Colleen Helgen, DVM

Owner/Veterinarian

Dr. Colleen Helgen is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina. She attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She left the south to attend veterinary school in the midwest at the University of Illinois in Champaign- Urbana. She graduated with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2012 with high honors. While she loved growing up down south, she now considers the midwest her home and she is forever a Fighting Illini! While in veterinary school, she was active in numerous academic clubs and a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society.

Following veterinary school, Dr. Helgen practiced for 5 years in Springfield, IL, before becoming owner of Animal Medical Center of Litchfield in 2017. She appreciates all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially cardiology, surgery, internal medicine, and dentistry. She truly enjoys working with pet owners to improve and protect the health of their beloved family pets. Dr. Helgen recognizes the strength of the human-animal bond and the importance that it plays in the lives of so many people and their pets.

Dr. Helgen’s husband, Eric, is a Litchfield-native who farms with his family. They have a daughter, Caroline, who constantly keeps them on their toes. They also have two yellow labs, Hank and Barley. In her free time, Dr. Helgen enjoys traveling south to visit family, spending time on the Outer Banks of NC beaches, cooking, and rooting for the Cardinals and the Illini.

Samantha Suhling

Office Manager

Samantha joined the Animal Medical Center team in July 2017. She comes to Animal Medical Center with seven years of technician/assistant experience. Samantha and her husband Todd have 3 children and 2 Miniature Pinchers. She has always had a passion for animals and is excited to continue her career with Animal Medical Center. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, pets and traveling.

Rebecca Howard

Animal Care

Rebecca has worked for Animal Medical Center since 2008. She has a beautiful daughter, Vicky, and an active home with 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 geckos. She enjoys spending her time with Vicky and her pets as well as reading and spending time in the outdoors.

Lori Hughes

Receptionist

Lori has been with Animal Medical Center since 2014. Lori and her husband Cliff have 3 children: Devon, Colton, and Lakyn. She has 1 cat named Betty. During her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and doing outside activities.

Kacie Johnson

Veterinary Technician

Kacie joined the Animal Medical Center family in September of 2017. She has worked in the veterinary field for the last 7 years. Her free time is spent with her husband, Andrew on the family farm taking care of livestock and pets, including cats, dogs, sheep, goats, donkeys, and cattle. She enjoys family time, photography and St. Louis Blues hockey.

Beth

Veterinary Technician

Beth joined the Animal Medical Center team in January 2019. She graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and has been working in veterinary medicine ever since. She enjoys spending quality time her husband Evan and their daughter Autumn, along with their cats and fish. They all enjoy camping, swimming and watching sports.

Kirsten

Veterinary Assistant

Kirsten joined the Animal Medical Center team on April 24, 2019. She has previous experience of assisting with veterinary care. Kirsten is a soon-to-be senior in high school and wants to further her love for animals by going to school to earn a Veterinary Technology degree. Her household has one dog, a two year old Blue Heeler named Abby. Kirsten enjoys photography, spending time with family, and being with her boyfriend.