience. Her background includes working in the veterinary field in the past, also working with children, managing a daycare, and roles in human healthcare. Her favorite role by far has been working with animals. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two pugs, cheering at dirt track races, and relaxing at their seasonal campsite.

Erin is currently studying veterinary nursing at Michigan State University and joined GRVH in 2024. A Sparta High School graduate, she is excited to learn and grow in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, baking, and walking her dog. Erin is grateful to be part of a team that shares her passion for animal care.

Kalie brings over a decade of experience in animal rescue and behavior. Her background includes volunteering with Kent and Montcalm County Animal Control, where she gained vast hands-on experience with behavioral cases and large-breed dogs under the guidance of very skilled directors.  Despite the challenges, Kalie finds immense reward in supporting pets and their families through every step of their journey. 

Julia brings a dedicated presence and passion for animal care to the GRVH team. She values her time with the GRVH team and shares her love of animals with her supportive family and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, reading, watching classic movies, tennis, swimming, and dancing with her daughters on the Wii.

Candice is a retired Registered Medical Assistant who joined GRVH in 2021 after being a longtime client. A lifelong Lowell resident, she enjoys blending her passion for people and pets. Candice and her husband have one daughter, a son-in-law, and four beloved cats. Outside of work, she enjoys art projects, gardening, and entertaining family and friends.

Anna joined GRVH in 2022 and has always had a deep love for animals. She was born and raised in Caledonia and now lives in Saranac with her husband, three dogs, and three horses. With a strong interest in both small and large animal care, Anna enjoys spending her free time riding, hiking, and caring for her animals.

Jackie became part of the GRVH team in September 2023, starting as a Veterinary Assistant before cross-training to also work at reception. She brings a wide range of experience in animal care, including work in doggy daycare, animal control, wildlife rehabilitation in Alaska, and as a Veterinary Assistant at an emergency hospital. Jackie enjoys building connections with clients and their pets, and especially loves the compassionate, team-oriented atmosphere at GRVH. At home, Jackie and her husband share a lively “funny farm” with three dogs, two cats, two rats, koi fish, and chickens. She also has three stepchildren who keep life full and joyful. In her free time, Jackie enjoys drawing, painting, spending time outdoors, and pet sitting.

Hi! My name is Ziraje and I am a student at GVSU. I am currently finishing a bachelors degree in Biology with Pre-veterinary emphasis, and I plan on continuing my education in veterinary medicine once I complete my undergrad. I have loved animals for as long as I can remember, and decided one day I wanted to be able to take care of them. GRVH has taught me so much about animal health and I love how I keep learning new things every day! I am constantly inspired by our doctors and hope to one day be as knowledgeable and as caring for animals as each one of them.