Woodland Animal Hospital
Dr. James Botsford
Practice Owner / Veterinarian
Dr. James H. Botsford is a graduate of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Graduating in 1985, Dr. Botsford has been practicing veterinary medicine for nearly forty years. Currently, Dr. Botsford is an active member of The American Veterinary Medical Association, The Veterinary Information Network, and the Phi Zeta Honor Society for Veterinarians.
Over the years, he has been privileged with the opportunity to create personal connections with our clients and their pets. Since our doors opened in 1988 he has prided himself on treating everyone with polite, professional, and personable service.
Alongside his impressive professional résumé, Dr. Botsford is a passionate and talented musician. He loves to sing and play acoustic guitar. He also spends his free time reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with his beloved friends and family.
Woodland Animal Hospital ® 7980 Grand River Ave.Brighton,MI 48114
Woodland Animal Hospital is a well-established veterinary clinic, serving the Brighton area for nearly 40 years. With a team of 3 experienced doctors, and a knowledgeable team beside them, we provide comprehensive care, including routine check-ups and urgent situations. Our inviting atmosphere ensures a positive experience for you and your pets. Join us for reliable, expert, state-of-the-art care where your furry family members are treated with the attention and compassion they deserve.
Woodland Animal
Hospital
810-229-5300
Dr. Jennifer Groehn
Veterinarian
Dr. Groehn, a native Michigander, received her veterinary degree from Michigan State University. She was in the same veterinary class as Dr. Botsford! You can see her picture in the class photo in the lobby.
After fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian, she worked as a relief veterinarian and worked with many interesting practices and local veterinarians (including helping Dr. Botsford from time to time in his early years at Woodland Animal Hospital). Later, she purchased a small clinic in Highland, MI, ran the practice, and served the local community for many years. In 2022, after selling the business, she began providing relief veterinary services and was happy to return to Woodland Animal Hospital and assist Dr. Botsford and his patients.
Dr. Groehn loves all animals and over the years, has participated in rescuing many animals in need of help. She is also a horse enthusiast and has been riding and showing horses since she was a teenager. She currently competes in the reining events with her horses and travels across the United States to various competitions.
Dr. Therese Heinonen
Veterinarian
Dr. Heinonen graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Over the past 35 years, she has actively pursued her interests in health research and policy while maintaining her passion: caring for people and their pets.
Dr. Heinonen is married and has raised two adult children, plus dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles. In her free-time she most enjoys outdoor sports, reading, and writing. She is very happy to be joining Dr. Botsford and his team of animal health professionals at Woodland Animal Hospital.
Shelby first joined the Woodland Animal Hospital team in 2016 as a veterinary assistant. In May 2023, she assumed the role of Practice Manager.
Beyond her professional life, Shelby finds joy in bowling, golfing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. At home, her heart is shared with her long-time partner; her dogs, Charlie and Chai; and her cats, Chico and Chedison.
Fun facts about Shelby:
- Her favorite color is purple.
- She loves artisan cheeses and peanut butter cup ice cream despite her body's sensitivity to dairy.
- She has had the privilege of visiting both Alaska and Hawaii, however, she has been to only 27 of the 48 continental states. Her goal is to visit all 50.
- In 2018, Shelby and her parents undertook the incredible project of renovating a one-room schoolhouse built in 1850, and transformed it into a modern, unique, loving home.
Shelby Reed
Practice Manager
RoseLee, or as we like to call her, Rose, is our amazingly dedicated Receptionist / Veterinary Assistant. With 8 years experience in the veterinary industry under her belt, we’re so glad she landed in our clinic in December 2022.
Rose can often be found reading, drawing, traveling, going to a concert, listening to a true crime podcast, or spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite colors—green, blue, purple, and black—reflect her vibrant personality.
Two remarkable adventures in her life stand out. Rose has had the unique experience of visiting Bracken Cave in San Antonio, TX, the largest bat colony in the world, home to 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats. She also fulfilled her dream of riding a horse in the ocean while visiting Ireland, a truly extraordinary memory. As an avid traveler, Rose's dream destinations include Scotland and Maine.
RoseLee Roark
Receptionist / Veterinary Assistant
Kate Mayson
Veterinary Assistant
Kate joined the Woodland Animal Hospital team in April 2024, bringing with her
7 years of experience and a plethora of knowledge about the industry, especially the animal shelter side. As a dedicated Veterinary Assistant, Kate's love for animals and commitment to their well-being shines through in everything she does. She is certified in pet massage and canine water therapy.
Kate’s home is filled with the joy of multiple pets, including five cats: Salami, Belly, Penny, Oliver, and Misty; two small dogs: Karma and Chip; and four rats: Raisin, Sprout, Jumbo, and Norman.
When she's not caring for animals, you can find Kate crafting, reading, pet sitting, binge-watching sitcoms, listening to Taylor Swift, or immersing herself in all things Disney and Harry Potter (she proudly identifies as a loyal Hufflepuff). Her favorite colors, purple and yellow, reflect her vibrant personality, and her favorite foods include pasta, pie, and birthday cake ice cream. One day, Kate dreams of traveling to Disney World with her wife.
Meet Mr. Bond, the resident kitty at Woodland Animal Hospital. Mr. Bond initially comes across as reserved, but once you're in his good graces, he's a big fan.
He's got a few favorite things in life, but breakfast and treats (Temptations and Churu, specifically) top the list. One of Mr. Bond's quirks is his love for a good conversation. He's not shy about expressing himself with meows and slow blinks--making him a lively addition to the clinic.
Known for his expertise in the art of biscuit making, Mr. Bond can turn any surface into a cozy spot for his intricate paw-kneading sessions.
Mr. Bond
Clinic Kitty
Jenna Swisher
Veterinary Assistant
Introducing Jenna Swisher! As a third-year veterinary student at Michigan State University, Jenna boasts 6 years of experience in the field. When she's not immersed in the world of animal care, Jenna enjoys hiking, board games, and quality time with loved ones. At home, she is kept company by her two adorable goldendoodles, Sniper and Penny.
Beyond her veterinary expertise, Jenna is a fifth-degree black belt in shotokan karate, showcasing her dedication and discipline - don't mess with her! Jenna got married to her husband this past summer and they are enjoying their first year of marriage. Her dream getaway? Either relaxing by the ocean or reliving childhood magic at Disney World. With her easy-going adventurous spirit and compassionate nature, Jenna makes a positive impact on our team and the pets we care for.
Melinda Geise
Veterinary Assistant
Melinda joined the Woodland Animal Hospital team in August 2024, bringing with her 4 years of experience in the veterinary industry. As a passionate and skilled Veterinary Assistant, Melinda is dedicated to the care and well-being of all the animals she works with.
At home, Melinda’s life is enriched by her beloved pets. Two small dogs, Ruben and Gibson, a cat named Holmes, a bearded dragon named Fergus, and five leopard geckos—Monty, Jasper, Emori, Tara, and Commander. Her love for animals is matched by her love for creative pursuits; in her free time, you can find Melinda painting, mushroom hunting, playing guitar, or hiking through nature.
Melinda’s favorite colors—purple, yellow, and black—reflect her vibrant and unique style, which she has further developed through her love of makeup. Melinda also enjoys collecting pins and pressed pennies, and she frequently goes car camping in her minivan. Her dream vacation would take her to the mountains, where she can fully immerse herself in nature.
Dr. Crystal Eberly
Veterinarian
Dr. Allison Birndorf
Veterinarian
Dr. Allison Birndorf graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, then headed to East Lansing to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian and graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.
Dr. Birndorf worked out of state after graduation, but returned to her beloved home state of Michigan and has not left since. In 2016 she started doing relief work and has practiced at several clinics all over Michigan where she gained valuable experience caring for family pets.
In addition to her love of dogs and cats, Dr. Birndorf has a lifelong appreciation of wildlife. If she had to pick, Moose would be her favorite animal and she has been lucky to have seen several in the wild. She has traveled to 35 National Parks and hopes to visit all 63. She loves to golf in the summer and in the winter she is on a bowling league. Most important in her life is her family, she is married and has two small children and an 18 year old Calico cat!
Dr. Crystal Eberly is a passionate veterinarian with over 25 years of experience in the field. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she also holds a Bachelor's degree in Animal Nutrition. She loves integrating nutritional health into her internal medicine cases and has a special interest in senior pet care, particularly the complexities of chronic disease and pain management.
In addition to her work in traditional practice, Dr. Eberly owns and operates PetAlliance, a Brighton-based mobile veterinary service dedicated to providing convenient, high-quality care. She works closely with Dr. Botsford and Woodland Animal Hospital, where she sees patients on a regular basis and performs surgery.
Outside of work, Dr. Eberly finds her greatest joy in family life. She and her husband, Chad, stay busy with their four children—Corrynn, Carrigan, Cameron, and Conrad—but always make time for outdoor adventures like fishing, gardening, and weekends at the lake with loved ones. At home, she enjoys quiet moments with her English bulldog, Moose, and her two cats, Oliver and JuneBug.
Briana Langohr
Veterinary Assistant
Briana joined the Woodland Animal Hospital team in February 2025 and brings with her a deep love for both pets and people. While she’s new to the veterinary field, her enthusiasm and quick learning have made her an immediate asset to the team. She's passionate about growing her knowledge and has already gained a strong foundation in all things vetmed.
Outside the clinic, Briana’s energy is just as vibrant. She loves being outdoors, rescuing animals (ask her about the time she saved a baby raccoon in a Walmart parking lot!), crocheting, and diving into video games. She’s a Taurus through and through—steady, loyal, and always up for some ice cream cake or boneless wings.
At home, Briana shares her life with Finley, her German Shepherd, and Peanut, her bearded dragon. Her favorite color is purple, and one day she hopes to explore the mountains of Colorado.
