ABOUT US
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Dr. Nelson
Owner / Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 with Highest Honors. His professional interests include preventative medicine, both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and nutrition. He has significant surgical experience, from laser surgery to advanced orthopedic procedures. His first priority is always the pet’s quality of life, and he strives to improve that quality by providing the highest quality veterinary medicine and surgery.
He bought Kuhns Animal Clinic in July 2008 for two reasons. First, he loves Geneseo and the surrounding community. He is a very big fan of the Andy Griffith Show, and he always says that Geneseo is a modern day Mayberry. It is an ideal place to raise a family and call “home”. The people are so friendly and really love their pets. Second, Dr. Kuhns had a wonderful practice and reputation, and Dr. Nelson wants Maple Ridge Veterinary Clinic to continue that tradition.
Dr. Nelson is married to his high school sweetheart, Faith. Both of them grew up in Dallas City, IL, graduated from Dallas City High School and Monmouth College. Together, they have three children: Hayley, Drew, and Sydney. They also have several “four legged children”, two golden retrievers named Wrigley and Ivy, a Brussels Griffon named Pippa, and two rabbits named Henry and Beatrice. In their free time, the Nelsons love to attend whatever activities their kids are in, from the various bands to all sorts of athletic events. They also love traveling to Disney World whenever they can, with or without kids, and cheering on the Fighting Illini loudly. They are very active in Heritage Church, and seek God’s will in all that they do.
One of the awards that has been most meaningful and humbling to Dr. Nelson is the Dr. Erwin Small First Decade that he received in 2011. The award is given annually to one veterinarian who has graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine within the last 10 years. It recognizes someone who represents high standards of professionalism and demonstrates leadership in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Nelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Mentor Program, and the Geneseo Rotary Club (Past President). He also has served on the board of directors of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (served as Treasurer for 3 years), the Mississippi Valley Veterinary Medical Association (Past President), the Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities, the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce (Past President), Heritage Church in Rock Island, and was the veterinarian featured on the monthly “Ask the Vet” segment on Paula Sands Live.
Dr. Julie Snodgrass
Veterinarian
Dr. Julie Snodgrass is from a farm outside Kirkwood, IL and graduated from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Her professional interests include surgery and internal medicine. She began her career at a mixed animal practice in west-central Illinois, where she cared for anything from beef cattle to rabbits in addition to dogs and cats. No matter what the species, Dr. Julie's favorite part of practicing is getting to know new people and their animals!
Dr. Julie is married to Lance, a seed corn research technician who she met during her undergraduate studies at Iowa State University. They recently welcomed a daughter named Rowyn, who already enjoys being outside with animals as much as her parents do. Dr. Julie lives outside of Geneseo with a spaniel-hound mix named Tig, an Australian shepherd named Brandy, and a barn cat named Josey. In her free time, she enjoys working with her dogs, playing and listening to music, cooking, and doing a variety of outdoor activities with her family.
Faith Nelson
Hospital Administrator
Faith is the wife of Dr. Nelson. She was born and raised in Dallas City, Illinois and graduated from Monmouth College in 1999. She has worked as a legal assistant in Champaign, Quincy, and Geneseo. She is currently the hospital administrator of both Maple Ridge Veterinary Clinic and Maplewood Veterinary Center. She is also a full-time mother of their three children, Hayley, Drew, and Sydney. Faith is excited to be in Geneseo and to raise their children here.
