Our Doctors

Dr. Smyka is a graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. As the Hospital Director, she oversees the management of the clinic and resort. Before moving to Michigan, she worked as an emergency veterinarian in Virginia and a general practitioner in Arizona.  She has a strong interest in ultrasound. Dr. Smyka treats dogs, cats, and pocket pets and is working to develop a field trip program for students of all ages. She currently directs the Pre-Veterinary Internship program at Lake Lansing Road Animal Clinic.

When not at work she has a busy household with her husband Philip, a veterinary student, their two children, dog and rabbit.  Her interests include hiking, bike riding, camping and she is trying to learn Spanish.  Dr. Smyka is originally from North Carolina and enjoys making trips down south to visit her family and indulge in country ham, Eastern NC barbecue, and sweet tea.

Dr. Jones is a 1982 graduate from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University.  Dr. Jones has worked at the clinic since 1994. His interests are in internal medicine. He attends numerous continuing education programs to stay current on developing changes and treatment options in the field of internal medicine. Dr. Jones works closely with specialists at Michigan State University Veterinary School to provide pets with the most current diagnostics and therapeutics.

In his off time Dr. Jones enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities as well as reading. He has 2 cats, Big Mac who was found in a McDonalds dumpster, and Redman.

Dr. Reiss is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  She has been practicing at Lake Lansing Road Animal Clinic since 2015. Her special interests include geriatric medicine, osteoarthritis and pain management. She also has a special love for brachycephalic breeds. She grew up in central New York, but attended college at the University of Vermont. Following her undergraduate education, she spent 3 years working in human medical research. 

Dr. Reiss shares her home with her husband Eric and a household of misfit pets - a senior Pug, an older Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel, a young mischiveous hound, two cats, a 26 year old turtle and a handful of fancy Goldfish. In her free time, she enjoys a good cup of coffee, listening to music and attending live concerts, traveling, kayaking, mentoring students and community service activities

Dr. Lisa Benisek graduated from MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. She also earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She loves caring for dogs and cats and has a special interest in feline medicine and behavior. In her free tme, Dr. Benisek enjoys time with her son, friends, five cats, and her beloved elderly Setter. Favorite activities include gardening, yoga, swimming, bicycling, cooking, and reading.

Dr. Catherine Collins graduated from Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She has worked in small animal practice, teaching, and most recently as a relief veterinarian. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is surgery. She is very excited for the opportunity to perform  surgical procedures for Eastwood Veterinary Hospital & Lake Lansing Road Animal Clinic. When not working, she fills her time with family, travel, triathlons, a crazy boxer mix named Finn, and Magnus – the world’s most snuggly tabby. 

Dr. Amy Trabold is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her special interests include behavior medicine, internal medicine, and performing surgeries. She grew up in Columbus, OH and also received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University. 

Dr. Trabold shares a home with her husband Ryan, who is also a veterinarian, their two children, and guinea pig. Her interests include baking, spending time outdoors all year round, reading a good mystery novel, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Chelsea Nowlin is a 2020 graduate from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After growing up in Alma, Michigan, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at Michigan State. Her special interests include diagnostic imaging and clinical pathology. 

In her free time she stays busy keeping up with her young Golden Doodle named Obie. She enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, watching MSU sports, snowboarding, listening to country music, and spending time up north on the water. Dr. Nowlin is very excited to serve the pets of the greater Lansing area!