Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Auburn Veterinary Service in Auburn!
We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Please call us at (217) 615-5500 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Veterinarian/Owner
Kyle grew up on a small farm in rural southwestern Wisconsin. His love and admiration for animals started at a very early age. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Platteville for his undergraduate degree in animal science. He was accepted into veterinary school at St Georges University in Grenada, West Indies where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. His clinical year was completed at the University of Missouri, Columbia. After graduation, he accepted an associate position at a 12 veterinarian mixed-animal practice in Alvarado, TX. After working there for 1.5 years, he accepted the resident veterinarian position at Richland Ranch/Auburn Veterinary Service in December 2011. In June 2017, Kyle and Kristi purchased Auburn Veterinary Service from the Narmonts. In 2021 Kyle became sole owner of Auburn Veterinary Service. Kyle’s professional interests include small animal dentistry, internal medicine and surgery.
Kyle and his wife Sarah have four kids (Calli, Lane, Lindsey and Natalie), four dogs-Clover, Soldier, Maple, Willow, and a cat named Sherman. He enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, trapping, hiking, camping, and woodworking.
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Erin Blakemore grew up in a rural setting western Illinois. Like many who end up in the veterinary profession, her love for animals and science was apparent at a young age.
After graduating from high school, she attended Western Illinois University for undergrad, where she met and married her husband, Bryan. After graduating with a degree with honors in Biology, she took a two year break from school to gain some experience working in a veterinary clinic. In 2004, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
After graduation, Erin spent two years working at a small animal hospital in Oswego, Illinois. In 2006 she joined a small animal hospital in Springfield, IL where she worked as an associate veterinarian for over 15 years. After her children were born, she reduced her work hours to part time, in order to spend more time with her family. When she is not working, she home schools her three children. Erin and Bryan also share their home with their rescue dog, Optimus, and three cats, Dennis (the menace),Isabella, and Simon.
Practice Manager
Chelsea grew up in Bethany, IL and was hired as a receptionist at Auburn Veterinary Service in January of 2009. Her main passion is horses, so she enjoys being involved in the activities at Richland Ranch as well as the small animal clinic. In 2008 she graduated from Black Hawk College with a degree in Equine Science and Horse Science Technology. She then had an internship at Richland Ranch which led to her current position at AVS. Chelsea became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager in 2021.
Chelsea is married to Dan and they have a daughter June and have 4 pets: Sydney (Australian Cattle Dog), Lambeau (Lab Mix), Matilda (Feline), and Manny (Feline).
Certified Veterinary Technician
Ashley has been a certified veterinary technician at AVS since 2013. She attended Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College to obtain her associate's degree in veterinary technology prior to passing the VTNE. Outside of work, she enjoys antiques and thrifting, plants, traveling and spending time with her husband Steven and their two dogs: Poe ( a blue merle mini american shepherd), and Pearl (a rescue from WILD - a hearing and vision impaired double merle mini australian shepherd) and their cat Myrtle.
Veterinary Technician
Tashina moved here with her Husband (Allen) and Kids (Travis and Ashley) from Colorado Springs in 2017. She joined the practice over a year ago. Besides her human children, she also has 6 fur babies. 4 dogs -- Beans, Perry, Max and Sophia and 3 cats -- Jeffrey, Stanely and Theia. In her down time, she loves to snuggle with her fur kids, (the human ones stopped snuggling awhile back), watch movies and relax.
Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant
Sarah was born in Florida but grew up in Springfield, IL. She received Veterinary Assistant Certificate in 2015 from LLCC. She has always wanted to work in the veterinary field and is in the process of getting back into school to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Sarah has 3 cats, Alice, Rubi and Penelope. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family in Springfield. She loves to travel which is mostly to Kentucky to spend time with family there. If you ever need to find her, she is most likely cuddled up at home with her fur babies.
Lead Receptionist/Inventory Manager
Jeanine grew up in Taylorville, IL. She attended LLCC and has worked in various veterinary clinics since 1984. She started at AVS in June 2015 after Dr. Kyle performed eye surgery on her horse. In her off time, she likes to attend dog shows and dock jumping with her dogs, Kimber and Sig. Other interests include deer hunting, target shooting, fishing, and studying her family genealogy. Jeanine is married to Daryl and they only have 4-legged children. Their pets include 2 dogs (Kimber and Sig), 3 cats (Purby, Clyde, Nadia), 3 horses (Reba, Neeka, and Aprapahoe), 2 Crested Gecko (Hooch, Stubs), and some Angel fish.