Our Staff

Dale Ackler, DVM - received his training from Michigan State University, graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. He practiced in the state of New York and Flint, MI before purchasing the Mancelona Veterinary Hospital in 1997. He has six children; Trevor, Haley, Seth, Justin, Adam and Lydia who keep his family busy attending school functions, sporting events and dance recitals.

His patients are predominately dogs and cats, but he also sees guinea pigs, hamsters, iguanas, turtles and rabbits. He will work on the occasional deer fawn, wild bird or other wildlife in need. During Veterinary School, he had the opportunity to live at and assist the veterinarians at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington. While there, he had the opportunity to work with everything from endangered turtles to gorillas. He also assisted in a program that rehabilitated injured bald eagles.

Other than a love for animals, Dr. Dale has a fondness for the outdoors, and enjoys such activities as camping, back packing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and horseback riding.

He is an active member of the Mancelona Rotary and the Mancelona Education Foundation.



Brittany Stotler, Office Manager - has been working with Dr. Dale since February of 2002 and there isn’t much around the clinic she hasn’t done. She is likely the most versatile employee as she works at the front desk, assists in treatment and surgery areas, frequently helps with after hour emergencies, helps care for the boarding pets and even does janitorial duties when needed. She says the best part of her job is holding and befriending the dogs and cats that are here. She helps them adjust to boarding and eases their nervousness when here for treatment. Brittany tries to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

Brittany’s animal population includes her kitties Nemo, Milo, and Leo, and Clyde, her chocolate lab, which keeps her on her toes constantly. Last, but not least, is Franklin her red-eared slider turtle. Besides keeping up with her pets, her husband, James, and two sons, James and Lucas, keep her busy as well. When she has a spare moment, she loves spending time at home with her family.

Jody Hine, Vet Assistant - Busy managing a home with her husband, two children- Chris and Breahna, and 3 golden retrievers makes Jody a busy person.

As an assistant she feels her goal is to be available and knowledgeable about any procedure the doctor needs her for. She will often work with clients at the initial stage of an appointment. After working at another facility as an assistant for three years, Jody has been with us at Mancelona Veterinary Hospital since 2005.

Sigrid Westerhof, Vet Assistant - A very busy mom of two children, Sigrid is here three days a week and is always willing to help other times when needed. Living on 15 acres with 6 dogs, 7 cats, goldfish, 1 conure, chickens, geese, rabbits, a goat, and 2 horses definitely keeps her busy.

With her life-long fascination with animals, she is well suited to assist with pre and post surgical procedures, cleaning and caring of patients staying here and many other required tasks.

Hobbies are reading, pet maintenance and gardening. During the summer, Sigrid helps to maintain the beautiful flowers which you’ll see around the clinic.

Randi Depue, Groomer - (aka “The Miracle Worker”) Randi has been grooming dogs since 1999. It takes someone with special patience and understanding of pets to be a good groomer. Her schedule is usually booked up two weeks in advance which is a good indicator of how the owners appreciate the fine job she does. She finds it very rewarding, with the dogs’ unconditional love and big sloppy kisses on the face.

In addition to grooming, Randi has worked as a vet assistant for her brother, Dr. Dale. She is still called upon to assist when needed – even with late night emergencies.

Randi lives in Mancelona with her husband, Heath, and two of her three children: B.J., and Aaron. They share their home with 2 dogs, 2 cats, fish, and a monkey, Jadelynn. Her daughter, Ashlee, will be moving back to the area in a few months from Texas.

Sandy Schmidt, Receptionist - after working as a receptionist in a medical practice for seven years, Sandy was a natural here at the clinic, with our many pets and owners. She enjoys working with the public and especially their pets since joining our staff in 2006.

Mother to Alysia, Josiah, Jessica, and Nathan, Sandy is busy with all of their activities. The family enjoys the wooded area around their home and the park nearby. They have three husky mix dogs, Willow, Syrus, and Sampson, and recently acquired a dog sled with hopes of training everyone to use it.

Kendra Landry, Receptionist - Before moving to Mancelona years ago, Kendra lived in Rhode Island, Virginia, California, Florida and Pennsylvania. We are glad she settled here and joined our staff in 2006. Kendra greets customers and their pets, makes appointments, fills prescriptions and completes many other duties of a good receptionist. She has also been trained to assist Dr. Ackler with anything he may ask of her. She is always willing to assist with any questions you may have as well.

Off-duty time is used to assist her husband in his ministry, raise the 3 children still at home and care for their 2 dogs, 2 cats, rabbits and fish. She also enjoys spending time with her son, Justin, and grandson, Shawn.

Ashley Buckwheat, Vet Assistant/Receptionist – has been working at MVH on and off since 2000. You can find Ashley assisting Dr. Ackler as needed and helping our pet owners any way she can. She is a wonderful asset to our team.

When she is not working, she is busy attending college classes in pursuit of her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Personal Relations. She has already received her associates degree of Arts.

Outside of work and school she has an active household to attend to. It includes her boyfriend, Nick, and their house full of animals. Their babies include their black lab, Winston, 3 cats, Sonny, Squeeks, and Stewie, their ball python, Punk, and lots of fish.

Office Pet: Chica

Chica is a cockatiel that joined our family in 2008. She has a lot of personality and can be found on her perch in the lobby or behind the desk on her jungle gym with our receptionists. She is very independent and likes to do things her own way.

All staff photos are courtesy of Brandt Photography