I was born in Central Illinois, in Logan County, and grew up on a grain and livestock farm. I attended college at the University of Illinois for my undergraduate degree in animal science and then again for veterinary school. I graduated from the University of Illinois Veterinary School with honors in 1988.
Upon graduation, I returned to the area and started working at Green Prairie San Jose, then known as Greenhaven Animal Clinic, where I had worked as an intern during summers and school breaks. I have continued my education over the years with numerous seminars and conferences, also graduating from the Executive Veterinary Program at the University of Illinois.
I enjoy the mixed animal practice environment. I love the challenges that this type of atmosphere can bring, working with both large and small animals. I was lucky enough to meet my wife, Kay, shortly after graduation. We were married in May 1990, and we have been blessed with three wonderful boys: Michael, a junior at St. Louis College of Pharmacy; Logan, a freshman at the University of Illinois; and William, a junior at Lincoln High School. All three boys have been very active in sports and other extra-curricular activities, which keep us quite busy.
In my “spare” time, I enjoy being outdoors hunting, fishing, or working on landscaping. We also enjoy traveling and seeing different parts of the United States.