I started working at Riversbend as a child alongside my father helping with emergency calls and daily duties of the business. As I grew older I decided I wanted to follow in my fathers footsteps to pursue veterinary medicine. After finishing undergrad and entering Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine I continued to take great interest in anatomy particularly anything involving surgical application. Once I entered clinics in veterinary school and took my soft tissue and orthopedic rotations, I knew I wanted to specialize in surgery. Throughout my internship and residency training I was able to live in several different states and train and work alongside many wonderful students, interns, residents, and senior clinicians. I particularly enjoyed teaching and working with clients and pets in different parts of the US as each location brought different challenges. I finished my training in 2018 and returned to Riversbend to offer speciality surgery services to the community and surrounding area.

Although I am a surgeon, I do not believe that surgery is always the answer. God has given veterinarians a great responsibility to care for animals during our time here and my greatest goal is to relieve the suffering and pain of the wonderful companions we are blessed with.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter along with their 4 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and a Basset Hound.

Education:
● Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal
● Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center
● Clinical Research Fellowship, University of Minnesota Clinical Investigation Center
● Small Animal Surgical Internship, Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching
Hospital
● Internship Small Animal Medicine & Surgery VCA Animal Referral and Emergency
Center of Arizona
● Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine
● Bachelors in Applied Biology, Ferris State University

I partnered with Riversbend Animal Hospital back in 1980, where I eventually
became the sole owner. I enjoy working with my family, Ruth, Jimmy, and Joseph, and love to see how far they have all come over the years. My hobbies include gardening, spending time with my grandchildren, cooking, and baking. I have two King Charles Cavaliers, Beanie and Clifford. I love to bring joy to the team with my positive attitude and seeing all of our wonderful clients and their pets!

I was born and raised in Big Rapids, Michigan and have been around the veterinary field my entire life. I am a graduate of Ferris State University and Michigan State's College of Veterinary Medicine. I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, but cytology cases are my favorite part of the profession.

While not in the clinic I spend time with my wife Amy, and two dogs, Bumi and Nebbie. I love birdwatching, hiking, soccer and just about anything involving the outdoors.

Since 1998 I have been coming to work with my dad, Dr. James Scott. I thoroughly enjoy learning all aspects of Riversbend and teaching others. I enjoy watching them grow in their positions and seeing how each individual can bring their own unique ideas and passions to our team. I enjoy being outdoors, staying active in the community and spending time with my family.

I have loved animals since I was old enough to hold my first pet. In 2019, I graduated from MSU with a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and landed the job at Riversbend Animal Hospital shortly after. Seeing everyone's animals and being able to help them brings happiness and joy into my everyday life! I also enjoy camping and exploring the outdoors, reading, and spending time with my husband Drew, our 4 cats (Luna, Lance, Petrie and Ducky) and our newest edition Phoebe, a german shepherd/boston terrier mix.

Having grown up around a variety of animals, I knew I wanted to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. I completed my undergraduate studies at Northern Michigan University in 2023, where I received my Bachelors degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I previously shadowed at Riversbend during the summer of 2023, and joined the team near the beginning of 2024. I plan to gain experience and knowledge at Riversbend until my acceptance into a veterinary school. Outside of work and school, I enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, running, and hiking, as well as spending time with my dog and cat.

Hello, my name is Alivia! I have been a part of the Riversbend team since 2022 and I love working reception and talking to clients. I am currently a student at Ferris State University, and I will be graduating with my bachelors in Dental Hygiene with a minor in Psychology. In my free time I enjoy exploring Big Rapids with my friends and playing with my cat Buffalo.

Hi, I’ve been a part of the Riversbend Team since 2021. Since then, I’ve had the blessing of connecting with our wonderful clients and their pets while also learning a great amount of skills from our doctors and staff along the way. I enjoy spending my time with my family and friends, being outside with my pets, as well as staying active!

I grew up showing horses, dogs, and rabbits in 4H and USPC; where I learned how to
care for and train animals. After graduating from Ferris, I joined the Riversbend team and found a passion for working with our clients and their pets. I hope to continue my education at Michigan State University to become a veterinarian, then onto a surgical residency to become a veterinary surgeon. In my spare time, I like to read, ride my bike, and explore Michigan with my husband and our dogs.

I moved to Michigan from Virginia in 2022 to be with my family. I have a 9-year-old English Bulldog, Oakley, who makes me smile everyday. I have always loved animals, especially Bully breeds, so I jumped at the chance to work as a Client Service Representative for 2 years in Virginia. I'm so excited to continue learning and growing in my new dream role as a Veterinary Assistant! My goal is to give our clients and their pets the best experience possible during their time with us at Riversbend . In my free time, I enjoy making cross stitch art and playing cribbage with my family.

Hi, I’m Donny! I am obsessed with anything veterinary related! When I have time away from school and work--ultralight backpacking, mountain biking, and adventure racing are my hobbies; solo hiking trips with my English Shepherd, Banjo, are my favorite. I’ve been part of the Riversbend family for 8 years and am so thankful for all the opportunities Dr. Ruth and Jimmy have provided. I will finish under-grad in 2024 and am excited to apply to Michigan State University’s doctorate program. I plan to become a board-certified surgeon post-doc.

Hi, my name is Eden. I have been with Riversbend since 2023. I am currently a Ferris State University student studying pre-veterinary medicine. I plan on becoming a veterinarian to pursue my love of working with patients and clients. Outside of Riversbend, I spend a lot of my time studying, working with my horse, taking my dog for walks and swims, and spending time with my family.

Hello, my name is Emily! I have been a member of the Riversbend Animal Hospital Team since 2022. I enjoy educating clients on preventive healthcare for their pets and playing with puppies. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and our Labrador Burt. Burt's favorite thing to do is chase his ball in the yard. We love to hike, play pickleball, and spend time outdoors. I look forward to continuing to learn new things and help our clients.

Bio Coming Soon!

Hi, my name is Hailey and I have been a part of the Riverbend team since October of 2023. I worked here throughout my whole senior year through my school's work based learning program. This opportunity has given me a chance to see what the veterinary field is like and I love it! My next step in pursuing my career in veterinary medicine is to further my education at Ferris State University. Outside of work and school, I like to be outside, ride my horse, color and draw, and spend time with my family and friends.

Hello! I am very proud to say that I have been a part of the Riversbend team since 2020. Riversbend has provided me with endless opportunities for educational and personal growth. I truly enjoy building relationships with coworkers as well as clients. I graduated from Ferris State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Biology and a minor in Small Business Management. My next step is to attend veterinary school! Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Evan, working cattle on our farm, running around with our two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Elvis and Cash, and enjoying the outdoors with our family and friends.

I started working at Riversbend Animal Hospital in 2007 as a kennel technician and assistant. I have lived in the Big Rapids area my whole life and graduated from Ferris State University. I feel very fortunate to be in a position in client relations here at Riversbend. I love to assist our clients' needs as well as their pets, as I have always had a passion for helping animals and people. I spend my free time with my fiance, hiking, being outdoors and going to the lake. I also enjoy riding my horse, Joe, or going for a walk with my dog, Tank.

Hello, my name is Olivia! I have been a team member at Riversbend Animal Hospital since 2017. I graduated from Ferris State University in the Spring of 2021 with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Riversbend Animal Hospital has been a blessing to me as I have been able to learn new skills, meet new people, and build amazing relationships with clients and team members. I am passionate about spending quality time with my husband, family and friends. I enjoy being outside and staying active, along with taking pictures as a hobby.

Throughout my life I have been around many animals and had several family pets. I knew I would always want them in my life. In April 2022 I adopted the first dog of my own, named Jax. On my days off, I spend my free time with him going on walks and playing with his favorite toy fish. I started school in pursuit of a career as a licensed veterinary technician in the Fall of 2023. I am extremely grateful that in the meantime, I will be able to learn as much as possible from the doctors and staff at Riversbend. I enjoy meeting clients and their furry loved ones.

Hi, my name is Valerie and I have been a part of the Riversbend Animal Hospital team since 2022. I am on the path to becoming a veterinarian so I can turn my love for helping clients and patients into a career. Outside of Riversbend, I spend my time studying, walking with my dog, and hanging out with my friends and family.