Dr. Akshay A. Verdema (née Verma)
DVM, CCRP, cVMA
Practice Owner, Head Clinician - Since 2018
Dr. V launched Personalized Veterinary House Calls: Behavior and Rehabilitation in 2018 because he recognized the dire need for a more in-depth approach to behavior, rehabilitation, and geriatric medicine for cats and dogs in a reduced stress environment.
A Fear Free Certified Professional, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University and his Bachelors of Science with distinction and highest honors from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His special interest in pain management and geriatric patients spurred him to complete the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and Certificate in Companion Animal Pain Management programs at the University of Tennessee. He has also completed the Evidence-Based Veterinary Acupuncture course through the Chi Institute, furthering his study of acupuncture through the CuraCore Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist program. He is also certified to administer stem cell injections and stem cell infusions through Vet-Stem.
In July 2019, Dr. V started a residency program in behavioral medicine under the mentorship of MSU clinician, Dr. Marie Hopfensperger, DVM, DACVB. As of fall 2020, Dr. Verma is an adjunct professor at MSU College of Veterinary Medicine assisting part-time with the teaching of veterinary students. He also saw veterinary behavior cases part time on referral at The Behavior Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio from November 2019 until February 2021. Prior to that, he worked as a relief emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Care Specialists in Milford, MI from June 2019 until January 2020.
Dr. V also has a passion for and experience in veterinary nutrition. He has experience working for the companion animal food industry in formulation development with an emphasis on animal-free sourcing and humane scientific testing. He is familiar with balanced homemade diets in addition to AAFCO testing and labeling regulations.
An ethical vegan, Dr. V entered veterinary school conscious of the need for veterinarians to advocate for progressive animal welfare policies. He is excited to serve as the newest member of the Board of Directors of Humane Society of Huron Valley. He previously served as President and Co-Founder of the MSU chapter of Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Director of the Michigan Animal Respect Society at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Communications Committee Member for the National Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, and an Executive Committee Member for Michigan Friends of Companion Animals.
Lyndsie Blair, LVT, NCM, cVBMC
Hospital Director, Rehabilitation and Geriatics Nurse- Since 2018
Lyndsie has 20 years veterinary technician experience, much of which has been in the emergency medicine. She joined Personalized Veterinary House Calls and Rehabilitation at its inception eager to serve animals in a lower stress environment and to focus her career on rehabilitation and geriatric medicine.
A Certified Veterinary Botanical Medicine Consultant and Level 3 Fear Free Certified Professional, she has completed extensive continuing education on topics, such as nutrition, rehabilitation, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. Her coursework has included Certificates in Nutrition Case Management and Canine Kinesiology Taping from the University of Tennessee as well as classes in massage therapy, veterinary cannabis, and essential oil aromatherapy. Lyndsie is also certified to administer stem cell injections and stem cell infusions through Vet-Stem.
Dawn Stevensen
Customer Service Assistant - Since 2020
Dawn came to us with years of experience working for veterinary clinics, including a rehabilitation facility where she assisted with treatments. She offers excellent customer service and helps Dr. Verma with rehabilitation. She is excited to work towards Fear Free Certification. She lives in Ann Arbor with her family including her two canine fur babies, Sadie and Lilly.
Carol Boyce
Office Manager - Since 2023
Chloe Hyatt
Veterinary Assistant - Since 2023
Carissa Andrews
Clinical Assistant - Since 2023
Laura Witkowski, CTC, CSAT, CPDT-KA
Independent Animal Trainer - Since 2022
Laura Witkowski is a graduate of the esteemed Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC) and certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Laura is Fear Free Certified® and has a particular interest in helping dogs with body handling and fear-related behavior issues. She will be focusing primarily on training cooperative care behaviors for veterinary procedures and helping dogs who are fearful at the vet learn that it’s not a scary place! When she’s not working with dogs, you can catch her doing stand up comedy.