Back on Track Staff

Michele Ball
Office Manager

I have worked in Veterinary medicine for over 15 years.  I started in an animal shelter and stayed there for 3 years in the capacity of adoption counselor, kennel worker, and then intake manager.  I also did some fostering including a boxer (one of my favorite breeds!) for about a year.  I was a technician/receptionist and then office manager for the past 12 years at a veterinary hospital before deciding to join the team at Back on Track Veterinary Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in my neck of the woods in O’Fallon, Missouri.  I chose this career not only because of my love for animals, but also to be an advocate for those who cannot speak or do for themselves.  I love to learn and educate about anything that provides the very best for them!

My favorite aspects of veterinary medicine are the relationships we build with owners and their pets and watching them go from puppy/kittenhood into their senior years.  I also enjoy educating owners about how best to keep their pets happy and healthy.  Additionally, I love some of the technical aspects of the job, including placing an IV (intravenous) catheter! I am passionate about creating a happy working environment for staff and believe that a growing healthy practice comes from that, as well as practicing high-quality medicine.

dMy special interests include rehabilitation and pain management (because my breeds always have orthopedic issues!) and Chinese herbal medicine.
My personal pets include a Boston Terrier and four Betta fish and I am looking to grow my pet family soon with the addition of a English Bulldog or Boxer.
In my free time I like to spend time with Tony, my husband of 24 years, our teenage daughter Izzy, and Kermit, our loveable Boston.  We all love to go camping as a family.  I’m also obsessed with reading and smushy faced dogs!

Nicole Schliemann
Veterinary Assistant

I originally got interested in working with animals after I worked at a wildlife rescue center in high school.  It was there I discovered my passion for animals and that I wanted to pursue a job in the animal field. I have been working in veterinary medicine since 2005 after graduating from Midwest Vet Institute with a veterinary technician certification. 

My favorite aspect of my job is watching patients get better with the help of our treatments and owners being happy that we were able to help! 

My personal pets include 3 cats:  Kitty is a 9-year old long-haired grey tabby with one bad eye and that's what made me want to adopt her. Smudge is a 7-year old medium haired grey and white kitty that came with bad hips.  He has had 2 hip surgeries and I call him my bionic cat! I have compassion for cats with special needs! Lil’ B is a 6 year old domestic short-haired black and white kitty and he's my snuggler and lover! All three were rescues and they each have their own special personalities! They all love food and cat naps on anything soft! Smudge's particular favorite is his boat bed. 

My special interests are anesthesiology and maintaining the in-house diagnostic blood machines. My favorite technical skills include venipuncture (drawing blood), and I also enjoy monitoring patients while under anesthesia and helping them to have a smooth recovery period. 
In my free time, I love spoiling my cats and watching television. My guilty pleasure is having a free day of snuggling on the couch with all three kitties! I also enjoy some gardening and started a vegetable garden last year.

Melissa Minor
Veterinary Assistant

I’ve been a veterinary technician since 2002 and have always lived in a house with lots of animals.  My very first job was at a privately owned pet store, where I learned to handle and appreciate many different species besides cats and dogs. At the moment, my own pets include four dogs, three cats, and two sugar gliders.

The most exciting thing working at a clinic is when a client gets a new pet.  I love educating new pet owners on preventive medicines and behavior, and watching their bond with their new family member grow. Working in this field also allows me to learn new ways to improve the lives of the furry critters that we love, and we get to pass that on to our clients.

I used to work as a full time vet tech.  Now I travel all over the country selling my husband’s artwork at comic and anime conventions.  While I do love getting to see new places and meet all sorts of people, I’m grateful for the opportunity to still have a hand in the animal medical field.

I have always loved animals since I was small and after volunteering at a local animal shelter and loving it, I decided to make a career out of working with animals. I graduated from the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College in 2017 with honors and was lucky enough to get a call from BOT when they had a position available shortly after. In 2018, I passed all my tests and became a Registered Veterinary Technician and in 2024 got certified in canine rehabilitation as a CCRVT. I love helping facilitate a pets recovery or helping to keep older patients active and mobile. Hearing owners get excited about their pet being able to do little things they haven't done in a while is one of the best rewards.

I am married with an adorable step daughter. I currently have 3 chihuahua's, 2 cats, a palmetto corn snake, and fresh water fish. My chihuahua's are my adventure dogs, down to do anything from hiking and kayaking to siting on the couch for 12hrs. One of my cats likes to join on walks outside as well.

In my free time I like taking care of my growing plant collection, reading, and playing video games.

Kelsey Batchelor
Registered Veterinary Technician

I graduated from Jefferson College in 2013, and took my boards a few months later. I have been working as a Registered Technician since then.

I always knew I wanted to work with animals. In high school I had a pet rabbit that needed a lot of specialized attention. That experience solidified my decision. I wanted to be the person who helped owners better care for their pets. I also wanted to be the person who was there when a pet needed understanding. I was always good at science and thought I would do something in the field. Being a Veterinary Technician is the perfect combination.

My favorite part of this career is dealing with elderly patients. I think there is something very special about helping a pet be more comfortable during their golden years. I also enjoy treating critical or high need patients. I find it rewarding to help both the pet and the owner during tough times.

I currently have one dog named Zoey. She is a diva and requires my full attention at all times.

I find small mammals/exotics to be my special interest. I usually have a small animal in my house either as a pet or a foster. I also enjoy surgery. I like being the one to prep the patient, be in the surgery room, and recovery them. I love being able to see different procedures and learning from them. I am excited to learn more about rehab. I have had two pets who have needed rehab, so began my interest with Back On Track.

In my spare time I am usually helping my husband Jonathan run our roofing company. When we are not working on that we like to go on walks with Zoey, and explore. I am not from this area so things are still new to me. I like to check out local small businesses, especially environmentally friendly ones. One of my main hobbies is finding home projects on Pinterest for Jonathan to complete. Other than that I like to relax and read a good book.

Liz Mallott
Registered Veterinary Technician

I graduated in 2011 and am a licensed veterinary technician.

I wanted a career that I enjoyed and in a field that was important to me. I love spending time with dogs and using my technical skills, especially keeping pets comfortable and safe during their visits to the clinic. I am also interested in dental care for pets.

I have a dog named Adler, a 10-year-old female border collie mix.

In my free time I enjoy taking vacations and spending time with family, especially my son. I also enjoy reading and staying active.

Jessica Luke
Registered Veterinary Technician

I have been working full time in this field since graduation from Vet Tech school in 2017. I grew up loving animals and I always knew I would work with them in some way. Animals are so special and I can’t imagine a career in any other field.

My favorite aspects of this career are all the medical and technical skills I am learning and being able to use those skills to help our patients. I highly enjoy assisting in surgeries and monitoring anesthesia. I am discovering a new found love and interest in rehabilitation. It is so rewarding watching patients improve their quality of life over time.

I have two dogs, Skye is a 12-year old Chiweenie, and Nina is a 5-year old Bully mix.

In my free time enjoy being outside with my two girls. I can either be found near the pool or at the boxing gym. I also enjoy gaming, mostly PC games.

Hayle Rosner
Veterinary Assistant

I am a new and learning member here at Back On Track! I started in 2022 after finishing my certificate in Veterinary Assisting, and have been enjoying my time in the veterinary field! I chose to start working in veterinary care because I have a passion for understanding and helping animals with all of their needs to give them a fulfilling life. I love Back on Track because they share this passion, and have shown me many rehabilitation and therapy options that I had never heard of before! I love seeing pets come in and have their lives changed by therapy.

I am happily married to my husband, and we have one dog together. He is an 8-year-old Beagle mix named Clyde, and he is the main reason I got interested in the veterinary field! In my free time, I like to read, go to spin class, spend time at home, and go on vacations to Walt Disney World. I can't wait to meet you and your pets at Back on Track!

Mikaila Sayers
Registered Veterinary Technician

I have always had an interest in working with animals from a young age. Eventually I had decided that I wanted to work in veterinary medicine. I completed Vet Tech school in 2022 and worked in emergency medicine as a veterinary assistant during that time. After becoming an RVT I switched to General Practice. I have been in the veterinary field for just about 3 years.

One of my favorite parts of the job is creating bonds with my patients, I find it extremely rewarding when I am able to make my patients feel safe and comfortable.

I have many pets of my own. 4 dogs; Myrtle and Kevin (Great Danes), Atlas (Boxer) and Oakley (Boston Terrier, Heeler mix). I also have a cat named Charlie who I was so blessed to rehab after he was found on the street in very bad shape. And I have 1 leopard gecko.

My interests in veterinary medicine include Phlebotomy (blood draws), Rehab, and Surgery.

When I’m not in the clinic I spend most of my free time training for Strongman (weightlifting) Competitions. I also have always enjoyed art of all kinds, I have most recently been teaching myself to crochet.

Donna Clifford
Registered Veterinary Technician

I have been a licensed veterinary technician for 30+ years and joined the Back On Track family May 2024. My love for animals and the joy they give their families is what brought me and keeps me in the field. I love to watch puppies and kittens grow with their families. I earned my Fear Free Elite certification in 2020 and my goal is to help each pet have a positive experience with their visit.

I am an active member of my local obedience training club where I teach puppy class once a week.

I have a Miniature American Shepherd named Felon that I compete with in Obedience, Rally and FAST cat on the weekends.

My husband, Bryan and I also enjoy spending our free time with the grandkids.

Kathryn Manion
Registered Veterinary Technician

I graduated from Jefferson College with an Associates of Veterinary Technology in 2013. I passed my boards not long after and have been a Registered Veterinary Technician at a few different small animal practices over the last 11 years.

I grew up on a small cattle farm, and often went raccoon hunting with my Dad and his dogs. Because of this, my bond and love for animals grew stronger as I got older. I had originally wanted to be an Elementary Teacher, but it became apparent that I should work with animals instead. My favorite animals are rats, cats, and cows. I love that rats and cows have their own individual traits and special personalities just like cats and dogs.

My special interests in veterinary medicine are pet overpopulation prevention and (ofcourse) Senior Rehabilitation. I have worked and volunteered with spay/neuter clinics and shelters across the St. Louis Area for over 8 years. I am also proud to be a part of TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programs for feral cats in the Southeast and St. Louis areas. My favorite part of working at Back on Track is the opportunity to form special bonds with our rehab patients as well as work with the more stressed patients who need that extra understanding. I enjoy helping pets live happier and longer lives with the family they love by maintaining their strength and mobility.

I currently live in St. Louis County with my husband and our 7 animals. We have 3 dogs named Pecos (my soul dog), and our wild girls- Kairi and Bella. We are happily owned by 4 cats named Milo, Dr. Nefario, Southside Fluffy, and Stinky Cheese. In my free time, I like to spend time at the lake with family, immerse myself in fantasy world book series, collect crystals, and play Pokemon video games. I tend to switch hobbies often, and am currently starting an aerial arts class specializing in silks and hoops.

I grew up on a farm surrounded by animals of all kinds.  I always loved being with my dogs and keeping them well groomed! I have been formally grooming pets for 12 years.  
My favorite aspect of my job is seeing a previously challenged grooming client transform into a well behaved one!

I have five dogs of my own and a Caique Parrot.  I love terriers, especially soft-coated wheatons and Kerry blues.

In my free time, I like competing in Barn Hunt with my dogs and I am looking to soon start agility training.  I enjoy spending time with my husband and I love cooking and baking.

After spending 20+ years in advertising as an Art Director, I needed a new direction with my career and went after a life-long dream of working with animals. In 2015, I gained my certification in Canine Massage Therapy, Pet CPR and First Aid through the Chicago School of Canine Massage. I am Nationally Certified through the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupuncture & Massage (NBCAAM) and an attuned Animal and Human Reiki Practitioner. I have been involved with several local rescue groups as both a foster parent and volunteer, and am a lead instructor with Canis Bodyworks teaching canine massage and bodywork in STL. I’m dedicated to continuing to build my knowledge of canine massage, holistic modalities, animal behavior and communication. My goal as a Canine Massage Therapist is to provide comfort and healing to those in need, and educate parents on helping maintain a healthy lifestyle for their pets.

Aside from my love of animals, I’m an avid gardener, foodie, and occasional knitter. I live in Old Historic Ferguson with my husband Sam, our three rescue dogs Ibbie, Arturo, and Bishop, and two rescue cats Miles and Thelonius.