Dr. Shirkey has been at Shirkey Vet Clinic since the doors opened in 2007. He graduated from North Central College in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in biology; graduated in 1999 from Northern Illinois University with a Master of Science; and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2003, completing the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program. Dr. Shirkey has always had an interest in biology and animals. He considers himself to be a “bio nerd.” His favorite part of the job is seeing his patients and giving them the proper care they need to be healthy and happy throughout their lives. He enjoys woodworking in his spare time, which he isn’t very good at, and collecting fossils. Dr. Shirkey’s love for animals doesn’t stay at the clinic. He has three yellow labs (Decker, Moose, and Gopher), a Jack Russel Terrier (Olive), a husky mix (Harlan), and two cats (Minion and Nimbus) at home.

Dr. Strickland’s favorite job parts include puppy and kitten talks and surgery. She enjoys baking in her spare time. Dr. Strickland loves dogs and cats, but her favorite is the golden retriever. She has two golden retrievers (Penny and Gus) who keep her very busy.

Kelsey started at Shirkey Vet Clinic in 2012. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and recently got licensed as a real estate broker. She has always loved animals and started volunteering at a local humane society at an early age. Her favorite part of the job is educating pet owners on vaccines / preventative care and assisting the doctor with diagnostics to help diagnose and treat sick pets. She trains competition dogs in obedience, dock diving, agility, and nose work in her spare time, earning multiple state and national titles. Kelsey and her fiance, Nathan, have four dogs; a Labrador (Dozer), a Border Collie (Coast), a German Shepherd (Bodhi), and a mixed breed (Vader). They also have a cat, Meka, and a pineapple conure, Te(quila).

Dani joined the team in December 2022. She is a Certified Vet Tech who graduated from Fox College in 2015. Animals have always been her passion, and she thought about becoming a veterinarian. Her favorite part of the job is in surgery and imaging. She also loves the instant gratification of dental cleanings as well. Dani is a full-time mom with active kids. They are always at a game, competition, tournament, or rodeo. She also runs a horsemanship and riding program. She has a daughter, Jojo, and a son, Giovanni. She also shares her home with three dogs, one cat, one pig, one cockatiel, four horses, and 30+ chickens and ducks!

Jordan started at Shirkey Vet Clinic in October 2019. She got her start in this field by volunteering at CARE when she thought about becoming a doctor. Jordan worked at CARE in Plainfield for five years. She learned many skills in a fast-paced environment during her time there. Her favorite parts of the job are seeing the difference she can bring to animals and clients; being part of the treatment process and watching patients become healthy again makes it all worth it.

In her spare time, she likes taking her dogs to the area club to run around, decorating her house, and spending time with her family and boyfriend, Tanner. Jordan and Tanner also share their home with a Coonhound (Nova) and a German Shorthaired Pointer (Otis).

Alivia joined the team in December of 2022. She has been in the veterinary industry for 6 years. She started out as an intern for extra credits and the rest is history. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology/Zoology. Her favorite part of the job is the satisfying results of dental cleanings. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, crafting, and playing games. Alivia shares her home with her husband, Don, and their son, Lucas. She also has 2 cats (Zeus and Hades) and 2 dogs (Bruce Wayne and Lola).

Alyssa joined the team in December 2022. She has been in the veterinary industry for three years. She started taking classes in high school and is set to get her veterinary assistant certification this year. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with animals. Her favorite part of the job is that she can provide care and relief to both animals and owners. In her spare time, she likes to watch television and read books. Spending time with her pets while reading books is her favorite. She has three dogs, Lola (the queen), Packer, and Jaeger, plus one cat, Koko.