Michele Eckermann: Medical Director

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.

With sole charge of Harlan Veterinary Associates, 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 eight-year-old son Jared and daughter Grace, four. And not to be forgotten in the household mix is Osborne (Jason is a huge Nebraska fan!), their German Wirehaired Pointer. The entire family enjoys camping with friends in their leisure time.

Susie Schwery: 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, Gilligan, and feline friends Herbie and Chet. In her spare time, she gardens and quilts.

Amy Schechinger: Office Manager

A graduate of Pocahontas High School with an Associate of Arts degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Iowa Western Community College, Ms. Schechinger joined Harlan Veterinary Associates in early 2006.

When not managing front office duties for Dr. Eckermann, Amy enjoys farming with her husband, Jake. The couple preside over a large household: Jessica is 14 years old; Abigail is 9; Jennifer, 7; Andrew's 5 (Surprise! It's a boy!); and Julia is 4 years of age. Shorty the cat and Rachel the dog complete the family unit.

Lynn Smith: Receptionist

Lynn has 3 grown children and is a grandmother to 2. When not busy working, Lynn and her husband Dan enjoy going to their lake home in Nebraska. She has 1 cat Eddie.