Meet Our Staff
Lindsay Vahling, D.V.M. is the owner of A & E Animal Hospital. Originally from Buffalo Grove, IL, she moved to the Champaign-Urbana area to attend the University of Illinois for both her Bachelor's and Veterinary degrees. While in school, she worked for A & E Animal Hospital as an assistant. After graduating in May 2014, she returned to the hospital as an associate veterinarian and purchased the hospital in 2017. Her areas of interest include radiology and surgery. Outside of work she enjoys spending time outdoors working with her husband Bruce on home projects, pampering her cat Reggie and their ducks, and traveling, especially to da U.P.!
Amy L. McGuffin, D.V.M. is an associate veterinarian, and has been in practice at A & E since June 2006. Dr. McGuffin graduated from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2006. Originally from Highland, Illinois, she moved to the Champaign-Urbana area after graduation to be closer to home, and to start practicing at A & E Animal Hospital. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Eastern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association and the Illinois State Medical Association. Much of her free time is spent enjoying time with her husband, young son and daughter, as well as their guinea pig Olaf, their two ferrets Leila and Trooper, and their two cats Savannah and Sweet Pea.
Laura Maher, D.V.M. is an associate veterinarian and has been in practice at A & E since June 2021. Dr. Maher is from Morton, Illinois and attended the University of Illinois for both her Bachelor's and Veterinary degrees. Professionally she is very interested in radiology, reproduction, and preventative health. She lives with her husband, Will, and their two young children at their organic family farm. The farm keeps them very busy with specialty grains, cows, chickens, Hank (the family dog), the occasional pig and horse, and many outside cats. They love to go hiking, camping, snowshoeing, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and kayaking as a family.
Jake Hartman, D.V.M. is an associate veterinarian and has been in practice at A & E since June 2022. He is originally from O’Fallon, Missouri. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia before graduating from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. His areas of interest in veterinary medicine include surgery, diagnostic imaging, and urgent care. He lives with his wife, Jordan, and together they have a cat named Ghost and a rabbit named Luna. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and camping with his wife, as well as exercising, fishing, and snowboarding.
Christina Kurowski joined the A and E team as Office Manager in March 2022. Originally from Chicago, she has lived and worked in the CU community for several years since graduating from the University of Illinois. Although her career in Veterinary Medicine began in the recent past, she finds each day extremely rewarding with an opportunity to learn something new. In her free time she can be found reading, hiking, taking care of her plants and spending time with her babes, Zeus and Sheep.
Maci Kraft is a Veterinary Technician. She began working at A & E as a Veterinary Assistant in August of 2022, and graduated from Parkland College Veterinary Technician program in 2023.
She is originally from Philo, Illinois, and knew she wanted to work with animals since a young age. In her free time, you can find her reading a book, enjoying the lake with her family, or playing with her family dog, Lola!
Rachel Mihm is a veterinary technician. She began working at A&E in March of 2024. She was born and raised in Champaign, IL. She graduated with her Bachelors from Murray State University in 2021. She always has a deep love and passion for animals. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family, and their five animals.
Laurel Rucker is a Receptionist. Laurel began working at A & E in 2018. She grew up in California as an only child with a veterinarian for a mom, therefore she has always had a love for animals and a need to be around them. When she is not at work, she is at home spending time with her 3 kids and taking pictures.
Taylor Cherry is a Veterinary Assistant. She began working at A & E in June of 2022. Taylor originally grew up on a farm in Cerro Gordo, IL. She is currently enrolled in the veterinary technician program through Penn Foster Online Schooling, with plans to obtain her CVT. Taylor has been in the veterinary industry since 2016, working with large, small, and exotic animals. In her free time, she loves working on the farm, and traveling the rodeo circuit with her horses Scarlett and Classy, and her dogs Chief and Gunner.
Zoey Witruk is a Veterinary Assistant. She began working at A & E in August of 2022. She is originally from Saint Joseph, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors in Animal Sciences. She is currently pursuing her DVM degree at the University of Illinois. Outside of working with animals, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, playing sports, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her two cats, Mango and Kiwi.
Jenna Langendorf is a Veterinary Assistant. She grew up in St. Joseph and began working at A&E in July of 2023. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2013 and is currently taking classes to become a veterinary technician. Outside of work she enjoys hiking with her dogs, baking, reading, and taking care of her house plants.
Ryan Farrahar is a Veterinary Assistant. He began working at A&E in January 2024. He is originally from Palatine, Illinois, where he found his love for both horses and animal medicine. He attended Illinois State University for a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, and moved to Champaign shortly after graduation. He has plans to enroll in a veterinary technician program. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys gardening, playing video games, road-tripping, and spending time with his fiancé, Jason, and their 3 cats, Peach, Squash, and Matzo.
Jordan Parsons is a veterinary assistant. She began working at A&E Animal Hospital in November of 2023. She grew up in Westville, Il. Most of her career has been spent in the Human medical field but She’s always had a love for animals so she decided to explore her true passion in working in the veterinary field. Outside of work Jordan enjoys spending her time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and camping . As well as Spending time with family, spoiling her 2 cats Beauty and Beast, and her silkie chickens.