Staff
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Dale Steele started the practice in 1977. He is a graduate of Purdue. He started out treating all species of animals, but as the practice grew, the large animal portion was dropped to allow him to concentrate on family pets 100% of the time. He and his wife, Jean, are active members of Cornerstone Christian Church. He is very active with his 3 sons.
Dr. Scott Fifer joined Westwood in 1987 upon his graduation from Purdue. He originated from Indianapolis and now resides in Brownsburg with his wife, Sara, and son and daughter. He is co-owner of the practice. He is an avid wildlife enthusiast that enjoys visiting the state parks looking for rare birds. Dr. Fifer also has 2 cats, "Zoobie" and "Thomas".
Dr. Dana Fehr joined Westwood in 2004. She is a graduate from Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Chicago, she now resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Jeff, daughter Ava, son Tyler and 2 Weimaraners, "Savannah" and "Aspen". Her hobbies include running with her dogs, ice skating, and she is a Duke Fan (her alma mater.)
Dr. Darren Steele joined Westwood in 2009. He is a graduate from Purdue University. Darren grew up a Brownsburg native and has now moved back with his wife, Sasse and boxer, Killian. He enjoys many sports and cheers for the Colts, White Sox and Purdue.
Our Veterinary Technicians
Elizabeth, RVT graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2004. She decided at a young age that she wanted to work with animals and set out to accomplish that goal. She came to Westwood in 1999, working part-time after school and weekends. She has been full-time with Westwood since her graduation from Purdue in 2004. Elizabeth has two cats, Hazel and Hank, and a ferret named Indy.
Jamie, RVT started at Westwood in August of 2001. She and her husband have a son Neil and 2 daughters Samantha and Katie. She has a boxer, "Quimby" and a cat, "Tigger". Her interests are volleyball, softball, cross-stitching, singing and playing piano.
Katie, RVT after finishing her externship, she started working full time for Westwood in December of 2008. She graduated from International Business College that same month. She enjoys spending time with her 3 dogs Lucy, Elly, and Reggie.
Holly, BS RVT CCRP graduated with a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue in 2005. She then went on to get her certification in Canine Rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee and worked as a Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner for 3 1/2 years. After completing her practicum here at Westwood while in tech school, she decided to come back and began working here again in the spring of 2010. She and her husband, Justin, have two daughters; a golden retriever named Ripken; a shepherd mix named Roz; and a cat named Zeke.
Our Veterinary Assistants
Megen has worked at Westwood since July 2000. She is an assistant that helps the doctors and technicians in all areas of the hospital. She and her husband, John share their home with their 2 wonderful Boxers, "Lennox," and "Ali Mo." (Lennox not shown)
Chris started working for Westwood in 2007. He has worked with animals for more than 10 years. He shares his home with "Tristan" his welsh corgi mix and Keebler his dapple dachshund (not shown).
Front Office Staff
Debbie is our office manager and has been at Westwood since 1993. The only children she has left at home are her "furry children." Her daughter lives in Florida with her own family. She and her husband currently have 3 Golden Retrievers. She breeds and shows Golden Retrievers, and competes in the conformation ring and also does field work and tracking.
Darlene has worked in Westwood's front office since March 2003. She creates all of the displays found within the clinic and sews the bandanas, and catnip mice that are for sale at Westwood. She also custom designs dog clothing for her family of Yorkies and to sell. She and her husband, Dave, share their home with their 9 Yorkshire Terriers.
Sarah has worked in Westwood's front office since October 1996. Her hobbies are genealogy and collecting rural art. She and her husband share their household with their son, 2 bad cats, and several tropical fish.
Amber has worked in Westwood's front office since September 2008. She is currently going to school for psychology. She enjoys working with animals and spending time with her dachshund Tegan.
Donna began working at Westwood in1991 and has worked in serveral capacities at Westwood, from assistant technician to greeter and now she enjoys helping clients (friends) as a receptionist. Her three daughters have inherited her love of German Shepherds, cats, rabbits, reptiles, etc. This provides a wide variety of grand-pets, but Donna also has a beautiful human grandchild now named Maddie whom she loves to spend time with.
Greeters
Sandi was born and raised in Muncie, Indiana. She attended Ball State University. Her and her husband Dave, moved to Indianapolis where they have spent most of their married life. Animals were always a part of their family but once they got their first Golden Retriever , their lives changed drastically. In 1997, along with a friend, they formed GRRACE (Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education) that services the state of Indiana. Along the way they somehow ended up with eight goldens that they call their own. Pet Therapy is their main activity and any free time is spend with their current four goldens and one miniature poodle at their home west of Indy consisting of ten acres and a pond.
Penny Before joining Westwood in April of 2002, Penny worked as a customer service representative for a local boarding and grooming facility. She and her husband live in Brownsburg with their 4 chihuahuas, 2 maltese and 2 dachshunds. She enjoys spending time with friends, family, and attending dog shows.
Puppy Class Instructor
Christy joined the Westwood front office in 2004. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Butler University. Prior to Westwood, she was a Senior Keeper and Animal Trainer for the Indianapolis Zoo for 4 1/2 years. She has special interests in Animal Behavior, Training, and riding horses. She and her husband live in Pittsboro with their three daughters. They live on a small farm with 4 horses, several chickens, "Charlie" a Border Collie and a cat that routinely lives up to her name, "Lucky" and Rufus a chocolate lab. She also now teaches Puppy Class here at Westwood on Wednesday nights.