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).

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.