VCA Woodland Animal Hospital

Bios

• Christine West Hoornstra

  DVM

  I was born in East Lansing, Michigan where my parents were both college professors in the education department of Michigan State University. I spent most of my youth dedicating myself to the art of dressage with my Thoroughbred horse "Faygo". We were even the Jr. Young Midwest Champion one year! I graduated from East Lansing High School and quickly moved on to Michigan State University where I graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. I came to the Grand Rapids area in 2000 and began working as an associate veterinarian at Woodland Hospital for Animals. I greatly enjoyed my time with Woodland and spent years developing my interest and skill with many different types of unique small mammals. Most recently, I have had the great pleasure of becoming the Medical Director for VCA Woodland Animal Hospital. I am very excited about this new responsibility. When I am not at work I am kept very busy with my husband, young family and all their passions. My life is filled with gymnastics, karate, bike riding, swimming, school and church events. We have two dogs, Albert and Brik. Albert is a Shiba Inu and Brik is my husband's partner at the Grand Rapids Police Department. Brik, who lives full time with us, is from the Czech Republic and is trained in patrol duties and narcotic detection. Most recently I have found myself back in the saddle -- and who knows where that will lead!!

• Alana Gillhespy

  DVM

  My passion for veterinary medicine started very young. At five years old, I remember telling my mother that I wanted to become a farmer or a veterinarian. My goal has held steady, and I am very fortunate to be in this wonderful profession!. I am a West Michigander at heart. I grew up in Cedar Springs, Michigan and completed my undergraduate education at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan where I received a B.S. in Biology. After completing my veterinary training at Michigan State University I returned to the Grand Rapids area and my family. I have a special interest in surgery, microscopy (cytology), and ultrasonography. VCA Woodland Animal Hospital has allowed me to continue to develop my knowledge and skills in these and many other areas. The dedicated clientele and wonderful patients that we work with makes this job exciting and rewarding every day. In my spare time I enjoy running, playing card games, cross country skiing, and traveling. My husband and I have one animal child. We recently adopted our dog, Millie, who keeps us busy and thoroughly entertained. We never know where her terrier nose will lead us on a walk and what we will find!.