A Tradition of Excellence
STAFF
Meet the Newton Veterinary Clinic Staff
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the staff members of Newton Veterinary Clinic. Our staff members care for your pets and livestock. Our locally owned practice has more than 70 years of experience. Same-day appointments are available. We make house calls for livestock only. Emergency services are always available 24/7.
To learn more about our veterinarians and staff, call 618-783-3424.
Dr. Dale Spindler, Veterinarian
Dr. Dale grew up on a farm in Indiana. He studied at Purdue Veterinary School and has been practicing veterinary medicine for 30 years. His favorite part of working at the clinic is helping pet owners keep their pets healthy.
Dr. Dale’s main goal as a vet is to be part of a successful team that promotes animal health and provides excellent care to the Jasper County area. He has two dogs; Toby and Sadie and two cats, Nelson and Curly!
Dr. James Gratz, Veterinarian
Dr. James grew up in rural northern Illinois where he cultivated a love of science and animals. He graduated with honors from University of Illinois in 1994 and started providing veterinary care to the community. Since that time, he has been involved with mixed animal practice, however most of his time is now devoted to dairy producers.
Outside of work, Dr. James spends as much time as possible with his four daughters. They raise and exhibit sheep, pigeons, ducks and rabbits, along with many other animals that have found a home with the family. Dr. James also greatly enjoys coaching youth in the fine art of olympic style rifle shooting.
Dr. Chad Ely, Veterinarian
Dr. Chad's vision for Newton Veterinary Clinic is to continue an excellent tradition of providing the highest-quality veterinary care with compassion and dedication. Here he is with his dog, Demi.
Dr. Bob Schafer, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Bob is a 1967 graduate of the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. He has a lifelong interest in biological science. Dr. Bob is dedicated to helping animals and clients with a variety of medical issues. He enjoys focusing on the treatment and prevention of disease and injuries.
Dr. Bob loves his dog, Rocky!
Dr. Mara Fehrenbacher, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Mara grew up in a rural area and was always surrounded by animals. She is eager to bring her knowledge and care to the Newton Veterinary Clinic. Here she is with her dog, Yogi!
Dr. Lindsey Goeckner, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Lindsey strives to make a connection with every patient she meets and enjoys working with the great team at Newton Vet Clinic to help provide quality care.
Dr. Tanner Kirby, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Tanner enjoys horseback riding and hanging with his dog, Harley.
Dr. Jessica McKinney, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jessie grew up in rural Neoga on a beef cattle and grain farm. This is where her love for animals, both large and small, started. She graduated with honors from the University of Illinois Veterinary School in 2012 and started working at Effingham Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Jessie deeply loves her community and working with the clients. She loves to solve problems.
Outside of work, she enjoys raising and showing livestock with her husband and kids.
Dr. Katie Shreve, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Katie is a native of Madison, West Virginia; a small town in the rural coalfields. She grew up with many species of pets including her loving Labrador Retriever Lucky. Dr. Katie completed her education at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. While at Ohio State, she was a Stanton Scholar and completed externships in Texas, Kentucky and Cleveland, all focusing on large animal and emergency medicine.
Katie is excited to join the team at Newton Veterinary Clinic where she can fulfill her lifelong dream of working with small and large animals. She resides in Newton with her cat, Luna.
Miranda, Staff Member
Miranda graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a masters degree in biological sciences. She loves research focused on parasitology. Miranda loves working at the Newton Veterinary Clinic and providing care to the animals that grace the clinic. She has a tender heart for ill animals and makes a great asset to the clinic.
Miranda is seen here with her cat, Lola!
Nikki, Office Manager
Nikki has a bachelor’s degree in equine science from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. She grew up on a farm and has been a lifelong animal lover. She loves the team at Newton Veterinary Clinic and loves her border collies.
Christy, Staff Member
Christy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Eastern Illinois University. She has always loved animals and anything related to the medical field. She loves being able to work with both animals and people at the Newton Veterinary Clinic. Christy enjoys that there is something different to learn at the clinic daily.
Here is Christy with her dog, Holly. She also has three dogs, Dixie, Toby and Harley Quinn and two cats, Loki and Deathstroke.
Heather, Receptionist
Bio Coming Soon!
