Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic in Washington, IL! We’re pleased to provide exceptional veterianry care for your pets! Please call us at (309) 745-9331 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Veterinarian
Dr. Nichols, a graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, moved back to Illinois in 1989 where he practiced along his father’s side at Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic, established in 1962.
After draining as much wisdom as possible from his father, and with a strong yearning for a place of his own, Dr. Peter Nichols created Germantown Hills Animal Clinic from an old lumber mill in November of 1991. In 1996, when Dr. Warren Nichols retired, young Dr. Nichols assumed ownership of both clinics. Since then, Dr. Nichols has completed the Executive Veterinary Program 2000, a masters business program for veterinarians, at University of Illinois and constructed a new hospital in Germantown Hills in 2001. In 2008, he added a new addition on to the Washington office, and the existing building was renovated in 2009. Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic entered an elite category of veterinary hospitals in 2012 becoming an Accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Dr. Nichols served as veterinarian for the Peoria Zoo animals from 1999-2013. He continues to help Wildlife Prairie Park with educational animals and injured wildlife.
Dr. Nichols is an elected board member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association for Region IV, a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Tazewell County Veterinary Association, Mississippi Valley Veterinary Medical Association, and American Association of Feline Practitioners. He is also an active member of the Germantown Hills/Metamora Rotary Club.
Dr. Nichols and his wife, Kelli, are parents to two sons, Austin and Grant, who along with their wives and adorable babies bring joy to their family. Meanwhile, their daughter, Abby, is pursuing her studies in sunny Florida. Completing their lively household is their beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Duke.
Veterinarian
Dr. Slagel is a 2002 graduate of University Of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine. Born and raised in Central Illinois surrounded by various dogs and cats, and sometimes cows and other assorted wildlife, she always aspired to become a veterinarian. She completed her undergraduate work at Illinois State University as a Presidential Scholar.
She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Tazewell County Veterinary Association, Mississippi Valley Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Dr. Slagel and her husband, Sean, have a son, Colton, and a daughter, Elise. Four-legged children of the family include an adorable Golden named Eddie, a Lab mix named Maggie Moo, and an ornery gray tabby named Lewis.
She appreciates time to spend with her family, reading, and travel (especially to the beach) whenever possible. She has enjoyed volunteering with the Special Olympics for several decades and recently has been serving on the board of the Caterpillar Trail Public Water District.
Veterinarian
Dr. Lorentzen joined our team following graduation in 2018 from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, MO. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at Bradley University in Peoria in 2013. She was born and raised in Groveland, Illinois, surrounded by several dogs, cats, and a miniature horse, until moving to Missouri for veterinary school.
She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. She has also completed the Fear Free Certification Program in hopes of making visits less stressful for our fearful patients.
Dr. Lorentzen and her husband, Scott, have sons, Collin and Landon, and daughter, Adelyn. Their home is also filled with a sweet cat and snuggly dogs: Nesta (black and white short hair), Dash (pit mix), Remmy(Lab mix), and Benji(Golden Retriever).
Veterinarian
Dr. Amy Waggoner is a 2002 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She has also furthered her education by becoming certified in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and food therapy through the Chi Institute in Florida. Dr. Waggoner is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Tazewell County Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She joined our team in 2019.
Dr. Waggoner grew up in East Peoria and graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1994. She resides in Peoria with her husband Joe and their orange tabby Fritz and gray kitty, Pooter. In her free time, Dr. Waggoner enjoys exercising, cooking, traveling and creating handmade cards and scrapbooks.
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager
Jennifer has worked for Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic and the Germantown office since 1995. Jenni is very devoted to her work, as well as continuing her education in practice management. She earned her Certification in Veterinary Hospital Management in 2016 from the American Animal Hospital Association. She also has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education from Illinois State University.
Jennifer is a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.
In addition to her son and daughter, Hudson and Harper, Jenni has two Golden Retrievers, Tucker and Red, and cats named Colby Jack Cheese and Jesse
Customer Service Specialist
Growing up in Washington, Keirston has been serving our community for years. She joined our team in 2021 and her bright smile and bubbly personality are a wonderful asset. She loves creating bonds with our clients and their furry family members.
Keirston enjoys watching her kids play sports and spending time with family and friends.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Chelsea grew up in Eastern Iowa; she completed her general education at Scott Community College, earning an Associate degree in Arts and Sciences in 2005. Her love of animals led her to Kirkwood Community College where she received her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2008. After graduation she moved to Central Illinois and started working at both of our hospitals.
Chelsea is a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association
Chelsea’s furry family members include Hobbes, an orange Tabby, adopted from PAWS, Zelda, a black DSH, and Sherlock, a black and grey DSH. Her family also includes husband, Doug, son Riley, and daughter Caitlin.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Assistant
McKenzy became interested in the veterinary field in 2011 when she needed learning service hours for high school graduation. While volunteering in that environment she realized that helping animals was something she wanted to make into a career. A few years later, following graduation, she went back to the same clinic working as a kennel attendant. She worked up to veterinary assistant quickly. In May of 2021, McKenzy left the rainy city of Seattle and headed to wide-open spaces and landed in Washington, Illinois with our team and her two cats Clara (siamese/tabby) and Helen (blind, domestic shorthair). Her hobbies include swimming, exploring new places, and spending time with family.
Veterinary Assistant
Tawnie ventured into veterinary medicine in 2017 when she began working as a customer service specialist. She quickly realized her compassion for pets an interest in pet care and trained in veterinary assisting. After the birth of her second son and a brief respite as a bridal dress consultant, she jumped at the chance to work with pets again. Her passion for helping others truly shines in her daily work ethic.
Tawnie resides in Hopewell with her husband, Cody, her two sons, Blayne and Jaxson, her Golden Retriever, Hank, Cane Corso, Diesel, Chocolate Lab, Jacob, and a Hairless (sphynx), Gretchen.
Veterinary Assistant
In October 2004, Laurie started working full time. She had been working here on a part-time basis for 10 years. Laurie can be seen at both Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic and Germantown Hills Animal Hospital depending on the day.
Laurie is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Laurie has a Gold Lab, Lily Belle, and cats named Monkey. Jersey, and Razy.
