Employees of the AEC-Rockford

The AEC is staffed by a highly trained team of veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, receptionists and kennel crew.  Through a combination of college education, journal research, in house staff training, continuing education and internet based media our staff maintains an up to date ‘pulse’ on the veterinary field with cutting edge procedures and medical therapy.  Instant access to the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) allows our veterinary staff to get the latest information on many toxins, treatment protocols and drug information, often allowing implementation of the recommendations of specialists before it is published in the text books.

Veterinarians

Dr. Kevin Thrall’s focus has been in emergency and critical care since 1995. Prior to attending veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin he worked in a veterinary emergency hospital for four years.  While in veterinary school, he was awarded scholarships for his insights into geriatric medicine and nutrition as they pertain to patients in the critical care unit. His clinical year brought him to specialty practices in California and Michigan where he trained under board certified emergency and critical care clinicians. He was subsequently acknowledged by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) for outstanding achievement.  After graduation he worked in general practice before working in emergency hospitals in both Madison, WI and McHenry county. Dr. Thrall then joined the veterinary team at the AEC in 2007, and became the Medical Director in 2008.  He has been a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society since 2000 and the American Veterinary Medical Association since 2004.  His other interests include spending time with his children, camping and feeding his chickens and sheep, as well as restoring a 1947 Ford 8n tractor.

Dr. CohenDr. Cohen earned her BS in Biology from Michigan State University and is a graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island where she was awarded the MTC Pharmaceuticals Award and achieved acknowledgement and credit in Anatomy, Anesthesia and Ophthalmology.  Since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree, Dr. Cohen has worked exclusively as an emergency clinician and is accomplished in crucial emergency medical/surgical procedures and critical care.  Dr. Cohen enjoys all aspects of emergency medicine with special interest in trauma and pain management.  Exploring animal behavior has also become a passion.

Dr. Cohen is an active member in the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society as well as both the American and Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations.  Dr. Cohen has contributed time to the DNR Wildlife Rehabilitation Association where she has repeatedly been a guest lecturer at annual meetings.

Dr. Cohen credits her strong work ethics to family influence and a lifelong love and dedication to animal welfare.  The combination of medicine and ability to work with animals to end suffering was her inspiration for becoming a veterinarian.

When Dr. Cohen is not attending to her patients, she enjoys movies, photography, fast cars, boating and spending time with family, pets and friends.

Dr. Haley Ream graduated from Cardinal Stritch University majoring in Biology and received her veterinary medicine degree from The University of Illinois in 2021. She have always had a love for animals growing up. She was in 4H for 11 years showing cattle and pigs. Throughout vet school her passion for small animals grew and she developed a special interest in emergency medicine. In her spare time she likes to exercise, travel, and loves spending time with her family. Currently, Dr. Ream has one yellow lab named Remington but plans to have more fur babies soon.

Dr. Abby Brown Biography coming soon

Dr. Meghan Jass Biography coming soon

Dr. Theresa Schecker Biography coming soon

Dr. Theresa Schier Biography coming soon

Dr. Meghan Schirger Biography coming soon

Dr. Crystal Ruter Biography coming soon

Veterinary technology is a very rewarding career. These dedicated technicians are the anchors of the veterinary team.  A technician can become certified by the state after earning an associates degree in veterinary technology and passing a rigorous certification exam.  After meeting the requirements they become Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT) and are well trained members of the veterinary team.
Veterinary Technicians
Amber, CVT
Andreina
Ashley, CVT
Brittany P
Brittany T
Caitlyn, CVT
Casey, CVT
Catherine, CVT
Cheyanne
Cindy, CVT
Danielle, CVT
Erica, CVT
Haley, CVT, Supervisor
Hannah, CVT
Heather, CVT
Kaitlyn, CVT
Katy, CVT
Kelley, CVT
Mariah, CVT
Matt, CVT, Supervisor
Nicole, CVT
Travis, CVT
Practice Manager
Anne
Staff Supervisors
Matt, CVT
Haley, CVT
Amber
Receptionists
Amber, Supervisor
Alyssa
Amiee
Ayden
Jamie
Karri
Michelle
Samantha
Sarah
William
Kennel Assistants
Alicia
Alyssa
August
Bailey
Brett
Corrine
Jamie
Jodee
Katie
Maddie
Melissa
Sarah
Virginia