BCAH Team

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Dr. Sainsbury has always known a passion and love for animals. When she was only 3 years old her mother was alarmed to find her petting her uncle’s bull while he munched on hay; seemingly enjoying the curious toddler talking to him! As a young child, she managed to convince her dad while trick or treating to take a “free puppy” from a house. This is the dog she knew as a constant companion until sadly, he was put to rest at the ripe-old-age of 16! 

She chose to open the Byron Center Animal Hospital in 2006 with the goal of providing all animals with the highest quality, most compassionate care possible. She is extremely dedicated to her patients and human care-givers and feels very strongly that like us, our pets deserve the optimum in health and happiness. She thrives on the bond she creates with both her patients and clients! 

Prior to opening the Byron Center Animal Hospital, Dr. Stephanie worked doing emergency and critical care at a 24 hour care facility. She completed her undergraduate degree from Lake Superior State University and veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario. Her hometown is in Canada, but she now lives here with her husband, Jeff, who has always called Grand Rapids home. They have one son, Zach, that they welcomed into their family in 2013. To keep him company, they have Cliff, a rescued mastiff mix, and a cat named Jack. Dr. Sainsbury loves to watch Zach giggle and play with his four-legged siblings! In her spare time, Dr. Sainsbury enjoys mountain bike racing, hiking and reading. She has always had a love of the outdoors and nature. Whenever she is able, she will gather up Zach, Cliff and Jeff and head outside! 

Dr. Phoebe Miedema joined BCAH in August 2018.  Dr. Phoebe grew up in Portage, Michigan and has always had a deep-rooted love of animals and a passion for the human-animal bond.  She grew up showing horses in 4-H, a hobby that carried over to the MSU Equestrian team during her undergraduate years.  

Dr. Phoebe and her husband Alex enjoy spending time outside together.  On the weekend, they can usually be found on the lake, hiking or in Spartan Stadium for MSU football games.  They have one dog, Bailey, a foxhound mix who knows every trick in the book!  Dr. Miedema also has a Quarter Horse gelding named Zip and enjoys trail riding in Northern Michigan.

Dr. Phoebe attended Michigan State University for both undergraduate and veterinary school.  She found her true passion in small animal medicine during her final year of clinical rotations with a special interest in behavior, and internal medicine.  Before joining the team at BCAH, she practiced at a small animal hospital in North Muskegon.  Dr. Phoebe is committed to helping your pet live a long, healthy, happy life and is excited to meet you and your four-legged companion!

Renee recently joined our administrative team in March of this year as the Practice Manager at BCAH. She grew up on the east side of Michigan in Port Huron, but has quickly fallen in love with Grand Rapids where she now lives with her rescue mutt Salem. 

Her bond with animals began at age six when her parents took her to a small animal pet store and said she could pick out anything she wanted- she picked a rat! From there came more rats and eventually her first dog, a beagle named Spud. 

Renee started her career in human medicine after earning her Master’s Degree from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. She worked several years in cardiac and pulmonary rehab before moving to Grand Rapids and exploring opportunities in business management which has now led her to the BCAH family. 

Renee enjoys everything outdoors especially exploring new running trails and paddle boarding with her dog Salem. She also enjoys several recreational sports leagues including basketball, soccer and volleyball. Renee’s favorite time of the year is the beautiful Michigan summer and likes to fit in weekend road trips to the lake or camping trips wherever she can. 

  Bethany joined our team in the summer of 2019 and her extensive experience in the field has further elevated the care we provide to our patients. 

Bethany became interested in veterinary medicine in high school and began college with that major. During that time, she started working as a veterinary assistant at a clinic in Hastings, Michigan, and stayed there for over four years. While at this clinic, Bethany learned her love for the nursing and laboratory aspects of the field and enrolled in Michigan State University's Veterinary Technology program. Upon graduating with her bachelor's degree in 2010, Bethany joined a clinic in Owosso as a licensed technician and stayed there for nine years. She grew professionally and came to love the clientele and patients in Owosso. 

Companion medicine and veterinary nursing are a passion of Bethany’s; however, she also loves spending time off the job on a few hobbies. When she is not caring for your furry family, she is at home with her cockapoo Benji, her cat Rosie, her husband Aaron, and their five children. Bethany’s family just recently moved back to the area and are excited to begin a new chapter of life here. Bethany and her family enjoy camping, kayaking, visiting extended family and occasionally going on road trips together. Bethany is happy to become a part of the BCAH family and looks forward to getting to know and care for your beloved pets.  

Natalie was one of the first technicians that Dr. Sainsbury hired when she opened the practice and we are fortunate that she remains a part of our technician team. 

More to Natalie's bio coming soon