Our Story & Mission
Learn how our story, mission, and values shape every decision we make and our commitment to providing excellent veterinary medicine through compassionate and comprehensive care.
Our Mission
"To provide excellent veterinary medicine through compassionate and comprehensive care."
Our mission is the foundation of everything we do. By combining excellent veterinary medicine with compassionate, comprehensive care, we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients, improve the health and well being of every pet, and provide the guidance and support families need to make confident decisions throughout their pet's life.
Meet the Team
Behind every visit is a team dedicated to compassionate care, trusted relationships, and the health and well being of your pet. Get to know the people who are here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. Mackenzie Michels
Veterinarian, Owner
Meet Dr. Mackenzie Michels, founder and veterinarian at Mackenzie’s Veterinary Services. A lifelong animal lover, Dr. Michels grew up on her family farm, where she was active in 4-H and FFA. She spent her childhood raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and just about anything with four legs.
Dr. Michels began her college education at Olney Central College before transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Her passion for veterinary medicine comes from a lifetime of caring for animals and a desire to provide excellent veterinary medicine through compassionate and comprehensive care to the pets and families in her community.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and making time for her own pets, Great Dane Carl and Mastiff Mike.
She is proud to bring Mackenzie’s Veterinary Services to the community she grew up in and looks forward to caring for your pets for years to come.
Jessica Herdes
Client Service Representative
Meet our Client Service Representative, Jessica Herdes, a valued member of the Mackenzie’s Veterinary Services team. She joined MVS because she enjoys helping people and creating positive experiences. She understands that bringing a pet to the veterinarian can sometimes be stressful and wants every client to feel welcomed, heard, and cared for.
Outside of MVS, she enjoys experimenting with freeze drying food, staying active, caring for her yard, and spending time outdoors. She is passionate about her family, and enjoys life with her outdoor cats, Snickers and Chip.
A fun fact about her is that she has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 35 years, so you may occasionally notice a medical device attached to her arm.
She looks forward to watching MVS grow from the beginning, getting to know clients and their pets, and helping create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Jessica New
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Meet our Lead Veterinary Assistant, Jessica New, a dedicated animal lover who joined Mackenzie’s Veterinary Services to return to what she loves most: working with animals.
Outside of MVS, she enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time in the woods, and making memories with her family, especially her granddaughter, Ella. She is also the proud pet parent of three collies, Simon, Tink, and Sky, along with her rescued cat, Luna. She has also raised chickens, once caring for around 100 that she hatched and raised herself.
What she looks forward to most at MVS is making animals’ lives better through compassionate care.
And her fun fact? She does not like being late to anything.
Sydney Barker
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Sydney Barker, a Veterinary Assistant at Mackenzie’s Veterinary Services. Sydney joined MVS because she enjoys helping people and their pets and values the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of both.
Sydney brings six years of experience in the veterinary field and looks forward to continuing to grow her career in veterinary medicine. Her goal is to eventually become a Veterinary Technician.
We are excited to have Sydney as part of the MVS team and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and make a difference through compassionate care.
Our Story
Mackenzie's Veterinary Services was founded with a simple purpose: to provide excellent veterinary medicine through compassionate and comprehensive care. We believe every pet deserves high-quality medical care, and every family deserves a trusted veterinary team that takes the time to listen, educate, and support them.
As a locally owned practice in Olney, Illinois, we are proud to serve the pets and people of our community. Our clinic was created to help meet the growing need for accessible, high-quality veterinary care while building lasting relationships with the families we serve. We understand that pets are family, and we are committed to treating each patient with the same kindness, respect, and attention we would want for our own.
Our commitment reaches beyond the walls of our clinic. We are proud to be part of the Olney community and look forward to supporting local organizations, educating pet owners, and making a positive impact on the lives of pets and the families who love them.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your pet's journey. We look forward to earning your trust and providing compassionate, comprehensive care for years to come.
