Jim Bader, DVM
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Bader began working in the veterinary industry in 1981. He recalls Dr. Bill Brown was extremely instrumental in guiding him through his early years. Dr. Bader graduated from Illinois in 1988 and proudly founded Mapleview Animal Hospital in 1992. He always knew he wanted to be a doctor especially after being diagnosed with animal allergies in sixth grade – cats, dogs, goats, horses, and camels. When he left that appointment, he said to his Mom “I want to be a veterinarian”. He completed his Master’s degree in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida in 2016 and became a Certified Chiropractitioner. Dr. Bader sold Mapleview Animal Hospital in May of 2021 and went on to start Jimbabwe Acres in October of 2021.
His passions include: Shelter Medicine, rescue work, and international work. He has the first published article documenting the incidence of heartworm and tick-borne diseases in Guatemala. He is certified in cold laser therapy for pain relief
His favorite thing about working with animals is the day-to-day challenges and the numerous compassionate people he gets to meet.
His interests include: Cutting-edge medicine and treatments. He is extremely interested in Platelet therapy for arthritis pain and wound healing and LOVES international work having worked in Spain and Guatemala. He is currently working with Travelling Animal Doctors, The Native American Veterinary Services, and Unidos para Los Animales. When he’s not working, traveling and food are his passion.
Favorite Quote:
“It does not matter how long it takes you, or how long you stay- just go! Otherwise, you will never travel.”
Affiliations/Associations:
AVMA, MVMA, AARV, AAV, Society for Theriogenology (reproduction), Certified Veterinary Chiropractictioner
Merri V.
Office Manager
Merri was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1985, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Community Services. After graduation, she went to work for a local non-profit and an automotive supplier. She then went on to work in the veterinary field in 1997 and has been in the profession ever since! She has always had a passion for animals having grown up with quite a few such as dogs, rabbits, and horses. She began raising, training, and showing Rottweilers, Clumber Spaniels, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis after realizing that dogs needed to be an essential part of her life. Through the years, she taught dog obedience classes and finished championships and obedience titles with 20+ dogs. Most recently, her family has added showing Quarter Horses to their busy lives. Her favorite thing about working in the Veterinary field is getting to know the clients on a personal level and seeing the puppies and kittens begin their journey with us. She has been married to her husband, Jim, for 24 years. Together they have three wonderful children – Kailene, Karsten, and Karina. She also has an amazing “bonus” son, Quinten, who is married to Kylie. In addition to showing dogs and horses, her family loves to travel (domestically and internationally) though Walt Disney World remains her favorite destination.
Affiliations/Associations:
Certified Fear Free
Karina B.
Veterinary Assistant
Karina was born in Guatemala and adopted as an infant, growing up in Holland, MI. Graduating from West Ottawa High School, she later attended Lansing Community College and Penn Foster. This fall, she is embarking on her journey at the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College, where she aims to earn her associate degree in veterinary technology.
From a young age, her passion for animals and her desire to help them were evident. Her experiences in Guatemala, where she assisted with spay/neuter clinics alongside her father and witnessed the transformation of animals before and after surgery, left a profound impact on her life, solidifying her decision to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Prior to joining Jimbabwe Acres, she worked in various animal-related jobs, including at a boarding kennel and training stable, further affirming her dedication to veterinary medicine.
During her free time, she finds joy in the company of her dogs, and she has a special interest in showing Quarter Horses. Additionally, she cherishes spending time with friends and exploring new places through travel.
Affiliations/Associations:
Certified Fear Free
Nikkie I.
Veterinary Assistant
After 4 years of working on her degree in criminal justice, Nikkie realized that she no longer had any interest in that field, so she moved on to human medicine. After 15+ years of doing end-of-life care, she needed a change (burnout is real). She explored several different avenues, but nothing truly made her happy – they were all just jobs.
Nikkie missed the medical field, but she needed more, so she applied for a job at a veterinary clinic. It didn’t take long for her to remember that she loved the medical field and that her heart belonged in Vet Med. Everything fell into place, and she knew that she was meant to work with animals. This was a whole new side of the medical field that really sparked her interest and made her happy. Every day was something new!
Outside of work, Nikkie is a mom to 8 children, a wife, and most recently, a grandma. She has a plethora of animals (all of whom are rescues): 2 dogs, 7 cats, 1 hamster, 1 mouse, 1 salamander, and an array of freshwater fish. As for hobbies – with 8 kids, they keep her pretty busy in her spare time!
Affiliations/Associations:
Fear Free Certified, Certified Veterinary Assistant (currently working on licensing), AAHA Diabetes Educator Certificate Program, American College of Veterinary Medicine CPR: Advanced Life Support, American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid
Krysta V.
Receptionist
Krysta grew up in the area of South Haven, MI, and graduated from Fennville High School. She then attended Kalamazoo College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and crafting. She also enjoys spending time with her cat and three chinchillas.
