DECATUR, Ill., July 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairview Hospital for Animals announced that certified veterinary technician Tina McPheeters has joined the animal hospital. McPheeters, who has more than a decade of experience in small animal care, originally worked at Fairview Hospital for Animals from 2000 to 2002 as an exam room assistant. McPheeters left to pursue her degree as a certified veterinary technician. After a decade away from Fairview, McPheeters says she is excited to return back to the small animal hospital.

Certified veterinary technician Tina McPheeters has joined Fairview Hospital for Animals. McPheeters, who previously worked at Fairview as an exam room assistant, says she was excited to return back to Fairview Hospital and rejoin the veterinary practice. The veterinary hospital is equally excited to have her back.

"Tina is a true joy to work with and the consummate professional," says small animal veterinarian Dr. Shelly Stevens. "We are thrilled to welcome her back to our veterinary practice and truly impressed by the skills she's acquired over the last decade."

Following the completion of her veterinary technician degree, McPheeters worked at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Virginia for several years. She also worked with Dr. Tim Ober of Steele and Associates in Gordonsville, VA, and as a phlebotomist at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

"I have always loved veterinary medicine and helping animals, so after years of being an assistant it only seemed natural progression to further my knowledge and skills by becoming a veterinary technician," says McPheeters. "I feel lucky to have worked with so many talented veterinarians and wonderful veterinary practices over the last decade, which helped me strengthen my technical skills."

McPheeters, a life-long animal lover, has three four-legged family members at home: her seven-year old Rottweiler "Elsie Jane", her three-year-old Labrador Retriever "Thelma", and her fifteen-year-old cat "Pooka".

McPheeters says that the decision to return back to Fairview was an easy one to make.

"I enjoyed my time working with the staff and doctors of Fairview, especially the clients and their pets," said McPheeters. "Pet owners are extremely knowledgeable about their pets and their healthcare, which makes my job a true joy. I remained a client of Fairview whenever I lived in the area, so returning to the animal hospital was a natural decision for me. I'm excited to be part of the veterinary team again."

As a certified veterinary technician, McPheeters provides a variety of services to support Fairview's veterinarians. These services include performing physical examinations, recording the symptoms of illness, assisting a veterinarian when treating an injured animal, administering medication, and serving as a surgical assistant and dental technician.

Led by husband and wife team Dr. Shelly Stevens and Dr. Robert Groesch, Fairview Hospital for Animals provides comprehensive pet care services to the Decatur community. The veterinary hospital's services include vaccinations, wellness exams, pet dental care, spay and neuter, and pet surgery.