Our Staff
Hello! Meet our team at Animal Medical Center of Traverse City!
We are an energetic group with a passion to provide the highest level of medical and surgical care for your beloved pets. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you and your furry friends. We hope you will take a moment to get to know our team individually as you read our biographies below!
Meet our Doctors!
Dr. Katie E. Zayaz, DVM
Dr. Katie Zayaz graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. After graduation, she completed a small animal internship program near Washington, D.C. at the South Paws Referral Center. Following her internship, Dr. Katie spent two years at the Veterinary Specialty Center, an emergency referral hospital outside of the Chicago area. She moved to Traverse City in 2007 to be closer to her family and became a member of our team. Dr. Katie’s passion for oncology, internal medicine, radiology, and geriatric medicine makes her a valuable asset to our medical team. She and her husband have three young children. The Zayaz family share their home with a very tolerant dog 
. When her children allow her time, Dr. Katie loves reading and gardening.
Dr. Margaret R. Schopp, DVM
Dr. Maggie is a Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate from the class of 1998. As of July 1, 2013, she assumed ownership of the Animal Medical Center of Traverse City. Following graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Maggie worked in a mixed equine and small animal practice for 5 years. In 2003 she moved to northern Michigan and has focused her attention on companion small animal medicine ever since. She has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery, dermatology, dentistry and helping you maintain a long, happy life with your pet through preventive medicine. Dr. Maggie, her husband, their two children. their 2 cats 
and free range chickens 
have been enjoying the unique lifestyle that the Traverse City community has to offer.
Liz
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Meet Liz! One of our kind and caring Licensed Veterinary Technicians at the Animal Medical Center. Liz is a native of Traverse City. As a young girl, she enjoyed visiting the zoo and had decided at an early age to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Four years ago she completed the Licensed Veterinary Technician courses at Baker College in Cadillac and joined our team during her clinical training. Liz, her husband, and their three children, share their home with 2 AC PAW kitties, Gracie and Bubbs .
Marsha
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Marsha is a licensed veterinary technician offering over 25 years of loving, nursing care for our four-legged friends. Marsha’s parents were born and raised in Leelanau County. Earlier this spring she moved “home” to Suttons Bay after having spent many years as a LVT in southern Michigan. We are fortunate to have her tender hand and years of experience in surgery and patient medical care. On Marsha’s days off she spends time fishing and tending to her apple trees with her AC PAW kitten, Anabell 
.
Kathy Biess
Receptionist
Kathy has accumulated over 15 years of experience as a caregiver and has been a devoted pet owner throughout her adult life. From her childhood, she was always the one to bring home strays and would knock on her neighbors’ doors, offering to walk their dogs. Now semi-retired, she relishes the opportunity to interact with the myriad of animals that visit our clinic. Her extensive experience in public service and animal care has her eagerly anticipating her new role with the team at Animal Medical Center. In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, and taking leisurely walks around Boardman Lake.
Teresa
Office Manager
Teresa is our office manager at the Animal Medical Center. Her role of problem-solving, managing inventory, and attending to staff’s needs is crucial in keeping everything in working order around the clinic. Teresa grew up in Lake Ann and moved to Florida after high school where she worked at Coral Veterinary Clinic for many years before moving back to Traverse City. From an early age, she has had a passion for animal rescue, bringing home stray or abandoned animals in need. Teresa, her and her husband share their home with their rescue kitten- Trip and their dog Gibson.
LuAnn
Receptionist
LuAnn has been a receptionist for the Animal Medical Center since 1997!!! She has been a loving and devoted member of our team for over 25 years! Prior to moving to the Traverse City area, she worked as a receptionist in the Saginaw area at the Sheets Veterinary Clinic for four years and Bridgeport Veterinary Clinic for seven years. With over twenty-five years of devotion to the veterinary profession, LuAnn is still going strong. She has fulfilled her lifelong dream to serve clients and their pets in need. LuAnn and her husband, share their home with their German Shepherd pup, Bruno . Outside of work she enjoys reading, watching movies, bowling, and is a loyal Detroit Tigers baseball fan.
Dot
Receptionist
Welcome Dot! After working for years with the airline industry in customer service Dot retired and move to the great state of Montana where she worked seven years as a veterinary assistant and receptionist. Her recent traveling adventure has brought her to the spectacular Traverse City area where Dot, her husband, enjoy hiking and sight-seeing. Of all her life traveling she has a special affinity for the continent of Africa, its wildlife and beauty. When she’s not on the road, Dot enjoys music, handicrafts, and cooking!
Rebekah
Receptionist
The Animal Medical Center would like to welcome Rebekah Tinker to our family! She is joining us after retiring from a 34 year career in retail. Rebekah has years of experience working as a receptionist and providing outstanding costumer service. She loves animals and going on walks with her dog Baby. She also loves to cook, fish, read and bird watch with her cat Callie.
