Our Staff


Dr.-Durkee

Dr. Michelle Durkee
Veterinarian

Hi, I'm Dr. Michelle Durkee, the owner of West Palm Animal Clinic. My interest in animals began at an early age. Sometimes I believe that I was born to be a veterinarian. Besides having dogs and cats as many children do, I also cared for many other species including ducks, squirrels, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, snakes, hamsters, fish, etc. This early fascination with animals formed the basis of my desire to become a veterinarian. When I was young, I used to volunteer at animal hospitals. Then, in my teens, I worked as a kennel helper for veterinarians in my neighborhood. Following high school, I attended the University of Florida, graduating with a B.S. in Microbiology. I attended a four year veterinary medicine program at Ross University and completed my final year in a residency program at Oklahoma State University.  I graduated with a DVM degree in 1989.

From 1989 to1994,  I was an associate veterinarian at a small, busy animal practice in Miami, Florida. I then ventured out on my own doing relief work for many small animal practices in the south Florida area as well as working nights in an emergency clinic. In May 1997, the opportunity arose to acquire West Palm Animal Clinic.

My staff and I have made this clinic a modern veterinary practice dedicated to quality animal care with an emphasis on customer service. Despite the amount of time required to run a busy practice, I still find time to perform low cost veterinary services to a few local animal welfare groups. I help Animal Care and Control with their "hopeless" cases and "Op around the Clock." I live in West Palm Beach with my two sons, Devin and Trevor, and my 9 dogs.

Christine

 

Hi my name is Christine Strickland. I have always had a love for animals. That's why when I graduated from high school, I decided to go to college to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. I graduated technician school in 1989. I have worked in the field of veterinary medicine since 1983. I started working for Dr. Durkee in February of 1999. I grew up here in the West Palm Beach area and now live in Royal Palm Beach with my husband Brian, daughter Brianna, two dogs Roxy and Cobi, and a cat named Oliver.
karen
 Hi, my name is Karen and I am the head receptionist at the front desk who will greet you with a smile and assist you with your pets' problems. I developed a love of pets at an early age, so it was only natural to come to work at an animal hospital. I have been a receptionist at West Palm Animal Clinic since 1989. I live in Royal Palm Beach and share my home with 2 cute Chihuahuas named Tila Tequila and Ciro, in addition to my six cats named Amun, Apophis, Cairo, Ra, Salem, and Set. My picture is dedicated to "Old Man", our clinic cat who passed away at 20 years old.
Kelly Hi my name is Kelly. I have been a technician at West Palm Animal Clinic since Sept.  2002. I have 2 German Shepherds and a chihuahua that I rescued and a Beagle that found me, and we recently got a jack russell puppy. I also have 3 cats, 4 snakes and some fish, I also have a Macaw and Parrot I rescued from AC&C. I am married and have a daughter named Mileigh who was born 8/29/07. I love working with animals and I plan on becoming a certified Technician within the next few years.
sylvia2
 Hi, my name is Sylvia and keeping your pets happy is my job, Originally from Germany, I have been involved with animals since 2000. Before working here, I worked as a groomer bathing and making the pets beautiful. Since February 2006, I have been in charge of the boarding facility at West Palm Animal Clinic called "Pets Paradise." I make sure the boarded animals are treated like family. I live in Palm Beach Gardens with 2 golden retrievers, named Riley and Ginger, and a cat named Monkey. I am married and have a son and daughter.
anne-marie My name is Ann Marie and I am the newest employee at West Palm Animal Clinic. I started working here in November 2009 and love being around helping the animals daily. I am a part-time employee and fill in where I am needed as a receptionist or a technician. I have always had animals and currently have 2 ragdoll cats named Sinatra and Freckles. I live in Royal Palm Beach and have a son named Adam and a daughter named Megan.
ashleigh Hello! My name is Ashleigh and I have been a veterinary technician here at the West Palm Animal Clinic since April of 2008. I graduated from Western New England College with a Political Science degree. Not wanting to go into politics any further, Dr. Durkee gave me an opportunity to work with animals and I love it! In the future I would like to go back to school to become a certified veterinary technician. My husband and I moved from Connecticut to Florida in September of 2007. If we are not riding our Harley's or playing softball, we enjoy spending time with our three big kids with fur, Bella, Duke and Chopper.