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.
My 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 Technician

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.

Kellie Smith
Veterinary Technician

I have been working in veterinary medicine for four years after graduating from Hickey College with a veterinary technician associates degree.  I chose this career because I want to be an advocate for pets and I love educating owners on how they can make the best decisions for their loved one’s healthcare.  I want to contribute to making a difference in a pets quality of life for the better. It's a bonus that I get to be around animals every day! 
My favorite aspect of the job is following a patient through the process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  It is always gratifying to witness people’s love and devotion to their pets. I am passionate about creating a low-stress environment for patients and making the trip to the vet as enjoyable as we can.  I love working with a team that has the same goals!
My special interests include rehabilitation therapies and my favorite technical skill is drawing blood.
My personal pets include an adorable Pit mix named Sophie.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my husband, family and friends.  I also enjoy hiking and playing with Sophie.

Sherri Sawyer
Veterinary Technician

After acquiring my Veterinary Assisting Certification from Animal Behavior College, I became a Veterinary Technician and have been enjoying it for four years. One of my favorite aspects of this job is connecting with the clients, patients and my coworkers. I look forward to going to work every day, and find it hard to have a bad day working with animals and people that I care about! 
I have four cats, Rhodie- the social butterfly, Loki- the cuddle bug, Mellow- the lion (because he looks like one), and Cody- the people pleaser. Cody is one of the main reasons why I became a Vet Tech. Being an allergy sufferer myself, it broke my heart to see him chew at his paws until he caused sores, and shake his head with constant ear infections. I wanted to learn more about how to help him and other pets going through the same thing, and after a simple diet change, he is now a happy, allergy free kitty! It is amazing how something so debilitating could be so easily treated!
When I am not at work or cuddling with my fur-babies, I like to spend time with my husband, family, and friends. They are a huge part of my life. We are always together cooking, sitting around the fire, or walking at the zoo or local festival. I love the outdoors in the warm months but hibernate in the winter!

Melissa Minor
Veterinary Technician

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 petstore, where I learned to handle and appreciate many different species other than just cats and dogs. At the moment, my own pets include four dogs, three cats, and two sugargliders.
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.

Bradi Carter
Groomer

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.

Heidi Frey
Canine Massage