Michele Eckermann, DVM

Although she was raised in Winfield, Kansas, Michele went out-of-state for her undergraduate education. The University of Nebraska was good to her: not only did she earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, but she also met her husband, Jason, while there!

After graduation, Harlan-- Jason's home town--became Michele's. Her studies at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine included a clinical rotation at the Manhattan Zoo, furthering her special interest in exotic animals, and a laboratory animal externship at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Dr. Eckermann was awarded her D.V.M. in 1998.

Dr. Eckermann is committed to delivering quality veterinary care to her patients and their owners, with dual focal points of preventive medicine and animal dentistry.

Jason and Michele are parents to son Jared and daughter Grace. And not to be forgotten in the household mix is Osborne, their German Wirehaired Pointer and CeCe, their rat terrier. The entire family enjoys camping with friends in their leisure time.

Dr. Eckermann can be reached at eckermanndvm@harlannet.com

David F. Merkley, BA DVM, MS, DACVS,

Dr Merkley was born in Minnesota and grew up in South Dakota in a family of large animal veterinarians. He attended the University of South Dakota (USD) and received a BA in mathematics. He attended Iowa State University (ISU) for his degree in veterinary medicine (DVM). His surgical training was obtained at Michigan State University (MSU) where he obtained an MS in veterinary surgery and completed a residency in small animal veterinary surgery (orthopedic and soft tissue). He obtained certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in 1977 by examination.

He has spent over 35 years in veterinary surgical education and providing referral surgical services at MSU and then ISU. In 2004 he began surgical consulting with private veterinary practices in eastern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, western Iowa and southwestern Minnesota. In 2006 he established Veterinary Surgical Specialists of Nebraska PC (VSSON) to formalize his relationships with the practices he has been associated with. He provides small animal surgical services in both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

Matthew D. Sternberg, DVM

Dr. Sternberg is a partner at Harlan Veterinary Associates & Referral Center.

He grew up in Shelby, Iowa. Dr. Sternberg completed his undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Iowa State University. Dr. Sternberg also attended veterinary school at Iowa State University where he graduated in May 1999. He has worked the past nine years at American Animal Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, before becoming a partner with Dr. Eckermann.

Dr. Sternberg is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, and Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. His veterinary interests include pharmacology, dermatology, and pain management.

Dr. Sternberg is married to Janae, and has two sons Kyle and Luke. Some of his hobbies include landscaping, water skiing, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Sternberg can be reached at harlanvet@harlannet.com

Susie Schwery, Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant

A native of Shelby County, Susie graduated from Harlan Community High School. She continued her education at Northwest Missouri State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with Equine and Bovine Specialties.

A well-known presence at Harlan Veterinary Associates for the past fourteen years, Ms. Schwery and her husband, Denny, share their home with their dog, Pony, and feline friends Herbie and Chet. In her spare time, she gardens and quilts.

Nicole Conrad, Veterinary Assistant

Nicole graduated from Harlan Community High School in 2004, and Western Iowa Tech. in 2008 with a degree in Veterinary Assistants.

She is married to Jason and has four pets. Two dogs, Sampson and Tucker and her feline friends Cy and Izzy. In her free time Nicole enjoys playing softball, and watching sports.

Becky Branstetter

Graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School in 2007 Graduated from Iowa Western Community College in 2009 with a Veterinary Technician Degree.

Becky has two pets, Dudley the cat and Maggie the dog. She is engaged to be married next June.

Emily Tornblom, Certified Groomer

Emily grew up in Hancock, Iowa and graduated from AHST in 1993. She graduated from Golden Paws grooming school in Houston, Texas in 2004.

Emily lives in Shelby and has 4 dogs Armani, Indy, Binx, and Gage and 2 cats Taz and Bailee. She enjoys doing anything outdoors and spending time with her family.