Our Team

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.

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager

Chelsea grew up in Bethany, IL and was hired as a receptionist at Auburn Veterinary Service in January of 2009.  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 currently manages the Animal Emergency Clinic in Springfield as well, so you may see her at either place.

Chelsea and her husband Dan have a daughter, June. They also have 2 dogs, Sydney (Australian Cattle Dog) and Lambeau (Lab Mix) and two cats, Matilda and Manny.

Lead Receptionist/Inventory Manager

Jeanine grew up in Taylorville and has worked in the veterinary field since 1984. She started at AVS in June of 2015 after Dr. Kyle performed eye surgery on her horse. She enjoys playing bingo with her sister and reading and watching Harry Potter. Other interests include fishing, deer hunting, target shooting and attending dog shows and dock jumping with her dogs. Jeanine and her husband Daryl currently have a German Wirehaired Pointer (Sig), 3 cats (June, Clyde and Nadia), 3 horses (Reba, Neeka and Arapahoe) and 2 Crested Geckos (Hooch and Stubs). They are planning to get a new baby sister (puppy) for Sig this summer.

Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

Sarah was born in Florida but grew up in Springfield, IL. She received Veterinary Assistant Certificate in 2015 from LLCC. 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.

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 and her family moved here from Colorado Springs in 2017 to be closer to family. She joined our team in 2019. Tashina and her husband Allen have two kids, Travis and Ashley. Their family also includes 3 cats (Jeffery, Stanley and Theia) and 4 dogs (Beans, Perry, Max and the newest addition Chance Maverick). 

Veterinary Assistant

Lillie has been in the veterinary field for 3 years and was hired as an assistant at AVS in April of 2023. She has always had a passion for animals and is currently working through the Penn Foster program to obtain her associate's degree in veterinary technology. Outside of work she enjoys hunting, fishing, horseback riding, traveling to different states to watch dirt track racing with her father (Dave) and spending time with her four labrador retrievers (Knoxville, Church, Stagger and Rip).

Veterinary Assistant

Kayla grew up in Glenarm, IL and has been in the veterinary field for 4 years. Kayla joined AVS in October of 2023 as a veterinary assistant. She is currently enrolled in the Penn Foster program to obtain her CVT. Kayla spends most of her time with her son, Kayce. She also enjoys going boating and snowmobiling. At home Kayla has one dog (Daisy), two cats (Murphy + Bingo) and one guinea pig (Piglet). 

Work Study / Kennel Assistant

Caelyn is currently a senior at North Mac High School. She will be with us the 2023 - 2024 school year doing a work study program. While she is here gaining knowledge of veterinary medicine, she is also helping us with basic kennel responsibilities and animal care.