Kern Road Veterinary Clinic

Henry M. Vaupel, DVM

Dr. Henry Vaupel graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and later founded Kern Road Veterinary Clinic in 1972. After enjoying an extensive career in equine veterinary practice, he now serves as administrator to the practice and as an adjunct professor in MSU’s Practice Based Ambulatory Program. Dr. Vaupel also sits on various community boards and project committees.

Dr. Vaupel has been married for over 35 years to Cathy, who works as a reading specialist Para-Pro in the Fowlerville School District. They have two sons. The eldest, Mathew, is an electrical engineer who received his MBA in 2005. Mathew is married to Kelly, who works for Johnson and Johnson. Zachary received his MD in 2005. Zachary is married to Carli, a secondary school teacher. Together with Cathy, they have operated a family Standardbred breeding farm (CAMAZA Farm) where they raised, sold and raced horses.

Dr. Vaupel’s current hobbies include skiing and running, having completed several marathons, the first was in December of 2005. He is also very active in organized veterinary medicine, local government, Michigan Harness Horseman’s Association, CANTER and many other aspects of the horse industry.

Perry F. Ragon, DVM

Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is where Dr. Perry Ragon received is degree. He began working at Kern Road Veterinary Clinic in November of 1992. Since joining the team, his primary responsibilities have been working with horses.

Dr. Ragon is married to veterinarian and equine fertility specialist, Dr. Amanda Ragon and has three children (Luke, Cole and Clay), two dogs, four cats, one horse, three sheep and one cow. When not helping animals, he enjoys all outdoor activities and is very active in youth sports.

Dr. Ragon’s overall desire to help animals and people makes being a veterinarian one of the most enjoyable and rewarding professions available.

Peter L. Esterline, DVM

Dr. Peter Esterline graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 and specializes in equine medicine.

While attending MSU he was a member of the MSU Equestrian Team and was the recipient of the Large Animal Surgery Award from the college of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Esterline’s wife, Joan, owns and operates Silverfox Equestrian Center in Williamston, Michigan. There she trains and shows dressage horses. Dr. Esterline and Joan have one daughter, Kate, who loves to ride her pony (Hunny) in the lead line classes at the local dressage shows.

Dr. Esterline enjoys spending his free time fishing and relaxing in the outdoors.

Rachel Shrader, DVM

In addition to being a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Shrader is also a wife and mother. Her husband Bret, is a high school mathematics teacher and coach here in the community, and her sons, Jack,Will and Sam although young, are avid sports fans. Dr. Shrader’s family is not complete without mention of her pets. She has 2 boxers, Rubin and Hannah, a cat named Devil In A Catsuit, a percheron named Caleb, as well as all the other family horses.

Sandra J. Surch, DVM

Dr. Sandra Surch earned her under graduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Her area of interest revolves around small animal medicine and surgery.

While in veterinary school, Dr. Surch’s mom presented her with a “What I Want to be When I Grow Up” paper. The paper was written by her as a third grader. The paper stated that she wanted to help sick animals get better. She never redirected her goals. Her inner love for animals and interest in science enabled her to attain her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Dr. Surch shares her household with a gordon setter (Keith) and two kitties (Lizzy & Autumn). The personal attachment to the furred kids gives her insight to the connection between her clients and pets.

During her personal time, she is an avid Michigan State University sports fan. She also cheers on the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons. Horseback riding, snow skiing and spending time with friends and family consume the remainder of her time.

Lauren M. Gnagey, DVM

Dr. Lauren Gnagey was born in Mobile, Alabama and moved to a number of places as a child, including Lansing, Michigan. She eventually ended up back in Alabama where she graduated from high school. Dr. Gnagey first became interested in veterinary medicine after attending Vet-A-Visit at Michigan State University in eighth grade. She loves science, solving problems and animals so it was a natural career choice.

Dr. Gnagey attended Michigan State University where she earned a BS in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Nutrition and continued to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. This year she attended the Michigan State Animal Response Team planning symposium and is looking forward to further involvement.

Dr. Gnagey spends her spare time with her husband, Ryan, daughter Anna, and cat Shanny and Corgi Hooch. She also enjoys art, needlework, playing the violin and MSU basketball! GO STATE!

Christy A. Kobe, DVM

I joined the Kern Road team in June of 2005 and enjoy working with our equine patients and clients providing high quality care.

I was involved in the 4-H horse program when I was young and continue my involvement with my parents Friesian farm.

I have a horse-crazy daughter, Sam, who partners very well with my old quarter horse mare. I plan to continue fortifying my lameness background and look forward to updated diagnostics.

Richard Heffelman II, DVM

Dr. Heffelman graduated from Colorado State University in 2004. He practiced emergency medicine for 1 1/2 years in a busy Colorado Springs practice and then general medicine for a year.

Dr. Heffelman is a recent transplant to Michigan. His wife, Vicki, is also a veterinarian and is doing a residency at Michigan State University.

The Heffelman’s children include 2 dogs (Maggie the lab and Quinn the Corgi) and 2 cats (Deuce and Piccolo). In their spare time they love to hike, fish and camp.