When it comes to equine health, you have to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
Our philosophy is simple: The finest care possible. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 365 days a year. And, yes, we work holidays too.
Whether it’s prescribing medications, administering diagnostic tests or conducting advanced procedures, we work closely with owners and trainers to develop a complete healthcare plan specially tailored to each horse’s needs. Your animal’s good health is always our number one goal. No matter what time, day or night, we deliver peace-of-mind to our clients. We use the latest medical advances and provide expert service to our patients.
Dr. Alison Powers
Dr. Alison Powers earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She was one of two chosen from her class to work intimately with renowned veterinary surgeons and internists throughout her veterinary training. She completed a one-year internship at Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine in equine medicine, surgery, ambulatory medicine and emergency and critical care. She enjoys performing surgical procedures, sports medicine/lameness and intensive medical cases. She completed an intensive training in animal chiropractics at The Healing Oasis in 2014. Dr. Powers strives to offer new procedures, medicines and diagnostics to achieve aggressive results for equine patients and clients. Dr. Powers grew up in northwest Illinois and developed a love for horses at a very young age. She trained and cared for her own horses and experienced multiple equestrian disciplines. Memberships include American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Association of Equine Practioners (AAEP), and College of American Animal Chiropractors (COAC).
Dr. Katie Coleman
Dr. Katie Coleman is from Louisville, Kentucky, where she grew up an avid eventer and Pony Clubber. She received her veterinary degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she was an active member of the student American Association of Equine Practitioners, Society for Theriogenology, and Veterinary Business Management Association clubs. She also held leadership roles in the Shelter Medicine club and student AVMA chapter. Following veterinary school, Katie completed an equine internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Virginia, focusing on both ambulatory medicine and hospital/surgical care. Katie enjoys all aspects of equine medicine, and believes that helping owners provide the best care for their horses and pets is one of the greatest privileges of being a veterinarian. Outside of veterinary medicine, Katie enjoys trail running, travelling, and riding horses whenever she gets the chance.
Dr. Katyana Palafox
Dr. Katyana Palafox is an Illinois native who grew up in northwest Chicago. During her highschool years, she spent her weekends volunteering at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, IL where she developed a passion for working with horses. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 2017 and then later on obtained her doctorate degree from the UIUC College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Upon graduation, Katyana completed a one year internship at Tennessee Equine Hospital, a referral hospital located in Thompson’s Station, TN which specializes in equine ambulatory medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and reproduction. In her free time, she likes to spend time drawing, painting, sewing, or watching musical theater.
Dr. Bridgette Peal
Dr. Bridgette Peal is originally from Lockport and grew up riding and showing Dressage. She attended veterinary school at Ohio State, followed by a year-long rotating internship at the Wisconsin Equine Clinic where she refined her interests in equine surgery and sports medicine. She then spent a year as a research fellow in the Reesink Laboratory at Cornell University. During this time, Dr. Peal participated in multiple research projects investigating equine osteoarthritis and catastrophic breakdown injuries in racehorses. Her research at Cornell afforded her multiple publications, one of which earned her the One AO Award from AOVET North America in 2018 for cross-disciplinary orthopedic relevance. She completed an equine surgery residency at North Carolina State University in 2020 and re-joined the Wisconsin Equine Clinic as an associate surgeon. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2021. In her free-time she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, riding, and hiking with her dogs.
Dr. Kathleen Kelly
Kathleen Kelly, DVM, is an Associate Veterinarian at Premier Equine Veterinary Service with a deep passion for equine care, rooted in her upbringing on a thoroughbred broodmare farm in Central Illinois. She holds a Bachelor’s in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, followed by a year-long internship at Mid Atlantic Equine. Kathleen is also certified in Veterinary Acupuncture for large animals. She specializes in equine reproduction, sports medicine, and internal medicine, and is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Kathleen resides in Peotone, IL, with her family on a small farm, where she enjoys cooking, gardening, and caring for her animals.
Liz Reimer
Practice Manager/Veterinary Assistant
Liz is a skilled veterinary assistant and practice manager who has been an integral part of the Premier Equine team since March 2011. With over a decade of experience in the field, Liz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
Liz has been riding and competing with Saddlebreds since the age of 7, which has given her a unique perspective and understanding of the horse industry. She has a passion for equine health and wellness and is dedicated to providing the best possible care for every animal that comes through the practice.
As a veterinary assistant and practice manager, Liz plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the clinic. She is responsible for overseeing the administrative and operational aspects of the business, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and compassionate approach make her a valuable asset to the team. Liz is highly regarded by her colleagues and clients alike for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to every animal that comes through the door. She is a true asset to the Premier Equine team, and we are grateful for her continued contributions to the practice.
In her spare time Liz enjoys spending time with her horse Joey and exploring with her two dogs, Teddy and Groot!
Tori Bounds
Veterinary Technician
Tori joined Premier Equine Veterinary Services in January 2022. She has been showing horses since she was 6 years old and has experience working in the Arabian show horse industry. When she moved to town, she knew she wanted to continue to work with horses. Her favorite thing about working with horses is experiencing their unique personalities, no horse is ever the same. She feels the most rewarding part of her job is to be behind the scenes and a part of getting a horse to its full potential. She treats other horses like they were her own.
When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her family, boyfriend, and dog Oscar.
Emma Havrilla
Veterinary Technician/Assistant
Emma is a dedicated tech/assistant at Premier Equine Vet Service. Emma grew up in a small town and attended Serena High School before returning to Shorewood to continue her education at Joliet Junior College. She was an active member of her local FFA chapter, which sparked her interest in the rural way of life and the world of agriculture.
Emma has always had a passion for animals, particularly horses, and this led her to pursue a career in the veterinary industry. She loves learning new things about the horse industry and has spent a majority of her time around horses, from showing to taking lessons. Emma finds joy in constantly learning about the horse world since there is always something new to discover.
Emma knew she was in the right profession when she began looking forward to work every day, excited about the new challenges and experiences that each day brings. She loves travelling from barn to barn, meeting new horses and their owners, and learning all the procedures involved in caring for horses.
When she’s not working, Emma loves spending time with her family and friends, including her dog Dixie. She enjoys taking Dixie on long car rides and getting her a pup cup! Emma is proud to be a part of Premier Equine Vet Service and is passionate about providing the best care possible to all animals.
Taylor Lawrence
Veterinary Assistant
Taylor is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Premier Equine with a lifelong passion for horses and animal care. She began working with horses at the age of 16 and, driven by a desire to deepen her knowledge, is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in Agriculture Business and Production. Originally drawn to the veterinary field by her fascination with the vets who treated her own horse, Taylor’s journey began when a friend helped her secure an interview at a previous practice. Since then, her love for animals has flourished, and her favorite part of the job is continually learning new things about the animals she works with and being an advocate for their well-being.
Taylor knew she had found her calling when she realized how happy she was going to work each day. Outside of the clinic, she has a strong bond with her animals. Her 12-year-old Quarab horse, Thunder, was rescued from abuse, and she worked patiently to gain his trust. Now, Thunder is her loyal companion, whether they are riding together or just enjoying each other’s company at the barn. Taylor also shares her life with her German Shepherd, Scooby-Doo, who is her constant sidekick, as well as her two cats, Zeppelin and Pooh Bear, and a turtle named Skipper.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys outdoor activities like hiking with Scooby-Doo, spending time at the barn, and going on adventures with friends. She also loves the fall season, Halloween, hunting, fishing, and anything that allows her to embrace her love of nature and animals. Whether at work, home, or the barn, Taylor is always surrounded by the animals she adores and living the life she’s always dreamed of.
McLovin and Shelly
Office Cats
McLovin and Shelly are two beloved office cats that are an integral part of the Premier Equine Vet Service team. They provide much-needed emotional support to the staff and clients alike and are cherished by all who encounter them.
Their calming presence and affectionate nature make them invaluable members of the team, helping to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in the office. They have a special talent for sensing when someone is in need of comfort, and their presence is often enough to brighten anyone’s day.
McLovin and Shelly are well-loved by all who work at Premier Equine Vet Service, and their contributions to the office are immeasurable. They are a constant source of joy and comfort, and we are grateful to have them as part of our team. Without them, our office would not be the same, and we cannot imagine our workdays without their delightful company.
