VSMR

Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

Our Team

Meet Our Team

Our experienced team, headed by Dr. Amber Ihrke, is dedicated to providing compassionate therapeutic care for your pet. You can learn more about each of our incredible team members below.

Amber Ihrke, DVM, DACVSMR

Medical Director/Owner

Meet Dr. AMber

Brittany Ludwig, DVM, CVA, CVSMT, CVMRT

ACVSMR Resident

Meet Dr. Brittany

Katie Neforos

Rehabilitation Technician

Meet Katie N.

Katie Holich

Rehabilitation Technician

Meet Katie H.

Amber H.

Veterinary Assistant

Meet Amber

Jill W.

Lead Client Service Representative

Meet Jill

Rhonda S.

Client Service Representative

Meet Rhonda

Amanda F.

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant

Meet Amanda

Amber Ihrke, DVM, DACVSMR

Medical Director/Owner

Amber Ihrke, DVM, DACVSMR, was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, and double majored in Biology and Veterinary Science at the University of Nevada-Reno. In 1996, she graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She is certified in Canine Rehabilitation from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi Institute, Veterinary Spinal Manipulation from The Healing Oasis, and Veterinary Pain Management from the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management. In 2021, Dr. Ihrke received designation as a Board Certified Specialist (Diplomate) from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR). Dr. Ihrke is on the faculty of The Healing Oasis. In her free time, she keeps busy with her husband, four daughters, and two dogs. She enjoys competing in triathlons and running.

Brittany Ludwig, DVM, CVA, CVSMT, CVMRT

ACVSMR Resident

Dr. Brittany is originally from the western suburbs of Chicago. She completed her undergraduate degree at Elmhurst College and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She worked in private practice for five years after graduation before coming to Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation of Homer Glen to start her residency in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. While in general practice, she completed certifications in acupuncture at Chi University in Reddick, Florida, and certifications for Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy and Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy at Healing Oasis in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. She is Fear Free and Low Stress Handling certified. In her free time, she enjoys golfing with her husband and crocheting.

Allie W.

Client Service Representative

Allie joined the VSMR team in December 2021 as a part-time CSR. She is currently completing her Associate of Science Degree at JJC and plans on attending University of Illinois to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Animal Science. Allie would like to work at a wildlife rehabilitation center in the future. She currently has five cats of her own and outside of work, she likes to spend time with family and friends and also enjoys taking long walks.

Tina Medland

Practice Manager

Tina joined our practice in April of 2021. She has 18+ years of experience in veterinary practice management and is currently pursuing her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification through the Veterinary Hospital Manager Association (VHMA). Tina feels one of the best parts of this profession is working closely with pets and the people who love them. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, paper crafting, and traveling with her husband and dogs. She also co-owns/breeds and trains her Golden Retrievers for both obedience and conformation . She currently has two dogs, mother and daughter…Banner and Faith. Tina is very proud to be working with a dedicated team of professionals that are like a second family… and glad to call VSMR-HG a second home!

Katie Neforos, CVT, CCRVN, CVPP

Rehabilitation Technician

Katie graduated in 2008 from The Vet Tech Institute at Fox College with her associate’s degree and certification in Veterinary Technology and is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She enjoys nutrition and is a Purina Weight Coach and a Veterinary Nutritional Advocate through Hill’s. Katie is also a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the IVAPM.

Katie Holich, CVT, CVMRT

Rehabilitation Technician

Katie attended the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College and graduated in 2015. She was in the veterinary field for 5 years before joining our team. Katie is certified in Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation through the Healing Oasis Wellness Center.

Carla Ortega, CVT, CVMRT

Rehabilitation Technician

Carla graduated from The Vet Tech Institute at Fox College in 2019 with an associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. She graduated from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in 2021 and is also certified in Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation.

Jill W.

Jill W. joined the VSMR team in 2012. Her favorite part of the job is meeting new clients and pets and building relationships with them. Outside of work, Jill enjoys golfing, spending time in Michigan, going to the beach, and taking long walks. She recently added to her family by adopting a little cutie named Josie, a female five-month-old Shihtzu mix puppy!

Rhonda S.

Rhonda joined our practice in May 2024. She has been in the veterinary field for 25+ years and has held several positions, including Vet Tech, Lead CSR and Office Manager. Rhonda feels the best part of this profession is being an advocate for all pets by using her outgoing personality and knowledge to build relationships with pet parents. She loves to help them keep all their fur-babies happy and healthy. She also uses her compassion and empathy to help pet parents during the worrisome and difficult visits.

Outside of work, Rhonda enjoys being outdoors with family and friends whether it’s backyard barbeques, going camping, or spending race weekends at NASCAR tracks with her mom and dad. To unwind and relax, she enjoys listening to Native American flute music and coloring with her markers, metallic and glitter gel pens, and colored pencils. Rhonda and her husband, Alan, have two fur-babies that enjoy going for walks. Nayeli, whose name means “I love you” in Native American, is their Siberian Husky, and Baxter is their Pitbull/Lab mix. Please join us in welcoming Rhonda to our VSMR team!

Amber H.

Veterinary Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Amanda F.

Seasonal Veterinary Assistant

Amanda joined the VSMR team in January 2024 as a part-time Veterinary Assistant. She recently graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She would like to pursue a career as a veterinarian in the future. One of her favorite responsibilities as a VSMR Veterinary Assistant is acting as a human treat dispenser for patients during their massage therapy sessions. Amanda is incredibly grateful to be working among and constantly learning from the knowledgeable members of the VSMR team.

Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

Our Team

Meet Our Team

Amber Ihrke, DVM, DACVSMR

Brittany Ludwig, DVM, CVA, CVSMT, CVMRT

Katie Neforos

Katie Holich

Amber H.

Jill W.

Rhonda S.

Amanda F.

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