Jim Bader, DVM
Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Jim Bader is the veterinarian and practice owner of Jimbabwe Acres Vet Services, a practice he founded in December 2021 alongside his wife, Merri. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Dr. Bader later moved to the southern suburbs and pursued his lifelong passion for veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1988.
After graduation, Dr. Bader established Mapleview Animal Hospital in 1992 and successfully led the practice for nearly three decades before selling it in 2021. Although he initially planned to reduce his workload, retirement did not suit him for long. Inspired by his continued passion for animal care and a desire to remain active in the profession, he and Merri opened Jimbabwe Acres Vet Services in Glen, Michigan.
Dr. Bader’s dedication to lifelong learning has been a hallmark of his career. In addition to his DVM, he earned both a Certificate in Forensics and a Certificate in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida in 2012, followed by a Master’s Degree in Shelter Medicine in 2016. His professional interests include emerging medications, advanced diagnostics, innovative surgical techniques, and tick-borne diseases. He is also the lead author of the internationally published parasitology article, “The Incidence of Vector Borne Diseases in Dogs from Guatemala, Central America,” and has served as a reviewer for scientific journal publications.
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His journey into veterinary medicine began in 1981 while working as a student assistant for Dr. Bill Brown in Allegan, Michigan. Dr. Brown became a mentor who emphasized continual growth, innovation, and always seeking the best possible care for patients. One of Dr. Bader’s fondest memories is teaching his youngest daughter, Karina, to draw blood using the same techniques Dr. Brown taught him—a proud moment that highlighted the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Dr. Bader knew veterinary medicine was his calling from an early age. After being diagnosed in sixth grade with allergies to dust, molds, pollens, and even several animal species, he famously told his mother, “I’m going to be a veterinarian.” Decades later, that determination continues to define his career. He is especially passionate about helping rescue organizations provide medical care for adoptable pets, and Jimbabwe Acres proudly offers low-cost veterinary services to twelve adoption groups.
One of the things Dr. Bader admires most about animals is their resilience. Whether blind, missing a limb, or facing other challenges, animals continue to live life without self-pity, inspiring him every day.
Under his leadership, Jimbabwe Acres Vet Services has been recognized with the Holland Community Choice Award for Best Veterinary Clinic in both 2024 and 2025. Behind the scenes, he credits much of the practice’s success to his wife, Merri, who serves as practice manager and is a driving force behind the clinic’s growth.
Outside of work, Dr. Bader treasures time with his family, including his four children and two grandchildren. His youngest daughter, Karina, recently completed her Veterinary Technician degree and now works alongside him at Jimbabwe Acres. When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Bader enjoys cooking and experimenting with new flavors, having previously catered the Saturday night event for the Saugatuck Film Festival. He also loves traveling, particularly on mission trips that provide veterinary assistance in underserved communities. His travels have taken him to Guatemala, Belize, and Native American reservations throughout the Southwest, often accompanied by Karina. In his spare time, he enjoys tackling home improvement projects and helping his children with projects around their homes.
Through decades of service, continued education, and a deep commitment to both animals and their families, Dr. Bader remains dedicated to providing compassionate, progressive veterinary care while making a meaningful difference in his community and beyond.
Merri V.
Office Manager
Merri was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. Although her childhood dream was to become a veterinarian, she took a different path in college and began her career working for non-profit organizations and an automotive supplier. Her love for animals never faded, and in 1997 she began working in the veterinary industry, where she has remained ever since. Merri joined the practice in December 2021 and serves as Practice Manager.
Having grown up with dogs, horses, and rabbits, Merri has always had animals at the center of her life. She enjoys getting to know the clients and patients who come into the practice and knows she made the right career choice because she truly enjoys working with animals every day.
Outside of work, Merri has spent many years showing, training, and breeding dogs, including Rottweilers, Clumber Spaniels, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Her family later became involved in showing Quarter Horses, and Merri continues to enjoy her role as “show mom.” She has been married to Jim since 1997, and together they have four children, two grandchildren, and several animals at home, including dogs, cats, horses, and birds. In her free time, Merri enjoys traveling, reading, working outside, attending musical theater and concerts, and spending time with her family.
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
Kendi K.
Receptionist
Kendi Kennedy is a receptionist at Jimbabwe Acres Veterinary Clinic, where she brings a lifelong passion for animals to every client and patient who walks through the door. A Hopkins native, Kendi grew up deeply involved in FFA and 4-H before earning associate degrees in Business Management and Chemical Technology. Her roots in agriculture and animal care run deep—shaped by years spent raising and showing beef cattle, hogs, and horses.
Kendi’s love for animals naturally led her to the veterinary field. Known for her kindness and calm presence, she enjoys welcoming patients with all their unique personalities and seeing firsthand the special bond people share with their pets. She’s always known she would build a life that revolved around animals, and joining Jimbabwe Acres as a receptionist in November 2025 felt like the perfect continuation of that path.
Outside the clinic, Kendi is an accomplished western pleasure horse enthusiast, showing and training POA and Quarter Horses at the national level. She and her husband travel across the country with their two dogs, competing and raising one to two foals each year. When she’s not in the show ring, you can often find her outdoors—most likely pursuing her other passion: whitetail hunting.
Allison M.
Veterinary Assistant
Allison Moldt is a Veterinary Assistant at Jimbabwe Acres, PC, where she brings a lifelong love of animals and a hands-on approach to patient care. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Allison attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where she majored in Biology on the Pre-Vet track. After college, she decided not to pursue veterinary school, bought a home in Holland, and spent three years working on a pig farm before joining the team at Jimbabwe Acres in October 2025.
Allison’s passion for animals began when she was a child and has stayed with her ever since. She has always loved catching and admiring all sorts of critters, while helping them however she can. Toward the end of her previous job, Allison realized she wanted to be more hands-on and involved in animal care, which naturally led her to the veterinary field. Her favorite part of working with animals is seeing the wide variety of personalities each one brings and knowing she is helping care for creatures who cannot speak for themselves. She knew she was in the right profession as soon as she started at Jimbabwe Acres, waking up excited to go to work each day and leaving satisfied and ready for the next.
Outside the clinic, Allison enjoys spending time with her three pets: Harlee, her Bernese Mountain Dog; Checkers, her Russian tortoise; and Sebastian, her barn cat. She loves any activity that gets her outdoors, and her home away from home is her family’s cabin in Canada.
Allie P.
Bio coming soon!
