Our Team

Dr. Terry Jelsema, a graduate of Calvin College and Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, established Jelsema Veterinary Clinic in 1998.  Dr. Jelsema takes pride in creating relationships with our clients and working with them to find a solution that works best for their pets’ care and treatment.  Dr. Jelsema leads the JVC team based on the core values of being a team player and a self starter. His lead by example style of servant leadership has helped create an honest, hardworking, positive team that focuses on patient care with compassion and dedication.

Dr. Jelsema is the proud father of 7 children; Justin (married to Samantha), Jessica, Jacob, Julia, Joslynn, David and Isabella, and 3 grandsons.  The Jelsema household is also home to Eli, the dog.

When Dr. Jelsema is not at home with the family or busy at the clinic, he is an avid fan of Star Wars.  Dr. Jelsema is a member of the 501st Garrison often making appearances in character as a storm trooper, participating in community service events across West Michigan.

We welcomed Dr. Shingledecker (we call her Dr. Stacie) to the JVC team in January 2018. She completed her undergrad at Central Michigan University before entering vet school at Michigan State University and graduating as a DVM. She is a member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the WMVMA (West MI Veterinary Medical Association). Dr. Stacie’s aptitude for veterinary medicine is apparent, especially when it is time to figure out what is wrong with a sick patient. She has logical mind and compassionate spirit which makes her an extremely effective communicator to clients. Dr. Stacie enjoys soft tissue surgeries and educating clients about preventative care.

Dr. Stacie lives with her husband and three adorable sons along with cats,  Gizmo  and Asher, Zoey (boxer mix), and Froggy (an aquatic frog). When she isn’t working, Dr. Stacie enjoys reading, knitting, and exploring new places with her family.

Dr. Neher grew up in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada, where she attended the University of British Columbia, majoring in Microbiology/Immunology. She then went on to vet school at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. She graduated with honors in 2008. During her final year at Murdoch she spent 5 weeks at MSU (MSU is a sister school to Murdoch). Dr. Neher loves adventure and Australia was the perfect place go to school for her! She got to live and work and learn there and got to see a lot of neat animals and it was an amazing experience! She worked in various veterinary related jobs during vet school and traveled all over during breaks (Thailand, Bali and over many parts of Australia)! Dr. Neher also had the opportunity to do veterinary volunteer work in the Cook Islands as a new grad vet on her way home (to USA) from vet school.

He favorite part of being a vet at Jelsema Vet Clinic is building client and patient relationships and internal medicine. She love dermatology and managing challenging dermatologic or internal medicine cases. It is very rewarding to make animals feel better whether it be from anxiety, pain or itch!

When Dr. Neher is not at work she enjoys travel, relaxing and going on adventures on her jet boat, skiing when she can, spending time with her husband (who she met while on a cruise) and 3 children, church, Bible study group, board games (she hosts a monthly game night) and working out.

Dr. Molly Wiersema was born and raised in Holland. She then went on to Michigan State for her undergrad. She is also a 2010 graduate of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to joining the staff at JVC, Dr. Wiersema practiced Marine and Zoo animal medicine in Alaska where she was a featured Vet on a television show.

When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and miniature dachshund (Pearl). Pre-covid, Dr. Wiersema enjoyed traveling, but now tends to stay local, enjoying hiking, cooking, boating and gardening.

Dr. Wiersema also has a great love of sharks and was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of cage diving with a great white shark while visiting South Africa.

Dr. Damon Plasencia (Dr. Damon) grew up in Livonia, Michigan. He received his Bachelors degree in Zoology from Michigan State University in 2018, then graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine with his doctoral degree in 2022.

While at Michigan State University, he developed a strong passion for surgery, ultrasound, and preventative medicine. Dr. Damon also enjoys practicing Fear-Free methods of veterinary care, and is a Level 2 Certified Fear-Free Professional. His favorite part of veterinary medicine is educating clients. “I love ensuring that their questions and concerns are addressed, and that they know their furry family members are in amazing hands.”

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Damon enjoys running, biking, hiking, and spending time with his wife Andrea. They have also recently added a sweet rescue dog named Sedona to their family.  Dr. Damon loves Michigan State football and basketball and plans to attend games this next season.

“I am beyond excited to begin my veterinary career and to work with the wonderful team at Jelsema Veterinary Clinic!”